Fabric: For summer suits, the best materials are often light and breathable. Linen and seersucker make the top of the list: they’re naturally breathable which means max ventilation and therefore max coolness. Silk, cotton twill, and some tech fiber blends are also easy and breezy for summer suits.
As we mentioned, thick wool suits are a no-go as the temperatures start rising, but thankfully there’s the option of tropical, lightweight wool that’s woven with larger gaps for breathability. And in case you need a refresher: lightweight wool is a top-tier summer fabric since it’s naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. Merino wool, on top of that, offers four-way stretch and temperature regulation for an on-the-go summer style. A wool-linen blend, on the other hand, offers the best of both worlds: wool performance and linen freshness.
Fit: Because summer suits are often lightweight with softer constructions, it’s easy for men to just opt for a looser fit that makes sense in theory for more comfort and breathability. But we want to warn you of how sloppy you might look in a not-properly-tailored fit—i.e., a loose-fit summer suit isn’t one that’ll actually keep you looking cool. Fit plays no role here, it’s only the right fabric that’ll keep you feeling cool, so don’t get lazy and skip the tailor. Or if you don’t have the energy for tailoring, slim fit or tailored/tapered fit is your best bet.
Lining: A lining is the second layer of fabric, which is stitched to the outer. When it comes to the construction of your lightweight suit, unlined—and therefore often unstructured suits—will also keep you much cooler in the summer months because they lose the extra weight that a full lining adds to the suit (but you risk showing the full look of the outer shell fabric and the smoothness of sliding a blazer or trouser on and off). But because most linings are made of viscose, rayon, or even silk and satin, they’re naturally cool to touch and breathable as well, and lightweight to boot. Therefore, while unlined is the best way to go for summer suits for men, lined suits shouldn’t be too much of a concern to stop you from purchasing.
Color: You’ll have the best luck not sweating it all out by sticking to lighter and brighter colors like pastels and soft grays to absorb heat. If you are going for a black or navy style for an elevated vibe, just keep the above fabric and fit notes in mind.
