Summer Stripes

When things start to get all hot and sticky during the summer, it seems as if there's no relief. No short sleeve linens, nor breathable jersey polos can quite do the trick. Your only left with 2 viable options. You could either take a stab at tank tops which after seeing Snoop Dogg parade around in one literally scarred me for life. Or you can try a T-shirt. Sometimes they get a bad rap as some may look at them as a lazy move. But that depends on three things. How does it fit? What kind is it? And what's the supporting cast?

1. The fit. It should fit as snug as your dress shirts and polos. The sleeves should hit around the mid part of your biceps. The bottom hem should finish no more than 2 inches below the belt. Any shorter and you will be flashing your stomach all day long. Any longer and you have to tuck it in. And if you tuck it in then you end up looking like a cop (no offense to law enforcement). Lastly, when you try it on (yes, its important to try these on before buying) make sure that there isn't any funny looking stretching around the armpits. Every brand is cut different. It may fit everywhere else but look off under the pits. If this is the case, then it's best to just walk away. I once had a friend compare it to looking like you have a bra on. And as a man, that's not exactly the look your going for.

2. What kind is it?

If you plan on wearing it more than once than buying a cheap one isn't really a good idea. They end up looking all droopy or they shrink to the size of a toddler. Easy test. If it feels cheap, it probably is cheap. It should have a little weight to it, a little stretchyness, and soft to the touch. Honestly, it's just one of those things that you just "know" when its right. After the sour, its really easy to pick out the sweet.

3. What's the supporting cast? 

Believe it or not, t-shirts can also be dressed up. It can be used in many occasions. And to help punch things up a little, you should grab one in the classic colorway: blue and white sailor stripes. Along with having a nautical theme, its just something that "looks" like summer. I got my hands on an inexpensive (but not cheap) one about a month ago and have worn it in many different ways. I decided to highlight on 3 of the most popular. 

1. To the Beach.

Wearing a striped t-shirt with your swim trunks at the beach gives you a smart look. Just make sure that the trunks are mostly solid or the look will come off a little busy. And like I said in a previous post, any beach worth its salt is going to have a plethora of shops and restaurants nearby. So when beach time is over, just pull your shirt back on and grab you so some grub.

Photos taken at Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island, SC

On Me: Sailor Striped T-shirt~H&M, Swim Trunks~Polo Ralph Lauren, Boat Shoes~Sperry Top-Sider, Watch~Timex, Sunglasses~H&M, Madras Tote Bag~LL Bean
On Daughter: Bathing Suit~Polo Ralph Lauren, Chinos~Polo Ralph Lauren, Nylon Belt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Sandals~Gap

2. Out and About/Weekend Stuff

 This one is probably my favorite way to do it. Sailor striped t-shirt, slim chinos, and white canvas sneakers. So easy even a caveman can do it. This look was also a favorite of the genius painter Pablo Picasso. But you don't have to be an iconic world famous painter to pull this off. 

Photo courtesy of nouvellesimages.com

Photos taken in Dowtown District, Summerville, SC

Sailor Striped T-shirt~H&M, Chinos~JCrew, Watch~Nautica, Sunglasses~H&M, Canvas Sneakers~Aldo

3. Smart Casual/Night Out

And as promised , there is a way to dress up a tshirt. Even though the summer can have some very brutal days, if you're in a coastal area the evenings can turn deceptively cool. So that's a great time to throw on an unlined or half-lined navy blazer. Finish off the look with some white jeans and penny loafers and you'll be sure to turn some heads....for the right reason.

Photos taken  at Harbor Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head Island, SC

Sailor Striped T-shirt~H&M, Jeans~Lands End Canvas, Blazer~Maxx's, Sunglasses~H&M, Watch~Timex, Loafers~Bass