Summer starts here...

Bermudian summer officially started on Monday, Bermuda Day. From May 24, it is acceptable to locals to enter the sea. Although us expats from colder climes have been splish splashing in the surf for weeks. You never would have guessed it was summer though if you didn't know, it's got off to a slow start. I think London was actually hotter on Monday and Tuesday... refund!!! 


It has rained day and night all week which might be down to the Bermudians doing a rain dance. They have been praying for 'tank rain' for weeks. Now let me explain this foreign concept. As Bermuda is over 700 miles from mainland, we have to rely on rain for our water supply otherwise that would be a very long water pipe. The rain is collected on roofs and stored in tanks, because of this Bermudian houses have uniquely styled roofs which are painted white and bleached. Making for some interesting entry and exit strategies to buildings during the bleaching process to avoid those fatal pink spots and some unwanted highlights in your hair.

So how does the lesser spotted 'tank rain' differ from common or garden rain. Well it takes a native eye to spot the difference and technically speaking it is rain that is heavy enough to create a reserve in your tank and rain that fall straight down (as opposed to at a slight angle) in order to collect on roofs. Got it?, good! Rain lesson over. 


May 24 is also an important date in the Bermudian fashion calendar, from this day forth each year, it is time to whip out those BERMUDA SHORTS!!!! from the back of the wardrobe for the summer season. So how does one wear the famous Bermuda shorts exactly?! 


Well contrary to popular belief, Bermuda shorts are not the crazy patterned, acid coloured ones, those bad boys are Hawaiian. No, the Bermuda Shorts are a far more sophisticated fashion statement. Let's take these fine fellows as a case in point...

You will see from the above that they are also a flexible choice, suitable for weekend wear, a game of golf, a day at the office, an appointment with the bank manager... whatever you do, you can do so safe in the knowledge that you are looooooking goooood fella. 


And for the finer points, here are some top tips:


1. Show off those knobbly knees with pride, your shorts should be three inches above them.
2. Don't carry bananas in your pockets, or any other bulky items, as this effects the line of the short.
3. Shorts are better bright teamed up with a more classic black or navy blazer and a plain shirt.
4. For business, wear long socks with your shorts and smart shoes (loafers with tassles are fashion forward in these parts), no sandals/sock fashion faux pas allowed!
5. If you want to really look like you know what you are doing, go pink 
6. Don't let age be a barrier, I've met 60-somethings in shorts and they wear them well. It's all about confidence.
7. If you are wearing socks, you should also wear a tie. Visit the English Sports Shop on Front Street for a tie with a Bermuda theme - tree frogs, scooters, pink buses, kites are all pretty damn cool as a motif.
8. Play close attention to tightness, no one like to see a VPL (visible pant line)
9. They shouldn't be too loose either as a 'basic instinct' is also undesirable.
10. Equal right apply - girls can do Bermuda Shorts too and there are less rules so make it your own ladies.