Sun stood strong as our nemesis these past few months and suiting up became impossible in this unabated and unrelenting heat. With the monsoon breaking through the clouds, we found ourselves in a more intolerable condition because of the sticky and sweaty humidity. The continuous downpour cools down the atmosphere, but only momentarily because what follows is a surge of humidity, which makes wearing an extra layer of fabric over your shirt impossible. We are forced to tackle two phenomena of nature, rain and the concomitant humidity. However, just as we tackled the heat in summer, we are going to find a solution to wearing a suit in the monsoon. We just have to make the right suit for us and the rest will fall in their place.
DISTANCE IS HEALTHY
The weave of the suit is its root. It ensures if you will be feeling cool in your suit or if you will be bathing in your sweat. Fabrics which are loomed with an open weave are ideal for both the summer and monsoon seasons. They make sure that there is a continuous flow of air through your suit’s jacket and that you’re comfortable. Fresco is a fantastic example of an open weave, breathable fabric and a fabric you should consider when making a suit for our climate.
NOW THAT CUT’S FINE
Although it’s very in at the moment, send the idea of a double breasted jacket to the back seat and opt for a single breasted jacket instead. The single breasted jacket covers less of your body and it allows more air to flow in, relative to a double breasted. In addition, unlike a double breasted, it doesn’t have a double layer of fabric around the chest and waist area.
HOW MUCH DO YOU WEIGH?
Don’t just stand there like a sentinel, expecting the fabric to tell you how much it weighs. Take a balance and do it yourself (kidding). Opt for fabrics which weigh approximately 210 grams. That way you can also ensure that the fabric will sit on you well.
This is a crucial aspect because humidity makes it even more difficult for us to layer as the effectiveness of cooling due to sweating goes downhill.
THE SEASON OF MINIMALISM
There are a myriad of options you can go for. You can go with a no tie look with the first two buttons of your shirt unbuttoned, as you look like an Italian Stallion or you can skip a necktie and wear a bow-tie instead. The bowtie will only cover your neck area leaving the rest of the shirt to enjoy the breeze. However, if you’re adamant about wearing a necktie, wear a knitted necktie as its open weaves will allow a decent amount of air, enough to keep you relaxed.
Bonus tip: Opt for darker colours to protect your suit from getting ruined by a splash of mud. With an increase in the heavy downpour and outdoor weddings, this can be a very likely scenario.
The fabric, cut and style of your suit remain very much similar to that of summer you would wear in summer; the reason being, humidity. The idea is to make sure there is enough air circulation so that humidity doesn’t get the better of you. Wearing a suit to the next Monsoon wedding is now a walk in the park without the fear of sweat and uneasiness coming in the way of looking dapper. Dress smart, look smart.