Summer is the perfect time for Cuban cigars. The lazy evenings by the pool, the long lunches sheltering from the heat of the midday sun – even an alfresco breakfast on a day when work is not a worry can provide an opportunity to smoke that a normal day would not. Many, if not most, aficionados will take at least some time away from normal life at this time of year, escaping to somewhere beautiful and peaceful, and with relaxation at the front of their mind.
Helping us relax is what cigars are best suited to. The meditative act of cutting, lighting and enjoying the smoke melts away the stresses and focuses us on the moment, allowing us to truly savour that tie away from hectic modern life. In order to enjoy this relaxation properly we must be suitably prepared; the right cigars and the right cigar accessories are vital. So too is an adequate wardrobe – no one wants to arrive at their dream resort to discover they haven’t packed appropriately, but often the holiday wardrobe can fall below the actual holiday booking and the completion of enough work to ensure no distractions in the to-do list. Fortunately we have prepared a selection of our favourite pieces this summer for those who need some last-minute shopping. One less thing to worry about, so you can concentrate on packing your humidor and choosing between having rosé and champagne with lunch.
Sydney Linen Trousers by Derek Rose
Linen is the go-to fabric for hot weather as it is so light and breathable. The cultivation of the flax plants from which the fabric is spun also uses far less water than growing cotton, so linen is also more sustainable. Derek Rose London have been family-owned and operated for almost 100 years, and that experience has been put toward creating a linen collection which is of the highest quality. These Sydney trousers are cut from Italian linen – generally lighter than its Irish cousin – in a relaxed fit, perfect for strolling around your summer retreat. They are paired here with a classic white polo in sea island cotton for an elegant, classic summer look.
Leaf Lace Shirt by Scott Fraser Collection
Summer is a time to have colour and vibrance in our outfits, and few garments will bring as much of both as this wonderful lace shirt by Scott Fraser Collection. This is an extremely versatile piece – it can be worn on its own, contrasted by dark tailoring, to an evening event; layered over a crisp white t-shirt with light trousers for days in the sunshine, or paired with some tailored shorts, thrown over your shoulders at the beach. The lace fabric will allow you to keep cool in the heat, and the bold colours will look amazing in the morning sunshine or the evening twilight. All Scott Fraser Collection pieces are made by hand and to order, so allow a bit of time for delivery. They will definitely be worth the wait.
Mustard Single Breasted Linen Jacket by New & Lingwood
Even in summer there will be occasions which call for smart dressing – linen suiting is the perfect solution. This elegant jacket, by heritage English brand New & Lingwood, is cut from a heavier linen to give it more structure, but left largely unlined so it retains the breathable qualities of the fabric for those warm evening garden parties. The warm golden-mustard colour emulates the seasonal weather beautifully, and while it can be matched with trousers in the same fabric it will also work well as a separate to be paired with the rest of your existing wardrobe. Buy it for this summer, wear it for countless summers to come.
Midtown Sunglasses by Silhouette
Austrian brand Silhouette have been crafting sunglasses since 1964, and pride themselves on having created the lightest pairs on the market. Their own proprietary materials allow them to cut weight to an absolute minimum, and bespoke pairs using measurements and prescriptions taken at your local opticians can be with you in about 10 days. Their Midtown frames bring a 1970s retro feel to your look, and will be equally suited to ultra-casual beach looks and more refined evening ensembles. A great pair of shades is the one accessory which can’t be overlooked for summer dressing – these are truly a great pair.
Ischia Emerald Green Swimsuit by Sera Fine Silk
Whether you enjoy cooling off in the ocean or a private pool, there’s no need to let your style standards drop just because you’re heading for the water. The intricate patterns and cool green tones of these swimming shorts are the perfect solution. Each pair comes with a dust bag in the same fabric – ideal for transporting them to and from the beach without soaking the other contents of your beach bag – and an internal drawstring which allows the size to be adjusted without affecting the sleek aesthetic. Sera Fine Silk already make some of my favourite pocket squares and ties for brightening up summer tailoring – now we can bring that same character and joy to beach wear.