When it comes to selecting the right outfit for summer, we naturally avoid items that make us feel hot. There’s nothing more discomfiting then turning up sweaty and greasy-haired for that midday meeting or important interview. This season, we’re going to have a look at suits made from a material that won’t get that perspiration tap running: cotton.
Cotton does not absorb light and allows air to pass through the weavings, which helps cool your body in hot, sunny weather. Aside from their breezy feel, suits in cotton let you have it all: a refined look but with a casual edge.
The following are a few things you need to know about choosing and wearing a cotton suit.
Cotton Suit 101
While coolness and breathability go a long way, you need to keep in mind that cotton is less elastic than wool, so don’t expect the same sort of yield or bounce-back you get with wool suits.
A cotton suit should be made with as much attention to detail as your other suits. Look for all the hallmarks of a traditionally well-made suit. Look for a suit jacket that’s half-lined (or less), as it will be cooler without compromising the style factor.
Be sure to go with a slimmer, more modern cut – preferably with plain-front pants – because too much fabric looks especially sloppy on a cotton suit.
Keep in mind that cotton is much less forgiving than wool. Cotton will not drape naturally to hide “imperfections”, so the key is to find a suit that fits you very well from the start.
Suit Up
If you’re opting for a cotton suit, you either go dandy or take the minimalist road. Whichever you go with, make sure you go all-business.
For those angling for a dandy look, we recommend going with gingham in light blue, light grey or navy. A true dandy pairs a busy shirt with a bold striped tie to balance the small checks of the gingham. We could go on and on about how to look ‘dandy’, but we know you get the general idea by now.
Minimalists should go for a crisp, perfect-fit white shirt. You can’t go wrong with that. We recommend choosing a conservative brown or some version of khaki – the most versatile and traditional color. Most importantly, avoid an all-white look unless you’re Robert Downey Jr. or you aspire to be the next Tom Wolfe. No, seriously – never go all white.
As far as fashion is concerned, a cotton suit can be as formal or as casual as you want it to be. If you opt for the khaki suit, keep in mind that it will command attention on its own. With this in mind, you can easily keep your ensemble simple and still look great. If you’re the kind of guy who likes to push the boundaries, you might show a little ankle and try a pair of loafers with no socks. Alternatively, rock the modern look and go for a pair of chunky wingtips and no socks.
Accessorized to Fit
For dandy mode, go bold with your tie. Get a cotton pocket square to establish a pattern, and think bandana rather than silk ‘kerchief. For a formal event or a meeting, flashy cufflinks work wonders if you want to grab attention.
For a conservative style, we’re really digging solid-color cotton ties this summer. There’s a certain noticeable chicness to their simplicity, and we love the sense of ease they convey. They sync up with a white shirt and can also keep a patterned shirt grounded. Keep your pocket squares straight, square and white – no peaks, no puffs, no fancy folding.
Watch the Wrinkles
Cotton suits wrinkle easily, yet that is part of the fabric’s charm. However, you don’t have to embrace the wrinkles as you might with a linen suit. A certain degree of care is required to keep your cotton suits primed and ready to impress.
After you wear it you’ll need to give the suit a chance to “recover” a bit longer than your wool suits and allow the wrinkles to straighten out. Depending on the fabric, you might even need to give it a light press or steam between each use. And don’t ever think about throwing it in the wash just because it’s made of cotton. You really don’t want to know what happens if you do. l
