Men’s clothing: Turn up the heat

Summer fashion tips for men.

KARACHI:

Although women are lucky enough to find tons of summer style tips on television, magazines and websites, there is not enough precedence given to men’s clothing during the summer. The Express Tribune has made the lives of our male readers a little bit easier by rounding up all the trends to be tried and tested during the scorching summer heat.

Apparel

When it comes to men’s clothing, fashion designer Adnan Pardesy says, “Men should be wearing light fabrics like pure cotton. Personally, I wear a lot of kurta pyjama and shalwar kameez. I believe men should opt for a nicely tailored shalwar kameez with a great cut.”

Amir Adnan, a menswear designer who is known for his sherwanis, says he misses the traditional white kurta as well. “I don’t get to see the cotton shalwar kameez in white on the streets anymore.”

For one thing, avoid heavy fabrics like denim or polyester during the summer. Another material to try besides cotton is linen which is skin-friendly. There’s a lot to choose from; if you’re not much of a traditionalist, go for printed shirts and team them up with bright-coloured shorts. Try Chinese collared shirts in powder cotton or tricot with printed pajamas; add khaki or army green shorts with T-shirts in any colour. If you really want to adapt high street fashion, go for linen ‘two-piece’ suits and wear it with shorts and loafers.

“A lot of new print techniques can be seen this summer. Sailor, African and screen prints can be seen on shirts and T-shirts. Also, fitted Lycra T-shirts with deep and big necks will be a big hit,” Lav Trivedi, Indian stylist-cum-art director, told IANS.

Accessories

Trivedi says, “Try bow ties on half-sleeved shirts and polo neck t-shirts. You can also try formal shoes with fitted shorts and shirts. I call it the very modern Hawaii look; it makes you look sharp yet summery.”

Experts say sportswear like T-shirts, shorts and jumpers will be in vogue in men’s fashion this season. “Most people wear sportswear influenced clothing because of details and designs in male clothing. Sportswear is comfortable and easy to carry, therefore it never goes out of fashion,” Mumbai-based designer Narendra Kumar Ahmed told IANS.

The designer, who is associated with brands like Puma and Killer, said tailored shorts — knee-length with little fit and pleats — would also be prominent.

Colours

Comfortable cotton shirts paired with waistcoats in vibrant colours like electric blue, neon green, pink and earthy yellow will add freshness, says designer Raghavendra Rathore.

Kumar said that there will be a lot more pastel colours as well. “You will see many colours in the bottom as well, like coloured jeans, shorts and trousers,” he added.

While white retains its superiority for menswear, Pardesy says, “Men should experiment with purples, pinks and oranges as well.”

On the other hand, Adnan advises, “Opt for beiges, khaki colours as well as citrus shades or choose from a whole spectrum of blues. A lighter version of terracotta red/burnt orange can also be tried.”

Footwear

To make the summer more stylish and colourful, opt for espadrilles. Originated in the Basque, Spain, espadrilles are made of canvas cotton and linen fabric with a flexible jute rope sole. “Male gladiators (sandals), leather sleepers and espadrille shoes will be best,” added Trivedi.

For a traditional look, Adnan advises, “Try Peshawari chappals — they are comfortable and cool for the summers.”

(With additional information from IANS)

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2012.