Menswear this spring and summer for Hilton Head Island will be all about color, color, color.
The winter basics of black and taupe will transition to shades of coral, butter yellows, aqua, mint, tangerine and a variety of blues as the warmer season begins. These rich colors are evident in most sport shirts and knits with few exceptions. Fine line stripes, minichecks and bold plaids will contain these unique colors in combinations and will be standard fare for 2009. Even basic solid knit shirts today may have a different color in the placket or under the collar.
Soft, long-stabled cotton, linen, bamboo and knits with moisture wicking technology will be some of the sought-after fabrics this year. Shirts and knits will also continue to be available in light weight microfiber fabrics which provide comfort, non-wrinkling, and easy maintenance in the washer-dryer. Any of these fabrics are perfect for Hilton Head’s subtropical climate during the day, or wearing them under a light weight sport coat for an evening out.
This year’s casual trousers and walk shorts are following the same guidelines of great color and fabric. Both will be styled in pleated, which is a little fuller or flat front for a trimmer look. Most of the shorts today are still referred to as Bermuda length which means generally, that the length should be at the knee. Of course, they can all be shortened if needed. The golf industry mandates that shorts be no more than a credit card measurement above the knee.
Many of our better dress trousers are made out of imported wools that will have a silky feel. They are cool even on our hottest days and evenings, don’t wrinkle easily, and are gauged by a thread count of 120 to 150 to the inch.
Sports coats will be constructed of silk, wool, linen or cotton and even sometimes a blend of these fabrics. Colors range from natural to ice cream flavors just like the sports wear. A navy blazer is always a must for any man, and now may be the time to update your wardrobe with a lightweight tropical wool one. Sport coats are perfect for summer weddings, parties or taking your sweetie out on a date.
Check your closet to be sure that you have a couple of current fitting suits. You may not have tried these on recently. Do they fit? Are they out of style? Is the fabric appropriate for Hilton Head and where you might wear them? A wide range of fabrics are available and suits can be ordered, fitted, altered, and delivered in less than two weeks. The best way to update your favorite jacket is with a new necktie or bow tie. Again new fresh colors are important and better ties will be made of silk. There are many new theme patterns which are sophisticated but fun. Don’t be surprised if parrots, crabs, boats or patchworks strike your fancy. Traditional patterns such as regimentals, foulards, paisleys and clubs with new shades are always in style.
The warm weather shoe calls for comfort. One shoe company provides an air chamber in the shoe which gives a feeling of walking on a mattress.
Driving shoes, deck shoes and sandals will all be great for shorts or linen slacks. True laced shoes as always are more appropriate for dressier occasions.
