The Summer Suit Guide

During the year’s warmest months, a suit can sound like the last thing you want to wear. Long sleeves, multiple layers, wool fabrics — a far cry from the T-shirt and shorts you might otherwise reach for.

However, not all suits are made the same; many are specifically made for warm weather, and along with a few tips and tricks, you can wear them all day long without feeling like a furnace.

So, whether you’re attending a wedding, an important interview, a formal affair, or a new job, here’s our advice on how to keep your cool while looking sharp this season.

Suits

From fabric choices to construction techniques and even the fit, there are many factors that differentiate warm and cold weather suits.

In the summertime, lightweight fabrics with loose, open weaves are your best friend. Opt for blends that include linen, silk, cotton, and lightweight wool to allow for lots of airflow and little resistance.

Jackets with little-to-no shoulder and chest padding offer a sense of weightlessness, like that of a light sweater in comparison, while minimal lining means air can more easily pass through.

Lastly, summer suits should never be cut too close to the body — instead, opt for looser fits for better breathability between you and your clothing.

Shirts

Just like a summer suit, shirts designed for warmer weather revolve around similar features — namely, lighter fabrics and looser fits.

Linen, seersucker, madras, and lightweight cotton fabrics are preferred for their lightness of weight and loose weaves, providing plenty of airflow to your skin (even underneath a jacket), while a boxier, less form-fitting cut achieves the same thing.

If the occasion permits, feel free to undo a few buttons from the top collar of your shirt for further ventilation.

Knitwear 

If a button-up shirt feels a little too formal for the occasion, or you’re looking for some variety, a refined knitted underpinning is a more casual alternative.

Once again, fabric plays a central role here; crisp summer cottons, shear Merino wools, and silk-blended compositions are what to look for. These offer a pleasing luster and structure without the insulation of a thick, winter-weight sweater.

While less formal than a buttoned shirt, finely knit fabrics feature a characteristic sheen, which creates a more elevated aesthetic than a basic cotton or woven tee. For that reason, short-sleeve knitted T-shirts and polos are great options to wear with a suit.

Shoes

Come the summer months, the best style of shoe to wear with tailoring is a loafer. Whether worn with socks or without, their comparatively lower vamp and lack of a lacing system encourages more airflow around your feet than an oxford or derby dress shoe.

A smooth or grained plain leather loafer in a brown or black colour is your most formal option while different shades of suede are more casual. As a general rule, the chunkier the outsole, the less formal the loafer — a classic stacked leather sole is the best fit for a more formal occasion while a crepe, white, or lug outsole are better for casual use.

Accessories

No suit appears totally complete without its accessories, which is why we always urge you to take that little bit of extra care when dressing up to pay close attention to the subtle details.

A pocket square is an effortless way to incorporate some colour and pattern into a suit, adding visual interest without any warmth — perfect for the summertime.

If you’re attending a wedding or job interview, wearing a tie might be a non-negotiable. In that case, opt for a lightweight knitted version in cotton-linen or silk, which are much lighter than traditional multi-fold silk or wool ties.

Summer Suit Staples