How to Suit Up When It’s Scorching

The first summer I worked in the City, I made the classic mistake: navy wool twill, fully lined, two-piece, worn with a kind of masochistic pride through the smoggy purgatory of the Northern line. My shirt stuck to my back before I even reached Bank. By lunchtime, the suit had lost its shape and my dignity was slipping fast behind it. That day, I learned a hard truth - suits don’t stop being necessary when the sun comes out. They just demand better choices.

The need for tailoring doesn’t vanish when the mercury hits 30°C. You still get wedding invites. The office still has expectations (even if it's just "business casual" in theory). Dinner with the in-laws, gallery openings, first dates, even holidays in the Med - there are still moments that ask for something sharper than a Cuban-collared shirt. But dressing with intent in the heat takes more than bravery. It requires strategy.

In the same way you wouldn’t run a marathon in brogues, summer suiting demands rethinking your armour. Fabrics get lighter. Silhouettes become more relaxed. Construction pares back. And - crucially- your understanding of where, when and how to wear a suit becomes more flexible.

Think of it as an evolution rather than a compromise. From unlined linen jackets that breathe like your favourite tee, to cotton-twill trousers that go with everything from brogues to sandals, summer tailoring has learned to loosen up. And so should you. The perfect warm-weather suit doesn’t just keep you looking cool - it keeps you from losing your cool entirely.

So, where are we getting these sweat-proof suits? And what makes a good one, anyway?

When you're shoulder-to-shoulder on the Tube or sweating it out on the 8:12 from Clapham Junction, your suit needs to work harder than you do. Think crease-resistant fabrics - preferably blends of wool with a touch of technical fibre. Unlined or half-lined jackets reduce bulk, while patch pockets and soft shoulders keep things from looking too stiff. You want breathable, packable, sweat-hiding magic. Also: keep a spare shirt at the office. Always.

Best Men's Suits for Summer Weddings

Weddings are the catwalk of summer menswear. Whether it’s a Tuscan vineyard or a Kent barn, you’ll want something formal enough for the vows but breezy enough for the dancefloor. Pastel tones, cream linens, pale greys and sandy cottons all shine in natural light. Bonus points for double-breasted numbers that look intentional, not boardroom. Just remember: the bride should sweat more than you.

Summer suits for the everyday man about town. Think drawstring trousers, deconstructed jackets, and textures that look as good with a tee as they do with a button-down. These are the suits you can wear to a terrace brunch or a Friday pub garden session without feeling overdressed. Style them with suede loafers, leather sandals or, if you must, pristine white trainers. But please- no socks.

Sometimes, it pays to go big. Designer summer suits aren’t just about logos or labels—they’re about craftsmanship that works with the heat, not against it. The right one will drape like a second skin, wick away moisture like a sports kit, and turn heads without breaking a sweat. Look for unstructured cuts, featherweight wool or linen-silk blends, and finishing touches that only come with five-star tailoring. Perfect for jet-set weddings, rooftop launches, or any moment you want to feel like the best-dressed man in the postcode.