Although there seems to be an endless array of fashion-guides out there, not many of them appear to cater for the style-savvy man of today. When compiling these top 10 fashion tips for monsoon season, we’ve combined the three things fashionable men care about at this time of year: aesthetics, practicality, and comfort – but don’t worry, we don’t believe that you should have to compromise on any one of these to look good this season.
Lightweight Fabrics
Lightweight fabrics, such as polyester, or natural fibres, like cotton, are both ideal for monsoon weather because they’re extra-breathable, keeping your skin cool. This is great when it comes to doing your laundry, as you won’t have to wait as long for them to dry.
With the torrential downpours and mud splatters that are virtually impossible to avoid during monsoon season, we recommend avoiding white garments wherever possible. If wearing a light shirt for work, cover up with a thin cotton V-neck sweater, or a cagoule if the temperature is too oppressive. To avoid colour seepage, add a colour protecting detergent to your washing machine when it’s laundry time.
For those who cannot face the idea of going without jeans for months on end, stretch denim could be the answer. Spandex is added to the denim, making it dry quickly without losing durability.
Avoid delicate fabrics like wool as much as you can – if your clothes do succumb to a heavy downpour, you may need a little more savvy than you’re used to, just to get your garment clean again without causing damage.
If you do have an issue, luckily there is a wealth of information about cleaning different fabrics and removing stains online. Check out an official resource, like a laundry brand website, for reliable tips.
Day-to-day
This season has seen a huge retro 80s revival, with vivid blues, greens and yellows all back with a vengeance. Mix things up by adding rustic, earthy tones to stand out from the crowd, and above all, keep it simple.
Tops
Despite the slight lull in temperature, brightly coloured t-shirts are the perfect complement to monsoon weather. Go for a tailored fit for a smarter look, or stick with classic off-the-peg examples to stay cool.
Bottoms
Especially brave fashon addicts can embrace the trend for classic 70s-style shorts paired with a polo shirt. Those who prefer to keep covered up can take a less extreme approach with turned-up trousers, which benefit from not trailing through the mud like their long-legged counterparts.
Jackets
Windcheaters and waterproof jackets are a necessity in monsoon season, but the choice of modern styles out there means that you don’t have to sacrifice style. Breathable fabrics such as Gore-
Tex are ideal for the warm, muggy weather and are sure to keep you dry on the way to work, and comfortable whatever the temperature.
Footwear
Unless it’s been properly sealed, leather isn’t the most water-resistant fabric and (generally speaking) should be avoided. Sneakers are a great option – make sure they’re machine-washable – while flip-flops provide the ultimate breathability for your feet, but lack the sturdy construction of other designs. With style considerations taken care of, check that your shoe of choice has a thick sole to handle any wet terrain you are likely to encounter.
Three Essentials
If you haven’t already got them, here are three must-haves for the monsoon months:
- A fold-up umbrella
Practical and portable, fold-up umbrellas come in every style under sun, and can be easily stored in a bag. Opt for a bamboo-handled example for a classic, gentlemanly look, or a translucent PVC number to go with your waterproofs.
- A waterproof messenger bag
Perhaps the ultimate accessory in any season, the messenger bag is a shoulder staple for men across the world. Use it to easily and safely store electronic devices like tablets and work documents.
- Scarf
No longer the preserve of female fashion, scarves go with almost anything. A checked scarf can make an edgy counterpoint to a striped t-shirt, and your neck will also appreciate being protected from those monsoon winds!
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