For those who love summer dressing (myself included), the season’s simplicity is unbeatable. You can skip the layers, ditch the heavy fabrics, and go easy on color combinations. It’s a chance to keep things light and breezy without the fuss.
But summer has its challenges too - high temperatures can make staying cool feel like a mission. In the West, people often use the term "hack" for quick tips with big payoffs, a nod to tech lingo. With a few simple style tricks, you can stay both cool and polished when the temperature’s up. Here’s your guide.
Rock "Invisible" Socks
Invisible socks (aka no-shows) sit below the ankle, making them ideal for rolled-up jeans or chinos. They’re practically invisible, so you get the look without the bulk. In the heat, those thick socks can be a bit of a mood killer.
For durability and comfort, try socks from Falke, known for their soft cotton blend and silicone heel grip to prevent slippage. Falke is an investment, but worth it! For a budget option, head to Gia Ngu Street in Hanoi, where you’ll find no-show socks for about 20,000 VND per pair - though these may need replacing every 3-4 weeks due to wear.
Leave the Bottom Button Open
Wearing your shirt untucked is the ultimate laid-back summer vibe. However, shirts can wrinkle from even the smallest movement. To prevent this, try unbuttoning the bottom button when you sit or bend down.
It’s a simple fix that’ll keep your shirt looking fresh and wrinkle-free all day.
Switch to Alternative Cottons
If wrinkling’s an issue, consider different cotton blends. Cotton isn’t limited to plain weaves - jersey, pique (often seen in polos), and slub cotton all offer breathability with the added bonus of being wrinkle-resistant. These materials ensure you stay comfortable while keeping things sharp.
Try a Nato Strap Watch
For anyone who wears a watch, summer can mean sweaty wrists - especially with leather straps. A Nato strap watch is a solid fix. Timex offers many Nato models, and their straps are easy to replace.
If you’re worried about the casual look, remember that even high-end brands like Rolex and Omega have embraced the Nato style. And yes, 007 rocks one in Spectre.
Add a Shirt Jacket to Your Arsenal
A shirt jacket, or "shacket," is a lightweight, jacket-shaped shirt that’s perfect for unpredictable weather. It’s great to have one on hand if you work in an office that’s always over-air-conditioned, or if you’re heading out on a breezy evening.
Enkelhet's shirt jacket.
The Hill-side's shirt jacket.
Brands like Enkelhet and The Hill-Side offer stylish options that are functional without adding bulk. Denim shirts or thicker cotton shirts can double as light jackets. Personally, I can’t get enough of the ones from The Hill-Side, Corridor, and Enkelhet - simple yet striking. 😦
Keep White Sneakers Clean (Especially the Laces)
White sneakers are a summer staple, but even a little dirt can ruin their crisp look. One overlooked detail? The laces.
Clean laces make a huge difference, so take them out and give them a good scrub with detergent. After rinsing, hang them up to dry. You’ll be surprised at how fresh they look.
With these style hacks, you’ll be ready to keep it cool, stay comfortable, and maintain an effortlessly sharp look all summer long.
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