Summer Suits for Men
Its early July and at 9:30 am its already a scorching 92 degrees. For many professional men this scenario is the summer norm. When the weather gets hot, the business dress codes do not change. Slowly but surely the days of “business casual” are fading away. In this economic climate looking your sharpest, buttoned down and suited up, is expected. Even on the hottest of days. Adapting your professional wardrobe to accommodate the summer season not only gives you a step up against your competition but also helps keep you comfortable at the same time. As your co-workers and cohorts melt and sweat away in the summer sun in their “year round” wool suits, having a summer set of suits helps keep you looking dapper. Here is the run down of the top suits to start your summer suits wardrobe.
Cotton Suits are King
When that thermometer hits its customary summer triple digits, you will understand why cotton suits are king of hot weather professional wear. A natural fiber Cotton is extremely “breathable” but what does that mean exactly? It means that your sweat and heat do not become trapped in the suit and will wick out. This will come in handy. While many people look at cotton suits as a cheaper suit nothing could be further from the truth. Wearing it right makes one look much more sophisticated and in the know.
Go for cotton suits that are obviously cotton. when choosing a cotton suit look for ones that do not resemble their wool counterparts. Look for khaki, stone, or cream and avoid navy and black. You want to look like you ARE wearing a cotton suit not trying to pass it off as a wool one.
A True Light weight Wool Suit
There is a myth being perpetuated by suit makers. That myth is the “year round” wool suit. This usually entails an 8.5 oz weight wool fabric light enough to be really comfortable for the spring but too light for the winter and to heavy for the summer. The fact is if you live in a 72 degree climate this “year round” cloth is about perfect.
For summer you will want a much lighter weight fabric. Think 5.5oz or better yet something in a 4 oz range. This weight of summer suit fabric will feel almost like a shirt rather than a jacket. Its so light that if you get the jacket with 1/4 lining it will weigh less than a pound. While a 4.5 oz wool suit with 1/4 lining will usually have to be made by a tailor that specializes in custom summer suits, getting one made in a navy or charcoal is a great investment. Having a go to power suit for summer just makes sense because power meetings happen year round as well.
Chris Vance is the senior trends and fashion spotter for Requisite clothing, a custom clothing design house specializing in custom suits, custom shirts, custom tuxedos and sports wear for both men and women.
http://www.requisiteclothing.com
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