Madras

I almost didn't write this post tonight because it is 30 degrees here, and I was not feeling all warm. Anyway, since we are approaching spring here, and the rest of the readers seem to be enjoying warm weather bliss. I will continue with my warm weather fabrics posts. We have discussed essential seersucker and linen, but now we must move to madras. In my opinion, there is nothing more WASP or preppy than madras. The photos for this post are from J Press, and most of us know that J Press is very traditional. Madras can be used for shorts, casual trousers, sport coats, shirts, and ties. The jacket above is a classic madras sport coat with a solid tie and button down shirt. Madras pairs well with gray, cream, red (Nantucket Reds), or khaki trousers. Jackets look great with a tie or bow tie, but the tie has to be simple. I recommend a solid, polka dot, or simple club tie. The jacket above would look great with a yellow square with blue polka dots. I also recommend keeping either the tie or square solid. The jacket itself is pretty busy, and you don't want to over do it. I own two madras sport coats, one patch work madras sport coat, madras shirts, madras trousers, and shorts. I only wear them in casual settings, and never, never, consider having a madras suit made. I have seen some people pair their madras sport coat with matching pants. In my opinion, that is a big mistake! Anyway, I leave you with another shot of madras from J Press. They have masterfully paired a madras shirt with a neutral tan sport coat and bow tie. Perfection!