A Summer for Stripes

Summer and stripes seem to go together perfectly. Is it stripy deckchairs on the beach, Breton sailor's jumpers, seaside rock (candy), rowing and cricket blazers, or maybe the striped awnings of summer marquees that form the association? Certainly there is a strong link to the sea, making stripes perfect for holiday and casual wear. [Links to suppliers at end of this feature]

Summer stripes

Shirt from Grey Flannel (also in yellow). 'Harry' pocket square Geoff Stocker

I love blue stripes in particular - they go well with whites and creams of course, but best with summery yellows, reds and oranges. A red striped shirt I own is also a favourite - for summer any bright candy colour suits the clear brightness of the light.

The broader the stripes the more impact they have - they are less serious, more playful: the formality of the city stripe combining with the sunny cheerfulness of a yacht's spinnaker. Finer stripes are more restrained but still add a slightly flamboyant feel to a look.

Shirt (right) Community Clothing Co. Cravat Cravat Club

Fine stripes - L: Seersucker suit Grey Flannel. C: Shirt Connolly. R: Workwear Jaeger

The summer is a time to celebrate the sun and warmth with colours that reflect the fun of holiday pastimes: beach swimming, barbecues, surfing and reading in the shade.