How AJ Dee Suits Up For These Destinations
One of the Philippines’ pioneering menswear enthusiasts lists his go-to summer suiting fits across different places
Tailor-fit for travel
If there’s one guy that you ought to take menswear pointers from, it’s AJ Dee. The former Manila-based model and actor, now living in Norway and working in the retail industry, travels the world—personally and professionally—in tailor-fit ensembles that always match the vibe of where he’s headed.
AJ was recently in Manila for a menswear trunk show featuring his own brand, so we caught up with him and asked a few summer style recommendations for specific places. Check out his insights below:
Japan
From vintage Americana to precise tailoring, Japan is a great place to go classic. AJ recommends pairing a navy sports coat and chinoChinoA lightweight cotton twill trouser, originally used in military uniforms, now a staple of smart-casual dressing. Available in slim, relaxed, and tapered cuts and colors from khaki to olive, chinosGo to Chino Glossary trousers with an Oxford button down shirt and penny loafers. It’s a versatile look that goes well with a variety of colors and accents for your accessories, bags, among others.
Norway
In his home court, AJ likes a bit of flair: he matches a shirt and bandana with a wool silk linenLinenA breathable fabric made from flax fibers, prized for keeping the wearer cool in hot, humid weather. Linen wrinkles naturally, which is part of its relaxed charm, and appears inGo to Linen Glossary sports jacket with lightweight denim jeans, finished with a pair of loafers. Summers in Norway can get quite rainy or chilly, so the added layer is also a protective touch.
Thailand
Summer in Thailand is a hot and humid situation, but this doesn’t stop AJ from stepping up his menswear game with a linenLinenA breathable fabric made from flax fibers, prized for keeping the wearer cool in hot, humid weather. Linen wrinkles naturally, which is part of its relaxed charm, and appears inGo to Linen Glossary safari jacket with a plain tee underneath, paired with tailored cotton shorts and unlined loafers. It’s a look that exudes adventure and comfort amid the heat.
New York
The city that never sleeps urges you to suit up like you mean business, but that doesn’t always have to be a head-to-toe blue or black look. Within this metropolis, AJ recommends a double-breasted jacket made with Irish linenLinenA breathable fabric made from flax fibers, prized for keeping the wearer cool in hot, humid weather. Linen wrinkles naturally, which is part of its relaxed charm, and appears inGo to Linen Glossary cloth, paired with ivory trousers, a light-colored shirt, and sneakers for a tonal and dynamic ensemble.
The Hamptons
Just a stone’s throw away from New York is this seaside paradise where summers are idyllic. At the Hamptons, AJ shows up in a high twist wool navy blazerBlazerA tailored jacket that is less formal than a suit coat and often worn with contrasting trousers, in single- or double-breasted styles. The blazer is a versatile wardrobe cornerstone, movingGo to Blazer Glossary, lightweight and wrinkle-free, paired with a blue striped tee, off-white trousers, and Belgian loafers. It’s a fit that signals that while you’re on holiday, your style didn’t go on vacation.
Check out similar looks from AJ below and find pieces that resonate with you and your next destination:
Photos courtesy AJ Dee (Instagram)
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