The Summer Suit feat. REISS

As I mentioned earlier this week, summer can be challenging if you are a guy like me who tends toward a more formal style. What can I say? I love a great suit. And with the temperatures rising, even my favorite cotton suit can be a little too warm. Thankfully, REISS hooked me up with a fantastic lightweight summer suit to keep me cool and comfortable this summer.

Before I get to the suit, I am excited to tell you that this post is part of a collaboration with REISS, who are holding their first ever blogger battle. I was one of four international menswear bloggers invited to participate and style some items from their SS13 collection. Definitely a huge honor.

What does this mean for you? How about an opportunity to win a £500 (that’s currently $781) Reiss gift card. All you have to do to enter is vote for your favorite look by clicking here.

When I think about the color of a summer suit, I usually think of tan and white. But I also like to think a bit outside the box whenever possible. Any color can work if the fabric is lightweight enough, even a dark brown. I happen to really love this light blue color. It’s unique and definitely stands out.

One of the things that really impressed me about this suit were a few details usually reserved for custom garments and not typically found on ready made clothing. The two and a half button jacket is a really nice touch, as are the working sleeve buttons. And I am a big fan of side adjusters in place of belt loops on trousers.

Linen, of course, is a great fabric for summer. If you don’t already have a linen shirt, make sure one finds its way into your rotation. Though I am generally a slim fit guy, I like my linen shirts to fit a bit looser; not so I’m swimming in it, but just so there’s a little room to move and for a summer breeze to find its way through. It keeps you cool and looks relaxed.

One important point about linen: it wrinkles. No way around that. My advice is to not stress over it and to embrace it. It’s just the fabric doing it’s thing and I actually think linen looks “right” with some wrinkling.

This Look: Airforce blue linen suit c/o REISS – Peach slub linen shirt c/o REISS – Floral printed silk pocket square c/o REISS – Sunglasses by Ray-Ban (Clubmaster) – Watch with brown leather band by Timex – Tan suede double monk strap shoes c/o REISS

A special thank you to the Four Seasons Baltimore for opening their spectacular pool deck up to us for the shoot and also to Jared Morgan, who helped Rob and I wrangle the rooftop sunlight.

Stylishly Yours,

He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.