LIGHTEN YOUR SUIT FOUR WAYS

1. SEERSUCKER

The benefits of seersucker are abundant. Its texture allows for easier air flow around your body, plus it doesn’t catch the light like other fabrics. It also has a bit of stretch, so it’s more comfortable, and works when the jacket is less structured (as summer tailoring should be).

2. CHINO

A common misconception is a chino suit must be beige but labels as such as Pal Zileri and Canali attest, it doesn’t. It just needs to be cotton. The original beige is especially preppy — à la Benjamin Braddock — if that’s the end goal, but those in unorthodox colours like dark green or ochre bring an added touch of Italian insouciance.

3. LINEN

Lots of pitfalls here but the key is to avoid anything too pale and baggy. You don’t want to look like you’re in a cult, or own a set of Mallorcan wine bars. Look for a linen suit to be cut slimmer than usual. It will also crease easily (unless you get something in a linen-silk or linen-cotton mix), though it is by far the best fabric for keeping cool.

4. UNLINED

Our pick of the four styles: the lack of lining means the jacket will drape better and feel more like you are wearing another, slightly thicker shirt — although that will give off a more casual, leisurely vibe. If the weave of the fabric is loose, such as a hopsack, then air can circulate with ease.