During the summer months, social plans usually ramp up to another level. Summer weddings, birthday parties, proms, galas, formals — it can seem like the events are never-ending! But it makes sense, because why wouldn’t we want to make the most of the sunnier, warmer days and longer evenings?
Of course, for most of these occasions, men will need to put on their finest suit, which, for many esteemed gentlemen, will be their tweed suits. But this begs the question: Can you wear tweed in summer?
In short, the answer is yes. But we’ll explain it in more detail below.
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Can You Wear Tweed in the Summer? 3 Reasons Why Tweed Is a Great Summer Fabric
Tweed makes for a perfect summer suit. Although it’s designed to keep you warmer during the winter months, its very same characteristics can help keep you cooler during the summer. Why? Because the tweed material has moisture-wicking properties, comes in different weights and thicknesses, and boasts lighter summer colourways.
If you’re still wondering, can I wear tweed in summer? Let’s get into the specifics of why you absolutely can!
1. Moisture-Wicking Properties
Tweed is made from wool, which is a naturally moisture-wicking fabric. This means that any moisture on the skin is quickly drawn away to the surface of the material, where it can evaporate.
This is particularly useful in the summer, when a tweed suit will help remove your sweat and keep you cool. Instead of trapping the sweat in between your skin and the fabric, causing an uncomfortable dampness, the tweed helps you to stay dry and comfortable!
Fun fact: this characteristic also means tweed keeps you warm and dry in the winter months. If you were to step in a cold, muddy puddle, for instance, it would help keep the damp off you!
While it’s not necessarily the best heat and moisture resistant material we have with today’s clothing technology, as a natural, traditional fabric, tweed was historically unbeatable in its durability and other areas.
2. Different Weights
When choosing which tweed garments to wear in each season, it’s important to check the weight of the fabric.
Tweed comes in different weights and thicknesses, meaning some are better suited (pardon the pun) for hot days, and others are best for cold. So, to answer the question, is tweed hot? It can keep you warm if it’s thicker, but it doesn’t have to be!
Wearing a heavy-duty, thick tweed suit isn’t ideal during the summer. So you’re better off looking for a lighter, thinner tweed. Tweed fabric weight is usually measured in grams per square meter, falling between 250 and 600 gsm.
If you are looking for a tweed three-piece suit, they tend to be made from lighter fabrics, while tweed for outdoor or work clothing tends to be heavier. When shopping, keep an eye out for terms like “heavy weight”, “medium weight”, and “light weight”. If you can’t see anything in the product description, it might be worth reaching out to the store in question.
3. Light Colour Options
Did you know that tweed can come in a range of colours? Of course, there’s the classic brown tweed that we all know and love. But these days, you can get lighter, summery colours too!
Plus, lighter summer colours aren’t just for style. They can also help to keep you cool! Darker colours help to absorb the warmth of the sun, while lighter colours can reflect it.
So, Is Tweed a Summer Fabric?
For a traditional yet summery look, opt for a light brown herringbone tweed three-piece suit. To add a pop of colour to your tweed wardrobe in late summer, choose a harvest green check tweed suit. Blue suits are a go-to for summer occasions, so this light blue herringbone should suit you nicely. A grey classic three-piece suit is also a good one to have on hand for your social calendar this summer.
Well, considering that you can get tweed in lighter weights and colours just for the summer, and that it can help prevent you from getting too sweaty, tweed could definitely be considered a summer fabric!
Plus, tweed looks good on everybody. So next time you’re shuffling through your closet, wanting to put on your tweed but wondering is tweed good for summer? Remember that it absolutely is.
Besides, the summer weather can be pretty unreliable, depending on where you are in the world. The UK is famous for having unpredictable summer weather, and many states in the US are the same.
It’s also worth remembering that a lot of these summer occasions can run through from day to night. During the day, while you may be warmer, you might prefer to just wear your tweed trousers and waistcoat, keeping your tweed jacket nearby. As the evening cools, you can pop on your tweed jacket and stay warm and comfortable, giving you the best of both worlds!
How to Wear Tweed in Summer
If you’d like to put on your best tweed this summer, but you’re still thinking: Are tweed suits hot? Here are some tips to ensure you stay comfortable wearing tweed on warmer days.
Layer Your Tweed
If you’re just wearing your tweed jacket on a warmer day, you can go for a shirt underneath. If it is slightly cooler, you might want to add a light jumper on top. If it’s rather cold, you could add a vest under your shirt!
If you are wearing your three-piece suit, then your tweed waistcoat is already set for layering!
Pair Tweed With Breathable Fabric
During the summer, it’s a good idea to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen. This helps to keep you cool and stop you from sweating too much. Plus, it looks great!
Go For a More Casual Tweed Look
You don’t always have to wear a full three-piece tweed suit when you’d like to wear your tweed. For more casual occasions, you could just wear your tweed jacket with a shirt and jeans.
Tweed jackets also look great with a polo top or even chinos. Whatever your unique style, incorporate tweed for a chic, elevated look.
Embrace Tweed Accessories
Sometimes, just adding the smallest amount of tweed to your look can transform it into a stylish outfit. Whether it’s adding a tweed cap, a blazer, or even a waistcoat, it can make you look and feel cool.
Choose Your Footwear Wisely
When it comes to staying cool in the summer, don’t neglect what you put on your feet! While tweed suits are often worn with heavy boots or thick leather, this may not be ideal for hot summer days. On these occasions, you may wish to opt for something lighter, like moccasins or deck shoes.
Final Thoughts: Is Tweed Good For Summer?
Tweed is a versatile fabric that can be worn all year round, you just need to know how to wear it! With everything mentioned above, you’ll be ready to wear your tweed on even the warmest days of the year.
If you do need to be completely suited and booted for a summer event, make sure you know how to look stylish and stay cool in a suit.
Shop Summer Tweed Suits at Tweedmaker
Ready to find your tweed suit for the summer? Shop the lightweight, summer colours in Tweedmaker’s tweed suit collection.
