"Cool Biz has evolved from simply removing jackets to a style where one looks good even without one," says Toyokawa. "This year, we have a rich selection of shirts with collars that create a neat look even without a tie. We particularly recommend Italian button-down and cutaway collars. Both have beautiful, three-dimensional lines and are masterpieces perfected through repeated prototyping."
The basic Cool Biz style at Hankyu Men's Tokyo this year is short-sleeved shirts plus pants, without ties or jackets – truly the 2012 "Super Cool Biz." It's simple and standard, but with meticulous attention to details like collar types and the combination with pants made of cool-touch materials, it offers a light, summery look and feel.
"Our recommended shirts at Hankyu Men's Tokyo are the exquisite HITOYOSHI shirts, an exclusive for Hankyu, made by a leading factory in Kumamoto," Toyokawa vouches. "The Italian button-down looks good with or without a tie, and the cutaway collar, when open, creates an elegant line in the V-zone, adding a touch of sophistication."

B1F | Dress Shirt Section "HITOYOSHI"

HITOYOSHI is a factory that has supplied high-end dress shirts worldwide, including to Europe and America. Hankyu's buyers, impressed by their high technical skill, collaborated with them for an exclusive line for the opening of Hankyu Men's Tokyo. The stand collar, which greatly affects comfort, is particularly noteworthy, creating a collar shape that conforms to the neck and forms a beautiful curve.
All short-sleeved shirts are under 10,000 yen, and the availability of LL (43-86) sizes in addition to three standard sizes is a welcome bonus. This season offers a rich variety of materials, including knit shirts that look like woven fabric, linen which has been performing exceptionally well since spring, and classic cotton. Enjoy the comfort that natural materials inherently provide this summer.

Learn About Trendy Outfits at the Cool Biz Style Seminar

By joining Hankyu Men's Tokyo's "Style Making Club," you can receive personalized coordination services from stylists, ranging from individual item recommendations to complete outfits tailored to any occasion.
Additionally, they hold timely fashion seminars, such as the "Cool Biz Style Seminar" for businessmen hosted by the Style Making Club, catering to those who wish to elevate their style.
Style Making Salon (Tel. 03-6252-5265)
*For details on the Style Making Club, please refer to the URL below.
http://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/mens-tokyo/service/style.html

The Basics: Short-Sleeved Shirt + Slacks

HITOYOSHI's cotton shirts use Xinjiang cotton, renowned as one of the world's three major luxury cottons, alongside Egyptian and Supima cotton. Its long fibers and elegant luster are distinctive, and its lightness is a significant appeal.
Lanvin en Bleu pants are made from a wrinkle-resistant, cool-touch wool blend material with a slightly tapered, orthodox silhouette. With mesh lining and being washable, they can be worn comfortably and cleanly throughout the summer.

Short-Sleeved Shirt + Chinos for Sporty Business Casual

HITOYOSHI's knit shirts achieve a smoothness akin to woven fabric. The comfort provided by their stretchability supports summer business scenes. The beautiful silhouette of the Italian button-down collar, despite being made of cut-and-sew material, demonstrates HITOYOSHI's high sewing technology.
J. Lindeberg pants feature a slim, clean silhouette that tapers from the thigh to the knee and then straightens below the knee. Made from stretch wool material, they are resistant to friction and can be machine washed, making them versatile for business, weekends, and even activities like golf.

B1F | Dress Shirt Section "ANGLAIS"

Amidst the increasing casualization of business wear, or "business casual," we discovered ANGLAIS at Hankyu Men's Tokyo, a shirt brand that bridges business and casual. Based on European classics, these sophisticated shirts, perfect for wearing without a tie, are made in Japan with attention to fabric, buttons, and interlinings. While maintaining high quality, their popularity stems from the beautiful silhouette and comfort achieved through a unique pattern that shifts the shoulder yoke line backward.
Compared to HITOYOSHI, these shirts have a more relaxed silhouette and a greater emphasis on natural materials. They are recommended for casual, untied styles.

Dress Down Style

Here, "dress down" refers to a style that "forgoes a jacket, pairing dress-type chinos or other cotton bottoms with driving shoes." It denotes a light, stylish ensemble that pairs well with items like colored leather tote bags.
Linen Italian button-down shirts are recommended. Their open weave ensures excellent breathability, and the diagonal stretch provides comfort, making them ideal for summer.
The pants from Lanvin en Bleu are made of lightweight cotton with a washed finish, offering a relaxed feel that enhances their casual appeal. Their slim silhouette provides a cool impression.

Dress Up Style

The "dress-up version" of Cool Biz involves "shirt and pants styles that work well with linen or unconstructed jackets and ties." This style is completed with classic semi-brogue shoes and a sleek leather briefcase.
The key items are cutaway shirts made of a crisp, smooth cotton-linen blend. The small collar fits neatly without a tie and creates a beautiful line when tied, a signature advantage of the cutaway style.
Pair these with slacks featuring a clean, tapered silhouette, made from Coolmax material – which absorbs and evaporates sweat five times faster than cotton, maintaining a comfortable body humidity and lowering temperature – for a refined look.

B1F | Folding Fan Section, etc.

"When you subtract the jacket from your outfit for Super Cool Biz, it becomes important to accessorize," notes Toyokawa. "I believe bags and belts are crucial for adding personality. Since a bag replaces the 'pocket' a jacket provides, prioritize functionality. Belts offer a chance for personal expression through design and color. Material choice is also important."
Furthermore, they offer a wide selection of Hankyu original items, including Japanese summer essentials like folding fans, handkerchiefs, bow ties, scarves, socks, shoes, and underwear. Choose items with "summer dress style" in mind.