I’m not a big shorts guy, I much prefer jeans and a button down or even a casual suit. But sometimes you just can’t avoid the effects of the heat in NY and DC in the summer and have no choice but to throw on a pair of shorts so you don’t end up completely sweating through your clothes. These JV cutoffs are a lightweight cotton cord that’s great for the inevitable heatwave and are a great balance between tailored and casual, unlike most cutoffs that can often look sloppy. If it’s not too stifling outside try pairing it with a v-neck tee and a linen or cotton blazer. Also, if you don’t feel like spending the money and you have a pair of lightweight cords at home nearing the end of their useful life bring them to a trusted tailor and ask him to turn them into a pair of shorts. You could very well do it yourself but for the $25 or so the tailor charges the end result will be well worth it instead of you accidentally mutilating what could be a great pair of upcycled shorts. Available in Midnight, Parchment, and Salt.

Note: To avoid the above mentioned sweating through your clothes make the switch to an antiperspirant instead of just a deodorant.

“Nau (pronounced “now”) is a clothing company based in Portland, Oregon. We make sustainable urban+outdoor apparel – integrated designs for the modern mobile life.” Nau is a brand that was recently shown to me by a friend (thanks Cissey).  Not only do they have incredibly cool super simplified everyday wear but they are committed to creating all of their products with sustainable materials.  Being in Washington, DC everyone and their Mother is concerned with the growing concern of “going green” so all the more reason to spread he word down here about Nau.  Every single aspect of the brand and company are sustainable. They use 100% certified organic cotton, recycled materials, donate 2% of every sale to humanitarian and environmental Partners for Change, and provide free public transportation to their employees.  I definitely admire their efforts and applaud their designs.  My three favorite pieces from their men’s collection are the motil commuter, merino woven check scarf, and the free range shirt plaid. Normally I would have a problem with how expensive the items are but seeing as part of the company profits go to a cause and and materials are all premium I am going to have to bite my tongue.  For those of you out there looking for a brand to compare Nau to as far as price and design go, check out Aether Apparel.