BY JAY AQUINO

SEPTEMBER 6. 2023

When it comes to formal attire for men in the Philippines, finding the perfect balance between style and comfort can be tricky. The tropical climate presents a huge challenge— how do you stay sharp without breaking into a sweat the moment you step outside? Traditional suits might work for air-conditioned offices, but they feel stiff and impractical when you're battling the sweltering heat. We’re all about redefining formal attire for men with a fresh, contemporary approach. Formal wear doesn’t have to mean stiff suits and rigid dress codes. It’s time to break the mold and embrace an elevated, more relaxed version of formal dressing that caters to the tropical lifestyle while keeping things sharp and stylish.

Oversized Silhouettes Are Your Friend

One of the easiest ways to beat the heat while staying fashion-forward is by opting for oversized fits. Now, this isn’t about drowning yourself in fabric; it’s about choosing pieces that offer a relaxed silhouette with enough room for airflow. Think slouchy blazers or wide-leg trousers that move with ease. An oversized suit gives off that effortless cool — it’s laid-back yet elevated. You can still look polished while ditching the too-tight, heat-trapping tailoring that often comes with formal attire for men.

GIVENCHY - OVERLAP LAPEL JACKET - 133,640 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

MOSCHINO - DOUBLE-BREASTED KNITTED-SLEEVE BLAZER - 67,967 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

RTA - PEAK-LAPELS DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER - 66,365 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

Texture Is Everything

If there’s one thing that makes formal attire for men interesting, it’s texture. Forget smooth polyester or wool blends that do nothing for your outfit or the weather. Instead, play with textures like sequins, cotton blends or lace that add dimension to your look. These fabrics not only feel great against your skin but also bring a sense of depth and sophistication to your ensemble. And they do more than just keep your cool— it injects your look with personality.

DOLCE & GABBANA - SICILIA-FIT SEQUIN-EMBELLISHED DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER - 221,522 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

DOLCE & GABBANA -DOUBLE-BREASTED LACE BLAZER - 280,259 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

Embrace Patterns

Patterns are another surefire way to elevate your formal attire for men game. While traditional menswear leans heavily on solid colors, there’s room to push boundaries. Stripes, checks, and even abstract prints can work wonders to break up the monotony of formal wear. The trick is to keep it balanced—go bold with a patterned blazer, but keep the shirt and trousers simple to let the design speak for itself. Even a subtle pinstripe can add an edge to your look, proving that formal attire for men doesn’t have to mean boring.

GUCCI - GG SHADOW WOOL JACKET - 164,967 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

LOUIS VUITTON -DAMIEN NYLON TAILORED JACKET - 208,330 PHP

Photo credit: Louis Vuitton

Shorts Are The New Trousers

Here’s where we really break the rules: shorts as formal attire for men. In the Philippines, comfort is key, and what better way to stay cool than by ditching the trousers altogether? Before you scoff, think about how tailored shorts, when paired with a structured blazer and polished loafers, can achieve that perfect mix of casual vibe. It’s a bold move that challenges conventional ideas of formality, but it’s one that works especially well in a hot, humid environment. Tailored shorts are functional, stylish, and allow you to navigate the weather with ease.

AMI PARIS - SHORTS WITH FLOATING PANELS IN WOOL GABARDINE - 52,600 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

SAINT LAURENT - FLORAL JACQUARD TAILORED SHORTS - 72,162 PHP

Photo credit: Farfetch

Finish With Minimalist Accessories

No formal attire for men is complete without the right accessories. In keeping with the elevated, modern aesthetic, opt for minimalist pieces. A sleek leather watch, thin metal cuff, or understated pocket square can bring the whole look together without overwhelming the outfit. It’s all about the little details that add a touch of class without being too loud.

CARTIER - LOVE BRACELET - 450,432 PHP

Photo credit: Cartier

In a country where the heat can dictate your fashion choices, it’s essential to find ways to maintain your style without compromising comfort. We believe in pushing the boundaries of formal attire for men in the Philippines, with oversized fits, textured fabrics, bold patterns, and yes, even shorts, you can craft a formal look that is anything but ordinary. So, if you're ready to step up your formal attire for men game, embrace these contemporary takes on classic dressing. It’s time to look sharp, stay cool, and redefine what formal means in the modern tropical landscape.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Prices in this article is not the actual price of the product. This is only to give our audience some guide. The prices were extracted from the Farfetch, Cartier and Louis Vuitton website and it was converted to peso on September 15, 2024 using the exchange rate at that time.