The ultimate summer fabric, seersucker is as pleasing to wear as it is to look at. Instantly recognisable by its puckered texture, it facilitates effortless airflow, making it the perfect companion throughout the warm season. At Hast, we naturally chose this remarkable weave for several of our summer designs, the cornerstone pieces of an effortlessly fresh wardrobe.
The anatomy of seersucker
Originating in India, where it was introduced in the 18th century by the East India Company, seersucker takes its name from the Persian “shir o shakar”, literally meaning “milk and sugar”. This phrase aptly captures the cloth's unique texture, blending the smoothness of milk with the crisp, granular feel of sugar.
Technically, this puckered texture is created during weaving by alternating the tension of the cotton yarns both horizontally and vertically. Visually, the contrast between slack and tight threads creates this signature, striking effect unique to seersucker.
Beyond its visual appeal, this distinctive puckered hand delivers unique properties perfectly suited to summer. Thanks to its crinkled weave, seersucker sits away from the skin, enhancing breathability and air circulation. As one of the most breathable fabrics available, it has naturally become an essential companion for the warmer months.
Now over a century old, the “Seersucker Thursday” tradition continues in the United States, inviting senators to wear seersucker to welcome the arrival of summer on the second or third Thursday in June.
Seersucker at Hast
This season, we have created a “three-piece” seersucker suit, designed to let you enjoy this exceptional fabric. Elegant and distinctive, it comprises a jacket, trousers and shorts.
A true centrepiece, the jacket is tailored from a 135 g/m² 100% cotton fabric, featuring the classic striped pattern synonymous with seersucker. True to the spirit of the cloth, this jacket features a soft, lightweight construction with relaxed shoulders and twin rear vents. Finished with generous 8.5 cm lapels and an understated “three roll two” fastening (two working buttons with a third tucked into the roll of the lapel), it offers a refined, purposeful piece crafted in Portugal with a distinctly Italian spirit.
Pair it with the matching summer trousers, meticulously tailored from the exact same cloth. Finished with an internal button placket, two crisp pleats and a subtly tailored fit, they match the elegance of their tailored counterpart above.
Rather than a waistcoat, we chose shorts to complete this “three-piece” suit. On warm summer days, they deliver tailored elegance without overheating, thanks to a side button placket and double pleats. While unconventional, pairing a lightweight jacket with matching shorts remains refined and effortless, ideal for dressing up above 25°C.
With these three pieces, a wealth of combinations awaits:
- the jacket on its own. Understated yet refined, it elevates any outfit effortlessly, whether worn with jeans, chinos or linen trousers.
- the trousers on their own. A study in balance and proportion, our lightweight seersucker trousers combine tailored lines with a distinctive texture for versatile casual-chic dressing. A T-shirt, polo shirt, or short-sleeved shirt: every top pairs effortlessly.
- the shorts on their own. Maximum ease without compromising on elegance: that is the promise of these seersucker shorts. Styled with a shirt or a simple t-shirt, they offer an effortless balance of comfort and refined style.
- the jacket and trousers suit. The definitive summer suit and an impeccable choice for weddings, pairing the matching jacket and trousers is both the most natural and the most sophisticated styling option. A truly refined ensemble offering unmatched seasonal ease.
- the jacket and shorts pairing. Unexpected at first glance yet undeniably sharp, this combination is by far the boldest of the three. Ready to make a statement?
And a shirt, naturally
Completing our seersucker collection, we introduce a shirt. A signature staple of the Hast wardrobe, we naturally wanted to craft one in this exceptional fabric. An understated classic, its puckered texture is rendered in a deep, captivating navy blue.
In the same spirit, our short-sleeved Tencel shirt captures a similarly distinctive texture. While not strictly seersucker, the specific weaving technique used for its wood-pulp fibres gives the fabric a subtly rippled handle. Finished with a camp collar and twin chest flap pockets, this texture enhances the garment's character and effortless charm.
Caring for seersucker
As a rule, seersucker is a fabric that handles machine washing exceptionally well. Clean your shirts safely using a gentle 30°C cycle and a 400 to 600 rpm spin. Never tumble dry. Given the delicate nature of the fabric, we recommend cool ironing or dry cleaning for your jacket, trousers or shorts.
A final word
A master of texture and lightness, seersucker is undeniably the quintessential summer cloth. Elegant and high-performing, it promotes airflow while exuding effortless style, making it an indispensable warm-weather staple.
At Hast, we have applied its unique qualities to one suit and two shirts, available now in our shops and on Hastparis.com.
