Summer Fabrics Explained: Linen, Cotton, Mohair & Tropical Wool
Summer in Australia can be unforgiving — heat, humidity, and long days spent between work, weddings, and social events. When it comes to tailoring, fabric choice is everything. The right cloth not only keeps you cool but ensures your suit or jacket still looks sharp when the temperature rises. At Zink & Sons, we work with mills across Europe to bring you the finest lightweight fabrics that marry breathability with elegance.
In this article, we’ll explore four of the best summer fabrics for tailored garments: linen, cotton, mohair blends, and tropical wool. Each offers unique qualities suited to different occasions and styles.
Cloth by Holland & Sherry
Linen: The Classic Summer Fabric
Few fabrics say “summer” like linen. Made from the fibres of the flax plant, linen has natural cooling properties that allow air to flow freely. This makes it one of the most breathable fabrics you can wear.
Linen has a distinct texture — slightly slubby and organic, which gives garments a relaxed character. Unlike wool, it wrinkles easily, but this is part of its charm. The creases tell the story of the day, adding personality rather than detracting from elegance.
When it comes to tailoring, linen shines in lightweight jackets, relaxed trousers, and full summer suits. A linen suit in beige, stone, or light blue is a timeless choice for a summer wedding, while a single-breasted linen jacket works beautifully with cotton chinos or denim for casual wear.
Cotton: Crisp & Versatile
Cotton is another summer staple, offering breathability and lightness with a slightly crisper handle than linen. Cotton garments hold their structure better, so they’re less likely to crease heavily during the day.
For tailoring, cotton comes into its own in trousers and lightweight blazers. Cotton trousers in stone or navy are versatile summer pieces that pair effortlessly with shirts or unstructured jackets. For those seeking a sharper look without sacrificing comfort, a cotton two-piece suit is a great alternative to wool in the warmer months.
Cotton also works brilliantly in summer shirting, particularly in poplin and pinpoint weaves, which remain crisp even in humid conditions.
Mohair Blends: Understated Elegance in the Heat
When clients ask for a summer fabric that still feels formal, mohair blends are often my first recommendation. Mohair, taken from the Angora goat, has a natural sheen and remarkable resilience. It doesn’t crease easily, meaning your suit will hold its shape all day.
Because pure mohair can feel stiff, it’s usually woven with wool to soften the handle while retaining strength. This combination makes mohair blends excellent for formal occasions in summer, such as weddings or black-tie events. A mohair dinner suit remains sharp even after hours of dancing.
Mohair’s subtle lustre gives garments an elevated look, perfect for grooms who want to stand out. Dark navy or midnight mohair is particularly elegant under evening light.
Navy wool & mohair seersucker by Dormeuil
Tropical Wool: The All-Rounder
Wool might sound counterintuitive for summer, but tropical wool is engineered specifically for hot climates. These fabrics are woven with a high-twist yarn, which makes them lighter, more open, and far more breathable than traditional worsteds.
Tropical wool offers the sharp look of classic wool while still being comfortable in the heat. It drapes beautifully, resists wrinkling, and can be worn confidently to work or formal events. For professionals who need to maintain polish in summer, tropical wool is often the best solution.
Charcoal and navy tropical wool suits remain boardroom-ready, while lighter greys and blues are excellent for summer weddings. This versatility makes tropical wool one of the most practical fabric choices for Australian summers.
Choosing the Right Fabric for the Occasion
When deciding which fabric to choose, consider the occasion and the impression you want to make:
Linen: relaxed weddings, weekend jackets, holiday wear.
Cotton: versatile trousers and separates, casual suiting.
Mohair blends: black tie, weddings, and formal summer events.
Tropical wool: business, everyday tailoring, and versatile suiting.
No matter the fabric, the cut and finish make the biggest difference. With bespoke tailoring, you can also adjust internal details — opting for a half-lining or buggy lining, softer shoulders, and pleats for ease of movement.
The Bespoke Advantage
Off-the-rack summer suits often compromise on structure and detail. At Zink & Sons, every garment is cut with the climate in mind. We advise on cloth, construction, and details that keep you cool without losing refinement.
Whether it’s a crisp linen suit for a Palm Beach wedding, a tropical wool suit for Sydney boardrooms, or a mohair tuxedo for black tie, our tailoring ensures you’re prepared for the season in both comfort and style.