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The terracotta suit is this summer’s standout suit . . . by a mile.
Here are a few words that come to mind when I think about a terracotta suit — singular, unique, distinctive, standout. Whatever adjective you want to use to describe it, the indisputable fact is that a terracotta suit is a serious statement suit.
But despite being a statement suit, it’s incredibly easy to wear.
Now, regular He Spoke Style readers may find it interesting given my recent trumpeting of the benefits of “boring” style to not only see me wearing a suit like this, but also wholeheartedly embracing it as one of my go-to summer suits.
To answer that, I return to by mantra/tag line: classic style, modern sensibility.
As much as I do love some good old fashioned hardcore classic men’s style and styling, there’s also that part of me that lives in the present day and there are some funky things when it comes to clothing that really turn me on. Remember, you’re talking to someone who once wore Black Fleece and who makes no apologies and has absolutely no regrets or shame in having done so.
But I digress.
A terracotta suit is one of those things and in this post I’ll be talking not only about why I particularly love this suit, but also why a terracotta suit — and particularly one in a hopsack weave fabric — is one that you should highly consider adding to your summer wardrobe.
Why A Terracotta Suit in Hopsack?
What makes a terracotta suit in hopsack a worthy addition to your wardrobe and why is it such a great suit for the summer? Well, here are four darn good reasons.
Unique
First and foremost, as we’ve established at the outset, a terracotta suit is unique. The color is truly stunning. There hasn’t been one time I’ve left the house wearing this suit that multiple people haven’t stopped me to comment on and compliment it.
But what I appreciate most about the color is that, while certainly striking, it does not even come close to crossing the line into clownish territory. Yes, it’s somewhat daring, but there is a tinge of earthiness to the hue that tamps it down and keeps it on the earthier side of the spectrum.
Also contributing to its singularity is the fabric. It’s a hopsack weave, which gives it a lovely bit of texture. But then, as you can also see, there are some wonderful wisps of white woven throughout the fabric, lending it a rustic quality, added depth, and an enhanced amount of visual interest.
Casual
Summer is always a more casual time for clothing. And I think one of the reasons more people don’t consider wearing a suit during the summer is that they’re seen as more of a formal garment. While that is a valid point, not all suits are created equal — or equally formal — and a terracotta hopsack suit is one that is easily styled more casually.
What makes it so easy to wear casually once again boils down to the color and fabric — both statement-making. Remember that the rule for styling any kind of statement piece is to keep the rest of the outfit simple to allow the statement garment to be the star of the show. That means that just a simple button up shirt — or t-shirt — is all that you need for some effortlessly casual chic summer styling.
Seasonal
Much like we calibrate our fragrances to match the season — lighter for spring and summer, heavier for fall and winter — the same holds true for clothing as well. And the color and fabric of a terracotta suit are two of the reasons it just works for the summer. I think I’ve said enough about the color already but let me just briefly touch on why hopsack is a great summer fabric.
What it basically comes down to is the fact that hopsack is an open weave. This means that the fabric is not only light and air, but it’s also incredibly breathable. And all of those things are what you should be looking for in a summer suit to keep you feeling (and looking) cool.
Versatile
Despite its uniqueness, a terracotta suit is surprisingly versatile and easy to style. Owing to its earthy color, you can pretty much consider it in the same class as a brown suit. However, because of its bolder, standout color, styling with the idea of contrast in mind is always a good idea.
Beyond its styling versatility, a terracotta hopsack suit is also extremely situationally versatile for the summer. It makes an excellent “casual” suit, like how I’ve styled it for this post, but it is one of the best and most interesting options for summer wedding style whether you are a groom or for your groomsmen.
The He Spoke Style Terracotta Suit
I’ve talked so much about the fabric of this suit that I should let you know about its full composition — 91-percent wool, 6-percent linen, 2-percent silk, and 1-percent spandex. What all of that equals is an unequalled level of of lightness, breathability, comfort, and style.
Let’s talk about the jacket styling. I’ve gone a very classic and casual styling here — two buttons, notch lapel, double vent, half-lined, and patch pockets. I also have it with our signature sartorial upgrade, which includes a Milanese buttonhole on the lapel — scroll back up to the detail shot at the top of the post for a closer look at that. While, for me, this is quite an ideal styling for a casual summer suit like this, if you’re considering one for a wedding, either as a groom or for your groomsmen, you may wish to opt for flap pockets for just a bit of added formality.
The trouser styling is also quite simple and expected — side adjusters rather than belt loops, flat front, and a plain bottom. Although I typically style my hopsack trousers with a two-inch cuff, the plain bottom seemed to match the suit’s chicness much better.
But luckily, all of these details can be customized to suit your own personal style preferences.
The Bottom Line
A terracotta suit in a hopsack weave fabric is a standout choice for summer due to its incredibly unique color and texture. Although I would classify it as a statement suit, it’s very easy to wear and versatile. The open weave of the hopsack fabric makes it light, airy, and breathable, ideal for warmer weather and the suit’s earthy hue also lends itself well to various occasions, from casual outings to summer weddings.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
