Essential Summer Items For Men

There’s a lot to look forward to in the Indian summer vacationsmangoes, longer days, ice-cream stalls magically appearing on street corners. It’s also the time to store your winter jackets and bring out the light cotton and linen clothes.

Don’t get caught by surprise when the temperatures soar. Plan in advance for the relentless heat. Use an anti-perspirant with mostly natural ingredients. If you’re using a spray, keep it minimal. Your best option is Nivea roll-on for men or one with more natural ingredients, like the one from Body Shop. Sweat, combined with poor quality sprays, will give you sweat patches and ruin your shirt fabrics. Don’t leave home without a shower. Change your shirt after one wear.

Axe spray or other chemical-loaded body sprays. Protect your feet from the dust by wearing closed shoes. Slippers are a lazy man’s best friend, wear them only at home and for grocery shopping. Loafers are leather shoes that are to be worn without socks.

They add style to your attire and are more comfortable than slippers. Keep your feet clean by washing them often and sprinkle medicated powder in your shoes to avoid bad odour. Brown loafers are versatile, they can be worn with most coloured trousers. Sandals with socks.

Give your jeans a break. The choice of coloured cotton chinos in different fits will give you more variety in your wardrobe. Pair them with simple T-shirts in neutral shades (white, blue, grey and black). Take your time when shopping - try different colours and fits before making a purchase. You need to pick a colour that suits your complexion and build.

Don’t make your choices based on what looks good on others. Bright yellow, orange, peach and pink for trousers and Tshirts. Pure cotton fabrics are light and breathable.

The trouble with most synthetic fabrics is that they retain odours, trap moisture and add to the discomfort of the heat. Trousers, shirts and unlined jackets made from cotton and linen are your best bet for summer. They look and feel great. Blended synthetic and polyster fabrics, they retain odour (pollution, sweat, food odours). You never know when you will need a bag during a long day on the road. A quick wash and change in the restroom will keep you feeling confident longer.

There are plenty of bag choices for men - messenger bags, satchels and masculine tote bags in leather.

• Travel dental kit with toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash (to avoid curry breath).

• An extra shirt (or tshirt) when you’re caught in the sun and your back is drenched with sweat. • A pack of gum or mints.

• Store your phone, wallet and keys in your bag, not in your pockets. Backpacks if you are not a student. Keep these tips in mind to help you breeze through this summer.