How to Wear Seersucker

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

Whether you're going for a Southern or nautical look, seersucker is versatile and stylish for both formal and casual occasions. Knowing how to wear seersucker clothes and what accessories to pair it with can help you make a memorable fashion statement. Because seersucker is a lightweight fabric, avoid wearing it on breezy days. Seersucker is best worn during the hotter summer months.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Seersucker Suit

1
Pick a blue seersucker suit for a classic look. Traditionally, seersucker suits are blue-and-white striped. Go for this option if you want a simple summer feel or plan to wear your seersucker at a formal occasion.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Pair a blue seersucker suit with a skinny tie or bowtie and dark brown shoes.
2
Choose pastel or patterned suits for a pop of color. If you're looking for a more alternative take on the seersucker suit, look for suits in other light colors. Because seersucker is a fabric, not a print, seersucker suits are available in a variety of colors and patterns.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Read the suit label to make sure your suit is high-quality. Genuine seersucker is 100% cotton. If your suit is made of a fabric blend, it is likely of lesser quality: blended seersucker suits will not have as much puckering or texture. To avoid flat and smooth seersucker, make sure your suit is authentic.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Take your seersucker suit to the dry cleaners to break it in. When you first purchase your seersucker suit, it may feel stiff and baggy. Take your seersucker suit to the cleaners or dry-clean it yourself before you wear it for the first time. This will keep your suit crisp and comfortable.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Do not wash or dry seersucker. You can only dry clean it.
5
Pay attention to fit while choosing a seersucker suit. The ideal seersucker suit will have a slightly crinkly texture but should not feel baggy. A well-fitting seersucker suit should contour closely to your body. Get your body measurements taken before you purchase your suit so you can find the right size.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Get your suit tailored for the best fit possible.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Seersucker Suits

1
Choose a subtle knit tie to go along with your seersucker suit. Light and dark colors work equally well in terms of a tie, but knit silk usually matches best with seersucker. Subtle patterns are ideal: avoid stripes in particular, which can detract from the texture of seersucker.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Pastel-colored ties generally pair well with seersucker. Whatever the color, make sure your tie matches your socks.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Bow ties are acceptable to wear with seersucker clothing. Avoid wearing bolo or Kentucky ties.
2
Avoid wearing black shoes with seersucker suits. Most seersucker prints are bright and clash with black shoes. To avoid a fashion faux pas, wear light colored shoes with the fabric. White or light brown oxfords usually pair well with seersucker.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Pair dark-wash jeans with a white seersucker shirt and brown oxfords.
3
Pair a shirt made of a light fabric with your seersucker suit. Choose a button-down shirt in a lightweight fabric, like linen, chiffon, or cotton. Avoid overly-formal shirts with ruffles or French cuffs.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- You might, for example, wear a pink linen button-down with a traditional blue seersucker suit and white oxfords.
4
Pick a soft-colored shirt to wear with seersucker. Pale colors, like white, pink, or blue, make seersucker look classy. Avoid bright or neon clothes, which generally clash with seersucker, in favor of pastel colors.
- For example, pair a plaid seersucker suit with a cream chiffon button-down.
5
Break up your seersucker suit to mix your outfit up. You don't need to wear head-to-toe seersucker to rock a formal look. To make your look more versatile and non-conventional, pair your seersucker jacket with khakis or white pants. Or, if you like the look of your jacket, wear a plain white or blue button-down with it.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- You could, for example, wear a salmon-colored seersucker jacket with a white cotton shirt and khaki dress pants.
- Denim jackets pair nicely with seersucker pants and look more casual than the full seersucker suit.
6
Save your seersucker suit for summer weddings and garden parties. Seersucker suits are refreshing to wear during hot months because it is a light fabric. Wear your seersucker suit when you want to look stylish without sweating through the evening. For added classiness, wear your favorite bow tie (a classic seersucker look).^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Do not wear seersucker to work or job interviews. For the most part, seersucker suits are not intended for the workspace.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing Other Seersucker Garments

1
Choose a seersucker hat for a retro look. Seersucker hats are both traditional and timeless. The fabric is soft and conforms well to the wearer's head. If your outfit is casual but gives a subtle nod to past decades, a seersucker hat may complete your look.
- Wear a seersucker ballcap with a raglan tee and jeans for a casual weekend outfit.
2
Wear a seersucker dress in the summer months for a soft, classic look. Light colors compliment seersucker's soft texture well. Paler pastels, whites, and grays look better than dark or neutral colors. Choose similarly light-colored accessories to wear with your seersucker to keep from weighing down your outfit.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Try wearing a seersucker dress with a wide-brimmed straw hat and pastel-colored flats.
- Pinks, whites, and blues are the most common seersucker colors.
3
Pick a seersucker blazer for informal occasions. Seersucker blazers are the perfect nod to Southern couture without committing entirely to the fabric. If you're not into formality and are looking for a more understated look, wear your seersucker blazer with a simple button-down shirt.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Khaki dress pants pair well with seersucker.
- Avoid wearing black pants or skirts with seersucker blazers.
4
Wear a seersucker shirt to add texture to your outfit. Seersucker shirts can bring a splash of nautical vibrancy to everyday summer clothes. Pair your shirt with clothing that matches well with stripes: bold patterns or multicolored clothing usually looks inelegant.
- You could, for example, wear a short-sleeved seersucker shirt with solid navy blue shorts.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kalee Hewlett
  Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 20 April 2021.}
5
Go beltless if you want to dress down. Ditching a belt makes seersucker clothing seem more casual. If you're heading to a summer barbecue, leave the belt at home. But for more traditional events, pick a ribbon, nylon, or woven belt.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- When going to a wedding, for example, wear a brown woven belt with a white chiffon shirt and a pastel-colored seersucker suit.
6
Mix and match seersucker separates with other fabrics. Too much seersucker clothing can make your outfit look too busy. Wear one clothing item or clothing piece set to wear at a time, and choose lightweight fabrics for the rest of your outfits.
- If you're wearing a seersucker shirt, do not wear seersucker pants or a seersucker suit.
- For example, pair a seersucker shirt with linen trousers.
7
Choose minimal accessories when wearing seersucker clothes. Seersucker is designed to be lightweight. Don't detract from the lightness with heavy scarves or intricate hats. Pick 1 or 2 accessories total, preferably ones that are appropriate for the summer season.
- A newsy or a newsboy cap, for example, would work well with seersucker. A fur hat, however, would look awkward.