Wearing full suit during summer

[Joe Schmoe]

Only other advice; it really makes a big difference if you avoid direct sunlight and move like a grown-up.

This is true. I wear suits to court in the summer and it’s really not a big deal if you aren’t rushing to your destination. You can arrive looking presentable even in 95 degree F heat. But if you are running late and walking quickly you will arrive drenched in sweat and flushed… at least I do.

Summer suits are a little cooler but in the end… you’re still wearing a suit. Your collar is high, and fastened, and you are wearing a tie so there isn’t much ventilation.

I think anyone can get accustomed to wearing a suit in the summer, it just takes some getting used to

 

[cedarlake23]

I wanted to re-engage this thread to ask about linen suit construction. I want to get a linen suit for summer but am not sure about the trade-off(s) between unstructured and more structured jackets.

Regarding fabric weight, I've read the lighter stuff is too flimsy and sloppy for suiting. However, I've felt Drake's linen suits and they seemed so thick I can't imagine they really are good for summer (perhaps they suffice for London).

I know the next layer of complexity (pun intended) is canvassing. Drake's is half canvas, which I imagine breathes better than full canvas like this season's offering from The Armoury. Boglioli is the most airy (I think), with an unconstructed jacket.

Does anyone have experience with these various linen suit permutations (not these brands specifically)? I'm leaning towards something like Boglioli, since I want it to be airy as possible (I'd opt for a regular, not slim fit model to maintain breathability). However, I'm nervous having an unconstructed linen suit might just look sloppy. I don't work in a conservative office, so I don't need to worry about maintaining strict professional attire. But I also don't want to go for the full louche look with drawstring trousers and leather sandals, either. My idea would be to wear the suit with a linen shirt, knit tie, and loafers (the jury is still out on full or no-show socks). Any feedback/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[St1X]

I wanted to re-engage this thread to ask about linen suit construction. I want to get a linen suit for summer but am not sure about the trade-off(s) between unstructured and more structured jackets.

Regarding fabric weight, I've read the lighter stuff is too flimsy and sloppy for suiting. However, I've felt Drake's linen suits and they seemed so thick I can't imagine they really are good for summer (perhaps they suffice for London).

I know the next layer of complexity (pun intended) is canvassing. Drake's is half canvas, which I imagine breathes better than full canvas like this season's offering from The Armoury. Boglioli is the most airy (I think), with an unconstructed jacket.

Does anyone have experience with these various linen suit permutations (not these brands specifically)? I'm leaning towards something like Boglioli, since I want it to be airy as possible (I'd opt for a regular, not slim fit model to maintain breathability). However, I'm nervous having an unconstructed linen suit might just look sloppy. I don't work in a conservative office, so I don't need to worry about maintaining strict professional attire. But I also don't want to go for the full louche look with drawstring trousers and leather sandals, either. My idea would be to wear the suit with a linen shirt, knit tie, and loafers (the jury is still out on full or no-show socks). Any feedback/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Suitsupply used to have unconstructed wool suits in conservative navy and charcoal colors. They were extremely light - 525 gr and I think it's a better option for summer than linen

 

[TomTom]

When I used to travel a lot for work I would work in Singapore , KL , Bangkok and HK in the summer time. Trough the years I discovered that if you have to wear a suit tropic weight, semi lined would work best for me. The offices are all air conned anywhere you go and funny but in Bangkok they always felt really cold Odd jacket I would wear linen or even linen mix with wool and again that would work for me. The lining part was always the point of contention for me so I had buggy lined suits for hot ciities and fully lined when I worked in London , Chicago etc.

 

[Mirage-]

I personally find that quarter lining (works for most summer cloths really) or completely unlined except sleeves (this works great in cotton, a bit less with wool) makes a serious difference over half lining in some cloths.
I have a very open-weave high-twist jacket which breathes amazingly in the back, but the half lining in the front feels like a solid wall against air in summer. While in late fall I'd feel cold in the back but not the front if I happened to wear it.
Indeed, if I could find one, I'd probably get a cotton unstructured jacket to be completely unlined including the sleeves, or perhaps just line the top of the sleeves for easier slipping in/out. It would be perfect to wear over a short-sleeved polo, since skin contact with cupro is very unpleasant in summer, I find.

 

[Club Soda]

With the right fabric and lining I think it’s great. You’re getting protection from the sun with long sleeves and pants while a light breathable moisture wicking fabric keeps you relatively cool.

Light plain weaves that are quarter or half lined are great in warm weather.

 

[gimpwiz]

Suitsupply used to have unconstructed wool suits in conservative navy and charcoal colors. They were extremely light - 525 gr and I think it's a better option for summer than linen

Surely that is a typo or digit swap, as 525 grams is quite heavy. 255 grams?

 

[St1X]

Surely that is a typo or digit swap, as 525 grams is quite heavy. 255 grams?

525 is very light for the whole suit, not per sqm of fabric

 

[WatchmeWhipWatchmena]

My only problem with a suit or sport coat look, is that you will get asked "are you hot". I find it really annoying I just tell them to go away. Not sure what else to say. I can be quite arrogant when dealing with these types of people.

Linen suits and fresco weaves mind you..... but chavs being chavs, where they need to rent out the Lamborghini and show off how many b**** they can get. enough lol