How to Wear a Seersucker Suit

Looking for a go-to suit that’s adaptable and won’t have you feeling the heat this summer? Swot up on our Seersucker Suit style guide and learn how you can not only look cool but keep cool too.

With summer practically on your doorstep and an abundance of weddings, graduations, or parties lined up on the horizon, you might be looking at your wardrobe in dismay, wondering how on earth you’re going to keep yourself looking dapper without melting in the summer heat. Do you want both comfort and a cool formal look? Keep on reading to find your classic seersucker suit.

What is a Seersucker Suit?

The term Seersucker actually refers to the type of fabric used to make the suit, as opposed to any colour or pattern. So whilst the pinstripes are a hallmark of the classic Seersucker style, the suit also comes in an array of colours and patterns, such as gingham and plaids. You can find the perfect solid color (such as a white button down shirt) and opt for the perfect summer fabric for warmer weather.

The combination of the lightweight cotton and puckered weaving is what creates the cooling effect – that the Seersucker Suit is so well known for. As the material does not cling to your body it allows for easy air circulation making it perfect for hot climates or the summer months.

As it is naturally rumpled the great news is that you don’t have to iron it. Yes, you did read that right! A suit that doesn’t even need ironing, making it perfect for your travels…or if you’re just super lazy. It’s also easily washed – what more can we say? The Seersucker Suit is practically perfect. You will enjoy the lightweight fabrics + the fact knowing it is a stylish suit.

Seersucker Style Guide

Despite the Seersucker Suit being considered an American classic, it’s safe to say that the style has successfully made its way across the pond. Worn regularly by celebs, the Seersucker suit is alternative, functional, and easy to adapt to any situation. It is also great for you if you fancy linen suits.

Whilst wore as a full suit, the best way to successfully and confidently pull off a Seersucker Suit is to break the style up and instead focus on key pieces. It will also help you to avoid looking as though you’ve got lost on your way to a fancy dress party.

The Smart Seersucker Suit

A darker Seersucker Suit will also look fantastic in an office environment, and makes for a great power suit. It can also suit your summer weddings while sitting your personal style. Once you’ve found your Seersucker blazer and trousers to suit, couple it with a simple white shirt. If you want to increase the formality with a tie then scroll down to view some top tips on accessorising. But opting for a simple open-buttoned shirt will help keeps this outfit looking smart, sharp, and effortless. Go for the right beige pants and a classy dress shirt that can ‘suit’ your summer suitings.

The Casual Seersucker Suit

Wearing a polo shirt is the perfect way to dress down a Seersucker suit and keep it looking impeccably casual. It will also give you that slim fit during warm weather. Struggling to find something with a pair of seersucker trousers? We reckon you should go full suit and get a seersucker blazer too. It is also a great example of how adaptable and flexible the Seersucker style truly is. By simply swapping from a white shirt to a polo shirt, or even a t-shirt, you can instantly transform the look from formal office wear to classy casual evening attire. Try adding sunglasses and rolling up the sleeves on your Seersucker jacket to enhance some of that carefree swag.

As it is such a versatile suit, it really works with a number of footwear choices. Some slip-on trainers or even some suede brown shoes will help style the suit down without losing any of the elegant and distinctive Seersucker look.

Separating the Seersucker

Even if you’re really not feeling the suit, there are still a number of ways that you can incorporate the Seersucker fabric into your warm-weather wardrobe. Choosing one simple statement piece is effortlessly effective and keeps the look conservative yet sharp. If a Seersucker jacket appeals to you, this can easily be coupled with some chinos or khaki trousers. Add a simple T-shirt and you’re favourite trainers and you’re good to go. You can stick to a traditional blue shade such as a light blue and enjoy matching pants with your outfit.

The same effect can be achieved with a pair of Seersucker trousers, or even Seersucker shorts if you fancy getting your legs out. To really tone the formality down, try combining either the trousers or shorts with a pair of converse trainers and a simple shirt. The result? A look that’s distinctive, practical, and not too flashy either. The right texture with a proper belt will make an impression on your July summer events!

Seersucker Accessories

The most important element to creating any look that incorporates an item of Seersucker, is to make sure that the colours complement each other. Once you’ve decided on your Seersucker clothing, base your accessories and shoes around that colour scheme. When it comes to accessorising your Seersucker clothes, it’s also best to keep any additional fabric similarly lightweight.

If you’ve ever been a little nervous about accessorizing a suit, now is the perfect time to live a little and live loudly. The Seersucker is such a classic that a bow tie is almost a necessity and is instantly associated with the style. So if you’ve always wanted to wear a bow tie and have a Seersucker to hand then there’s never been a better time.

Hats are great to help maintain that chilled summer feeling and are ideal for hot summer weather. Luckily, the Seersucker suit goes hand in hand with a variety of them, (the Straw Hat, Fedora, Panama, even the trusty cap!), so you definitely don’t need to be picky when it comes to matching headwear to your Seersucker Suit..

Caring for a Seersucker Suit

As we mentioned earlier, the Seersucker Suit is absolutely perfect if you’re looking for an easy-to-keep suit. Do you know enough about suit fabrics and are you ready for some new arrivals in your closet? Well, this cotton suit doesn’t need ironing as it is naturally wrinkled, and taking care of the garment is a doddle. Make sure to follow the care instructions on the label, but generally, avoid bleaching the fabric if it’s dyed. Wash on a cold wash and hang it up to dry. Simple!

How to Wear a Seersucker Suit

Make sure it fits well.
Ensure that your sleeves are the correct length. The vertical stripes elongate the look and you don’t want to over-exaggerate this with any incorrect lengths.
Keep Seersucker trousers ankle high and cuffed.
Wear in your Seersucker shorts – the more casual and comfortable looking the better.
Consider getting a genuine Seersucker Suit dry cleaned.
Never wear a Seersucker tie with a Seersucker Suit.
Look for high-quality material.
If you’re wondering what to wear with seersucker trousers, either just go for a shirt or a matching jacket.
Get the right shoes with a seersucker suit – go for formal and never trainers.

On That Note

Regardless of how you decide to style your Seersucker Suit, the key to making an instant impression and maintaining your cool is wearing it with confidence. It’s a piece designed to be worn for pleasure – it’s playful and functional and will certainly bring out your inner gent. So chaps, what are you waiting for? Step out of the shade, release your inner dandy, and embrace the ultimately cool (in more ways than one) Seersucker Suit.

Feature image from Pinterest