Poplin Suits for Summer
Stay cool out there
Theres nothing better than slipping into a shirt that feels both crisp and soft against your skin, when the fabric balances comfort with a polished appearance.
It’s the deal fabric for summer suits. And it’s called poplin.
The name poplin comes from papelino, a fabric produced in 15th-century Avignon, France—then home to the papal residence. The term also traces its roots to the French word papeline, a silk fabric, reflecting its ecclesiastical associations.
Poplin can be made from wool, cotton, silk, rayon, polyester or a mixture of these, resulting in a tight and plain weave that has a smooth finish and a lightweight feel.
In the early 1920s, cotton poplin made in Britain started showing up in the U.S. But Americans thought the name “poplin” sounded a bit too heavy, so it was arbitrarily called “broadcloth” instead. That name stuck, and today it’s still used for lightweight cotton or poly-cotton blends, especially in dress shirts.
Suits made from poplin are ideal for the summer because of that finish and look, leaving the wearer both cool and unwrinkled. Linen suits also provide some relief from the heat, but wrinkle just by looking at them.
Style icon Cary Grant shared his preference of summer suiting in the Winter 1967/68 issue of GQ:
“Except, of course, on very hot days. During summer I’ve taken to wearing light beige, washable poplin suits. They’re inexpensive and, if kept crisp and clean, acceptable almost anywhere at any time, even in the evening.”
While beige or tan is the most common color for poplin suits1 and most men can carry off the look fairly well, there are alternative colors to consider.
When I was first building my wardrobe and working in places that required more formal business attire, I purchased three Brooks Brothers poplin suits for the summer: one each in tan, navy, and olive.
These universal colors pair well with white or blue poplin shirts and can easily accommodate any summery silk or linen necktie.
And they always make you feel just as cool as you look.
Unless you’re a particular president — back when such innocuous things could rile an American.
And that’s Classy AF.
For more, see “Shades of Beige in Menswear” from Bond Suits.