When people first become interested in seersucker, they often are unsure if the term refers to a style or pattern. However, seersucker is a lightweight, durable, and comfortable fabric. It has a puckered, crinkled texture and is 100% cotton. Although, some tailors will include silk or linen stripes to create an elevated, stylish flair.

Seersucker’s unique stitching makes it cooler than standard cotton garments and an excellent option as temperatures rise. It comes in an array of colors, but we often see them in pastels. The light hues of green, pink, and yellow complement the warmer spring and summer seasons when men typically wear seersucker fabric.

Joseph Haspel Sr., an American haberdasher, followed in Mr. Canon’s footsteps in 1909 by crafting seersucker suits for businessmen in New Orleans. He wanted to develop an innovative outfit that would keep professional men cool in the humid New Orleans heat — and look stylish at the time.

While attending a convention in Boca Raton, Florida, Haspel waded into the ocean on a hot day. However, he did so without taking off his seersucker suit, and the ensemble became entirely saturated. He hung his suit to dry in his hotel room, then put it back on for a banquet that same evening. People were amazed that his suit could dry quickly and still look good — even after soaking in the ocean.

While more people caught onto seersucker suits, it was still less popular than traditional suit materials. The fabric was widespread in hot, southern states, but its fame had not caught on in the north. However, in 1930, seersucker spread throughout the country. More people began to realize the benefits of seersucker, and its popularity exploded. East coast intellectuals, celebrities, and diplomats began wearing seersucker suits during the summer.

To this day, seersucker remains a popular, fashionable material that men enjoy throughout the hotter seasons. However, knowing how (and when) to style seersucker is essential. Summer is quickly approaching — Let’s explore everything you need to know about seersucker so you can prepare your wardrobe accordingly.

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Try wearing a seersucker suit at your next outdoor event. Labor Day, Memorial Day, and church events are all excellent opportunities to show off your style. Outdoor weddings are also a good time to break out your favorite seersucker pieces. Make sure you do not wear a suit or sport coat with too much white, though. Always try to stick to pastel seersucker fabrics when attending weddings.

While there are many occasions where you can show off your style in a seersucker suit, there are a few events where you should opt for traditional, formal attire. Black-tie events often require tuxedos and sleek, upscale accessories. Also, steer clear of seersucker in business-professional offices and when attending job interviews. Pay close attention to the dress code and expectations before attending any formal indoor events. Seersucker is a stunning material that can make an incredible statement, but you should only wear it at the appropriate times.

Seersucker became popular among workers and travelers because it does not get noticeable wrinkles — because it is already wrinkled intentionally. The puckered texture is the result of a slack-tension weave. Some yarns are tighter than others which causes the fabric to pucker and create a crinkled texture. These warps run vertically, and the filler weft yarns run horizontally.

This texture is precisely what makes seersucker so great. It can be washed, packed, and worn without taking on noticeable wrinkles that would be glaringly obvious on a smooth, traditional suit. Seersucker’s texture also contributes to its breeziness and stability.

There are countless ways to style this trendy, unique fabric. We recommend rocking a seersucker suit at more formal outdoor events, like weddings. Add personalized details, such as a colorful pocket square, to spruce up your ensemble. Solid-colored dress shirts and bow ties are also great additions to a pastel seersucker suit, and you can pick up everything you need at Culwell & Son. Our stylists can guide you through our vast selection of accessories to ensure you have everything you need to look stylish in your outfit.

You can even wear a seersucker sports coat with jeans, a cotton tee shirt, and sneakers to create a casual outfit. We guarantee you will feel cool, comfortable, and stylish at any outdoor event. Stop by Culwell & Son to find everything you need to complete your look. From designer jeans to luxurious athletic shoes, we will ensure you look fantastic, even on your days off.

Seersucker is often mistaken for plissé. While both create a wrinkled finish and provide a breathable, lightweight feeling, these fabrics are completely different. Plissé originated from Ancient Egypt and was an original symbol of power and nobility. It does not require the same complex stitching as seersucker, and a solution is applied to the fabric to create the crinkled effect. Because plissé is less durable, we recommend washing it by hand. While both materials have a stunning crinkled finish, we recommend seersucker if you want a longer-lasting material.