[Benson]

If I lived in Austin, I would likely add to the linen articles in my wardrobe. Linen shorts, slacks, and, most importantly, shirts. The shorts and slacks you can get almost anywhere. Try Sierra Trading Post. I bought a pair of Berle linen shorts for $18 just a few months ago and they are quite good for "off-time." Slacks, though, are a bit trickier with linen, as they are often supposed to be a dressier. The problem is that most companies skimp on the waistband, and this can lead to it rolling over. I've a pair from Hickey Freeman that were $300 retail and they do this. I bought them online at an 80% discount, but I rarely wear them, so my advice is to stick to certain shops and makers. The Hertling-made linen trousers at O'connell's and Ben silver are between $165 and $200 and are worth the price, imo, especially if you only need to be "dressed up some of the time and can make do with two pairs. As for linen shirts, they should be easy to source. Sounds like you want short-sleeve sport shirts and any of the shops mentioned on these fora will have them during summer months. You might even still be able to get them on sale now.

About poplin slacks and shirts, I avoid them in hot weather. Though they tend to be considered a staple of summer dress, they are woven far too "tight" to be comfortable for me. That is, they do not allow air through and this makes most people sweat a good deal. I tend to reserve poplins for spring. Again, this is just my preference, as I tend to sweat. Others find poplin suitable for hot weather.

 

[Benson]

I am sure others know more about it than I, but Oxford cloth is an open-weave cloth. The weight of the cloth has less bearing on how warm it wears than the weave.

 

[arkirshner]

If oxford cloth is too heavy consider end on end.

 

[cvac]

Oxford cloth is actually pretty breathable. I've done okay in it in 90+ degree heat with nasty humidity on the east coast. I'd actually stay away from your tighter weaves like broadcloth and especially pinpoint because they don't breathe as well. Your best bet is actually a true "royal oxford" (lightweight open weave) or even a linen/cotton blend. Golf/polo shirts are also good for casual Fridays.

For pants, think lightweight khakis, linen/cotton blends, linen/lightweight wool blends, and tropical weave wool are good bets. Stay away from tight weaves like gabardine as they don't breathe that well.

For shoes, loafers or classic laceups in any shade of brown or burgundy are great. Socks should be light wool as they'll wick away moisture rather than retain it like cotton.

I wouldn't even bother with a jacket or tie of any kind unless you're talking about meetings that take place in an air-conditioned office.

 

[Brio1]

Oxford cloth is actually pretty breathable. I've done okay in it in 90+ degree heat with nasty humidity on the east coast. I'd actually stay away from your tighter weaves like broadcloth and especially pinpoint because they don't breathe as well. Your best bet is actually a true "royal oxford" (lightweight open weave) or even a linen/cotton blend. Golf/polo shirts are also good for casual Fridays.

For pants, think lightweight khakis, linen/cotton blends, linen/lightweight wool blends, and tropical weave wool are good bets. Stay away from tight weaves like gabardine as they don't breathe that well.

For shoes, loafers or classic laceups in any shade of brown or burgundy are great. Socks should be light wool as they'll wick away moisture rather than retain it like cotton.

I wouldn't even bother with a jacket or tie of any kind unless you're talking about meetings that take place in an air-conditioned office.

Would this shirt from J. Press happen to be of the true variety?

https://www.jpressonline.com/dress_shirts_solid_detail.php?id=R790WHTK

 

[hookem12387]

I wouldn't wear flannel in the summer, but you really have to just deal with some stuff when you live in this climate. It's hot in Texas. It just is. I don't find OCBDs bad, though now I need to try out this royal oxford business.

I'm also a bit crushed that the only Gant rugger shirt I picked up from their sale doesn't fit me, because their oxford cloth seems very breathable.

Plus, as a Texas realtor he's going to be getting into and out of a hot car A LOT. And cars so hot that your back will sweat regardless of what you wear. That's what the blazer can cover up, thankfully, though I guess it takes oxford cloth a little while to dry. My next car will have air cooled seats, I've promised myself.

 

[cvac]

The J. Press Royal Oxfords are as good as anything you're going to find in the price range. I've probably got 6-7 of them. The plain spread collar ones are great for wearing with ties and jackets. I prefer the buttondown collar ones if I'm going with no tie. My only regret is that I didn't stock up on the RO buttondowns during the last sale.

Whatever you do when buying an RO shirt, just make sure it's not a "non-iron" or "wrinkle free" one. The wrinkle resistant treatment destroys the breathability of the cloth. The J.Press ones have no such treatment.

At some point I'm gonna have to try Mercer's RO shirts. Not cheap but I really like the "thistle" color they offer...very sharp.

Would this shirt from J. Press happen to be of the true variety?

https://www.jpressonline.com/dress_shirts_solid_detail.php?id=R790WHTK

 

[Brio1]

Thank you, sir. I will look into the J. Press Oxfords. Any idea when they will hold their next sale?

 

[cvac]

They probably won't have another sale until after the new year. February or March maybe? Usually they only have sales on regular merch twice a year.

Note also that the regular Press oxfords are just regular oxfords. If it's not labeled as "royal oxford" on the price tag/website, it's not R.O. If you are near a Press store, they can show/explain the difference to you.

 

[Luckycharmboi2]

Living in an equally hot climate, for jackets I usually wear cotton blazers, linen/silk blends, or linen/wool blends in a nice loose weave. Mostly light tan, light gray or a dark blue.

Pants: chinos, pincord (tan), or light tropical wools.

Shirts: try some irish linens or seersucker.

I live in Austin TX. I'm a Realtor. We have 60+ days of 100+ degree summer heat and I'm out and about a lot in the heat. Austin is a laid back, casual city where shorts and sockless shoes, t-stirts, etc. are common both because of the heat and because people here tend to dress in a more relaxed casual style regardless of the heat. Completely different than Dallas or other more "business dress" metro areas in the US.

I know little about clothing. I own 1 suit and 1 pair of "business casual" khaki slacks and shoes and a few nicer shirts with collars. Otherwise, 95% of the time, I wear Levi jeans or khaki shorts with a black t-shirt and either tennis shoes with socks, or loafers with no socks.

As I approach age 50, for some reason, I'm starting to feel self conscious about my dress. I live in an affluent area of Austin and am starting to notice other Dads and Moms seem to pull of a relaxed look without dressing like college kids. I want to remain relaxed, comfortable and casual but in a better dressed way. I hope that makes sense. I don't know what to go out and buy though.

My Question: What recommended "hot weather business casual" ensemble would you recommend for me that would still be in the "wash and wear" category?

 

[unmodern]

Kudos to you on wanting to look nicer. I think you can manage it with a minimum of new purchases, and a changed mindset. You have certainly come to the right forum if you want to cultivate a mature but relaxed look!

Indispensible : (1) one or two pair of proper leather-soled shoes (I'm guessing yours are rubber)---look at Allen Edmonds or Alden; (2) one or two more pair of khakis (these are your jeans now)--look at J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, or Bills; (3) as many polo shirts as you have Tshirts (these are your Tshirts now)--look at J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, or Ralph Lauren; and (4) a trio of shirts from Brooks Brothers (warning: you will start to look down your nose at the ones you have);

The next level : (1) full-grained leather belts in black and brown (if you don't have nice ones already)--I recommend this site: leathergoodsconnection.com; (2) a navy blazer that fits (tropical weight might make the most sense for Texas)--see americansuitstore.com for some reasonable Hardwick blazers, see Brooks Brothers or J. Press on sale, or troll eBay for used and vintage; and (3) one or two cotton or lambswool sweaters, V-neck or crew, in basic colors like navy and charcoal (these provide a good in-between level of formality greater than just a shirt and less than shirt + blazer: you can dress them up with a tie)--check out Lands End, L. L. Bean, Brooks Brothers, etc.

This, plus your existing khakis and shirts and your suit, is your new uniform.

Shouldn't run you more than $1000 (much less if you are willing to buy used), and you'll be outdressing the other Austin dads in no time, while not looking too uptight. The price for the shoes will likely surprise you the most. Buy them. They cost more because they are high quality and can be renewed by resoling for many years to come. Cheers.

 

[Saltydog]

The J. Press Royal Oxfords are as good as anything you're going to find in the price range. I've probably got 6-7 of them. The plain spread collar ones are great for wearing with ties and jackets. I prefer the buttondown collar ones if I'm going with no tie. My only regret is that I didn't stock up on the RO buttondowns during the last sale.

Whatever you do when buying an RO shirt, just make sure it's not a "non-iron" or "wrinkle free" one. The wrinkle resistant treatment destroys the breathability of the cloth. The J.Press ones have no such treatment.

At some point I'm gonna have to try Mercer's RO shirts. Not cheap but I really like the "thistle" color they offer...very sharp.

FYI Gitman Bros. and F.A. MacCleur make great Royal Shirts in both button down and spread collar. They can be found, among other places, on line at mensapparel.com.

 

[EngProf]

Pants: linen or seersucker
Shirt: linen
Tie, if needed: knit, madras, raw silk
Shoes: loafers or dressy fisherman's sandals

Above all, be elegantly rumpled.

 

[Trad-ish]

Kudos to you on wanting to look nicer. I think you can manage it with a minimum of new purchases, and a changed mindset. You have certainly come to the right forum if you want to cultivate a mature but relaxed look!

Indispensible : (1) one or two pair of proper leather-soled shoes (I'm guessing yours are rubber)---look at Allen Edmonds or Alden; (2) one or two more pair of khakis (these are your jeans now)--look at J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, or Bills; (3) as many polo shirts as you have Tshirts (these are your Tshirts now)--look at J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, or Ralph Lauren; and (4) a trio of shirts from Brooks Brothers (warning: you will start to look down your nose at the ones you have);

The next level : (1) full-grained leather belts in black and brown (if you don't have nice ones already)--I recommend this site: leathergoodsconnection.com; (2) a navy blazer that fits (tropical weight might make the most sense for Texas)--see americansuitstore.com for some reasonable Hardwick blazers, see Brooks Brothers or J. Press on sale, or troll eBay for used and vintage; and (3) one or two cotton or lambswool sweaters, V-neck or crew, in basic colors like navy and charcoal (these provide a good in-between level of formality greater than just a shirt and less than shirt + blazer: you can dress them up with a tie)--check out Lands End, L. L. Bean, Brooks Brothers, etc.

This, plus your existing khakis and shirts and your suit, is your new uniform.

Shouldn't run you more than $1000 (much less if you are willing to buy used), and you'll be outdressing the other Austin dads in no time, while not looking too uptight. The price for the shoes will likely surprise you the most. Buy them. They cost more because they are high quality and can be renewed by resoling for many years to come. Cheers.

Ok, on the sweater recommendations, we don't usually pull out the sweaters until November down here in the Deep South. In some areas of Texas, they have gone 60+ days of 100+ degree temps this summer. Other than that, those are pretty solid recommendations.