Cool jackets for summer

Divisha Saran

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In summer, the very thought of wearing a jacket can make one feel uncomfortable. When the sun is fuming above 45 degrees, the idea is off-putting, to say the least. That’s because jackets are supposed to keep you warm and snug in the winter months and are traditionally made from wool or polyester blend. But over the past few years, conventional wisdom has been turned on its head, as the fashion industry is coming up with several ingenious options. For people, who closely follow fashion, summer jackets are becoming the most essential item to have in their wardrobe in this season.

Wear it in style

The fabrics that are used to make these jackets are carefully chosen, keeping the Indian summer in mind. These are lightweight and have structured silhouettes. Available in a variety of designs like classic slim-fitted, single and double-breasted pieces to trench coats to bomber to biker, there is a jacket for every occasion. For example, a single-buttonned jacket in summer is made of either heavy cotton or fleece and is easy to carry in hot and humid conditions. The main distinguishing feature of a hot-weather jacket as opposed to a winter one is its lightweight material. The fabrics are breathable and suited for weather.

These can be made from light-weight wools, textured silk and linen or cotton blends. It is easier to pair up summer jackets in neutral tones, such as butter, stone and putty with denims and even brighter colours. These work just as well with white and ivory, as these do with navy and black.

Keeping the weather conditions in mind, many designers are also making loose and flowing jackets, which are box-shaped and come with a straight cut. Most of these summer jackets make for a great evening wear as well. The colours too are quite diverse though for men, most of the jackets come in pastels and earthy tones. There is also a palette of neutrals like khaki, cream, subtle grey and white. For women, however, the palette is warm and rich. Apart from cotton, linen, silk and denim, other fabrics include hemp, hopsack and fresco. Of late, a new fabric called sand-washed silk has become very popular. This is so light that a jacket made from it weighs no more than 750. Neoprene is another fabric that a lot of fashion designers are working with. It is suitable both for summer and winter.

Options galore

If you too would like to make an impression in a summer jacket, then there are four classics to choose from. One is the traditional seer-sucker jacket. It looks very chic in summer and is a perfect wear for humid conditions. A seer-sucker jacket goes well with a cotton button-down shirt and a cool pastel-coloured floral tie, or a tie with an abstract pattern.

A linen jacket is also a good option for the Indian summer. Linen, woven from flax fibre, was very popular with the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. When it comes to fabric, it is a better choice than cotton. That’s because it is smoother and more resistant to moisture. Hot-weather jackets can also be made from tropical wool or as the Americans term it — cool wool. Since it is a natural fibre, it breathes as easily as cotton or linen and if the weight is light enough, wool is an excellent ventilator.

Pair it well

If you pair a summer jacket with a knitted shirt, loafers and denims, it can look extremely chic. Another way of wearing it is over a vest, as Giorgio Armani showed his collarless jackets some time back, which were done in pale-toned hues. Women can team it up with a cropped top and well-fitted skirt, though fashion designers are even putting it over a saree. Experiment as much you want to do with a summer jacket.

Choosing the right summer coat

Keep the shape of your body in mind when choosing a summer jacket. Broad-hipped people should desist from waist-length jackets and opt for longer lengths. Stitching should be perfect too. Preferably go for light colours when choosing a summer jacket. Lighter colours are better than darker ones since light fabric reflects heat whereas dark colours absorb it.

Summers jackets should be ideally made of linen or cotton. But if you like the unwrinkled look, then go for a light woolen fabric. However, make sure, it is unlined as lining will decrease the capacity of the jacket to breathe.

Make sure the jacket fits you comfortably, hangs well and is easy to wear. Shoulder pads should end at the shoulders and not fall on the arms. The arms should hang straight and long and should not bunch up around the forearm.

Pocket linings should be stitched tightly and evenly and there should be no loose threads. The collar should always lie perfectly flat and hug the neck closely. The sleeves should fall where the base of your thumb meets your wrist.

Short people should preferably wear jacket that have waist length. Slimmer people should have jackets made with broad lapels to make their shoulders look broad.