With origins in India over a century ago, the puckered cotton cloth called seersucker (from the Hindi shir o shakar meaning "milk and sugar") has become known as the classic fabric worn during the summer months by gentlemen in the southern United States.
Fortunately today, the popularity of the seersucker suit, best when paired with a plain white shirt and a mint julep, is no longer limited to a few southern states, as dandies around the world sport pants, shirts, suits, shorts and even pocket squares made from this iconic fabric.
In Korea, for example, Seersucker Day, a social event at which both men and women don clothing made from seersucker fabric, takes place each year in late June.
Favored as a cool fabric that is machine-washable and never needs ironing, seersucker is traditionally only worn for a limited period of time, from Memorial Day in late May to Labor Day, the first Monday in September.
This “rule” has become somewhat more flexible today as seersucker's popularity spreads beyond the United States to locales where temperatures are high throughout the year. In the late spring and throughout the summer, a seersucker suit is appropriate for an afternoon wedding, or a casual party, but not suitable for the office unless the company or industry culture permits a more laid-back dress code.
Although the most common seersucker style is an alternating sky blue or navy and white stripe, more colorful options like white and green, white and red or pink are also popular, so feel free to experiment with various colors.
The vast majority of seersucker suits are single-breasted, but double-breasted versions with wider peak lapels also look sharp. In regard to the cut of a seersucker suit, since the fabric is less structured, if the suit is too large, it will droop off the frame. Thus, as is also true with more formal suits, those made with seersucker should be tailored to the frame of the person wearing it.
Considering that seersucker suits are worn in the summer, opting for a liner-less jacket is recommended. Furthermore, pants should be flat-front, tapered toward the ankle and short enough so that at least some of the sock is visible.
A seersucker suit is more casual than a suit for everyday use and thus, accessories should sway toward the informal. When wearing a seersucker suit, more often than not, a tie is optional. If the decision is made to sport a tie, however, a knit or linen cravat is an appropriate choice, preferably in a darker, contrasting color with or without a subtle polka dot or stripe.
It goes without saying that pocket squares for summer should always be made of cotton not silk, and for a little more fun with your seersucker, pop a real flower into the lapel hole. Let us not forget about the importance of choosing the right buttons. To properly complement your seersucker suit, go for white or ivory buttons made of mother of pearl rather than bulkier horn buttons.
There are several sock and shoe options when wearing a seersucker suit. Socks should be solid and colorful since the style is more casual. While the classic shoe choice for a seersucker suit is a leather or suede buck, leather penny loafers, spectator shoes in a neutral color, velvet slippers and even white, logo-less leather trainers can add a quirky touch of flair to the look.
For men hoping to inject more style into their summer wardrobe, seersucker is certain one way of doing so. That said, seersucker suits aren't for everybody since it takes a certain amount of confidence and even a sense of humor to pull the look off. By keeping in mind the aforementioned tips for wearing a seersucker suit this year, however, you will remain as cool as a cucumber during the hot, dog days of summer.