Translucency: Practical Or Revealing?

Photo: Marcio Madeira via Style.com

Left to Right: Kris Van Assche; Yves Saint Laurent; Dior Homme

Whether you're a believer in global warming, humidity and temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit until recently were nonexistent and walking to work didn't require a towel and Jamba Juice. Undoubtedly, summer is two months late, but its tardiness gives us a window to experiment with practical items from our wardrobe. You've seen the usual shorts, light cotton and sleeveless shirts, but I've been noticing translucent summer sweaters and shirts thrown into the mix. Although I've noticed more women favoring the look -- as men might not want to flaunt their keg or six-pack-less abs -- I've attempted the look with a baby blue summer sweater over a white T-shirt and garnered a few compliments. It's a revealing look for pedestrians not too keen on seeing chest hairs escaping the mesh of a summer sweater but, I'm sure this trend will be in full bloom come spring 2010, as it was a fixture among designers for their S/S 2010. I've got to hit the gym before next summer.

-- Francis Bea