With summer almost upon us, we have multiple inquiries about summer suits. We have some terrific choices right now, and we will highlight the most common suits for summer here.
First, linen suits and blazers are a top pick. Linen is lightweight and breathable and just has the quintessential summer look about it. It’s sort of no fuss, wrinkles fall out easily and it’s a pleasure to wear it in 80 degrees. We have a couple of Zegna linen jackets available now as well as Polo Ralph Lauren.
Next, consider lightweight wool or wool blends. Here is an example in a lightweight wool and silk blend sharkskin suit from the 60s by Alexandre, one of our favorite suit makers out of England. This is just a fantastic suit for a summer wedding, and it’s really a collectible vintage 3 piece suit. It’s a lightweight suit but maintains it’s top quality look and feel, not an easy feat. The sharkskin shimmer makes it even more spectacular in the sun.
And of course cotton is a perennial favorite for summer, since it’s breathable, easy to clean, and easy to wear. Here is a 50s gingham cotton blazer, a great lightweight piece to keep you cool in more ways than one. I love the interesting details that are different in a 50s piece vs a modern piece, but I guess we will save that for another blog post. Word has it that gingham is the go to fabric for summer 2011. Unfortunately, we only have a few gingham pieces in right now. Seersucker is a popular cotton fabric, and this is strictly a summertime item. Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers does this so well in their classic and trad way.
We can’t leave out polyester, because this can actually be done quite well depending on the maker, and have a good quality in the draping and feel, particularly when it is blended with one of the other fabrics mentioned here. This makes many suits more durable and easier to travel with and clean.
Whatever your choice, summer is a terrific time to lighten up and try something new in your suiting repertoire. Post what your wearing in the comments section below!