Much like military, nautical influences are engrained within the very fabric of menswear. The traditional nautical palette of navy, white and red is both classic and easy to wear, whilst timeless staples such as Breton tops, pea coats and boat shoes have a strong naval/maritime heritage and continue to form an integral part of any true nautical-inspired look.
Of course, with the style holding a perpetual place in the modern wardrobe, it’s hard to class it as a ‘trend’ as such. That said, each year designers and brands deliver their own unique spin on the key pieces, helping to give the classic aesthetic a contemporary twist.

Nautical: 2013 Update

This season the nautical update has centred around four key components: fisherman jackets, jewellery, stripes and seafaring-style prints. The fisherman or rain jacket is a firm favourite regardless of nautical’s popularity, yet this season it ties in well as a stylishly practical option, especially considering our ill-fated summer weather.
Stripes remain a huge trend across the board for SS13, and whilst they aren’t exclusive to the nautical theme (as our Parisian chic article can attest to), their rise has ensured a wider variety of Breton and Riviera-inspired pieces flooding the market.
Similarly, nautical-inspired prints have swept across menswear as a more literal interpretation of the look – anchors, in particular, are a prevalent embroidered pattern this season and have also been incorporated into various forms of men’s jewellery.

Key Piece: Rain/Fisherman Jacket

With a summer that has been uninspiring so far, the classic rain jacket is a piece that shouldn’t be packed away just yet. Practical, lightweight and waterproof, it makes a great top layer and will fight off any breeze or rain without causing you to overheat once the sun decides to come back out.
A bright coloured option in, say, yellow or orange is both traditional and will make a real statement. Alternatively, more muted options such as navy or brown/cream will ensure versatility and pair well alongside a Breton top without drawing all of the attention.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Asos Hooded Jacket
• Two Thirds Mendexa Hooded Jacket
• Ripstop Hooded Jacket
• Reiss Parachute Garment Dyed Harrington Cobalt
• Topman Boxfresh Expedition Jacket
• River Island Light Brown Casual Hooded Bomber Jacket
• Primark Fisherman Jacket
• New Look Camel Button Front Drawstring Fisherman Jacket
• Band Of Outsiders Double Pocket Jacket 153014

Key Pattern: Nautical Stripes

As previously mentioned, stripes are (not surprisingly) a major trend this season. Much like the nautical aesthetic, they’re not ground-breaking but can be reworked and re-imagined to present something different; putting your own twist on a classic.
This year we are seeing the classic Breton stripe given an update via varying stripe widths, contained prints (with the stripes focused to specific areas) and even print-blocking – whereby multiple stripes, both horizontal and vertical, are combined within one piece.
Stick to traditional navy and white stripes for ultimate versatility and utilise them as a standalone top layer or layered underneath your choice of outerwear.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Asos Stripe Polo
• Band Of Outsiders Contrast Striped Cotton T-shirt
• Allsaints Mirach 3/4 Sleeve T-shirt
• Reiss Oliver Multi Direction Stripe Shirt White
• Topman Blue Seersucker Mid Shorts
• Burton Navy Horizontal Stripe Shorts
• River Island Navy And White Striped T-shirt
• A.p.c. Striped Cotton Sweater
• He By Mango Striped Knit Sweater

Key Detailing: Nautical Prints

Prints and patterns have been well-documented trends within menswear over the past few seasons, with both enjoying a meteoric rise in our everyday wardrobes. Whilst an obvious and literal take on this particular look, a nautical-inspired print offers a playful, casual option that works well alongside more traditional pieces.
Anchor motifs are a prevalent theme for SS13 and have been used at large by a number of brands to express and appreciate the update. Found on everything from socks and tees to shorts and knitwear, there are limitless ways to integrate the print in either an accent or statement capacity.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Topman Blue Nautical Motif Shorts
• Asos T-shirt With All Over Nautical Print
• Selected Cardigan With Anchor Embroidery
• Burton Brave Soul Anchor Printed Chambray Shirt
• North Coast Pure Cotton Boat Print Slim Fit Shirt
• Alfred Dunhill Anchor-embroidered Woven Mulberry Silk Tie
• Allsaints Trawl Stripe Vest
• Anchor Print Short Sleeve Shirt
• Ecru Anchor Print Chino Shorts

Key Accessories: Jewellery

Attitudes are steadily changing towards men’s jewellery, with many modern men realising the effect a great ring, collar bar or neck chain can have on an outfit. The industry is backing the movement, with classic ID bracelets trending this season, along with pendants.
With this in mind, an easy way to subtly reference the nautical trend is through maritime-inspired jewellery.
Whether it’s an item that incorporates classic iconography, such as anchors or fishing hooks, or simply woven cord/rope accessories that conjure images of sailing, there is something for every personal taste this year.

• Allsaints Anchor Necklace
• Topman Icon Brand Diy Pirate Necklace
• Tally & Hoe Anchor Rope Bracelet
• Miansai Silver Rope And Anchor Bracelet
• Miansai Silver Anchor Necklace
• Miansai Rope And Metal Hook Wrap Bracelet
• Yuvi Silver And Woven Cord Bracelet
• Miansai Voyager Rope Keychain
• Asos Watch With Anchor Print

Nautical SS13 Outfit Inspiration

Look One: Riviera-Inspired

Nautical inspirations are not restricted to the sea and fishermen. Take influence from the Riviera and inject some classic Cannes styling via relaxed tailoring and clean colours. What you’re left with is a stylish ensemble that oozes timeless, continental appeal.
Look to incorporate stripes into your look through something like a blazer or Breton tee; shorts are an equally solid option worth some thought. This look opts for a navy and white striped polo teamed with a white blazer over the top for a chic yet slightly more casual Cote d’Azur approach.
Break up the monochrome with some rose pink shorts. Finally, finish with classic deck shoes for a sailing club nod:

• Hackett Stripe Polo Top 147466
• Michael Bastian Cotton And Linen-blend Blazer
• Asos Chino Shorts With Raw Edge
• Car Shoe Solid Sole Loafers 146283

Look Two: Practical Nautical

A more practical approach to combat our own unpredictable summer weather, a bright yellow fisherman’s jacket will help fend off the elements whilst effortlessly marking you out from the crowd.
Underneath, stick with navy and white stripes in the form of a comfortable, casual t-shirt. Denim needn’t be ditched come spring/summer, just opt for classic cuts and timeless washes when it is not quite hot enough for shorts.
Finish with ankle height suede boots and the jeans turned up slightly to show a bit of skin for that summer touch:

• Ami Striped Cotton-blend T-shirt
• Topman Rains Yellow Waterproof Jacket
• Reiss Cherokee Cold Denim Contrast Stitching Indigo
• Allsaints Dice Boot

Look Three: New Nautical

Give your outfit an SS13 update by having fun with prints and patterns. A bold piece of printed knitwear is a great way to adopt this trend, especially with the anchor motif giving an almighty nod to nautical.
Layer a navy crew neck over a complementary coloured orange check shirt for an effortless approach to pattern mixing. Keep your trouser choice simple and neutral – if you’ll excuse the pun, this will help anchor the top half of your attire.
A pair of slip-on trainers keeps this off-duty look dressed down and comfortable for a walk across the bay or lunch on the harbour:

• Reiss Wine Checked Shirt Orange
• Asos Anchor Jumper
• Slowear Incotex Linen And Cotton-blend Chinos
• Vans Slip On 59 Trainers In Navy

Conclusion

Nautical is a trend that refuses to lie down and will forever remain part of the modern man’s capsule wardrobe. However, this is not a bad thing as its timeless and versatile nature means that it lends itself to a variety of styles, from casual to formal.
So whether you’re a wannabe fisherman or Riviera gent, this latest SS13 update has you covered.
But now we want to hear your view:

• What classic nautical pieces do you have in your wardrobe?
• Do you prefer the down-to-earth, rugged fisherman aesthetic or Riviera refinement?
• Have you invested in nautical-inspired prints recently?
• Are you a fan of men’s jewellery and do you have any trademark pieces?

Let us know in the comments section below…