Suiting When It's Hot Out

Wearing tailored goods when it’s hot outside is not as difficult as many believe. It really boils down to the construction of what you’re wearing.

From fabric to fit, as long as you take that all into consideration, you can quickly wear full-suited looks without getting heat stroke.

Let’s break it down.

FABRIC

Regarding warm weather suiting, the best fabrics to choose from include linens, linen blends (typically with cotton, wool, or silk), cotton, seersuckers, and tropical wools (like frescos & hopsacks). Why? Because these fabrics tend to be of lighter weight, looser weave, and drier hand-feel (which essentially means it’ll dry quicker when you sweat).

LINING

As much as the fabric of your suit matters, it’s also what’s inside that’ll help you combat the heat. Opt for half-lined or unlined jackets & trousers. While this may affect the shape/structure of your suit, it immensely helps the breathability and allows for air to pass through the suit, thus cooling you off easily. What is the best way to test how breathable your suit is? Try the light test by holding up your jacket to a light source and see how much light shines thru.

SHIRTING

While we all would love to wear nothing underneath to stay calm, we obviously have other pieces to complete the look, and what we choose to wear is essential. For shirts, look for linen, rayon, or tencel. Instead of a classic collar, try camp/Cuban collars. If you want to wear a sweater/polo (yes, it’s possible), cotton or linen styles will be best. (ABBEYDALE has these if interested)

FOOTWEAR

Loafers. That’s it. But if you want to spice it up, try espadrilles or fisherman sandals. Scratch that. Don’t wear fisherman's sandals. That trend needs to die.