Introduction

Much like military, nautical influences are engrained within the very fabric of menswear. The traditional nautical palette of navy, white and red is both classic and easy to wear, whilst timeless staples such as Breton tops, pea coats and boat shoes have a strong naval/maritime heritage and continue to form an integral part of any true nautical-inspired look. Of course, with the style holding a perpetual place in the modern wardrobe, it’s hard to class it as a ‘trend’ as such. That said, each year designers and brands deliver their own unique spin on the key pieces, helping to give the classic aesthetic a contemporary twist.

Nautical: 2013 Update

This season the nautical update has centred around four key components: fisherman jackets, jewellery, stripes and seafaring-style prints. The fisherman or rain jacket is a firm favourite regardless of nautical’s popularity, yet this season it ties in well as a stylishly practical option, especially considering our ill-fated summer weather. Stripes remain a huge trend across the board for SS13, and whilst they aren’t exclusive to the nautical theme (as our Parisian chic article can attest to), their rise has ensured a wider variety of Breton and Riviera-inspired pieces flooding the market. Similarly, nautical-inspired prints have swept across menswear as a more literal interpretation of the look – anchors, in particular, are a prevalent embroidered pattern this season and have also been incorporated into various forms of men’s jewellery.

Key Piece: Rain/Fisherman Jacket

With a summer that has been uninspiring so far, the classic rain jacket is a piece that shouldn’t be packed away just yet. Practical, lightweight and waterproof, it makes a great top layer and will fight off any breeze or rain without causing you to overheat once the sun decides to come back out. A bright coloured option in, say, yellow or orange is both traditional and will make a real statement. Alternatively, more muted options such as navy or brown/cream will ensure versatility and pair well alongside a Breton top without drawing all of the attention.