Between venue and décor selections, choosing the perfect confection, and navigating the guestlist minefield, couples with summer wedding dates have their work cut out for them. Amid the hectic pace of planning, the last thing you need to worry about is that your beloved will melt into a sweaty puddle on your special day! To lighten the load, I’ve compiled a list of summer-worthy tuxedo fabric options to help your groom beat the heat in debonair form.

Fresco 

Fresco debunks many commonly-held myths that wool is synonymous with warmth. Composed of lightweight tropical wool, arranged in a porous weave pattern, it is intentionally designed for maximum air circulation. While it features a more textured feel and appearance than other wool types, he’ll bask in the comfort of each breeze while exuding an heir of classic elegance.

Linen

Let’s face it: linen is polarizing—cherished for its comfort and ease, but derided for its tendency to wrinkle. It’s also great for keeping cool on humid days and being incredibly striking when its surroundings match its inherent humility. This cream-colored option would complement an outdoor summer wedding beautifully, especially if worn near sand, sun, and a body of water.

Seersucker

The seersucker tux is reserved for grooms who throw caution to the wind and aren’t strangers to breaking a few “rules.”  While its cotton composition is great for breathability and temperature management, the texture of seersucker (both to the eye and finger tips) is far from subtle. The couple choosing this option has likely added some other innovative elements to their wedding party attire and/or décor. For those whom this fits the bill, take a gander at the navy-and-black rendition featured, which handsomely eschews tradition.

Honorable Mention: Chambray

A chambray tux is certifiably unconventional, yes, but it could be the perfect adornment for a groom planning a trip down the aisle of a creatively designed wedding. While chambray appears aesthetically similar to denim, its lighter construction makes it a superior option for summer utility. This option is worthy of creating a bespoke or made-to-measure ensemble with a seasoned tailor, making sure to carefully manage fabric weight, color, and drape. A black option, featuring black grosgrain silk covered lapels, may just be the perfect blend of classic and crazy.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. It is intended as a catalyst to solve the summer groom quandary of fine dressing in high temps. Key takeaways are that cotton, linen, and lightweight wool options should be the bedrock of your tuxedo (or suit) search for maximum breathability. 

Go forth, be bold, and achieve a look which compliments your big day, while keeping comfort in the forefront.