Summer is just around the corner, and a new fashion style comes with it. For most gentlemen, suiting up for summer weather can be tricky to pull off, but when done correctly, it can make you look stylish while keeping you cool and comfortable. If you invest your time in choosing the proper summer suits, you will realize that with summer comes a lot of fashion freedom and the capacity to look dapper while maintaining your style.
At HolloMen, suiting up is more than just wanting to look formal. It is a form of expression. Getting it right when it comes to summer suits will leave you looking good and feeling good. For this reason, we have compiled this guide to help you choose the fabrics, colors, and silhouettes to let you stay stylish and relaxed through the hot summer months.
How Do I Choose a Summer Suit?
As a modern-day gentleman, you should be conscious of your dressing habits and care about your appearance. This is because people consciously and unconsciously judge us by how we dress. In fact, according to a study by Princeton University, people will judge your competence in a split second according to how you dress.
If you are conscious of your style and fashion preferences, you can be in control of how people perceive you. In light of this, you should consistently examine your outfits to ensure you express your style in the best way possible. If you ever ask yourself, how do I choose a summer suit? What material is best for men's summer suits? What makes a good summer suit?... trust me when I say you're already one step there.
Being concerned about your outfit is progressing towards looking better and more stylish. Let's answer these questions and discover how we can still look hot while it's hot!
Select the Right Suit Fabric for Summer
Fabric is the most important thing to consider when choosing a summer suit. It might seem obvious, but I have come across men who have chosen heavy and warm fabrics for a summer wedding suit just because the suit was their preferred shade of blue.
However, as a man, the first consideration should be the fabric. Here are some excellent summer suit fabrics:
Linen Summer Suits
Linen is an excellent fabric for the summer due to its light, breathable, and comfortable qualities. Linen also absorbs moisture well, making it perfect for hot climates, as it keeps you cool. If you want to look fantastic and stay cool during the summer, linen suits are perfect.
It can be expensive, though, so if you're on a budget, linen might not suit you.
Cotton Summer Suits
Cotton is another great fabric to consider when buying a summer suit. Its lightweight, comfortable, and breathable qualities suit hot climates. It's also cheaper than linen, so cotton suits are the better choice if budget is an issue.
Seersucker Summer Suits
Although considered more casual, the seersucker is a great cotton fabric that will give you the confidence and style you need during the hot summer months. Its lightweight, airy, and breathable nature makes it perfect for warmer climates.
The distinctive wavy texture of seersucker suits gives them an eye-catching look that is sure to turn heads. Plus, they are very affordable compared to other suit materials.
Synthetic Summer Suits
Finally, there are synthetic summer suits. These are made from manmade materials such as polyester and rayon, which help keep you cool in hot weather. They're also affordable and relatively durable, so you won't have to worry about them wearing out quickly.
The downside is that they don't tend to breathe like natural fabrics and can be uncomfortable in high temperatures. The material usually looks less good or lasts longer than other suits.
Choose Summer-Friendly Colors
After selecting the fabric that best serves you, the next thing to consider is the color of your summer suit. So, what is the right color for a summer suit? The simple answer to this question is any bright color. Brighter colors work by reflecting sunlight wavelengths and, therefore, absorbing less heat.
While darker shades are traditionally associated with formal events, summer is the perfect time to experiment with brighter hues. The most popular colors of summer suits are usually bright shades of blue, gray, and green. Other colors with brighter shades, like beige and brown, are also a great choice.
For example, pairing this Light Gray Double Breasted Suit with a crisp white dress shirt would make an excellent choice for any summer event.
Go for Breathable Summer Suit Designs
I have seen men mistake lightweight fabric for breathability. This is not the case. Although the fabric plays a role in breathability, there is more to it. How the cloth is woven is crucial when it comes to breathability. Whether it's linen or cotton, you should always look for summer suits with a loose weave. This allows for air circulation and keeps the sweat from accumulating.
Additionally, consider suits with side vents or double vents, as they facilitate air movement and prevent the jacket from clinging to your body in the heat.
Style Inspiration for Different Summer Occasions
Here are some summer outfit inspirations that will come in handy if you have a hard time selecting one:
1. Summer Wedding
Weddings are some of the most popular events for summer. And with this reality comes a lot of pressure to make sure that you are at your best when it comes to the dress code. Suiting up for a summer wedding doesn’t have to be daunting, as long as you follow the tips given in this article.
- The Gray Suit
If there is no particular dress code, like a black tie, required, a gray linen suit will leave you looking smart and feeling comfortable. This fantastic outfit can be paired with a pastel pink shirt and a floral tie. To complete this ensemble, go for brown leather dress shoes.
- The Breezy Seersucker Suit
A seersucker is an airier and lighter option for a summer wedding suit. If you don’t want anything heavy, this is the go-to. Paired with a crisp white button-up dress shirt, this is one sharp look for a summer wedding event, especially if it’s on the beach.
2. Beach Party
When attending a beach party, you want to stay relaxed and casual. Wearing a complete suit might seem a little unconventional, but you can still look stylish in a beach-appropriate look with a lightweight and relaxed suit option.
Here a sandy beige light-colored linen suit will do. Instead of a dress shirt, you can opt for a lightweight cotton and linen blend short-sleeved button-down shirt. If paired with suede loafers with a light tan, this look will be as beachy as it gets.
3. Summer Business Meeting
For a professional summer meeting, you can still look dapper and sharp without having to sacrifice comfort. Here, a breathable gray cotton suit paired with a crisp white shirt will do you justice. If you want a touch of summer flair, you can opt for a patterned shirt in shades of blue instead of a plain tie.
To complete the ensemble, go with brown leather brogues and a matching belt. Remember to keep the accessories minimal for a polished and sleek appearance.
Conclusion
Although summer gives us room to enjoy casual outfits, it does not necessarily mean that we ditch formal wear. If you choose a summer-friendly fabric, go for brighter colors, and ensure you choose breathable suit designs, you can look smart and stylish in formal wear during the summer. With these tips, you will be sure to make an impression and dress comfortably, no matter the occasion.
At HolloMen, we are dedicated to offering you insightful information and great suits and tuxedos for summer and all other seasons. We are here to make you look dapper and stylish and feel more confident all year! Contact us today to learn more.