Summer is coming, and with it the irresistible urge to spend the next three months in Bermuda shorts. Yet trousers are not persona non grata in the warmer months, provided they are chosen wisely. In this article, we take stock of the key characteristics of summer trousers, to help you choose the ideal companion.
The importance of fabric
Clearly, the choice of fabric has significant consequences above 20°C. In these conditions, an unsuitable fabric can quickly become stifling, which is obviously undesirable. It should therefore be selected carefully, keeping an eye on five key variables:
1) The fibres used.
Unlike synthetic raw materials, which are often odorous and stifling, most natural fibres have valuable properties in summer. Beyond their softness and hypoallergenic qualities, they are generally breathable, thermoregulating and absorbent; all crucial attributes when the mercury rises. Organic cotton, wool, linen, hemp, ramie, blends of one and another: the alternatives are numerous, especially on our rails. And for good reason, 100% of our wardrobe is made from natural or recycled raw materials.
2) The type of weave.
Broadly speaking, three types of weave coexist: plain weave, twill weave and satin weave. In every case, they involve an interlacing of horizontal and vertical threads, but the particularities of this interweaving give each one distinct characteristics. For summer, we recommend opting for loose, open weaves that promote lightness and air circulation. Like seersucker, the prince of summer fabrics, plain weave is particularly suited to this kind of construction; but certain twills can also bring that welcome freshness.
3) Fabric weight.
The denser a fabric, the warmer it is. Simple. In these conditions, we recommend favouring fabrics weighing between 130 and 280 grams per square metre. You will feel more comfortable in them and keep overheating at bay. For your information, all these details are available in the “Details” section of our product pages.
4) The cut.
Unsurprisingly, straight or even wide-leg trousers will encourage ventilation and air circulation. Above 20°C, we therefore suggest daring to embrace slightly roomier silhouettes, even if it means exploring different stylistic horizons.
5) Colour.
It is common knowledge that dark colours absorb more of the sun’s rays, which is why they retain more heat. To keep cool, we therefore invite you to look to the lighter side of the colour palette (which naturally offers 1001 alternatives to white).
Rediscovering our summer trousers
In keeping with the recommendations above, we have created a range of versatile trousers to see you through to the end of summer. Understated or colourful, elegant or casual, plain or striped, you are bound to find your legs’ best friend among the models on offer.
From the most casual to the most formal, here are the main contenders:
- Our military trousers. Peaceful adaptations of the famous American army “cargo”, these micro-herringbone trousers rely on a timeless aesthetic to stand the test of time without ageing a day.
- Our jeans. This wardrobe icon needs no introduction, but it is worth noting that we have a trio at your disposal. A fairly lightweight ecru organic cotton pair, a slightly heavier washed blue pair and a raw selvedge pair in 100% organic cotton, straight from the Italian house Candiani. Take your pick.
- Our chinos. Simple without being simplistic, these chinos have also returned from the front to give the civilian wardrobe a small lesson in casual chic. Made in cotton gabardine or a handsome 76% cotton 24% linen fabric, they come in a fine range of summer colours.
- Our khaki linen and cotton trousers. The lower half of a two-piece suit tailored for summer, these trousers can also be worn without the matching jacket. With a delicate blend of 77% cotton and 23% linen, they are both soft and breathable, making them a valuable ally for staying smart in the warmer months.
- Our pleated trousers. Feast your eyes: we are now entering the wonderful world of formal trousers. From here on, it will be difficult to imagine them without a shirt; although some models cope surprisingly well alongside T-shirts or polos. 100% linen ecru twill, beige cotton-linen herringbone, white seersucker with blue stripes: three references built to withstand high heat and major occasions.
- Our double-pleated trousers. The height of elegance, these trousers were designed for lovers of sartorial art. With their full-length leg crease and double pleats on either side of the placket, they display clean, graphic lines that shape the silhouette with unrivalled finesse. 100% ecru cotton, 100% navy Fresco from the Hardy Minnis house, 100% linen herringbone, métis twill, 55% cotton 45% linen, woven by a French mill : here are your +1s for upcoming civil partnerships, weddings and gala dinners.
A final word
Natural fibres, airy weaves, moderate weights, generous cuts and light colours: these are the avenues we recommend for withstanding summer’s onslaught. So many solutions that will allow you to get through the hottest months of the year without sacrificing elegance, while exploring the aesthetic potential of these parameters. A fitting way to combine comfort and distinction, made possible by the Hast trouser collection we have just explored.
To discover them, our advisers await you in store from Monday to Saturday; while our new hastparis.com website is accessible 24/7.
