What Suits to Make for Summer Wedding

[citymonkey]

Hello.

A friend of mine is getting married in Santa Barbara in August.

He is getting suits made for himself and the groomsman. Any thoughts on what I can suggest for him? He was leaning towards cotton, but linen or light wool would seem more appropriate. Also, he doesn't want ties.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Jovan]

For summer, linen is a classic and dignified choice, especially if you're going sans tie. Cotton seersucker, on the other hand, is also fine.

 

[retronotmetro]

Originally Posted by Jovan

For summer, linen is a classic and dignified choice, especially if you're going sans tie. Cotton seersucker, on the other hand, is also fine.

Cotton seersucker doesn't go over very well in California.

 

[citymonkey]

Yes, seersucker was eliminated early on - in California, it would appear to be more of an affectation than a way to stay cool.

 

[mr. magoo]

Think about the event.

I imagine the suits will have to go from pre-ceremony, through the ceremony and receiving lines, all the way to reception and post-party. That's 6 - 12 hours of pretty heavy use. Linen and even cotton will get terribly, terribly wrinkled. I would think a light-weight wool or even wool-silk blend would be better. Two years ago I attended a September wedding in Santa Barbara and wore wool; by the end of the evening, I was actually a little chilly.

If he cannot swing that, I'd say a cotton poplin is a good choice and likely a bit cheaper. Given that a dark color is less likely to show wrinkles and champagne spills, I'd go with something dark. Since he's having them made, he could do a dove to dark gray, which is not a color someone sees in cotton suitings very often. For example, think about the shade of morning suits for a day wedding, but in a cotton poplin, or a darker gray for a dusk or evening wedding. If he wanted to stand out, he could do a charcoal or black, with the groomsmen a shade or two lighter. With nice smoked MOP buttons, that could be elegant and different.

 

[Concordia]

Cotton poplin is hot in the sun and cold in the shade. And it will show dirt and perspiration quite readily. Wool is a better choice in general, and could be blended with linen, silk , or mohair if you want a slightly different look.

Mr. Magoo is quite right-- focus on the event. Something with a medium degree of durability and breatheability, in a color that will look right in different times of day, etc.

 

[rssmsvc]

I would go with a light weight wool, if you get a chance check out the section on wool in the Roetzel book - Gentleman's Guide and there is an interesting note about how people in Saudi Arabia and the tribes in the dessert all use wool in the day as the best material against high heat.

 

[kitonbrioni]

All of these are good suggestions but I say check out linen for a summer but classic look.

 

[GBR]

A lightweight wool would be best for this duty. Suggest getting a half lining in the jacket.