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How to Wear a Suit in Hot Weather
This article has been researched and written by Ariana Amarnani. AI has not been used in producing this article.
Regardless of where you may reside in the MENA region, one thing is certain: summers can get extremely hot. Whether you’re wearing a suit for an important business meeting, attending a warm-weather wedding, or heading to a social gathering, staying stylish while avoiding the “sweaty mess” look can be challenging.
Not to fret! The professionals at Collars & Cuffs have put together a few tips to help you stay cool and look your best in your bespoke suit this summer.
Pay attention to your jacket lining
Most people overlook the lining of their jacket, but it’s crucial for comfort and structure. The lining sits between the outer fabric and your body, adding shape and definition. While most jackets are fully lined, bespoke tailoring allows you to opt for a half-lined jacket. Half-lining provides breathability in hot weather while maintaining a sharp silhouette. No one will notice the difference visually, but your body will thank you when temperatures rise.
Choosing the right fabric
There are so many fabrics available for your bespoke suit. However, not all fabrics are best for when the temperatures rise. Linen, cotton, and lightweight wool materials provide great natural options for a cool and breathable fabric that works well for hot days.
Linen suits are ideal for the hot summer months, as they are extremely thin and breathable. A natural fabric, linen suits are very comfortable to wear. Although cotton suits are a bit thicker than their linen cousins, cotton is also a natural material that’s not as prone to wrinkling as linen. Another warm weather fabric, wool is ideal for higher temperatures. Naturally absorbent and breathable, it’s ideal for events that may start during the warmer part of the day but last into the cooler nights.
Wool
- – Exceptionally soft and gentle on your skin due to it’s thin fine strands of fabric
- – Extremely lightweight, wool weighs less than other fabrics
- – Highly versatile for changes in temperature
- – Excellent for a variety of solid-coloured and patterned suits alike
Linen
- – Ideal for hot climates, linen is extremely breathable and the low thread count makes it cooler for warm months
- – One of the strongest natural fibers
- – Lightweight and comfortable, the hollow fibers allow more airflow compared to other materials
- – Perfect for informal and warm-weather events
Cotton
- – Highly versatile for casual occasions and different body types
- – Comfortably soft, moves, and breathes well but are more prone to creasing than wool
- – Flexible material makes cotton ideal for all body types
- – Excellent for solid-coloured and patterned suits alike
There are also many blended summer fabrics available. Suits made from a combination of linen and wool, cotton and woot, or cotton and lined are extremely breathable and comfortable. These versatile natural fabrics are ideal for summer weather and warmer climates.
Selecting the right colours
Not only is it essential to select the right colour to accentuate your look, it’s also important to choose the right colour for the temperature. The rule is pretty straightforward: the darker the colour of the suit, the hotter you will feel. The darker the colour of the fabric, the more heat it will absorb. For hotter temperatures, choose lighter colours (such as off white, tan, light blue, light grey).
Depending on the type of event, you can even choose bold colours to make a statement (such as salmon, light yellow, or mint green). However, for black tie and other formal events you may be limited in your colour choice (as black and navy blues are the general requirement). In this case, be sure to defer to fabric choice for warmer temperatures.
Wear the right shirt
Pair your suit with a long-sleeved shirt crafted from 100% cotton or linen. These natural fabrics allow your skin to breathe and help minimize discomfort caused by heat. While wrinkles may occur, your jacket will maintain a polished appearance.
Add layers
Wait? Layering in the summer months? We must be crazy! The fact is, regardless of when you wear your suit, you’re going to sweat. In the summer months, you’re going to sweat a lot. We suggest layering a quality, short sleeved undershirt beneath your long sleeved suit shirt. A quality undershirt will absorb your sweat and help you feel more comfortable in your suit when the temperatures rise.
Pay attention to your shoes
Stay hydrated
Collars & Cuffs Bespoke Suits
At Collars & Cuffs, our bespoke suits are a perfect combination of craftsmanship, luxury fabrics, and meticulous tailoring. Every suit is designed with your body, style, and climate considerations in mind.
From selecting summer-appropriate fabrics to half-lined jackets and custom fit, our tailors ensure you stay cool, confident, and stylish — even on the hottest days.
Contact our team to schedule your bespoke consultation and elevate your summer wardrobe with a suit that’s as smart as it is comfortable.
