I’ll tell you the first thing most clients ask about a cotton suit: “Won’t it wrinkle?” Yes. It will. By lunch you’ll see creases at the elbows and behind the knees, and I’d argue that’s half the appeal. Cotton is supposed to look lived in. A wool suit asks you to keep it pristine. A cotton suit lets you relax a little, which is exactly what you want from July and August.
If you’re going to own one, start with light tan khaki. It’s the shade the army wore for nearly a century, and it still looks right on a city sidewalk. Here’s what I’d do with it, and where I’d go next.
What makes this The Quintessential Cotton Suit?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between bespoke and made-to-measure (MTM)?
A: Bespoke tailoring involves the creation of a unique pattern for each client, differentiating it from made-to-measure, which makes adjustments to a block pattern. The Savile Row tradition of bespoke tailoring, which Michael Andrews adheres to for all its full bespoke clothing, requires that garments be sewn principally by hand, with only long seams finished on a sewing machine.
Q: How will it fit?
A: For our bespoke clients, we simply use your bespoke pattern that’s on file. If you’d like to make some changes, no problem, just let us know. Interested in having yours MTM? Great! We can use your existing measurements on file to create your custom size (again, just let us know if you’d like any changes).
Q: Can I change any design details?
A: Absolutely. Your stylist will gladly assist you in making this suit your own.
Additional Cotton Suiting Colors
Navy is the most versatile color in a man’s wardrobe. Chances are you already have a navy blue wool suit in your closet but do you have its cotton counterpart yet? This dark blue cotton suit looks more formal than its khaki cousin, making this a great alternative for the office. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and tie for a dressed up outfit that will have you looking cool on a hot day. You can also break it up and wear the jacket as a classic blue sport coat and the trousers as a versatile blue chino.
Blues and grays are your foundational suiting colors. When you’re ready to start branching out from there, brown should be your next choice. It occupies the middle ground between dressy and casual. That’s why it’s an ideal choice for sport coats, corduroys, business-casual slacks, and of course, cotton suits. Pair it with a pink shirt in summer for a vibrant, casual look.
If you are looking for a color outside the big three (blue, grey and brown), then search no further. Ironically, green isn’t just for hiding; it’s for being seen. This color is all the rage right now, and there’s no better way to be on trend this summer than in a green cotton suit. Pair it with a blue poplin shirt and pocket square for an ensemble that will have others turning green with envy.
