Summer is the perfect time to bring out your Seersucker Suit! It’s lightweight, it’s fashionable, and it makes a stylish statement during the warmer months.
But Seersucker Suits are also incredibly unique, requiring different care than more common fabrics.
Our guide is going to break down everything you need to know about Seersucker Suits, from wearing it to caring for it/
What Is Seersucker?
Seersucker is a lightweight cotton fabric that’s known for its distinctive puckered appearance. The puckered structure makes the fabric breathable and ideal for hot summer weather.
Seersucker suits are a southern staple, first worn by the working class before becoming increasingly popular for all southern gentlemen to sport.
Since its rise in popularity for suits, it’s also been used in recent years for other pieces as well, such as mens shirts, women’s blouses, and other accessories. But a Seersucker Suit is still the iconic classic!
How to Choose a Seersucker Suit
If you’ve decided to join the rank of Seersucker Suit owners, congrats! Whether it’s the style that attracts you, the allure of a less stuffy summer suit, or both, it’s a great staple for your closet.
Even if you know your measurements, it’s worth trying on a seersucker suit in person. The unique puckering of the fabric can make it drape differently than more standard fabrics. Seersucker is also a trickier fabric to make drastic alterations to, though an experience tailor should still be able to adjust it as needed.
The traditional Seersucker suit comes in Blue and White Stripes, or occasionally Gray and White Stripes. However, through the years, more colors have become available, such a sRed and White or Green and White striped suits.
If you’re looking for something even more unique, solid pastel Seersucker Suits are becoming increasingly available as well.
How to Wash a Seersucker Suit
Can you machine wash Seersucker at home? Actually – yes!
This is partially what makes a Seersucker suit so unique. You should be able to occasionally run you Seersucker suit on a gentle cycle at home and let it air dry without doing significant damage to it like a regular suit.
Seersucker Suits are also able to hold their textured appearance through the home washing process.
But as with any high-end clothing purchase, choosing to dry clean instead of machine washing can help to extend the life of your Seersucker Suit.
The gentle process of Dry Cleaning allows any dirt and grime to be extracted from the fabric without exposing it to water or tossing it around in a way that may damage delicate stitching. Many Seersucker Suit owners opt for Dry Clean only, or alternate between home cleaning and dry cleaning for their suits.
How to Iron your Seersucker Suit
Because of it’s unique texture, Seersucker Suits generally don’t need to be ironed! In fact, attempting to iron a seersucker suit may permanently damage it, flattening out it’s signature puckering.
If you have unsightly wrinkles cutting across your suit, it’s recommended that you attempt to steam them out – not iron.
When in doubt, you can also choose to outsource to a professional who can make it look as good as new again.
Can a Seersucker Suit’s Texture be Restored?
Accidentally threw your Seersucker Suit in the dryer or tried to smooth it out with an iron? Don’t worry – it can be saved!
If you want to DIY your Seersucker Texture, start be re-washing it. Run it on a gentle cycle with cold water, then hang the suit to air dry. The weight of the water can help the fabric regain its puckered texture as it dries naturally.
If that didn’t do the trick, it’s time to call the professionals.
Dry Cleaners who have experience working with Seersucker Suits have techniques and equipment that can help restore the fabric’s texture. These specific re-texturing techniques can bring your suit back to life.
When Should You Wear Seersucker Suits?
Don’t overthink it! When it’s hot, it’s time to bring out the Seersucker Suits. They’re perfect all Spring and Summer, before Fall and Winter usher in other popular fabrics like Wool and Tweed.
How Do You Store Seersucker Suits in the Off Season?
When the weather starts to cool back off, it’s time to put your Seersucker Suits away until next year.
First, you’ll want to give it a proper clean. Many Seersucker Suit owners opt to have their suit professionally dry cleaned before tucking it away for the Fall and Winter months, though you can also clean them at home.
Next, make sure that you store them on padded hangers to maintain their shape. As Seersucker Suits aren’t very iron-friendly, you don’t want to risk adding creases by folding them or hanging on wire hangers.
For an extra layer of protection, store your hanging Seersucker Suits in cotton garment bags. This can protect them from dust, light, and bugs while they hang in the back of your closet. Avoid plastic bags for long term storage though, as these can trap moisture and cause mildew or yellowed fabric.
Any Other Questions about Seersucker Suit Care?
At Kean’s, we’re Seersucker Suit Experts! As a Louisiana-based Dry Cleaning Company, we’ve seen our fair share of this southern staple in our century of being in business, and are happy to answer any questions that you might have about Seersucker Suit Care.
