When the temperature rises, the challenge of keeping cool while maintaining a professional appearance becomes a top priority for many guys. However, the coming of summer doesn't mean you have to compromise on style or comfort, especially when it comes to choosing the right suit.
Selecting the appropriate ensemble can make all the difference in staying comfortable and looking sharp, even in the hottest weather. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of choosing a summer suit that seamlessly blends style, professionalism, and comfort.
Understanding the Fabric
Choice of fabric is an essential element of a comfortable summer suit. Lightweight materials that offer breathability and can wick away moisture are ideal. Here are some top fabric choices for hot weather suits:
Linen
Known for its exceptional breathability and lightweight nature, linen stands as the quintessential summer fabric. Its ability to absorb moisture and dry quickly keeps you cool and comfortable even in the most sweltering conditions. The natural wrinkles of linen imbue a casual charm, making it ideal for semi-formal and relaxed business settings. For those who prefer a more polished look, linen blends offer a compromise, reducing creasing while maintaining the fabric's inherent coolness.
Cotton
As a versatile and breathable fabric, cotton is renowned for its comfort and ease of care. It is less prone to wrinkling compared to linen, providing a neater appearance throughout the day. Cotton suits are available in a variety of weaves, such as twill and poplin, each offering a distinct texture and weight that can be tailored to different summer occasions.
Seersucker
The puckered texture of seersucker fabric is not just a stylistic choice but a functional design that promotes airflow, making it exceptionally suitable for the hottest days. This unique texture also renders seersucker suits virtually immune to wrinkling, ensuring you look polished with minimal effort.
Wool Blends
Though wool might not immediately spring to mind for summer, modern lightweight wool blends are specifically designed to be breathable. These blends often incorporate silk, linen, or cotton, marrying the structured look of wool with the coolness of natural fibers. Perfect for formal events, these suits offer a sharper silhouette while ensuring comfort.
Nylon
Adding to the list of summer suit materials, nylon presents a modern twist on traditional fabric choices. Known for its durability and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking, nylon can be woven into lightweight fabrics that are surprisingly suitable for summer wear. When blended with fibers like spandex, suits like the xSuit Air achieve unmatched flexibility and moisture-wicking properties, making them an ideal choice for warmer weather.
The Right Colors and Patterns
Choosing the right color and pattern for your summer suit is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for comfort. Lighter colors and certain patterns can significantly impact your overall look and how you feel in the summer heat.
Embracing Light Colors
Lighter colors are not just a fashion statement; they have practical benefits during the warmer months. According to howstuffworks.com, lighter-colored clothing can “bounce” solar heat away from the body, helping to keep you cooler in the sun. Here are four of the best suit colors to best the summer heat:
- Light Grey: A versatile and timeless choice, light grey suits are perfect for both formal and informal occasions. They pair well with a variety of shirt colors and accessories, making them a staple in any summer wardrobe.
- Beige: Beige suits exude a classic summer vibe and offer endless styling options. They work exceptionally well for outdoor events, providing a crisp and elegant look while keeping you cool.
- Sky Blue: A sky blue suit can add a refreshing pop of color to your summer attire. It's a fantastic choice for making a statement without going over the top, suitable for weddings, garden parties, or even a day at the races.
- Soft Pink: For those looking to add a touch of playfulness to their summer wardrobe, soft pink is an excellent choice. It's a unique color that stands out, perfect for occasions where you want to showcase your personal style.
Patterns That Speak Summer
Incorporating patterns into your summer suits can add visual interest and personality to your ensemble. Here are some classic and contemporary patterns that are perfect for summer:
- Checks: From subtle glen checks to more pronounced windowpane patterns, checks can add sophistication to your summer suit. Light-colored checks on a white or cream background are particularly suitable for the season, offering a balance between elegance and casual flair.
- Stripes: Vertical stripes can elongate the silhouette, making you appear taller and slimmer. Light pinstripes or seersucker stripes in summer hues are excellent choices, providing a traditional look with a seasonal twist.
- Houndstooth: While traditionally seen in heavier fabrics for colder months, houndstooth can also work in lightweight summer suits. Opt for houndstooth in light colors and breathable fabrics to maintain comfort without sacrificing style.
- Floral and Geometric Patterns: For the more adventurous dresser, floral and geometric patterns can make a bold statement. These patterns are perfect for special occasions or events where you want your outfit to be a conversation starter. Choose subdued colors to keep the overall look elegant and season-appropriate.
Balancing Patterns and Colors
When selecting a patterned suit, it's essential to balance the rest of your outfit to avoid clashing. Pairing a patterned suit with a solid-colored shirt ensures that the suit remains the focal point of your ensemble. Additionally, consider the scale of the pattern; smaller patterns tend to be more versatile and easier to match with accessories.
A Suits Construction is the Key to Staying Cool
The construction of a suit plays a pivotal role in its functionality, especially when it comes to staying cool and dry in the summer heat. Understanding the nuances of suit construction can help you find a suit that looks great and feels good in warmer temperatures.
Lining
The lining of a suit is one of the key elements that determine its breathability and, by extension, its suitability for summer wear. Suits typically come with a full lining, half lining, or no lining at all.
For the summer months, opting for suits that are unlined or partially lined is recommended.
An unlined suit offers the maximum amount of breathability, allowing air to circulate freely through the fabric and thereby reducing the accumulation of heat and moisture against the skin. Partially lined suits, where the lining is typically restricted to the sleeves and the upper part of the jacket, strike a balance between maintaining the structure of the suit and enhancing its comfort under high temperatures.
By reducing the layers of fabric, these suits become lighter and more adaptable to the movements of the body, making them an ideal choice for staying comfortable in the heat.
Padding
Padding in the shoulder area of suits adds structure and defines its silhouette. Traditional suits often come with significant padding to achieve a sharp, formal look. However, for summer suits, minimal to no shoulder padding is preferable. Reduced padding leads to a more relaxed silhouette, which aligns well with the casual and comfortable aesthetic suitable for summer.
Moreover, less padding means better air circulation around the body, minimizing heat retention and making the suit more comfortable to wear in warm weather. A suit with minimal shoulder padding can drape naturally over the body, offering a look that is both sophisticated and suited to the laid-back vibe of summer.
Stitching and Weave
The stitching and weave of a suit are subtle yet critical aspects of its construction that can significantly influence its breathability. Hand-stitched seams are often a sign of high-quality craftsmanship and can enhance the suit's ability to adapt to the wearer's body, offering a more personalized fit. Moreover, suits crafted with lighter and more open weaves allow for better airflow through the fabric. These weaves create small gaps within the fabric structure, facilitating the movement of air and the evaporation of moisture. This means that heat and sweat are less likely to be trapped between the suit and the skin, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable wearing experience.
Finding the Perfect Summer Suit
Finding the perfect warm-weather suit doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice style for comfort. With the right combination of fabric, color, pattern, and construction, you can stay and look cool all summer long. xSuit’s line of lightweight, flexible, and lightweight pants and jackets are designed to do just that. Be sure to check out the xSuit Air collection when upgrading your summer wardrobe.
