Details of a Summer Suit

Sweltering in a suit during the dog days of summer is so impractical and needless to say uncomfortable. Keep these simple tips in mind and you will look ‘cool’ in every sense of the word. Most summer suits are made of lighter fabrics such as silk, tropical wool, linen, or poplin, as well as lighter in hue, offering a degree of confidence and personal style. Don’t rush out and buy the first white suit you see… does song ‘Stayin Alive’ come rushing to mind? Cotton or linen suites just don’t hold a pressed look, translating into sloppiness. The curious thing about most summer suits, however, is that, depending on the fabric, they usually cost considerably less than a winter or three-season suit. For example, a Italian Cotton two-button suit at Brooks Brothers ranges from $398 to $598, whereas a two-button 1818 Collection wool suit can start at $998. At that kind of price, considering that most men only wear a summer suit three months of the year, it doesn't always make sense to spend the extra having a suit hand-tailored. So what should you look for? Fit is key, obviously, but it depends on your body type. Some men appreciate the kinder cut of the typical, less body-hugging American suit. Younger minded or more athletic men may opt for a narrower waist from designers such as Michael Kors, Hugo Boss or Gucci. Just because you buy ‘off the rack’ doesn’t mean that you should not have a well-fitting suit. You should expect your salesperson to properly measure you. They should also offer you tailoring to refine the fit, even Men’s Warehouse does that for goodness sake. If you don’t you will be needlessly disappointed in your investment. Proper construction is also important in a suit. Avoid fused suits whenever possible in general. The interaction between glue and dry-cleaning solvents, can cause fused jacket to eventually bubble like asphalt on a Arizona highway. The material should feel constructed, not flimsy; but light enough to feel cool. Buttons? Two or three are okay, but always leave the bottom one undone. If you have an athletic build, a low button stance (lower down the suit front, below the lapels) is best, and if you're more of a portly fellow, the high button stance (above the beer belly, below the lapels) is best. Pleated or flat front trouser? If you are a fuller shaped in the abdomen area, a flat front will be kinder to your silhouette. An athletic man will also want a flat-front, show off all that hard work or God-given gift. For you taller slender gentlemen, it is up to you, if you feel a flat front trouser makes you look to lean & long then opt for the pleated front. Finally, purchase proper color dress socks. No tube socks please. They should either match the shade of your new suit or the shade of your shoe leather. Depending on how daring you are, you could do as the European men do, go sock-less. Considering these details will give you that 'chilled' polished look, while everyone else is melting on the sidewalk.