Popover + Gurkha shorts
Suitsupply cotton/linen popover with broad stripes and beige cotton gurkha shorts | Massimo Dutti navy suede sneakers
Right at the beginning, I must say I feared how will the popover fit when I decided to buy my first one. To get it on, you must dress yourself overhead which means, popover fit cannot be tight. However, I took the risk, bearing in mind about possible alterations that could be done later, and I dive right into.
After all, the only alteration which I’ve done myself, was that I moved a button a bit to make the circumference of my sleeve at wrist a little bit smaller. Adjustment of the whole fabric around the wrist wasn’t necessary.
But, what caught my attention in the first place, why have I decided to go for this popover? Unquestionably the broad stripes, which I could not even found in the offer of my tailor last year when I was looking for this pattern. To me, broad stripes are one of the best designs you may choose for a linen summer shirt. Besides that, I already own thin stripes and plain linen shirts.
Fit is as you see it on the photos, it is not extremely wide although it is looser than I’m used to having my shirts. Still, this is the slimmest possible fit in order not to have any problems while putting this shirt on. I used to it pretty fast, and it comes convenient in the summer.
Popovers placket is a little bit longer than I expected, therefore while wearing a sweater over, it appears as you were wearing a classic shirt. It shows itself only while wearing with a jacket or without anything at all and makes an interesting detail.
As typical for the hot season, I am wearing popover with sleeves rolled up most of the time and buttoning them only with jacket or knitwear. Stripes on the shirt do not follow its pattern on different parts such as sleeves with the body or the yoke with the rest of the shirt, which I’m not sure it is even possible. The skilled tailor could probably make it work somehow, but the question is if it would be even necessary on the casual linen shirt. In this way, in my opinion, it underlines its informality.
That would be probably everything I have to say about this popover. Lately, popovers seem to be more and more popular. In my opinion, they look particularly fabulous worn with a casual suit, knitwear for colder evenings when it doesn’t even appear to be a popover as the placket is covered by the garment and last, with shorts in the summer. The vibes it radiates around is quite appealing, maybe a little bit retro but not in the wrong way - assuming that you handle fit well, which is the key here.
Gurkha trousers or shorts are one of the things living quite a resurrection in the last seasons. Although I prefer “regular “fastening on trousers with side adjusters, it feels like fun to have a few pieces in the closet anyway. Perhaps, especially the shorts are better as you can have more fun with them because, in summer, you see the waist. Not always the case in a suit or colder weather. However, I have shorts and one trousers (this suit) in Gurkha style, and I feel it is enough for now.
My Gurkha shorts are made from twill cotton (somewhat heavier cotton), and pleats add more space, thus perfect for hot days. I must say I did appreciate it on holidays by the sea. Also, maybe it is current taste, but I find pleasing rather higher waist.
Probably the only thing I don’t like on this particular model by Suitsupply is fit around the waist. When fastened on the second hole, it slips down. When fastened on the third hole, I’m fighting for my life as I can’t breathe. So sometimes I find myself to correct the waist more often.
Otherwise, there is nothing to rebuke. I like how these shorts look, and the colour is also lovely as I desired finally something which is not blue or navy. Somehow, the navy looks best on me; therefore, half of my closet consists of blue or navy clothes. Especially trousers and shorts. Pockets are spacious, and work is done nicely for the price of around 100 EUR.
As an overview, this is a beautiful summer outfit, very stylish and comfortable. I also saved some pictures where I wear this exact outfit, with some knitwear at the top of it. These pictures I will show you later this autumn. Hopefully, there will be some autumn, and we won’t jump to winter right away.
Yours Sincerely,
Denis
