06/04/2026
Summer Jacket Styles
The Summer Jacket
Weddings, outdoor parties, and other events that call for a professional presentation in hot weather make the summer jacket a necessity. So what’s the difference between a summer jacket and a regular blazer or sports coat?
Summer Jacket Fabrics
Cotton — Cotton is king in the summer months; its natural wicking properties along with its strength and durability make it the choice for those looking to stay cool and get years of wear. However, because of their tendency to wrinkle, they do require frequent attention and are considered less casual — because of this I recommend a man have at least two well-fitting suits in his wardrobe before purchasing a cotton jacket. Tropical weight wools are a hot weather alternative, but even though lightweight, they are still a bit warmer than cotton and require care when cleaning. On the other hand, the drape and feel of wool is unmatched, and if the jacket is half-lined and conservative in color, it may be the most versatile garment in your closet.
Seersucker (see photo) - Often seen in the American southeast, this fabric’s origins are Indian. Picked up by the English, it made its way to the US where it has transformed itself into a modern classic. Most commonly made from cotton with a striped pattern (blue, brown, gray, although other colors and patterns can be sourced), seersucker’s strength lies in its slack tension weave where two warp beams enable a tight weave one direction while a loose on the other. The result is an incredibly breathable fabric that allows air to move through with ease.
Linen — Like cotton, this is a fabric made from a plant-based fiber (flax) and has the perfect summer characteristics of wicking away moisture and dissipating heat. However, linen fabrics are often rougher and easily wrinkle, making them the least casual of summer fabrics despite their high price (this is a result more of so few producers and low demand compared with cotton). Despite the cost, a well-informed gentleman realizes linen fabric is the most durable of fabrics, and a classic linen sports coat can last a lifetime if taken care of.
Unlined and Half-Lined Jackets — Adjusting the inner construction of a jacket is another method of reducing its propensity to retain heat. Completely unlined jackets are perfect for warm weather as that they dispense with entire layers of fabric. However, these unlined and thus unstructured jackets are by definition less formal than their more rigid brethren and look best matched with casual cotton garments supported by classic accessories. Half-lined jackets are where all but the essential lining is dispensed with; these jackets still retain their structure (linings and shoulder pads) but eliminate lining on the lower half of the jacket. Both half and unlined jackets require skilled seam work on the part of the garment maker, as there is no lining to hide unsightly edging. When choosing half-lined jackets ensure the lining is made with a viscous Bemberg material vs. silk. Developed over 70 years ago, Bemberg is a natural man-made fiber that comes from wood pulp; it does a better job than silk of wicking moisture from the body and is more durable.
..more to come
Look Sharp!
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