As summer approaches, we’re scouting the fabric shops for warm-weather staples that fuse smart style with complete comfort. That’s where seersucker comes in. This breathable, lightweight fabric is the perfect option for warmer weather and is ideal for making dresses, blouses, shorts, and even bedspreads. It’s the perfect summer shirting and is available in a wide array of colors and patterns. The unique design of seersucker creates a cool look and texture, while the fabric’s wavy pattern allows for more air flow and breathability, helping you stay comfortable on hot days.

Seersucker, which originated in the 1700s, is woven with tight and loose warp threads, giving it that distinctive puckered effect. It was originally made with cotton and silk, but the cotton would shrink when damped while the silk remained wet, creating the characteristic crinkled surface of this fabric. Today, it’s typically woven with 100% cotton.

Aside from its unique appearance and feel, seersucker is also easy to care for. It can be washed and dried without the need for ironing, but should only be washed in cold water (hot water will damage the bubbles). It’s best to scrub it gently when washing, as excessive rubbing or scrubbing may flatten the ridges and distort the fabric.

The seersucker we know and love has traditionally been blue and white stripes, but nowadays, you can find the fabric in many different colors and patterns. There are even seersucker fabrics with floral prints and polka dots, so you can choose the option that best suits your personal taste and style.

Choosing the right accessories is key when wearing seersucker. To keep your look polished, you’ll want to pair your seersucker with a solid or knit tie in a color that complements the fabric. For example, a madras tie in pink or navy looks great with striped seersucker. If you’re looking for something more playful, try a striped or polka dot bow tie.

While many people believe that seersucker is a “sugar” fabric, it’s not actually derived from sugar. Instead, its name comes from the Persian words shir e shakkar, which means “milk and sugar.” The term likely refers to the contrast between the smooth, or milk-like, and the coarse or sugar-like parts of this fabric.

It’s important to note that seersucker is not considered racist, despite its association with the American South and its history of racism. Just like the American South is not racist simply because of its past associations with racism, seersucker is not considered racist because it’s a southern fabric. In fact, seersucker was worn by everyone from southern planters to jazz musicians and politicians during the time of segregation, so it’s a neutral piece that can be used for any occasion.