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What is the point of a cotton jacket or suit?

Kent Wang

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Cotton trousers you can wash, so they make sense. But a cotton jacket can't be washed, doesn't keep you as cool as lightweight wool, and doesn't have texture like linen. What is the point?

Other than seersucker of course, which 1) is traditional and 2) its texture is functional in keeping you cool.
 

Klobber

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Quite a good question really. I can only guess that cotton is cheap and perhaps more casual.
I will lurk and find out
lurker[1].gif
 

acecow

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For me it's the more structured, stiff and casual look than wool. It feels and looks differently, thus, making it interesting.
 

Parker

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I like cotton because of its casual vibe. The informality works for me given my field and style.

I agree it's not very practical for cleaning, doesn't last that long and doesn't keep you as cool (as light wool or linen), but for a moderate climate like California, cotton suits are great. Love a good tan or stone color.
 

designprofessor

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I had one cotton suit -threw it out. I should have kept the damn thing for winter -it was that hot. Linen I love. I like the texture, the weight and the feel of it. Wore linen pants today actually. I have not tried seersucker - but my one and only experience with cotton was uncomfortable.
 

alliswell

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The point is variety in texture and formality. Doesn't work well in summer, as pointed out.
 

blahman

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I think the fact that you can identify it's cotton distinct from wools and linens is in itself the point proven for its existence.

It has nothing to do with practicality.
 

Kent Wang

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Originally Posted by blahman
I think the fact that you can identify it's cotton distinct from wools and linens is in itself the point proven for its existence.
Good way of putting it. I personally don't like the look at all, and would much prefer linen.
Originally Posted by acridsheep
I have a cotton BB suit. I can (and have) machine wash(ed) both. It is a terrific summer suit.
This blew my mind. Is it lined? I imagine it's fused?
 

RyanM

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I think cotton suits are alright because of the casual vibe, but for some reason cotton odd jackets don't interest me.
 

Grenadier

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Sometimes it gets really hot in the summer and you have to wear a suit, but you don't want to look like a drug dealer. This is where cotton suits come in handy.
 

Nicola

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All my 100% cotton jackets are F/W. Many days I don't need a heavy coat and just the cotton jacket with a sweater is fine.
 

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