by Robyn Yager | Seersucker has a special place in my heart. It’s colourful, comfortable, practical for our mid-summer weather plus it reminds me of childhood summers vacationing with the family in the Okanagan Valley. Originally worn to keep cool, seersucker was popularized in the United States, particularly in the South (think Mark Twain, pictured above), where temperatures are high and proper etiquette included wearing a suit in any weather, frigid or scorching. Seersucker suits were worn by those less blessed in the area of wealth, until the fabric grew in popularity in the 1920’s as students began wearing it as a response to assumed snobbery.

“Seersucker” is an Urdu and Hindi phrase that translates as “milk and sugar” (the combination of smooth and wrinkled stripes is like the bumpy texture of milk and sugar). The intentional pucker of the fabric doesn’t settle directly on the skin, which allows for more room for air flow. The usually blue-white, pink-white, gray-white summer fabric can be found worldwide in a variety of products from short sleeved button-ups and dresses to shorts, shoes, and even housewares (dig those napkins!).

Some great seersucker pieces found in Vancouver

Roden Gray (8 Water St.) – Gitman Brothers Vintage Cherry Seersucker shirt ($210.00)
Inventory (45 Powell St.) – Beams Plus BD shirt in black Gingham ($111.00 – on sale)
The Block 350 West Cordova St.) – Dace Donald top ($110.00 – on sale)
Brooks Brothers (1026 Alberni St.) – Seersucker Dress ($260.00 – on sale)
Neighbour (12 Water St.) – Seersucker Tie in White and Tan ($75.00)
Harry Rosen (700 West Georgia St., Pacific Centre) – Gingham Seersucker Shorts ($225.00)
Haven (7 Goaler’s Mews) – Neighbourhood mixed patter button down ($245.00)
Joe Fresh (540 Granville St.) – Men’s seersucker short ($39.00)

Online goodies

Rachel Antonoff – Erin Seersucker shirt
Larose John G Hardy Seersucker Cap (via Opening Ceremony)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Neon Pink Multi Seersucker shorts (via Shopbop– on sale)
Faconnable Seersucker Swim shorts (via Mr. Porter)

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY