They’re easy, breezy,
but still sharp as hell
Summer is all about keeping things cool and casual. But, almost ironically, it's also wedding season. The suit you wear to work events or on New Year's just won't cut it for an outdoor affair in the middle of July. You need something that looks sharp but will properly ventilate so you don't pass out or simply sweat through your shirt. The key, of course, comes down to fabrics.
You want to look for lighter fabrics like seersucker, linen, and of course, cotton. And it should be cut with enough room to allow you to move while actually letting some breeze through. These are lightweight suits, cleverly constructed without much (if any) linings. In neutral shades, they're able to be worn a myriad of ways—with a classic white button-down, a knit polo or a louche crocheted camp collar shirt for extra summer steez. Simply swap out the shirt and alternate from lace-up shoes and sneakers to loafers, and maybe even sandals, and you've got a season's worth of suiting looks that are made with just one really good suit. As for which suit suits you, we've pulled together a handful of stylish options, all under $1,000. After all, this is about stressing and sweating less, right?
Is this summer's coolest suit? It's quite possible. Pierre Mahéo at Officine Générale specifically used cool-to-the-touch Lyocell in the linen blend of this jacket and pants to ensure ultimate ease and breathability. The unconstructed three-button jacket has a soft shoulder and a washed, garment-dyed look and feel. The pants are pleated, meaning they're roomy but not baggy.
Armie jacket ($645 / $387) and pleated pant ($340 / $204), both by Officine Generale
The quintessential chino suit, available in four neutral shades, Buck Mason has perfected the casual cotton suit. Inspired by mid-century styles, the tailored 3-roll-2 button blazer has a classic look (patch pockets and a generous notched lapel), but has been modernized by omitting the back vent and cuff buttons for a casual, streamlined look.
Canteen carry-on jacket ($178) and pant ($138),
both by Buck Mason
A warm weather version of Alex Mill's best-selling Mercer suit, this jacket and pants can literally work for any occasion. It's casual (and comfortable) enough for a daytime event, but the peak lapels and inky blue hue means it cleans up nicely for evening affairs too. And as an added bonus, the suit is casual enough to easily wear as separates.
Mercer linen blazer ($225) and pleated linen pant ($165),
both by Alex Mill
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J.Crew's got a new “everyman suit,” the Kenmore cut, and this summer they're offering it in a breezy basketweave cotton fabric from Beste, an Italian mill known for their innovative and high-quality cotton fabrics. It's soft and when cut with generous patch pockets like this, the look is at once classic yet cool.
Italian cotton Kenmare jacket ($398 / $239.50)
and pant ($248 / $139.50), both by J.Crew
Usually, when you think of seersucker, you imagine something classic, bright and preppy. Todd Snyder takes a more modern approach and tailors his suit with a relaxed jacket and drawstring pants cut from a slick black seersucker from Italy's famed Subalpino mill. There's a little give to the breathable cotton, so it's one of the most comfortable suits here.
Italian seersucker suit, $746 by Todd Snyder
The silhouette of a suit in 2023 is definitely roomier, and this suit certainly understands that. If you want to experiment without spending too much, Zara makes a surprisingly well-crafted option, cut from a silky viscose-linen blend, complete with some wide-leg single-pleated pants.
Viscose-linen jacket ($169) and pant ($69.90), both by Zara
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The only double-breasted option that made our list, Ralph's relaxed spin on a the classic look keeps the peak lapels but ditches any of the stuffiness. It's cut from washed cotton that's been garment-dyed for a rich color and extra softness. And the jacket is half-canvassed with just a touch of stretch for ease of movement.
Garment-dyed chino suit jacket ($498) and pant ($298), both by Polo Ralph Lauren
An unlined wide-lapel jacket and some high-waisted, wide-leg trousers make for an Italian-inspired aesthetic that's both relaxed and refined. Cut from mid-weight Irish linen that's breathable and silky yet never flimsy, it's impossible to overheat in this suit.
Linen Roma suit, $799 by Suitsupply
Unless you’re buying custom, suits may not sit exactly how you want them to. Some off-the-rack retailers have fitting services included with purchase (or for an extra charge), but in the event that your suit is just a bit off, invest in tailoring. The right tailor will be able to make your accommodations while also helping guide you to overlooked adjustments. Here’s what to ask for the next time the tape measure comes out.
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