Be prepared. Get this
kit.
Will the final few weeks of summer be bathed in glorious
sunshine, or will it chuck it down until the leaves start to change colour?
Whatever the weather, it's a good idea to be prepared for everything that might
be coming your way. That's why we've gathered together a mixed bag of laundry
that will see you right all the way until the autumn... and beyond.
Awesome hot weather:
Nice. August has come through with the goods and the weather
is as hot as a volcano's arse after a curry. Better get properly dressed
then...
Helly Hansen HP Rider
Trunk
Chaps, hitting the pool? You'll need some trunks, to both
look great, and to make sure you're not arrested for indecent exposure. The
Helly Hansen HP Rider Trunk (which is fashion speak for 'trunks' we assume) are
cut nice and long, with a rope-tie waist and a very handy pocket on the lower
leg. They are quick drying and have a mesh inner brief to keep your bits and
bobs in place.
£45
Visit shop.hellyhansen.com/gb
Son of a Tailor
bespoke t-shirts
The classic t-shirt is a must during the warmer months, and
can be worn both while slobbing around regretting your hangover following the
previous night's barbecue, or when attending a swanky summer do, worn under a
jacket or blazer. To make sure yours is a perfect fit and look, design your
own. Son of a Tailor is a online maker of classic 'T's where users enter in all
their details to ensure a bespoke fitting. It's a bit like the Mr
Robinson shirt service we reviewed last year, but simpler and much quicker.
And the end result, which is made from organic cotton, fits like a dream.
£42
Visit http://sonofatailor.com
Anatom Memoryfit
Sandals
You certainly won't want your feet baking in the hot sun, so
slap on a pair of sandals. The Memoryfit Sandals from Anatom (whose hiking
shoes we reviewed here last year) are about as sparse and cool as you can
get. Hooking over your toes to stay on, the sandals feature a unique sole
which, after a few times being worn, will mould to your feet and stay that way,
ensuring continued comfort all summer. They're available for both men and woman
as well.
£19.99
Visit www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
Helly Hansen W Bliss
Skirt
To aid full air flow to your legs, a skirt is the only
option this summer. This effort from Norway is perfect, as it is easy to pull
on with the elasticised waist, and made from ultra soft French terry fabric. There
are slap pockets at the hips, and a drawstring on the front, making this a
really good addition if you to need to pop something on over your bikini, or if
you're going commando all day around the house, and need something quick in
case the postman comes a-knocking.
£14
Visit shop.hellyhansen.com/gb
Chatham Jessa Slip-On
Tassel Boat Shoes
Exposing as much as your foot, while still offering tonnes
of support, these saucy little numbers from Chatham are perfect for baking hot
days out, and warm evenings in. The Jessa are a loafer-style shoe with a unique
wedge sole, lifting the leg slightly while providing plenty of grip from the
non-slip rubber base. Easy on, and cool all day.
£29
Visit www.chatham.co.uk
Craghoppers Nosilife
Tafari Jersey Skirt
Hot weather can bring out the bugs, so to help in the fight
against being eaten to death while out and about, talk to Craghoppers. Their
Nosilife range of insect-repellent clothing has been featured on this site
before, and we loved just how damn effective it was. The Tafari Jersey skirt
uses that same technology, all wrapped up in a light and length-adjustable
garment. There's a zip pocket for your stuff, and the blend of polyester,
cotton and elastane make it super light and airy.
£40
Visit www.craghoppers.com
Keen Uneek Sandals
And for that truly 'uneek' look, try something new. The
Uneek sandals from Keen are special in that they are made from two cords and a
sole, securely keeping your feet contained while letting in all that glorious
cooling air. They really are something to behold, as the top section moves
freely from the base, meaning they compress down very flat, which is handy in a
suitcase. They feature an adjustable fastener which pulls the top-side cord
tighter around your foot, so you get the perfect fit each time. Wearing them
took a bit of getting used to, because despite the fact that they 'feel' like
fully-enclosed shoes, air gets into them like open sandals. Once you're
accustomed to the sensation though, they make the perfect hot weather shoe.
Available in an impressive range of colours too.
£89.99
BONUS: Finalise your summer look with loafers from MyLoafers.
Crappy chilly
weather:
Oh dear, it's all gone wrong. Britain has once again served
up an utterly disappointing summer that puts April and its famed showers to
shame. If that is the case, wear this...
Craghoppers Nosilife
Avila II Hooded Jacket
If the weather is less cool (thumbs raised) and more cool
(nipples raised) then you'll need a suitable outer layer to fend off the
chillies. This hoodie from Craghoppers utilises the same Nosilife technology to
repel insects and harmful UV as we've seen before, but puts it in a versatile
zip-fastening top. There are hand pockets on the front, a drawstring hood on
top, and a soft poly/cotton blend to fend off the wind and rain. We were a
little surprised at how thin the jacket was, and the material feels almost like
t-shirt quality thickness. However, once on it is comfortable and cosy; perfect
for a day with unpredictable weather.
£50
Visit www.craghoppers.com
Helly Hansen Marstand
Polo
Perfect at any time of the year, whatever the weather, a
decent polo shirt is a great short-sleeved top to strip down to, or a solid
base to wrap up around. The Marstand Polo from Helly Hansen is a thick cotton
top that comes in a dazzling array of nautical-themed colours and styles. Three
buttons around the neck, a stiff and flexible collar, split sides, and also a
dropped back so it can be worn when you're being all active and physical. Crucially
for inclusion in the crappy summer section - rather than the awesome one - it
is actually very insulating and cosy. And you can flick the collar up and act
like a toff. Rah rah rah!
£45 (with some styles currently reduced to £27)
Visit shop.hellyhansen.com/gb
Craghoppers Nosilife
Sabana Dress
Another testament to Craghopper's Nosilife treatment, the
Sabana dress is long sleeved and will refuse to get crumpled up during a long
haul flight. It features a unique twist knot in the centre of the dress, which
ruffles the fabric together and actually makes it rather flattering to wear.
The cotton/poly mix (with enough elastane to make it slightly stretchy) makes
for a comfortable dress, while the skirt length will help keep your pins nice
and toasty should you get a tad chilly. This is the perfect travelling outfit.
£37
Visit www.craghoppers.com
Chatham Aqua-Go Mist
G2 Performance Sailing Shoes
A bit of a mouthful, but certainly a foot-full of greatness.
These comfortable, light, and well ventilated shoes from Chatham are designed
to take all that the sea can throw at them... so perfect for wandering along to
the pub once your barbecue gets rained off. The sole is made from a
rubber/latex blend for maximum grip in wet conditions, and see those holes
along the base? Those aren't to let air in, they're to let water quickly drain
out. Shoes with their own drainage system? Believe it, babe. The rest of the
shoe is a phylon compound for added flexibility and increased air-flow. You
might not be hitting the ocean waves this summer, but these shoes are perfect
for the worst damp August Britain can throw at you.
£89
Visit www.chatham.co.uk
Helly Hansen W Naiad
Dress
Whereas the above dress from Craghoppers was all about
getting out there, no matter what the weather, the Naiad from Helly H would
prefer you to approach life in a far more relaxed manner. A simple tunic-like
dress, it features short sleeves and a drawstring waist. It is made from a soft
cotton/modal jersey blend, so despite the light and airy looks, it will
actually offer some cosy protection from a chilly breeze. Great to throw on
over a bikini when the weather turns, or to wrap up in on a summer's night
while standing around waiting for someone to light the barbecue.
£20
Visit shop.hellyhansen.com/gb
Craghoppers Nosilife
Cargo Trousers
Back one final time in bug and UV-free territory, the
Nosilife Cargo Trousers are the perfect damp summer addition for guys. Not only
are these pants quick-drying (with drying loops sewn in), they include nine
pockets, two of which fasten with zips, and a sealable drybag inside the left
cargo pocket to stow your phone and other decidedly non-waterproof possessions.
The trousers are 100% polyamide, making them tough as old boots yet comfortable
as kipping on a cloud. You might be trekking through deepest, darkest (and
dampest) Africa in these, but you'll still be fine and dandy.
£55
Visit www.craghoppers.com