Summer plaids

Plaids - or shall we say madras - have been around for a few seasons now, but here's a look at some recent summer offerings. First, to start with what we don't like:

Photo Courtesy Brooks Brothers

A female friend once told me that even though she doesn't have allergies, she gets hives from guys in short sleeve button down shirts. A little drastic, perhaps, but the above darker patterns probably aren't going to keep her from reaching for the Benadryl.

Photo Courtesy Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece calls this the Madras Fun Button-Down Shirt. HA! Maybe the Get-Made-Fun-of Shirt. Zing.

Instead, let's perhaps take into account what the season is and suggest some fresher alternatives (and no, the Brooks Brothers shirts weren't for F/W - they've been on the site for awhile and now they're discounted):

Photo Courtesy Gant / men.style.com

A little bit lighter tones here that make it beachwear yet bold enough to go out.

Photo Courtesy Adriano Goldschmied

Again the lighter colors, but the double pockets with diagonal plaid/madras add a great touch. Also, note the sleeve roll - done to perfection.