97 | Why Most Men Dress Wrong in the TRopics with Nicholas Whittle
Nicholas Whittle built his career in boardrooms, not jungles. A graduate of Columbia Business School and a corporate advisor in Jakarta, he's spent 30 years navigating the fast-changing world of clean energy. But one of his biggest adjustments wasn’t professional—it was personal. Raised in the cool, cloudy climate of Britain, Nick embodied classic menswear: structured tailoring, layers, wool. That all had to change in Southeast Asia’s tropical heat. He traded heavy jackets for breathable linens, Oxford shoes for something more practical. Still, his signature style remained—just adapted. His wardrobe now bridges two worlds: timeless British elegance, with the lightness and ease that life near the equator demands. Style doesn’t disappear in the heat. It evolves.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
*The essential wardrobe changes and fabric choices needed for classic menswear in the tropics. *How to source high-quality, climate-appropriate clothing and footwear in Indonesia and similar regions. *The benefits and cultural importance of indigenous dress such as the Indonesian batik shirt, and how to wear it with confidence.
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00:00 Welcome to the Fashion Geek Podcast
01:24 Introduction to Nicholas Whittle
03:33 Challenges of Classic Menswear in the Tropics
05:42 Nicholas Whittle's Background and Experience
09:06 Adapting to the Tropical Climate
16:42 Tailoring and Ready-to-Wear Options in Jakarta
25:38 Thrifting and Building a Quality Wardrobe
28:48 Footwear Challenges in Jakarta
31:20 Introduction to Justin Fitzpatrick
31:47 Discovering Niche Shoe Brands
36:02 Transitioning to Indonesian Fashion
37:09 Exploring Global Traditional Attire
38:45 The Art of Batik Clothing
54:23 Fashion Tips and Lightning Round
01:00:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
