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Timeless. Classy. Essential. The suit has long been the basis for some of the finest looks fellows can pull off. After all, well-fitting tailoring denotes impeccable taste and projects rugged confidence. But with the traditional heft of a wool blazer, it can also be seen as stuffy, expensive or simply too much come summertime. The solution? Some easy, breezy suiting.
Come spring, a variety of avenues open for the simple two-piece regarding fabric, cut and even color. Linens and seersuckers, the respective king and queen of breathable cloth, can come out to play, and a relaxed, less than snug shape is all but preferred. Grey and black make their way back into the closet, and neutrals get their chance to shine. And while premium options can run you a few cool racks — Fear of God’s near-perfect summer suiting included — lightweight suits need not be prohibitively expensive.
Because we’re pro-warm-weather suit, we’ve rounded up 10 lightweight ensembles for your spring and summer escapades, be it a fancy-schmancy dinner, your cousin’s wedding or just another sweltering day in the office. What’s more, every suit on this list is under $1,000, meaning that instead of watching on in admiration, you can hop on the bandwagon yourself, regardless of whether or not you’re CEO status.
Bonobos Stretch Chambray Suit
Bonobos makes many a fine basic, and their warm-weather stretch suit is is no different. The notch lapel jacket is cut slightly casual, but certainly wouldn’t look out of place at that upcoming wedding. In fact, it might steal the show.
J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit
An airy cotton-linen weave in a handsome slate blue check, the J.Crew Ludlow Suit has been a fan favorite since its 2008 release. It probably has something to do with its easy-wearing, classic vibe and completely reasonable price tag.
Todd Snyder Italian Stretch Twill Madison Suit
The Madison Suit is a real workhorse. Office, dinner, reunion — you name it, the Todd Snyder suit will win you compliments for its eye-catching olive hue and charismatic cut.
Ministry of Supply Kinetic Suit
As the name implies, the Kinetic duo was built to handle motion, with a patented warp-knit fabric that bends and stretches to the wearers every move.
Ministry of Supply Kinetic Blazer
Ministry of Supply Kinetic Tapered Trousers
Scotch & Soda Single-Breasted Classic Suit
A subtle design is never a bad thing, and Scotch & Soda’s single-breasted joint is checked patterning perfected. Made from a lightweight polyester blend, it’s a strong contender for office suit of the summer.
Brooks Brothers BrooksCool Solid Jacket and Trousers
There’s nothing wrong with a classic black suit — that is, until you’re boiling in one on a toast spring day. The Brooks Brothers Solid Suit subverts this problem with BrooksCool technology. Woven in Italy, the style is ultra-lightweight, breathable and dapper.
Alex Mill Blazer and Standard Pleated Pants in Madras
Alex Mill’s madras pairing is less a formal suit and more a lifestyle. A white tee, some penny loafers, and you’re all but guaranteed a hell of a time.
Alex Mill Madras Blazer
Alex Mill Standard Pleated Pants
Polo Ralph Lauren Soft Linen Suit Jacket and Trousers
A slightly more formal option, Polo Ralph Lauren’s Double-Breasted Suit Jacket is still incredibly light and breathable thanks to its airy linen construction.
Club Monaco Summer Linen Suit
Linen is the king of summer fabrics. Navy, the king of suiting shades. Put those together and, as Club Monaco clearly understands, you’re guaranteed a winning combination.
Club Monaco Summer Linen Blazer
Club Monaco Summer Linen Trousers
Theory Double-Breasted Linen-Blend Suit
There’s no other way to put it: Theory’s handsome separates have humongous Bond on the Riviera energy. And really, what more could you ask for?
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