As the weather begins to warm up, and our sight of the sun in the sky each day becomes more prolonged exposure than fleeting glimpse, it’s not just our Cuban cigar selection which changes to fit the season. As our smokes become longer our outfits become lighter and brighter, adapting to the more pleasant temperatures and more lively colours of the world around us. As the world awakens from its winter slumber, and we begin to build up to what we hope will be a long, hot summer, it’s time to refresh the wardrobe. Hot on the heels of our Springtime Smokes selection, here is a quick edit of garments to get you in the mood of the season.
Every good outfit needs a solid foundation, and a crisp white T-shirt is an excellent choice. Sunspel believe their Classic T-Shirt to be the perfect version, and I have to say I agree. The cotton used for each is supremely comfortable, the fit is perfectly relaxed without being too oversized, and the quality of the construction means they are built to last. The colours available vary each season, but the white edition is perennial and will function as the first of a few layers or simply on its own. Simple elegance, whether under a shirt, hoodie or jacket or worn solo with jeans.
King & Tuckfield – Curved Placket Polo
Polo shirts are wonderfully versatile pieces. The collar lends itself to smart-casual looks when placed under tailoring; the short sleeves and (usually) light construction make it easy to dress down when desired. When crafted in 100% Merino wool – like this one from King & Tuckfield – it will help to regulate your body heat throughout the spring/summer season, helping you stay cool and dry in the warm sunshine but also providing an extra level of warmth when the nights cool down. The curved shape at the neck of this particular version gives it more of an individual look, while the retro pattern and muted green colour add character to your outfit. Wear it to the beach with shorts; wear it to dinner under a sharp jacket. Your choice.
Barbanera – ‘KOI’ Limited Edition Camp Collar Shirt
Italian renegades Barbanera pride themselves on making clothes for “the Infamous Bastard and The Immaculate Gentleman” – those who have the imagination and bravery to add a bit of edge to their style. Their new Limited Edition Camp Collar Shirts are perfect shirts with which to do just that – worn under a light-coloured suit, the bold patterns and colours pair with a flamboyant wide collar to create a look which will definitely stand out. The light Japanese cotton fabric used to create them will keep you cool in the warmth of the day, and the vibrancy of the print will carry you straight through to the evening’s revelry. Open the collar over the lapel of your jacket, light a Cohiba and channel your inner Tony Montana.
Fursac Paris – Sage Green Cotton and Silk Suit
Green seems an ideal colour choice for spring as it mirrors the awakening nature around us and this suit is delivered in a wonderfully hushed version of it. The fabric is a blend of silk and cotton, which will be a fabulous weight for the warmer months and has a gentle shine to it that will serve you well at evening events. The jacket and trousers can be purchased separately, allowing you full flexibility with how far to take the look. Fursac have been re-energised under new creative director Gauthier Borsarello, and the latest collection is strong evidence of his success so far.
Valstar – Bombardier Jacket in Camel Suede
Most evenings in spring will require a light jacket to keep the chill off. Valstar’s Bombardier is a stunning solution to this issue – butter-soft goat suede in a warm camel colour, completely unlined for lightness and comfort and ribbed hem and cuffs. The beauty of this jacket is its simplicity – when just casually draped over that crisp, white Sunspel T-shirt it will complete a look of most effortless nonchalance. The 2-way zip is an added bonus, showing the attention to detail that marks Valstar’s quality. Open the bottom section a little to ensure the lines of the jacket stay sharp while it’s closed against the evening breeze.
It’s a wonderful moment of the year when we have to start looking at sunglasses again, and most spring looks will be completed by a good pair. The Raso from TBD Eyewear are a funky square shape, reminiscent of Michael Caine in the 70s, but while the styling may be a throwback, the manufacture is ultra-modern. Each pair is hand-made in a 100% biodegradable bio-acetate, making them sustainable as well as stylish. A few different colourways are available, but the ‘Dark Havana’ version is surely the ideal choice for the cigar smoker.
EGM Cigars – Havana Club Ashtray
While we’re outside for longer, why not add a bit of spring sunshine to our smoking terrace, or even indoor lounge? The bright colours of the Havana Club ashtrays newly available here at EGM Cigars are ideal for doing just that. Choose whatever size suits your smoking party plans best, and enjoy the warmth of the coming seasons.