Beat the Heat

Admittedly, I have been very bearish on any sort of technical fabric.  The early days of the cotton alternative technical wear had a weird sheen that didn’t look natural.  It was an idea vs. execution thing: I really liked the idea, but the early execution was poor.

Technical fabric has grown up a lot over the last five years.  I don’t believe there are suitable alternatives to all pieces of #menswear, but every season brings on more and more options.  I have started to incorporate these pieces in my day-to-day wear, especially on the weekends and outside of the office.  My intent is to add pieces that don’t look like they are overly technical, but still provide the benefits these scienced-up fabrics boast.  It gets hot here in the summertime, and the humidity is unbearable.  Here are a few pieces that I like that help me beat the heat without looking like a little league coach:

From top left:

1. Onward Reserve Triple Stripe Performance Polo:  Polos seem to be where the technical focus has been, and Onward has been a leader of the pack with their shirts.  They are light, they hold their color, and the fit is spot on.
2. Persol Sunglasses:  There is always room for a GREAT pair of tortoise shell shades.  Nothing goes better in the heat than a pair of sunglasses.
3. Holderness & Bourne Macdonald Shirt:  Holderness & Bourne produces a really nice line of golf shirts, and the technical options are available in stripes and solids.  Believe it or not, a solid, well cut golf shirt is tough to find.  Look no further…
4. Peter Millar Cloud Performance Featherweight Short Sleeve Sport Shirt:  I have really gotten into short sleeve sport shirts this year.  There are some GREAT ones out there.  I saw these at Miller Brothers, and really like them as an alternative to a technical polo.
5. Polo Braided Belt:  There isn’t a better time to wear a braided belt than in the heat of summer.  It keeps with the casual theme.
6. Simms Morada Shirt:  Another great option for a short sleeved button down.  Simms does it right with their lightweight options.  Perfect on the boat or at the bar.
7. Western Rise AT Limitless Shorts:  I recently became aware of Western Rise, and have put my hands on a pair of their shorts.  They are GREAT. They are made of technical fabric, but look like they are made of organic fabric.  Brilliant.
8. Luminox Divers Watch:  In the heat, a watch with a rubber band is a safe bet.
9. Patagonia Performance Twill Jeans:  Patagonia has been slow to adopt the technical fabric in their bottoms, but they knocked it out of the park with their performance twill jeans.  They fit great, they wash well, and they hold their shape.  Office appropriate.
10. Ball and Buck 6-point CoolMax Shorts:  For the active guy, Ball and Buck used breathable fabric in their popular 6-point shorts design.  These will work on the course or on the boat.  Give ’em hell.
11. Havaianas Brasil Flip Flops:  Rubber flip flops that you don’t mind losing.  Get some.
12. Swims Loafers:  Not really for work, but a great option for bumming around on the weekend or at the beach.  And you can hose them off after you wear them.
13. Blitzkrieg Golf Performance Rope Hat:  Technical headwear is another post in itself, but I had to include one here…  The breathable hats are outstanding, and they clean up well.  Add a cool logo and a rope and you are in business, save the sweat ring.

What am I missing?  Where are you on technical fabric?