Seersucker suits are a warm-weather staple for the gentlemen. It is cool, lightweight, sophisticated, and classic - all the qualities a dapper man would want in his suit. 

Although it is a summertime favorite, plenty of gentlemen are worried that wearing a seersucker suit might make them look like someone belonging to the Southern courtroom or a person selling ice cream from a truck. 

Oh, how we wish we could tell you, these notions are dumbfounded. But unfortunately, these are all very valid points. When worn incorrectly, a seersucker suit may look like a dated costume that should have never seen the light. 

Fret not because this guide is here to help you wear seersucker suits for men the right way, and when it is done right, it can make you look debonair and suave. 

Let's First Get Familiar With Seersucker 

Seersucker is a fabric made with a unique cotton weave that makes the thread bunch together. Hence, the fabric gets its bumpy appearance. The pattern on seersucker suits alternates between puckered and smooth pinstripes. The fabric gets its cooling property from the lightweight cotton fabric, and the puckering ensures the fabric is always held away from the body. Hence, gents enjoy amazing air circulation. 

The fabric was widely worn by people during the British colonial period, especially to escape India's heat. It was the servants and laborers who largely adorned this material because they wanted to stay cool while performing their tasks. Interestingly, the word seersucker has been derived from the East Indian variation of the Persion' shir o shakkar' (milk and sugar). It is this description that perfectly describes the fabric's unique combination of smooth and rough. 

In the second half of the 19th century, seersucker made its debut in America. It was worn mostly by men who worked in the oil industries and railroads. The laborers donned work jackets, overalls, and caps that were made from a dark blue, heavy-duty version of the seersucker fabric. Thanks to the fabric's ventilated and durable nature, the clothes were prized by working men. 

Hence, the fabric developed a deep association with blue-collar men. It was largely ignored by the upper and middle classes. However, this scenario began to change when Joseph Haspel created the seersucker suit in 1908. Since then, the gentlemen have donned the seersucker suit during the hot weather months so they can stay cool while looking dashing. 

Seersucker Suit Styling Tips For The Modern Man 

Now that you are aware of the wonderful benefits of wearing a seersucker suit and how it came to be liked by the upper gentry, you need to style it properly so you don't look out of place. Also, given the history of the fabric, it is normal to feel under confident when styling a seersucker suit. Don't worry because we are here to help. 

Follow these helpful tips to nail your look:

• Ensure the suit fits your body like a second-skin

  • You cannot underestimate the fit of a garment to your look, and wearing a seersucker suit is no different. Since the fabric puckers, the fabric is bulkier than what you would expect. Hence, you must work with a tailor to ensure the fit is customized to your body measurements.

  • This is the most important step in styling a seersucker suit. Therefore, make sure the suit fits your frame perfectly. 

• You can separate the pants

  • It is possible to separate the seersucker suit and wear the pants by themselves if you need a smart-casual outfit for your summer outing.

  • Depending on your event or how dressed up you want to look, you can pair the seersucker jacket with a polo shirt or dress shirt. It is also possible to roll up the sleeves if you want a relaxed style.

  • You can also wear the suit jacket alone by pairing it with nice-looking dress pants, such as a relaxed pair of chinos. The shirt can be kept summary and light. 

• Wear it with a dress shirt

  • It is possible to wear a seersucker suit with a dress shirt, but you must be mindful of the kind of shirt you are pairing it with. White dress shirts appear the best, or you can opt for pastel-colored dress shirts. Also, ensure the material of the shirt is lightweight so that it matches the density of your suit.

  • Keep in mind that the shirt must be crisp and ironed so it beautifully contrasts the puckered suit. 

• Accessorize like a pro

  • Since seersucker is already a textured fabric, you don't need to pile on too much. Also, you must not opt to go full matchy-matchy. Some of the accessories that go well with this suit are pocket squares, silk ties, and the like. To break up the effect, you can mix different fabrics like chambray or linen. You can finish off the look with a great pair of sunglasses. 

Now, let's get down to business. Here is how you can accessorize to look your best and elevate the seersucker suit. 

1. Pocket square - This can make any suit appear suave, and seersucker is no different. You can harmonize the pocket square with your tie. But if you are ditching the tie, you can match it with either the suit itself or the dress shirt. If you are feeling adventurous, you can use the pocket square as a contrast. 

2. Bow tie or necktie - Most people envision a seersucker suit with a bow tie. They have been paired historically. So, there's no reason to separate them. A silk tie is an excellent combination with the suit. You can also use linen or cotton ties. 

3. Shoes - How can you even think of completing your look without nailing the shoes? The casual nature of the suit means you can try out loafers and other casual shoes. Classic white buck shoes or oxfords are an excellent choice when you want to showcase a relaxed fit. You can also wear socks even if you are wearing loafers. For the perfect combination, you must wear the socks in the same color as the stripes on your suit. 

When Is The Right Time To Wear A Seersucker Suit?

You already know that the seersucker fabric is perfect for warm weather. Hence, you may wonder when the best time to wear this suit is. Please note that this suit is not your regular office suit. So, don't end up wearing it for your office interview or corporate meeting. 

Some of the best occasions or times to wear a seersucker suit are:

• Weddings during the summer

  • If there's a summertime wedding coming up, you can wear a seersucker suit. The suit is perfect for a beach wedding. Even if the ceremony is held indoors, this suit can make you stand out.

  • However, before you wear this for a wedding, ensure it is not a strictly formal affair. Then, you may have to consider a tux. 

• Smart-casual events

  • Are you invited to a casual event and want to impress everyone? You can wear a seersucker suit or wear the pieces separately. It might be a community picnic or a BBQ, this suit works perfectly for such events.

  • The suit is also perfect for a dinner date with your partner. 

• Semi-formal events

  • When you have to attend a semi-formal event, you might be at a loss as to what to wear. These events are somewhere in between in terms of dress codes. It is less formal than a tux but dressier than your office suit. So, this is where a seersucker suit shines.

  • So, whether you have to go to a baby shower or a summertime engagement party, you can wear a seersucker suit

Conclusion 

So, there you have it! Take the seersucker suit out of your cupboard, or get one immediately and dress to impress.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• How to Buy the Perfect Suit

• Tips for Matching Groomsmen Suits to Wedding Themes

• 5 Reasons Why Custom-Tailored Suits Are Better