Summer always evokes the feeling of light and brighter colours when the sun is shining. Whilst for me this tends to manifest itself in pastel colours and embroidered shorts, I think a brilliant option is a cream jacket. Whilst some of the photos below will give you a pretty good idea of what I am talking about, lets take a bit of a look at what options there are for a perfect cream jacket for your summer arsenal.
Of course, the material choice for any summer jacket; especially a cream one which I dare say will hibernate for most of the year, should be fairly self explanatory. Linen, seersucker or an unlined light cotton are the three staple choices. Depending on how versatile you want the jacket to be will to an extend dictate what fabric you choose. Of course, for a more casual but still ‘smart’ jacket, linen and seersucker would be the natural choices. Both very breathable and light, offering a splash of texture to add intrigue. For something leaning more towards formal use, would be cotton. I would definitely recommend going for an unlined jacket, as it not only offers more breathability when the sun is beaming down, but it also drapes your shoulders beautifully, given a lovely silhouette. Depending on the cut and style of the jacket, I have even seen menswear creators using a wide lapelled cream cotton jacket as a dinner jacket with a white tie look. Certainly out-there on the versatility but it just shows how much wear this item of clothing can offer.
In terms of style, for me personally it would be a wide lapel double breasted, no question. Whilst it looks great over a light shirt or polo, I also think a cream linen DB over a blue and white striped t-shirt is a fantastic summer look. Naturally, being a more relaxed summer jacket, a more casual button choice or patch pockets are great choices to steer into the casual look and feel. Of course, single breasted is also a fantastic option, it really does come down to personal preference.
And, if you want to delve even deeper, what about going for a full cream suit? Not only is this a fantastic option for a summer party, wedding or christening as a full ensemble, it can also be broken up so brilliantly as separates that it could cover you for any and every occasion. Again, pictures speak a 1000 words so please see below some of my favourite examples of this fantastic piece of clothing!
Until next time,
Felix Arnold
