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Summer brings with it all manner of style conundrums. When is it all right to ditch the tie? Is it okay to go to work without a suit jacket? And, most confusing of all: is it ever okay to wear a sun hat with a suit?
This last problem is one that we Brits experience on fairly rare occasions, but it can still be very tricky to navigate. When the sun builds up to its full summer heat, many of us feel more comfortable with the protection of a sun hat.
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside whilst dressed in formal tailoring, whether this is on your commute, at a wedding or at a garden party, you may find yourself questioning whether suit plus sun hat is a look you can pull off.
The good news is that it can be done. But you will need to pay attention to which suit and which hat you decide to pair it with.
The Panama and the White Linen Suit
Perhaps the most obvious combination is a pale summer suit (preferably a linen or linen mix) with a good quality panama hat. A traditional white or cream panama with a black band is a formal hat and won’t bring down your suit in the style stakes. Choose a hat with a narrower brim for a more modern look.
The Colour-Matched Fedora
Just a few generations ago it would’ve been unheard of for a gentleman to leave the house without a hat. Take your summer inspiration from these stylish gents and invest in a fedora in the same colour tone as your most-breathable summer suit. Though fedoras are traditionally made from felt, it is possible to purchase lighter cotton or linen varieties that are ideal for summer.
The Preppy Straw Boater
Speaking of vintage-inspired looks, it’s difficult to beat the classic straw boater hat. A straw boater can look excellent with a suit or sports jacket and is a great choice for formal summer events. For extra style points, make sure the ribbon trim on your boater is appropriately co-ordinated with your suit!
We’re all crossing our fingers for a scorching few months ahead… so what better excuse to invest in a new summer hat or a new summer suit? If you’d like our expert opinion, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.