Repasamos cómo ha sido 2017 y lo que nos espera en 2018. El pasado año, North Sails reforzó su catálogo de velas para crucero con la revolucionaria 3Di Nordac, que no deja de recibir reconocimiento internacional. A nivel deportivo, despidió un año excepcional con un nuevo récord estratosférico logrado con velas 3Di, el firmado por François Gabart al completar la circunnavegación del planeta en 42 días, 16 horas, 40 minutos y 35 segundos.
Para conseguir semejante hito de la navegación, Gabart completó la vuelta al mundo a un impresionante promedio de 27 nudos de velocidad. Su trimarán de 100 pies de eslora Macif voló con velas 3Di en una nueva demostración de rendimiento y de la tecnología exclusiva North Sails. Y de durabilidad: la mayor del Macif ya había navegado 47.000 millas antes de empezar la circunnavegación que supuso el récord, y que mejoró en casi una semana la establecida apenas un año antes por el SODEBO 4 de Thomas Coville, también con velas 3Di.
Las velas North Sails 3Di han batido nada menos que 24 récords mundiales desde 2014. El de Gabart se une a dos establecidos a principios de año: el IDEC de Francis Joyon lograba el trofeo Jules Verne por la circunnavegación absoluta más rápida de la historia (40 días, 23 horas, 30 minutos y 30 segundos) y Armel Le Cléac establecía el récord de vuelta al mundo en solitario para un monocasco durante la Vendée Globe, (74 días, 3 horas, 36 minutos y 46 segundos). Otras marcas de 2017 para recordar son las dos establecidas durante la Transpac Race: el Mighty Merlone de HL Enloe batió el récord de multicascos (intocable durante 20 años), y el Comanche de Jim Clark el de monocascos. Ambos optaron por velas 3Di RAW.
A nivel comercial, North Sails reforzó en junio su catálogo de velas para crucero con la 3Di Nordac, un producto que por primera vez combina la tecnología 3Di y el poliéster, y que está recibiendo unánime reconocimiento internacional. También en nuestro país, como explica Luís Martínez Doreste, director comercial de North Sails España:
“Cerramos el año con una excelente aceptación de la nueva 3Di Nordac, que hemos vendido con éxito especialmente en las áreas de Canarias, Andalucía, Levante y Cataluña. Es un gran producto y nuestros clientes están muy satisfechos”. La nueva vela para crucero colaboró en la consecución de unos buenos resultados de ventas en la campaña 2017: “El balance de 2017 para North Sails en España ha sido muy bueno, hemos cumplido nuestros objetivos comerciales y logrado grandes éxitos deportivos, especialmente en One Design. De cara a 2018 esperamos la llegada de interesantes novedades que completarán nuestra oferta actual, y estamos convencidos de que recibirán una magnífica aceptación por parte de nuestros clientes”.
When temperatures soar, nailing your summer office outfits isn't about wearing less, but rather about balancing impeccable tailoring with heat-resilient comfort. Whether you're at your desk, anchoring a client presentation, or heading out for post-work drinks, the real challenge is staying cool without looking dressed down.
To achieve this, opting for breathable fabrics, comfortable silhouettes, and functional accessories is essential. The North Sails Lifestyle collection handles this balancing act by pairing smart tailoring with high-performance fabrics. Featuring clean lines and a highly versatile color palette, these pieces offer total freedom of movement and a refined finish that carries you smoothly from the boardroom to the weekend. It’s a modern take on seasonal elegance: uncomplicated, sharp, and built for the contemporary workplace.
How to Dress for the Office in Summer
Navigating a strict dress code as the mercury rises doesn't require a complicated wardrobe. Selecting a few interchangeable, high-quality pieces makes transitioning through a busy day effortless. The perfect balance lies in choosing garments that merge freshness with professionalism: lightweight fabrics, relaxed tailored shapes, and functional details ensure you stay sharp even during a heatwave.
Sharp hot weather summer work outfits have to navigate three distinct realities: the freezing air-conditioned office, the sticky city commute, and dinner plans afterward. By focusing on fluid lines, wide-leg trousers, and crisp cotton, even casual summer work outfits retain a polished, intentional look without the stifling weight.
Lightweight and High-Performance Fabrics
Choosing the right textiles is key to beating the heat without losing structure or polish. Linen remains a premier natural choice for the warmer months, ideal for unstructured blazers, breathable shirts, and relaxed trousers. Cotton ensures everyday versatility and coolness, while viscose and crepe create fluid, lightweight silhouettes that easily adapt to active days. For those seeking a technical advantage, performance jersey provides a practical solution: it stretches, breathes, and actively resists wrinkles, ensuring you stay sharp through a packed schedule without feeling restricted.
Conversely, it is wise to skip heavy or non-breathable options like standard polyester, traditional nylon, corduroy, or dense wools, which lock in heat and cause discomfort during peak afternoon hours.
Versatile and Easy-to-Pair Colors
A strategic summer color palette serves a dual purpose: it simplifies daily coordination and visually projects a crisp, collected presence. Off-white, sand, beige, light gray, and navy offer sophisticated, luminous tones that blend harmoniously. These shades mirror the classic nautical style, long celebrated for its relaxed, timeless elegance inspired by seafaring traditions. Because these neutrals naturally complement one another, a concise selection of garments yields a high volume of sharp, interchangeable summer work outfits.
While black remains a timeless staple, it should be restricted to evening wear. During the day, dark fabrics absorb maximum solar heat, rapidly increasing physical discomfort during a city commute. Try swapping it for lighter, softer tones to give your summer office looks a seasonal refresh.
Subtle patterns can also elevate your work wardrobe. Fine pinstripes, especially vertical ones, offer a refined, business-ready aesthetic for shirts, trousers, and light dresses. Tone-on-tone micro-prints or understated geometric motifs work beautifully, whereas oversized prints, overly loud neon tones, or high-contrast patterns should be avoided to preserve a professional workplace atmosphere.
Relaxed Silhouettes and Clean Lines
At peak temperatures, swap restrictive fits and rigid structures for silhouettes that are breezy yet structured. Focus on wide-leg trousers, relaxed-fit shirts, unlined blazers, and fluid midi lengths. The goal is a look that gives you room to breathe while maintaining a sharp, intentional profile.
How you care for your clothes also dictates how polished you look. While a freshly ironed garment always elevates an outfit, heavy ironing in the summer heat is a losing battle. A smarter, more contemporary approach is to lean into fabrics that naturally hold a soft shape and accept the inevitable creases of premium linen. Rather than looking messy, these natural textures convey a contemporary elegance that defines modern style.
Elevating Casual Pieces into Professional Summer Outfits with North Sails
A demanding summer schedule requires clothing that adapts to your day, rather than forcing a compromise between style and comfort. When you are constantly shifting between intense outdoor heat and over-cooled meeting rooms, your wardrobe has to be both resilient and refined.
North Sails’ apparel collection bridges this gap between active city life and the corporate dress code, focusing on clean lines, neutral tones, and technical fabrics to ensure your casual summer work outfits always maintain a distinct edge. Whether you are managing back-to-back client meetings, traveling, or heading straight out for dinner, these pieces hold their shape and keep you cool. It is a highly practical approach to building professional summer outfits, giving you a streamlined wardrobe that works as hard as you do.
Elegance Meets Comfort: Women's Summer Office Outfits
The standards for women's summer office wear are rarely uniform. The ideal look depends on your industry, daily schedule, and the required level of formality. By anchoring your wardrobe with a few versatile, high-quality staples, you can build complete summer office outfits that keep you looking polished and professional from morning coffee to evening networking events.
For a day at headquarters: Light, fluid blouses paired with wide-leg trousers offer an elegant yet relaxed aesthetic. Alternatively, a sharp shirt dress provides a practical option, beautifully completed with loafers, ballet flats, or sleek, smart sneakers.
For meetings and presentations: A lightweight blazer over tailored trousers, a midi skirt paired with a crisp shirt, or a minimalist sheath dress communicates authority without adding bulk.
For business lunches and corporate events: A lightweight suit in neutral tones, a sophisticated midi dress, or a refined top with fluid trousers are perfect choices for networking opportunities.
For smart casual settings: A minimalist tee under an unstructured blazer, a tailored polo with elegant bermuda shorts, or a linen shirt with dark-wash denim offers excellent inspiration for women's casual office outfits that balance comfort and professionalism.
Men's Office Outfits for Summer: The Must Have Combinations
For sharp men's office outfits, the golden rule is shedding unnecessary weight without sacrificing a professional edge. A successful summer wardrobe stays crisp and practical by prioritizing lightweight fabrics, unlined tailoring, and a cooler, seasonal color palette.
For a day at headquarters: Formal yet lightweight combinations allow you to handle the heat with ease. Linen button-downs and lightweight cotton polos paired with tailored chinos or light dress pants offer a simple yet sophisticated everyday look.
For meetings and presentations: Unstructured jackets over light-colored shirts, paired with flexible trousers and minimalist sneakers, offer a modern professional look. For a contemporary spin, swap the traditional dress shirt for a solid-colored polo.
For business lunches and corporate events: A deconstructed suit or separates remain highly versatile. A soft blazer, tailored chinos, and an open-collar shirt strike the perfect balance between refinement and ease.
For smart casual settings: A crewneck tee under a lightweight jacket, an unbuttoned linen shirt with chinos, or a technical polo with loafers are brilliant examples of men's casual office outfits that look effortlessly put together.
Accessories and Footwear to Complete Your Summer Office Looks
Summer accessories should serve a clear purpose, bridging the gap between style and utility. The focus should be on clean, functional pieces that handle a daily commute without adding unnecessary weight.
Clean-lined tote bags, briefcases, and backpacks keep your tech and documents organized while maintaining a professional profile. Subtle details, like a woven fabric belt, add sophisticated character. Additionally, lightweight scarves are indispensable in air-conditioned offices to shield your shoulders from temperature drops without compromising elegance.
Footwear requires a careful balance of structure and breathability. Breathable materials and lightweight constructions prevent overheating, ensuring comfort during long hours away from home. For women, loafers, slingbacks, ballet flats, and smart closed-toe sandals are exceptionally versatile; for men, soft leather loafers, minimalist low-top sneakers, and lightweight derbies maintain a polished presentation while prioritizing everyday utility.
To achieve a perfectly balanced summer office look, focus on a single statement piece, such as a premium bag or designer belt, allowing the rest of your ensemble to remain effortlessly minimal and harmonious.
One of the world’s most iconic annual regattas is set to celebrate its 200th edition in style, and North Sails is proud to be the title partner, with a shared commitment to help deliver an unforgettable week.
READ MORE
UPF, Quick Dry and Sun Protection Clothing: Everything You Need to Know
Spending more time outdoors naturally means greater exposure to UV rays. Whether you're out on the ocean, up in the mountains, traveling, or just commuting through the city, the sun is a constant companion. That’s why sun-protection clothing has become an essential staple of the modern technical wardrobe.
Today's UV-protective garments seamlessly blend high-performance materials, comfort, and versatility. This philosophy drives the North Sails Quick Dry UV Protection line, engineered to brave the elements without sacrificing style or functionality. A lightweight shirt transitions effortlessly from coastal sailing to travel, while a technical t-shirt combines breathability, quick-drying performance, and crucial defense during peak sun hours.
What is UV Protection Clothing?
UV-protective apparel refers to garments and materials specifically engineered to reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that passes through the fabric. These aren’t just typical lightweight summer clothes; they are performance products designed to provide a reliable barrier against sun exposure.
This defense stems from the material's unique construction, weave density, fiber composition, or specialized treatments applied to the textile. Rather than replacing sunscreen, sun-protection clothing acts as a vital component of a broader sun safety strategy that includes seeking shade, wearing hats and sunglasses, and applying sunscreen to any exposed skin.
When Do You Need UV Protection?
The benefits of these garments extend far beyond the beach. Anyone who enjoys sailing, sport fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding spends hours under direct sunlight, where highly reflective water surfaces significantly intensify UV exposure.
Hiking and mountain adventures also demand extra attention. Because UV radiation levels rise with altitude, wearing the right protective gear becomes essential.
However, you don't need to be an extreme outdoor athlete to benefit. Road trips, day hikes, bike rides, or simply walking around the city during the summer months are all situations where sun-protection clothing maximizes safety and comfort.
What Is UPF and What Does It Stand For in Clothing?
To understand how effectively a garment shields you from UV rays, we look at its UPF rating, which stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor.
This metric indicates exactly how much UV radiation penetrates a fabric and reaches your skin. It serves as the most reliable technical benchmark to measure a material's protective capacity and define the true meaning of UPF. Backed by rigorous laboratory testing, UPF fabrics allow you to objectively compare the performance of different UV-blocking garments.
UPF Meaning: How to Read Sun Protection Levels
Understanding UPF ratings is straightforward: the higher the number, the less UV radiation passes through the fabric.
UPF 30 blocks about 96.7% of UV rays;
UPF 50 blocks approximately 98% of ultraviolet radiation;
UPF 50+ represents the highest possible category of sun protection.
Today, UPF 50 is the gold standard for outdoor apparel. Because it blocks the vast majority of UV rays without sacrificing comfort or breathability, it is widely used in clothing designed for long days outside, whether you're out on the water or exploring the mountains.
UPF vs SPF: What is the Difference?
While UPF and SPF are often confused, they actually measure entirely different types of sun protection:
UPF applies to fabrics and measures the amount of UV radiation that passes through a material.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the effectiveness of sunscreen applied directly to the skin, primarily focusing on preventing sunburn caused by UVB rays.
These two methods are complementary. Sun-protective garments shield the covered parts of your body, but they don't eliminate the need for broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin. The most effective approach recommended by dermatologists is a combination of UV-blocking clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade, and sunscreen.
How Does UPF Clothing Work?
UPF fabrics are engineered to block radiation using tight weaves and specialized materials that offer far more shielding than standard textiles. Even something as simple as color plays a role, as darker or more vibrant shades tend to absorb more UV radiation than very light colors.
These high-performance fabrics are typically woven from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are inherently lightweight, breathable, and durable. In some cases, the sun protection is built directly into the fiber structure itself; in others, it is enhanced through specialized treatments applied to the fabric.
A garment's physical design also plays a major role in overall sun safety. Features like long sleeves, high collars, hoods, and tailored fits provide maximum coverage, shielding a larger surface area of the body without restricting movement or comfort.
Quick Dry Meaning and Its Role in Technical Apparel
One of the most highly valued features in modern technical apparel is Quick Dry technology, engineered for rapid drying. Through effective moisture management, sweat is pulled away from the skin and dispersed across the garment's surface, allowing it to evaporate much faster. This process helps maintain a fresh, comfortable feel, even on the hottest days or during high-intensity activities.
For anyone spending extended time outdoors, from sailing and hiking to summer traveling, rapid drying is a game-changer. That is why quick-drying performance is frequently paired with UV protection in the same gear. While the fabric minimizes UV exposure, its fast-drying nature enhances comfort during active movement and sudden temperature shifts. The result is versatile, lightweight, and highly functional apparel that seamlessly transitions from sports to casual, everyday wear.
Quick Dry and UV Protection: North Sails Technology for the Great Outdoors
Sun-protection clothing is born from the needs of anyone spending long hours outside, exposed to the sun, wind, and moisture. In the Men’s and Women’s Fast Dry & UV Protection collection, North Sails merges reliable UV shielding with rapid-evaporation fabrics. These pieces are engineered specifically for sailing, hiking, water sports, and warm-weather outdoor adventures.
While rooted in North Sails' nautical expertise and integrating technologies developed for technical sailing clothing, these pieces are designed to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of outdoor activities. A quick-dry polo shirt is just as perfect for a day on deck as it is for a summer hike, maintaining optimal comfort as the temperature and humidity climb. Long-sleeve shirts offer excellent layering potential, providing lightweight coverage when the sun peaks or the weather turns unpredictable. UV-protection shorts, pants, and hats complete the system, protecting highly exposed areas during trekking, sailing, or simply enjoying life outside.
This deep focus on fabric performance is woven directly into the history of North Sails. Since its inception in the world of competitive sailing, the brand has developed gear built to withstand the elements, combining technical innovation, functionality, and comfort for anyone who loves the water and an active lifestyle.
How to Choose Your UPF Clothing
Choosing the right sun-protection clothing depends largely on your activity level and how much time you spend outside. Generally, you'll want to look for pieces that combine certified protection with comfort, breathability, freedom of movement, and high-quality materials.
Before picking out your next piece of gear, check for:
Certified UPF 50 or UPF 50+ ratings
The level of coverage offered by the design
Advanced breathability and quick-dry properties
Suitability for your specific outdoor activities
Premium fabric quality and durable construction
When sun exposure is combined with water and wind, UPF swimwear, rash guards, and technical shirts become essential. They shield vulnerable areas and maximize comfort whether you're sailing, surfing, paddleboarding, hiking, or swimming.
Combining UV protection and quick-dry technology results in lightweight, practical garments that are ready for any activity. For those who love the water, the mountains, or traveling, these technologies offer a seamless way to unite performance, convenience, and comfort during every outdoor adventure.
READ MORE