Summer style should feel easy—cool fabrics, clean lines, and pieces that mix without a second thought. At Franco’s Fine Clothier in Richmond, VA, we’ve curated a “go to” wardrobe that keeps you sharp from casual Fridays to waterfront dinners. Think breathable performance polos, lightweight trousers, crisp wrinkle-free shirts, and shoes that dress up or down in a heartbeat.
Off-Duty Menswear Essentials (that still look on-duty)
Start with a rotation of knit polos and performance wear button-ups. Johnnie-O, Turtleson and Peter Millar all offer great options in this category. Their technical blends breathe, wick, and resist wrinkles—perfect for sticky days and quick turnarounds. Choose a combination of neutrals (navy, stone, white) and add one or two seasonal colors—sea glass, bold yellow, or sky blue—for personality. Pair them with lightweight five-pocket pants or tailored shorts in stretch cotton or performance blends.
Finish your casual collection with footwear that handles multiple scenarios. Allen Edmonds is one brand that stands apart this season - think refined sneakers, loafers, and flexible-sole derbies that move effortlessly from morning to a late night dinner. A modern sneaker elevates shorts and polos; a sleek loafer instantly dresses up lightweight chinos. Add a woven belt and no-show socks for a neat, breathable finish.
Men: Enjoy a Lightened Up Work Style
When the forecast climbs but the calendar still calls for polish, reach for a high quality brand shirt - Eton, David Donahue, Canali - and combine it with an unstructured, lightweight blazer. Eton’s fine cotton shirts and performance fabrics stay crisp through commutes and meetings, and their collars sit perfectly with or without a tie. Layer over a blazer in hopsack wool, tropical wool, or a linen blend—fabrics that breathe and drape beautifully. Hopsack in navy or mid-blue is a year-round MVP, but sand and light grey feel especially fresh in summer.
Cocktail Hour: Elevated Without the Effort
When the sun starts to dip and your day shifts from business to social, your wardrobe should rise to the occasion—without overthinking it. Cocktail hour dressing in summer is all about looking relaxed, not rumpled. Swap your polo for a shirt with a subtle print, and layer it under an unstructured blazer in linen or hopsack wool. Pair with tailored trousers or dark, dressy five-pockets and a sleek loafer - suede if you're outdoors, leather if you're headed to the bar. A silk pocket square adds the perfect polish. It’s a look that says you're off the clock, but always on point.
Fabric & Fit Tips
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Prioritize airflow: linen, linen-cotton, tropical wool, seersucker, and high-twist worsteds.
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Keep it unlined: unstructured or half-lined blazers breathe better and travel well.
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Dial in the fit: trim—not tight. You want clean lines with room to move.
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Color strategy: anchor with navy, stone, and grey; add two seasonal accent colors to make mixing effortless.
Building a Smart Collection
Aim for 3–4 polos, 2 casual shirts, 2 dress shirts, 2 pairs of lightweight trousers, 1–2 tailored shorts, 1 blazer, and two pairs of shoes (a smart sneaker and a loafer). With this core, you can create a week’s worth of looks without repeating an outfit.
Our Team Will Make It Easy
Stop by and we’ll help you assemble a summer lineup that works as hard as you do (while keeping you cool). Consider it your warm‑weather uniform: effortless, polished, and always ready to go.
Franco's serves men with two Richmond locations:
Lakeside: 5321 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228
Short Pump Town Center: 11800 W Broad St, Henrico, VA 23233