Drawing on History for Summer Suits and Blazers

It’s getting hot outside, so we’re starting to think about what kinds of fabrics work for custom garments in the summer time. Obviously overcoats are out across the board because you would have to be a madman to wear a heavy coat out in this weather. But there are still some great, lightweight and breathable options when it comes to suits and blazers.

We’ve turned to history for some fabric and color inspiration.

Check out the white corduroy suits on Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin below—

Our WATSON ELLIS White Cord suit swatch

We have a similar option at Watson Ellis in the White Cord (with stretch) fabric from Loro Piana’s 2019 collection.

White corduroy suits can be a stylish and comfortable choice for summer, offering a unique blend of texture, breathability, and a timeless, classic look. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to white corduroy suits for the summer:

Material and Texture: Corduroy is a fabric that consists of vertical ridges or "cords," which create a distinct texture. It's typically made from cotton, making it a breathable and comfortable option for warm weather. The ridges add an interesting visual element to the suit.

Color: White is an excellent choice for summer as it reflects sunlight, helping to keep you cool in the heat. It also gives a fresh and clean appearance, which is perfect for the season. However, it's important to note that white can be prone to stains, so you'll need to be cautious while wearing it.

Occasions: White corduroy suits are suitable for a range of summer occasions, from outdoor weddings to garden parties, or even a night out on the town. They strike a balance between formal and casual, making them versatile for various events.

We also have light blue sharkskin and light blue cashmere cloud options similar to these impeccable cuts —

WATSON ELLIS light blue summer suiting swatch

It’s all about staying light weight with your summer suiting fabric. Loro Piana wish super 170s are a great option, feather-weight cashmere, tropical blends, or light-weight linens like this one —

WATSON ELLIS cream linen summer suit swatch

In terms of the blazer fabrics we’re loving this season, we’re also turning to classic images for some inspiration. I mean… DJ’s looks in Miami Vice never get old, do they?

In the iconic 1980s television series "Miami Vice," the character Detective James "Sonny" Crockett, played by Don Johnson, became known for his stylish and trend-setting fashion choices, including his distinctive blazers. These blazers were a key part of his signature look and contributed to the show's influence on men's fashion during that era. Here's a description of some of the blazers worn by Sonny Crockett in "Miami Vice":

Pastel Colors: Crockett's blazers were often in pastel colors, reflecting the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of Miami. Colors like light pink, teal, and pale blue were commonly featured. These bold choices added a sense of Miami's tropical ambiance to his wardrobe.

Linen and Lightweight Fabrics: Given the hot and humid climate of Miami, many of Crockett's blazers were made from lightweight materials like linen or lightweight wool blends. These fabrics helped him stay cool while still looking impeccably stylish.

Unstructured and Relaxed Fit: Crockett's blazers typically had an unstructured, relaxed fit, which was a departure from the more structured and tailored suits of the time. This style was comfortable and added to the laid-back, casual elegance of his look.

T-Shirts and No Tie: Underneath his blazers, Crockett often wore plain crew-neck T-shirts, eschewing the traditional dress shirt and tie combination. This was a bold and daring fashion choice that contributed to his unique style.

WATSON ELLIS sunset peach swatch

Loving this double-breasted white pinstripe look on Serge Gainsbourg too —

And of course how could anyone ignore the plethora of incredible blazers worn by De Niro in Casino (1995) — We saw a few wardrobe themes we wanted to share:

Neutral Colors: Ace Rothstein's wardrobe tends to feature neutral and understated colors, such as charcoal gray, navy blue, and black. These colors reflect his no-nonsense, professional persona and his position as a high-ranking executive in the casino industry.

Tailored Fit: The blazers and suits worn by De Niro in the film are impeccably tailored to fit him perfectly. They have a slim and flattering silhouette that accentuates his stature and exudes sophistication. The sleeves and trouser legs typically have a clean, narrow cut.

Notch Lapels: The blazers and suits often feature notch lapels, which are a classic and timeless choice for business attire. This style of lapel complements the overall clean and sharp look of his outfits.

Coordinated Accessories: De Niro's character pays great attention to detail, so he often pairs his blazers with coordinated accessories. This includes silk ties, pocket squares, and dress shirts that match or complement the color of his suits.

Formal Footwear: To complete the look, Ace Rothstein typically wears leather dress shoes that are polished and well-maintained. These shoes add a final touch of elegance to his outfits.

As some of the swatches above indicate, we have similar fabrics to all of these iconic summer looks and more at Watson Ellis. So book an appointment to come and browse through some fabric —