Your summer wardrobe deserves more seersucker
From relaxed Cuban-collared shirts to trousers that straddle the style spectrum, this versatile, breathable and distinctive material could be your summer salvation
Words: Jonathan Wells
‘Seersucker’ is an odd word. It’s also quite an odd fabric, come to think of it. Invented in India, the material makes use of alternating silk and cotton warps to create a crease-free combination of crinkled and smooth pinstripes. This distinctive weave gave the fabric its nickname of ‘milk and sugar’, or ‘shir o shekar’ in Persian, which has since been anglicised into ‘seersucker’. Not so odd after all.
And seersucker is beyond practical for these warmer summer months. Its lightweight construction, versatile style and breezy breathability make it the ideal blend of fashion and function — and the fact that it’s already creased gives it an immediate advantage over linen. So, if you’re looking to add a little more texture to your summer styling, here are the best seersucker shirts, blazers and trousers to try now…
A long-sleeved seersucker shirt is a classic
In summer, your wardrobe will invariably be stuffed with shirts crafted from light cotton and linen. But seersucker is the real winner when it comes to hot weather dressing. Those alternative pinstripes add puckering to the texture of your shirt, allowing for more air circulation and breathability on especially scorching days.
From Orlebar Brown, this Giles shirt comes in a tonal Bahama blue — and employs a tailored fit to ensure it’s cool enough for even the hottest office. Paul Smith’s casual collarless offering is made in Italy from an extra-lightweight seersucker, and is ideal for regulating your temperature. And, for a splash of colour, Fitz and Fro’s red and white striped offering is a throwback to 1960s continental summer style.
Seersucker is the sensible choice for your nautical navy blazer
If you’re having trouble channelling nautical style (without looking like a sailor), we’ve got you covered. One of our key tips would be to avoid gold buttons on a navy blazer, but we’d also suggest making sure that navy blazer is tailored from seersucker. This way, you’ll still achieve that classic seafaring look, but your yachting experience will be a lot more comfortable.
Unstructured and unlined for comfort, this blazer from Rubinacci draws inspiration from the lightweight style worn by the brand’s namesake in the late 1930s. Gieves & Hawkes has half-lined its seersucker suit jacket, offering the perfect summer wedding wardrobe. And Jaeger has your office style sorted with this darkest blue suit, tailored to a classic regular fit.
Seersucker and Cuban collars are a match made in hot weather heaven
The flat, open Cuban collar is ideal for keeping you cool this summer — as is seersucker. So allow the two to join forces and you’ll be buttoning up a shirt to rival all others in the sweltering heat. A touch of retro charm here, and bags of breathability there, a Cuban-collared, seersucker-stitched shirt is well worth the investment.
From Frescobol Carioca, the Thomas shirt features short, rolled-up sleeves to keep you even cooler. This deep navy offering from Gitman Vintage is inspired by the brand’s archives, sourcing fabrics and patterns from old line books. And British-born Hemingsworth has created this striped seersucker button-down to be worn expressly, margarita in hand, by the pool.
Seersucker trousers straddle the style spectrum
But don’t think shirts get all the seersucker fun. Your trousers, too, can benefit from the fabric — and give your more formal outfits a touch of functionality in the warmer weather. Straddling the style spectrum from smart to casual, there’s a pair of seersucker trousers for every occasion.
For the office, trust Oliver Spencer. These black fishtail trousers are woven with seersucker’s subtle stripes, and feature handy buttoned pockets. Arjé’s Timothee trousers are considerably more casual, with a relaxed fit perfect for your off-duty looks. And Officine Générale’s indigo blue offering is somewhere in the middle, with an elasticated waist and turn-ups for a smart-casual flavour.
Want to discover another material that will change your summer style forever? Terry towelling is waiting by the pool…
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