What Polar Vortex? – The Best Fabrics For Southern Heat & Humidity

By Brian Maynor

While some of the country may be experiencing temperatures 10-20 degrees cooler than normal, we have not been so lucky here in South Carolina.  Heat and humidity are still battles we face every day.

Along with drinking plenty of fluids and staying in climate-controlled environments, there are a few fashion choices you can make that will keep you cool this summer.  A few articles have touched on various summer fabrics, but I recently had a reader ask about how to dress professionally during the summer, especially with suiting.  So here is your complete guide with all you need to know about summer suiting with two great inspiration boards:

 

1.   Seersucker.  Popularly known as the quintessential Southern summer fabric, seersucker is an obvious choice for hot, humid days.  Fortunately its growing popularity over recent seasons has brought about options that won’t have you looking like Matlock.  One easy way to modernize it is with color.  Red is a popular option this season, along with yellow, grey and tan.  Fit is another way.  Instead of the typical loose and baggy cuts seen in most summer suiting go for a more tailored silhouette.  The light fabric more than makes up for the slim fit.

2.   Linen.  Another classic summer choice, linen is great for comfort, but not so much for styling.  Along with being a delicate fabric, it is wrinkled before you can even get it on.  If you want to use linen as a professional piece, I suggest sticking to sweaters or linen blends like Linen-Silk or Linen-Cotton.  While they will be slightly heavier than pure linen you won’t look exhausted from a hard day immediately after putting them on.

3.   Cotton.  One of my favorite fabrics for all year, cotton is durable; inexpensive and comes in a variety of textures and treatments.  Unfortunately it can also fade and loose its shape with repeated wearing and washing, so keep that in mind when deciding if it will work for what you need.  If you are going to wear it a lot or do more than sit behind a desk, it may be a one-season-only investment.

4.   Silk.  Found more in women’s wear, silk is crossing over into men’s wear more and more each season.  While you don’t see as many everyday silk options for men as you do for women, you can find them for evening or formal occasions.  Also note, this is not a wash-and-wear fabric, so again that needs to be part of your decision making process.

5.   Jersey.  Another soft, light and luxurious feeling fabric, jersey is great for shirts; dresses and pants, but you won’t find too many full suits made out of it.   As a blended fabric it holds its shape and color well through many washings and tends to be wrinkle free, which make it perfect for busy professionals on the run.

6.   Chambray.  Around since the 19^th century and originally made of linen, chambray can be found today in many fabrics including cotton and synthetic blends.  Often used as a hot weather denim alternative, chambray is now used for all types of garments, including blazers, pants and skirts.  With that in mind it works better in a more casual office setting than in a traditional one.

7.   Tropical Weight Wool.  If you are looking for a classic or more conservative suiting option for summer, this is your best bet.  Tropical weight wool is a grade of wool that is lighter and thinner than other worsted wools but retains the look and feel of a traditional suit.

 

Beating the summer heat is not just about the fabric choices you make, but also the construction ones.  While I love a good lining and feel it adds a level of sophistication and quality to a garment, they are not ideal for the summer.   Just remember to wear the proper foundation garments, because while unlined or ‘unstructured’ pieces are lighter and breathe better they don’t conceal what’s underneath.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges.  Please send your comments and questions to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.