Seersucker is a lightweight summer fabric with irregular creased and smooth vertical stripes. The most exciting feature of this fabric is that it does not wrinkle. Ironing would damage the character of the fabric by eliminating the textured lines.
This fabric was initially prepared with pure silk and cotton. The weaving process of the fabric makes it ideal for warmer temperatures. The loose weave permits a broader distance between the material and your body, helping create airflow.
This fabric has a puckered effect generated by altering tight-tension yarns with loose-tension yarns. This puckered effect is responsible for increased air circulation and breathability.
The history of seersucker
Seersucker fabric originated in India during the 1600s. Due to its breathability, the fabric gained popularity among British traders living in India. They started exporting the fabric to other countries.
The word seersucker came from the Persian term ‘shir o shakka,’ meaning ‘milk and sugar. This name was given to the fabric due to its smooth stripes like milk and the puckered stripe like sugar.
Seersucker became famous in the western world during the 1900s. During the American Civil War, soldiers’ clothes were prepared with seersucker fabric due to their high durability.
Seersucker was brought into mainstream fashion by Joseph Haspel, Sr. He made men’s suits with seersucker in 1909. Afterward, the fabric made its way into almost all kinds of clothing.
Types of seersucker:
There are two types of seersucker fabric based on the material used for their formation.
- 100% Cotton Seersucker
- Polyester Blended Seersucker
100% Cotton Seersucker:
Mostly seersucker is made with pure cotton. This seersucker is thicker and breathable. It is less susceptible to wrinkling.
Cotton seersucker isn’t see-through due to its thickness.
People prefer this seersucker due to its wrinkle-resistant nature. This fabric is mainly used by High-end quality brands like Duffield Lane or Draper James.
Polyester Blended Seersucker:
The seersucker is made with a blend of cotton and polyester. It is thinner, lined, and of cheap quality. Another downside of this seersucker is that it wrinkles almost immediately.
Due to the blend, this fabric is not breathable and becomes very hot, particularly in summer. Cheaper brands use this fabric with low cost and likely high markups.
Uses of seersucker fabric:
Seersucker is a highly versatile fabric. It is becoming popular due to its numerous color options. This is not only a summer suit fabric but can also be used as seersucker swim fabric for making swim shorts.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of this fabric, then a perfect fit is necessary. This fabric usually has an extra bulk due to the puckering effect. It would be best if you prefer a slimmer fit, mainly with tailoring.
Is seersucker easy to clean?
Cotton seersucker offers easy cleaning. A home laundry, with quick removal after a tumble dry, is enough to give a better look to this fabric. The fabric becomes softer with repeated washing and drying.
Conclusion:
If you live in a country where the temperature reaches to peak during summer, you must wear clothes made with seersucker fabric. This fabric will prevent sweating due to proper air circulation.
