Summer in Western Pennsylvania is a bit of a balancing act. One minute you’re standing over a grill in Irwin, dodging humidity and burger grease, and the next, you’re headed to a nice dinner in the city or a sunset date night.
The challenge? Most guys have a wardrobe that is split down the middle: "Old T-shirts I don't mind getting dirty" and "Formal clothes for weddings." There isn't much in between. But the "in-between" is where summer actually happens.
At Berk’s Menswear, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between being comfortable and looking like you put in some effort. You just need a few high-quality, versatile pieces that play well together. We’ve curated the five essentials every man needs to survive the heat while looking sharp enough for any invitation that comes his way.
1. The Elevated Performance Polo (Rhone & Faherty)
The polo is the undisputed king of the summer wardrobe, but not all polos are created equal. If you’re still wearing those heavy, oversized cotton polos that lose their shape after three washes, it’s time for an upgrade.
Rhone Commuter Polos are a game-changer for the guy who is always on the move. They feature Italian fabric that breathes, stretches, and: most importantly: doesn't look like "gym gear." They have a structured collar that won't flop over, making them perfect to layer under a light sport coat if the occasion calls for it.
Faherty Polos, on the other hand, offer that laid-back, coastal vibe. Their fabrics are incredibly soft (think high-end sun-washed cotton blends) and come in colors that look better the more you wear them.
Why it’s essential:
- Versatility: Wear it with shorts at a BBQ; tuck it into chinos for dinner.
- Tech: Look for moisture-wicking properties to stay dry during those humid July afternoons.
- Fit: A modern, tailored fit makes you look leaner and more put-together than a baggy tee.
2. The "Do-Anything" Hybrid Short
If you’re still wearing cargo shorts, we need to have a talk. Summer style is about clean lines. The modern "hybrid" short is designed to look like a classic chino short but performs like athletic gear.
We highly recommend the Faherty All Day Short. They have the tailored look of a dress short but are made from a recycled polyester/cotton/spandex blend that is quick-dry and has plenty of stretch. You can literally jump in a pool in these, let them dry for twenty minutes, and then head straight to a restaurant.
Rhone’s Commuter Shorts offer a similar level of sophistication. They utilize the same luxury Japanese warp-knit fabric as their famous pants, meaning they resist wrinkles and hold their shape even after a full day of activity.
How to style them:
- Casual: Pair with a clean white tee and leather sandals or clean white sneakers.
- Date Night: Pair with a long-sleeve button-down (sleeves rolled up) and loafers.
3. The Johnnie-O Summer Shirt
Sometimes a polo feels a little too "golf course," and a T-shirt feels a little too "lawn mower." This is where Johnnie-O shines. Their signature "Hangin’ Out" shirts are designed with a shorter hemline specifically to be worn untucked without looking sloppy.
Johnnie-O specializes in that "West Coast Prep" aesthetic: bright but not blinding, casual but refined. Their fabrics often include a bit of linen or thin-gauge cotton that allows for maximum airflow.
What to look for:
- The "Tweener" Button: Johnnie-O shirts feature a hidden button between the second and third, so you can leave it unbuttoned without it opening too far down your chest.
- Breathability: Look for linen blends or lightweight "seersucker-style" textures that keep the fabric off your skin.
4. The Rhone Commuter Pant
We get it: it’s 90 degrees out. You don't want to wear pants. But for weddings, nicer date nights, or air-conditioned office days, shorts aren't always an option. This is where the Rhone Commuter Pant becomes your best friend.
These are not your dad’s khakis. They are lightweight, feature a security pocket for your phone, and have a "Flex-Knit" fabric that feels like you're wearing sweatpants while looking like high-end trousers. They are specifically designed to regulate temperature, so you won't feel like you're overheating the moment you step outside.
The Berk’s Advantage:
Even though these are "casual" tech pants, the fit is everything. At Berk’s Menswear in Irwin, we offer on-site tailoring. If those Rhone pants are an inch too long or you want a slightly more tapered ankle to show off your sneakers, we can handle it right here. A perfect hem makes a $130 pair of pants look like a $500 custom piece.
5. The Lightweight Layer (Faherty Flannels & Overshirts)
It sounds crazy to talk about flannels in the summer, but hear us out. Western PA evenings can get breezy, especially if you’re out by a fire pit or on a rooftop.
Faherty’s Cloud Cloth or their lightweight flannels are specifically designed for the warmer months. They are incredibly airy and soft, meant to be thrown over a T-shirt as the sun goes down.
Pro Tip: A light overshirt is the easiest way to "level up" a basic outfit. A white T-shirt and khaki shorts is just an outfit. A white T-shirt, khaki shorts, and an unbuttoned, lightweight Faherty shirt over the top is a look.
Why Quality Matters (And Where Tailoring Fits In)
You can buy a cheap polo at a big-box store, but you’ll likely be replacing it by August. The brands we carry: Faherty, Rhone, and Johnnie-O: are chosen because they stand up to the rigors of summer. They don't pill, they don't fade after one day in the sun, and they keep their "structure."
However, even the best shirt in the world won't look good if it doesn't fit your body.
Most guys assume tailoring is only for suits and tuxedos. At Berk’s, we disagree. If you find a pair of 7 Diamonds chinos or Rhone shorts that you love, but the waist is a little loose or the length isn't quite right, our expert tailors will fix it. We believe casual wear should fit just as precisely as a wedding suit. When your casual clothes fit perfectly, you naturally feel more confident.
Your Summer Strategy: Mix and Match
The beauty of these five essentials is that they all work together.
- The BBQ Look: Faherty All Day Shorts + A basic tee + The lightweight flannel (tied around the waist or shoulders for later).
- The Date Night Look: Rhone Commuter Pants + Johnnie-O Button-down + Leather loafers.
- The Weekend Errands Look: Rhone Commuter Shorts + Rhone Performance Polo + Clean sneakers.
You don't need a closet stuffed with clothes; you just need the right clothes.
Visit Us in Irwin
Ready to refresh your wardrobe for the season? Stop by Berk’s Menswear in Irwin, PA. We’ve been helping the men of this community look their best for decades, and our summer collection is officially in stock.
Josh and the rest of the team are here to help you find the right fit and the right fabrics for your lifestyle. Whether you’re prepping for a vacation, a summer wedding, or just want to stop sweating through your work clothes, we’ve got you covered.
Visit us today to see the new summer arrivals and experience the difference of a perfect fit.
Berk's Menswear & Tuxedo Shop
Irwin, PA
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