Quick Answer: What Is the Best Suit for Summer?
A lightweight, breathable suit in a lighter colour. Look for lightweight wool blends with stretch, and pair them with breathable shirts like our linen-like and seersucker short-sleeve styles. Choose tan, light grey, light blue or soft pastels.
Weddings, summer events, patio dinners and offices without enough A/C: summer is full of occasions for a suit. The trick is choosing one that keeps you cool. Here's how to stay sharp and comfortable when the temperature climbs.
The Best Summer Suit Fabrics
Fabric matters more than anything else in a summer suit.
Lightweight wool
Wool is often misunderstood as a winter fabric, but a lightweight, open-weave wool breathes well, wicks moisture and resists wrinkles. It's one of the best all-round summer suit fabrics, especially for weddings and the office.
Stretch blends
Polyester-viscose blends with stretch are light, wrinkle-resistant and easy to wear. They're the backbone of most modern summer suits. For the top half, our linen-like shirts give you linen's breathable look with fewer wrinkles.
Cotton shirts
Under a summer suit, a cotton or cotton-blend dress shirt is breathable and comfortable. Pair it with a breathable undershirt on the hottest days.
Seersucker
Seersucker's puckered texture keeps the fabric slightly away from your skin, letting air flow. It's a classic summer fabric, and a seersucker short-sleeve shirt is an easy way to wear it off-duty.
Stretch and performance blends
Blends with a bit of stretch keep you comfortable and help the suit hold its shape through a long, warm day.
Learn more in our guide to cotton vs. linen vs. wool.
Look for Summer-Friendly Construction
- Lighter weaves let air pass through.
- Stretch fabrics keep you comfortable as you move.
- Knit sport jackets and blazers feel lighter and more relaxed than a structured suit jacket.
Choose Summer Colours
Lighter colours reflect sunlight and look fresh in summer:
- Tan and beige for a classic summer look
- Light grey for something versatile and polished
- Light blue and soft pastels like lilac, blush or aqua for personality
Pair a tan suit with a light blue or gingham shirt, or a light grey suit with a white shirt and a pastel tie.
Style Your Summer Suit
- Shirts: choose breathable dress shirts in white, light blue or subtle patterns.
- Ties: optional for casual settings. Silk ties in light colours work if you wear one.
- Undershirt: a moisture-wicking undershirt keeps sweat off your shirt.
- Shoes: cognac oxfords feel right with lighter summer suits.
Heading to a wedding? Read our summer wedding attire guide. Dressing for the office? See what to wear to work when it's hot.
Off duty? Try these summer outfit formulas for patios and long weekends.
For off-duty days, try these casual summer outfits.
FAQ
What colour suit is best for summer?
Tan, light grey, light blue and soft pastels look fresh and help reflect heat.
Is wool too hot for summer?
No. Lightweight, open-weave wool is breathable and one of the best fabrics for summer suits.
What is seersucker?
A lightweight cotton fabric with a puckered texture that keeps it off your skin, making it cool and breathable. It's a classic summer shirt fabric.
Shop Summer Suits at Tip Top
Find lightweight suits, tan suits and summer dress shirts, or visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.
