The science of summer casualwear
As everyone knows, elegance seems to dissolve in the summer heat. And with good reason: when the thermometer turns red, we are more likely to seek ice cream than style.
Yet distinction and refinement need not melt away like snow in the sun, and nothing prevents you from dressing up a little during your holiday.
In this essential guide for July and August holidaymakers, we explore the options available to help you stay smart without risking thermal shock.
The rule of three
From one end of the summer season to the other, there is a quartet of rules that every aesthete must observe to dress without roasting. This magic square recalls the key variables for putting together a suitable summer outfit: fibres, fabrics, colours and fit.
Rule number 1
A fibre is the raw material used to create the yarn itself, which is then used to weave or knit the garment. More than at any other time of year, it is essential to choose it methodically in summer to avoid overheating.
For our part, we strongly recommend choosing natural fabrics, preferably known for their breathable and absorbent properties. This is the case with linen, hemp, ramie and merino wool.
Some man-made fabrics have also proved their worth – such as Tencel – but we cannot recommend strongly enough that you avoid synthetic fabrics. They represent the lowest level of thermoregulation and soon become stifling and unpleasant-smelling.
Rule number 2
Fabric is the finished material after the weaving or knitting stage. On holiday, it is vital to favour lightweight, fairly open fabrics, knits or jerseys. The more open they are, the more they promote lightness and ventilation.
Forget twills and satins for a few weeks, and focus instead on airy fabrics that encourage air circulation. Incidentally, some are deliberately woven to sit away from the skin, such as the essential seersucker or waffle fabrics 
As for weight, lightweight fabrics will naturally feel more comfortable than heavier ones under a blazing sun. On our website, you will find this information in the “Details” section of each product page, as here with our ecru shirt with navy stripes, light as a feather.
Rule number 3
Colours also have a role to play, as they absorb the wavelengths that make up visible light differently. White, for example, reflects most of them, while black absorbs almost all of them. Dark pieces therefore generate more heat at the fabric’s surface, while light pieces are less prone to this warming.
Between June and September, pale tones such as beige, light blue and sage green are therefore preferable alternatives.
Rule number 4
Last but not least, fit is absolutely essential for avoiding the heat. Here, the rule is simple: the further the fabric is from your skin, the better you will feel. We therefore invite you to favour roomy, generous volumes to keep your clothes at a reasonable distance from the skin. You should find just what you are looking for by (re)discovering our spring-summer 2025 collection, which gives pride of place to regular and wide fits.
Our summer holiday essentials
A picture being worth a thousand words, we now present a small selection of summer pieces meticulously cut for the season.
The first will surprise no one: it is the linen shirt. Made from a natural fabric with breathable and absorbent properties, it provides incomparable freshness as temperatures rise. From the simplest to the eccentric fun shirt, you will find dozens of styles on our rails, sometimes including organic cotton to limit creasing.
A close cousin of the shirt, the short-sleeved shirt is undoubtedly the other star of summer. Mocked for many years, it has made a strong comeback in recent seasons, including in our collections. With its Cuban collar, regular fit and patch pockets, it lets your skin breathe and stands as a symbol of relaxed elegance.
In its terry version, you reach the very essence of refined nonchalance, combining the distinction of the short-sleeved shirt with the absorbent qualities of French terry. Riviera style, here you are.
For the lower half, it is impossible not to name our number one ally, namely shorts. Shorts are among summer’s essential pieces, and we have put together a fine selection this year. In lightweight cotton or cotton-linen, you are bound to find the pair that will flatter your legs among the styles on offer, from the simplest to the most distinctive. Without wishing to influence your judgement, the ecru style in 76% cotton and 24% linen wins our favour with its two pairs of pleats and ticket pocket. Sartorial influences, when you have us in your grasp.
For our more modest friends, lightweight trousers also have their place in summer. Here as elsewhere, make sure to choose natural fibres, lightweight fabrics, generous cuts and/or relatively light colours to give yourself every chance. Between our wide cotton trousers, our cool wool trousers and our tennis-stripe style in linen and cotton, you will find just what you are looking for.
Finally, we have a few suggestions for those who find it hard to take off their jacket. We had you in mind when developing short-sleeved pieces combining elegance, lightness and breathability. Some are rather casual, such as the navy cotton jersey style, while others are decidedly formal, such as the Prince of Wales double-breasted jacket, and all have been designed to accompany your summer getaways.
A final word
Do you think the shorts/T-shirt combination would once again hold your style hostage? You do not know us very well. By focusing on natural fibres, suitable fabrics, appropriate cuts and the right colours, you will have more than enough to dress elegantly until the last twilight of Indian summer.
Here or elsewhere, our creations will accompany you at every latitude, whatever the temperature.
Discover them now in store and on our website, and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about them.
And above all… have a wonderful summer!