Autumn is a season of transition. Temperatures fall, days grow shorter, and it is not always easy in the morning to know how to dress. At Hast, we know how important it is to choose pieces that are both elegant and functional at this time of year. In this article, we guide you through the essential pieces in a man's autumn wardrobe, with timeless pieces, suitable fabrics and styles that will see you through the season.
Ideal fabrics for autumn
Autumn calls for warmer, more comfortable fabrics that offer good insulation while allowing the skin to breathe. Among the essentials, wool stands out for its ability to retain warmth while wicking away moisture. Wool flannel is also prized in winter for the warmth and comfort it provides, as well as its texture.
Heavyweight cotton is another fabric to favour. It combines comfort and durability, and is equally suited to formal pieces and more casual styles.
Also in cotton, corduroy is a fabric that has been back in fashion for several years. The velvet adds rich texture and a vintage touch to your wardrobe, ideal for seasonal jackets, shirts or trousers.
Finally, for shirts, cotton flannel combines warmth and softness. It is a particularly comforting fabric when temperatures fall and days grow shorter.
Autumn wardrobe essentials
The merino wool jumper
The jumper in merino wool is an essential piece for autumn. Merino wool is an extremely soft and comfortable wool that keeps you warm. Wool is thermoregulating, and a merino wool jumper will be a valuable ally in autumn, when temperatures can vary throughout the day. With a t-shirt or shirt, a merino wool jumper is very easy to pair.
The cotton flannel shirt
The flannel shirt in cotton has a natural place in the men's autumn wardrobe. The flannel shirt has the advantage of keeping you warm while remaining very comfortable. The fabric feels very soft and brushed, as it is lightly raised to bring out the fibres of the weave. Flannel fabric resists creasing, one of its many advantages.
The cotton flannel shirt can be worn directly against the skin or under a t-shirt.
The overshirt
Autumn calls for layering. What is layering? The term comes from the English word “layer”, meaning “a layer or stratum”. It refers to the act of wearing several layers of clothing. A technique particularly suited to autumn, when mornings can be cool and days warmer.
For successful layering, the overshirt is particularly well suited. Worn over a t-shirt and under a jacket, it will be the key piece in a successful autumn outfit. In heavyweight cotton or wool, the overshirt is a piece that, like corduroy trousers, has made a strong return to the men's wardrobe in recent years.
The work jacket
Although temperatures fall in autumn, it is often still a little too warm to bring out your winter coat. Nevertheless, a jacket is often necessary. The work jacket is the ideal piece for keeping warm in style. In wool or heavy velvet, the work jacket, a modernised historic piece of workwear, pairs well with both formal and casual pieces.
Corduroy trousers
Here is an autumn standout. The corduroy trousers, long burdened by a somewhat old-fashioned image, came back into favour a few years ago. Updated, they are now an essential of the autumn wardrobe.
Created in the Kashmir region, the technique of weaving velvet was later developed in Persia before being imported to Italy, where velvet enjoyed great success in the 14th century, notably in Genoa, Florence, Milan and Venice. This quality fabric stands out for its exceptional weaving process. To achieve its velvety appearance, two layers are woven one above the other using a warp thread.
In light colours such as beige or ecru, or in classic navy, it is a piece that can be worn with a jacket, jumper or t-shirt. Warm and comfortable, it is an excellent choice throughout the colder months.
Wool flannel trousers
For a more formal look, opt for flannel trousers. Their soft texture adds depth to an outfit. In grey, they are an icon of menswear style that goes with absolutely everything.
A final word
As you will have gathered, in autumn, the key principle for the men's wardrobe is to protect yourself against falling temperatures and to create outfits that allow you to move effortlessly from a cool morning to a warmer afternoon. It is a particularly interesting time of year because, after summer, it offers more possibilities for dressing.