The summer months are here and with that comes an undeniable feeling of lightness and relaxation. Although this laid-back season may result in a leniency when it comes to dress codes, there's no excuse for poor styling among style-conscious men. So how does a modern gentleman wear his suit in summer, suitable for the office, a meeting or an event when it's warm outside?
What is important in a suit in summer
Every workplace has different dress codes, especially in summer. However, in general, you should always follow the same rule: regardless of the weather, it is always important to look professional, appropriate and stylish. We see it as a great opportunity to branch out into different colors and finishes. We've put together a guide on what to look for in a summer suit so you can stay and look cool during the hottest season.
Suits are an essential part of the modern men's wardrobe. However, one suit does not fit all, and this rule also applies to the seasons. To secure the best summer suit, it is particularly important to pay attention to the construction and fabric. The construction of a suit determines its weight, texture and breathability. Opting for an unlined or semi-lined suit will give you much more ventilation and coolness, although you may have to sacrifice some of the suit's structure. Taking care of the material your summer suit is made of also helps keep you cool, as a lighter cloth and looser weave in the fabric allows for more airflow and minimizes heat.
Fabrics for the garment
In the colder months, tweed, wool and cashmere suits are appropriate as the material not only looks structured and professional but also keeps you warm. However, in the summer, swap out these suits for breathable, lightweight fabrics that will keep you cool without compromising your appearance.
Linen suit
Linen is a classic material for summer and is one of the most popular fabrics for summer suits due to its lightweight, breathable fabric. This fabric is made from the fibers of flax and has a visible weave and a great natural texture. It also wrinkles very easily, which is also part of its effortless charm. However, if you're wearing this suit to work in the summer, consider trying a linen blend that also contains cotton or wool. This way you maintain the look of linen without causing wrinkles.
Cotton suit
The cotton suit is one of the most versatile options as it allows you to create a sophisticated yet casual look that is extremely summer friendly. Cotton is stiffer than a wool suit, but the material also keeps your body cooler. One of the most popular colors for a cotton suit is khaki, but you can also be adventurous with onebaby blue cotton suit, which consists of high-quality materials.
Suit made of cotton or linen fabric with crepe stripes
According to many fashion experts, the so-called seersucker suit not only offers style but also versatile options. Originating from the South, the look of seersucker has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades. In fact, Wednesday, June 11, was declared Seersucker Day to honor this American men's fashion.
Seersucker is a unique cotton fabric characterized by its signature striped, crinkled surface and strategic crimping (as well as its fun name), offering the modern man another way to wear a business-appropriate ensemble in the summer without sacrificing style. Fair warning: However, seersucker is a casual summer suit and not particularly acceptable in a formal dress code store.
Fresco suit in summer
Most people wouldn't think of choosing a wool suit for summer. However, wool fresco is a completely different story. The word fresco is derived from the Italian word “alfresco,” which roughly means “fresh” or “in the fresh air.” This is exactly how you will feel in a Fresco suit. This fabric consists of several threads of yarn and highly twisted wool with an open braid. This makes the fabric very airy and yet remains very durable.
This fabric was specially designed for summer. Although the open weave allows for maximum airflow, the crisp feel and look of the fabric created by the high-twist wool ensures this summer suit looks extremely elegant and sophisticated. Lightweight wool like this works much better than cotton or linen because it wicks away sweat, not absorbs it, so you can look and feel your best.
Summer suit made of chambray fabric
Chambray, also known as batiste or patent linen, is a lightweight cotton fabric that is slightly shiny, very comfortable and perfect for summer. Recently, fashion labels from Valentino to Armani to J. Crew have introduced the chambray fabric to their summer stores. The fabric, which is closely related to denim, appears durable and sturdy, but at the same time flows as you move and feels soft.
Summer colors for light summer suits
Of course, dark blue, charcoal gray and black suits should always form the foundation of your business wardrobe. Lighter colors like khakis and light grays reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Summer is also the perfect time to add color, vibrancy and boldness to your wardrobe.
Light gray summer suit
This color is a sister of the tried and tested anthracite and goes well with almost any fabric for the summer. Try a light gray oneSuit with tieand pocket square for an elegant summer look perfect for the office or business lunch.
Baby blue suit
Move away from the dark duds of navy blue and dare with lighter shades of blue. This attention-grabber is still a sophisticated shade that's ideal for summer and can add a youthful and fun flair to your look. Baby blue works best with linen, and a blue and white seersucker is a classic summer look.
Khaki summer suit
A popular outfit for summer and spring, the khaki suit is perfect for any daytime event. Although you should avoid wearing this color in the evening (as there is a risk of it appearing too casual), the khaki suit looks extremely good with the right accessories. Wear your khaki suit with a blue and white striped button-down shirt and a navy tie or a pink button-down shirt with a patterned tie.
Burgundy or maroon
This bold and rich color is well suited for summer and will fit seamlessly into your fall wardrobe. Marc Jacobs and Moschino are shaping the wine-colored suit as a staple of men's summer fashion. So you can do this too. If burgundy is considered a neutral color, then maroon could be its wilder half-brother. Such a summer suit will undoubtedly attract attention.
Shades of red for the summer look
Red appears more and more in men's suits in summer. The runways are filled with cherry, fire engine, purple and primary red menswear from Burberry Prorsum to Dolce & Gabbana. If you already have a strong arsenal of primary colors in your closet, perhaps a red suit should be your next step.
Trends to try out
The men's suit with shorts is definitely an interesting option for summer fashion. It's like a regular men's outfit, except the pants are replaced with fitted shorts above the knee. Some criticize the informality of this look, while others call the cropped pantsuit a guaranteed winner for "best dressed" men this season. Would you wear this look?
Are floral patterns suitable for a summer suit? This appears to be the case at the moment. Floral patterns are very popular in men's fashion. In summer, the trend takes an elevated approach by integrating into dressing. Tom Ford's collection sets new standards in the field of floral motifs. The colors of the 70s, the floral prints from head to toe and the embroidered silk add accents.
The trend is influenced by James Bond and is interspersed with bright, unconventional splashes of color. She practically invites men to experiment with their outfits by wearing a full floral summer suit. Complete your look with a floral tie or floral dress shirt for an ensemble that is both pulled together and fashionable. A printed blazer also goes perfectly with neutral trousers.
Accessories for a summer suit
Accessories complete a men's outfit and perfectly adapt your look to be as minimalist or creative as you want. In general, if you're keeping the suit light and simple, choose one or two accessories, such as bright socks and a patterned tie, to add accents. If you have a statement suit in bold colors or patterns, streamline your accessories and keep them simple to refine your look.
In keeping with the theme of summer, you can accentuate your look with linen or seersucker tie. A pocket square can also be added for elegant occasions. Don't let the hot weather stop you from looking like the put together, elegant man you are. Remember these tips and tricks and you will look well-groomed all summer long - even in the heat.