This last essential will most likely end up being one of your more expensive purchases of the season. However, it's one that will stay with you for quite some time. It can even become your best friend when daily highs begin to live above 85. You'll be looking and feeling cool as a cucumber while everyone else is begging for mercy. Nope, not talking about an in-ground pool. I'm referring to the unlined blazer; the secret weapon of summer style.
An unlined blazer is simply a blazer with no inner lining. If there's no lining, then that's one less layer that keeps the heat in. This makes it so much more practical, especially when made out of a highly breathable fabric (like most of these are). This will normally cost you a little more than a regular sport coat, but it's because there has to be more attention to detail in the finishing. Normally, you can do just a quick stitch job because the lining will cover it up. But with no lining to hide it, it takes more man hours to manufacture clean finishings. This $40 version from Target above? It's a freak of nature. I don't know how they can afford to make it so cheap.
Even though the use of olive isn't as widespread as navy or khaki, it's just as versatile. If you don't believe me, I dare you to try to find something this doesn't go with. It will be a lot fewer items than you think.
Every season, this Japanese brand is one of the runway shows I look forward to seeing most. Especially their spring shows because there's so much color. It would make you think that these guys grew up on the beach. This seersucker will feel right at home in Charleston, too.
Billy Reid is headquartered in Florence, Alabama, so you knew they were gonna figure out how to look cool in the heat. This one is made from linen which is one of the lightest, most breathable fabrics there is.
The pattern on this one is nuts. Pure geezer style if you ask me. If a trip to Italy is in your plans for this summer, take this with you. I promise you'll fit right in and people will be asking you for directions like "How far is the Uffizi from here?"
This is the unlined blazer for the boardroom. Your colleagues will wonder why they're miserable and you look cool and refreshed. If they ask, just tell 'em it's because you're more awesome than they are.
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