The Southern Trad Thread's Guide to Dressing in the Heat

[smittycl]

Notes on Seersucker in the heat (not that it's very hot here in DC today). Only two data points. This khaki seesucker worn today and my old Haspel from last season. Cotton is not a very desireable suit fabric in my opinion. Fine for niche stuff like Seersucker but I will avoid it for suiting in general. I would place it last in "beating the heat" behind high-twist or Fresco summer wool, linen blends, and then pure linen (the Italian stuff, not the Irish).

I expect it was perfect for its time in the pre-a/c south. You could sweat it out, wash, hang dry and then wear it again immediately. Cotton was plentiful and cheap and the rumpled fabric needed no real pressing. Easier to dress somewhat formally and beat the heat back then without breaking the bank. (all unresearched opinion from me by the way...) Anyway, Seersucker is fun and I should get some use out of it if this summer is as hot as the last. Will revisit assessment after a few wears. Cheers!

 

[coreyaugustus]

It’s a hot and humid one in Southern Ontario today chiming in at just under 90 degrees:

View attachment 981671

Sharpest seersucker I've seen in a while. Looks awesome.

 

[Caustic Man]

After a couple weeks in Houston I have come to some conclusions on dressing in the heat in the humidity of the South. Illinois and Kentucky (my two most recent residences) get hot in the Summer of course but it's nothing compared to the climate in this part of the world.

First point, sweating will just happen. Don't try and fight it.
Second, wearing a jacket in the heat is fine as long as you don't overdo your physical activity.
Third, acclimation happens quickly. I now feel slightly uncomfortable in 70 degree Fahrenheit conditions. God help me when I head back to Illinois Winters.

Finally I would say that it's simply not that bad. Yeah, you'll be hot in the heat. No great revelation there. But make climate appropriate decisions and just wear the kinds of clothes you like.

This jacket is 100% wool, shirt and trousers are 100% cotton and it was just fine.



Oh, I almost forgot. I'm a sockless person now. Not even no-shows.

 

[Roycru]

95F and humid here today in Phoenix AZ since Monsoon season has started.

There is a Brooks Brothers store in Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix AZ. Went there today to see it. Now I've seen it.

There is also a Brooks Brothers outlet store someplace around Phoenix. May go there sometime in the future and see it.

Highlight of the day (so far), lunch at Seasons 52 in Biltmore Fashion Park.

(Roast Leek and Potato Soup and Garlic Chicken Pesto Flatbread.)

 

[coreyaugustus]

I just got a new suit in from Lanieri yesterday. Gonna require a little altering--frustrating, but it's my first one from them; they'll get the second one right I hope. It's 1/4 lined light gray fresco from Zegna. Weighs next to nothing. Pics to come if you're interested.

@smittycl Any predictions on how it handles the DC swampiness?

 

[smittycl]

I just got a new suit in from Lanieri yesterday. Gonna require a little altering--frustrating, but it's my first one from them; they'll get the second one right I hope. It's 1/4 lined light gray fresco from Zegna. Weighs next to nothing. Pics to come if you're interested.

@smittycl Any predictions on how it handles the DC swampiness?

I've never had MTM go 100% right the first time. A good company will take your corrections and get it closer, if not exact, the second time.

Fabric sounds great! Zegna is alway reliable and that weave should work well in the summer heat here. Definitely post some pics when your alterations are complete.

 

[Caustic Man]

On the subject of warm weather cloth, here is a post today from instagramer @therevdmr. He says this green solaro is 70 years old and from the picture alone it seems to have a depth to it that newer solaro doesn’t have. I’m still not a big fan of the cloth but it is interesting.

 

[smittycl]

On the subject of warm weather cloth, here is a post today from instagramer @therevdmr. He says this green solaro is 70 years old and from the picture alone it seems to have a depth to it that newer solaro doesn’t have. I’m still not a big fan of the cloth but it is interesting.

View attachment 996008

Intesting but a bit costumey. Approaching Batman-villain levels of boldness.

 

[jiredell]

As summer approaches, and since I’m down here in Atlanta, the South’s capital, I say we revive this thread! Although it is not yet warm enough for seersucker. Where has @Caustic Man been, anyway?