The warmer months are here this means two things: summer Fridays, of course, and summer wardrobes. The latter is somewhat trickier to navigate. Ever since business casual became a thing, women have been under pressure to look not just smart but relaxed-smart – and during the warmer months that’s enough to make anyone break out in a sweat, whether you have to endure sweltering public transport or not.
Yes, nailing the summer look can be a minefield, but adding a few key pieces in breathable fabrics to your wardrobe will ensure you transition seamlessly from office to sun-soaked pub gardens in style. And the definitive functional summer fabric is seersucker. The lightweight, puckered cloth is comfortable, versatile and breezy in every sense of the word – perfect for all your warm-weather looks, no matter the dress code. Search Seersucker in our range here
WHAT IS SEERSUCKER?
Look closely at the traditionally stripy gathered fabric and you’ll notice the different textures of the two stripes: one smooth (usually the lighter stripe) and one coarse in texture (often a pale blue). Invented in India, the durable cloth became known by its Persian name, shir o shekar, meaning ‘milk and sugar’, in reference to its crease-free combination of smooth and rough pinstripes.
Seersucker doesn’t crease in the same way ordinary fabric might (technically it’s already creased), which creates added durability and makes it ideal for travelling in. (Linen nil, seersucker one!) Not only that, its natural puckering also creates extra pockets of space as the fabric sits off the layer beneath, allowing for increased air circulation and breathability.
SEERSUCKER STYLE TIPS
DON’T TREAT IT DIFFERENTLY
In fact, treat it like other cotton versions of your shirts, seersucker doesn’t need overt styling.
If you usually wear an Oxford shirt under a light wool navy jacket, then continue to do so but choose seersucker. Layer it over a white T-shirt, seersucker shirts work with minimum fuss.
FIT IS KEY
With tailoring, the puckering of seersucker will add extra bulk and it doesn’t offer as much drape as other fabrics, so opt for a slimmer fit.
As with any other cloth, this doesn’t mean skin-tight, but slimmer options will keep it looking smart due to seersucker’s structure and ability to hold its shape.
ACCESSORISE WISELY
Avoid wearing too much seersucker with the same outfit – instead, opt for complementary warm-weather fabrics (think silk, linen or chambray) in brighter, sophisticated tones.
Tread lightly with footwear, contemporary options such as trainers or espadrilles, will help bring the look bang on trend.
DON’T GET SHIRTY
When wearing seersucker keep the look current and avoid matching stripes, which can come across as old fashioned.
Instead, try a fresh white fresco T-shirt set against navy seersucker.