Southern gentlemen know all about the beauty and coolness of the seersucker suit, and its connection to New Orleans. Jamie Wax takes a trip through the sartorial side of the city — from a historic men's clothing store to an iconic suit maker.

New Orleans

In New Orleans, seersucker suits have established themselves as a mainstay of local sartorial culture, particularly during the warmer months. At Rubenstein's, the city's oldest men's clothing store, co-owner Andre Rubenstein attributes the suit's popularity to New Orleans' formal traditions and subtropical climate. Rubenstein notes that the lightweight cotton fabric, known for its comfort and breathability, remains in high demand, with the store selling several hundred seersucker suits each season.

The word "seersucker" is derived from the Persian phrase "shira shukar," meaning "milk and sugar." The fabric is woven with alternating tight and loose tension yarns, resulting in a puckered texture that allows air to circulate and helps keep the wearer cool. Lori Haspel, CEO and fourth-generation owner of Haspel—the New Orleans-founded company known for its seersucker suits—explains that her great-grandfather Joseph Haspel Sr. began producing these suits in the early 1900s as an alternative to the heavier wool garments of the time. The introduction of seersucker suits quickly elevated the fabric to a symbol of status and comfort.

Haspel suits have been worn by a range of prominent individuals, including U.S. presidents, authors, and celebrities. One of the most notable appearances was Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird," for which he wore a custom Haspel suit. According to New Orleans residents, the seersucker suit's appeal lies in its versatility; it can be dressed up or down and is suitable for a wide variety of occasions. While the fabric was once mainly associated with Southern men and traditional clubs, it is now embraced by a diverse range of people, including women and children.

Community members highlight that seersucker reflects New Orleans’ unique blend of tradition and modernity, remaining "hot and cool" through successive generations. As the fabric continues to adapt to changing tastes and cultural trends, the seersucker suit endures as both a fashion statement and a symbol of the city’s identity.



A New Orleans staple: The seersucker suit

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