The queen of summer materials, seersucker is a fabric that we can't say is more pleasant to wear or to look at . Easily recognizable by its waffle texture, it promotes air circulation in all lightness, which makes it a privileged ally throughout the beautiful season. At Hast, we didn't need to be asked twice to dress some of our summer creations in it, key pieces of a fresher-than-life wardrobe .
Anatomy of Seersucker
Originating from India, from where it was imported in the 18th century by the East India Company , seersucker is a fabric whose name comes from the Persian "shir o shakar", literally meaning "milk and sugar" . This name clearly refers to the appearance of its fabric, presenting both the creamy side of milk and the dry and crunchy appearance of sugar.
Technically, this bumpy look is obtained at the time of weaving, by varying the tension of the cotton threads horizontally and vertically . Visually, the alternation of loose and taut threads offers this spectacular result, a major characteristic of seersucker.
In addition to its aesthetic power, this beautifully undulating hand gives the fabric unique properties, particularly useful in summer. Due to its undulations, seersucker remains at a distance from the skin, which at the same time promotes ventilation and air circulation. In fact, it is one of the most breathable fabrics available, which is why many people make it their official summer partner .
Although it is a century old, the tradition of "Seersucker Thursday" continues to thrive in the United States , inviting senators to wear seersucker to welcome summer on the second or third Thursday of June.
Seersucker at Hast
This season, we have published a “three-piece” seersucker suit , determined to make you enjoy this fabulous material. Elegant and original, it consists of a jacket, pants and shorts .
A piece of bravery, the jacket is crafted in a 100% cotton fabric of 135 grams/m2, displaying the striped pattern traditionally associated with seersucker . In keeping with the spirit of the canvas, this jacket is rather light in its construction, assuming dropped shoulders and two slits in the back. Add to that generous 8.5 cm lapels and a delicious "three roll two" buttoning (two central buttons accompanied by a third hidden in the lapel), you get a delicate and concerned piece, Portuguese in confection and very Italian in spirit .
At the bottom, you can join the associated summer pants , scrupulously worked in the same fabric. For its part, it can count on an interior button placket, two beautiful pleats and a subtly adjusted cut to match in distinction its partner of the upper body.
Rather than a vest, we chose shorts to complete this “three-piece” suit . On hot summer days, they will allow you to play the formal elegance card thanks to their side button placket and two pairs of pleats, without risking overheating. Unusual, the combination of a light jacket and matching shorts is nonetheless graceful, wonderful for dressing up in temperatures above 25°C .
With these three pieces, many combinations are available to you:
- the jacket alone . Distinguished without being flashy, it will enhance your outfits in the blink of an eye, whether you're wearing jeans, chinos or linen pants.
- the pants alone . A lesson in precision and dosage, our lightweight seersucker pants combine the cut of a formal piece with a unique texture to offer a model of casual chic versatility. T-shirt , polo shirt, short-sleeved shirt : any top will suit it well with its complexion.
- shorts alone . Maximum comfort without compromising on elegance: this is the promise of these seersucker shorts. With a shirt or a simple t-shirt , they will allow you like no other to combine comfort and refinement.
- the pants-jacket combo . A summer suit if ever there was one, a wedding suit all found, the jacket and pants set is the most obvious and elegant association. A uniform of great beauty and incomparable freshness.
- the short-jacket union . Confusing at first glance, seductive at second, this combination is by far the most daring among those proposed. So, ready to take the plunge?
And a shirt, obviously
In the family of seersucker items, we now ask for a shirt . A key piece in the Hast wardrobe, we obviously wanted to adorn one with this magical fabric. A model of sobriety, its embossed fabric is drawn in a navy blue of dizzying depth and absolute charm .
In the same vein, our short-sleeved Tencel shirt also evokes this very particular texture . We are not strictly speaking on a seersucker, but the technique favored for weaving its wood pulp threads gives the material an undulating hand. In addition to a Cuban collar and a pair of flap chest pockets, this texture contributes to the originality of the piece and its irresistible appeal.
Seersucker Care
Generally speaking, seersucker is a fabric that withstands machine washing well . Provided you choose a 30°C program and a spin of 400 to 600 revolutions per minute, you can clean your shirts without the slightest risk. Above all, do not machine dry. The delicacy of the fabric requires cold ironing or dry cleaning when you want to clean your jacket, pants or shorts.
The final word
A master of texture and lightness, seersucker is undoubtedly one of the kings of summer . Elegant and efficient, it promotes air circulation while splashing the surroundings with its talent, which is why many make it a must-have for the summer season.
At Hast, we have put his genius to the service of a suit and two shirts, now available in our boutiques and on Hastparis.com.
