Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

The Summer Suit Search – Hilfiger Chambray Linen

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Tommy Hilfiger Trim Fit Chambray & Linen Suit – $249.99

Light colored summer suits have a limited use. No matter how well tailored, they just don’t look right in December.   But while Medium Gray, Charcoal, and Navy suits are the foundation, light & breathable summer suits look & feel pretty damn good from April – early September. Our search for the best affordable summer suiting options is on, and you can send in your suggestions via styletip.

This one’s unique, and this is how chambray should look.  Think of a summer suit and you’ll most likely picture one in khaki colored chino.  Instead of the lighter glass smooth khaki chino, the designers at Hilfiger have gone with a slightly rough, darker grey/blue cotton chambray for 64 % of the fabric.  The other 36% is linen that really compliments the texture.  Not what you’d expect, and hasn’t been seen anywhere but Overstock.

Half lined to keep cool
The Pros
  • The Weight: It’s plenty lightweight for the warmer months but still has enough depth that it’s no flimsy all linen cheap-o.
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  • The Color & Texture : A true medium shade with plenty of grey and blue tones.  The fabric has a slightly rough feel to it, but that’s hardly a bad thing.  It feels tough and relaxed all at the same time.
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  • The Armholes & Sides: Armholes are high.  Good and high.  Sides are well scalloped and it might be possible to get away without tailoring the 38R (seen here) on my 5’9″-10″ 165-170lb frame.
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  • The Lapels and Button Stance:  Everything about the shape of this suit is trim and classic.  The lapels aren’t too skinny, the buttons not too high… it’s a pretty impressive silhouette.
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  • The Price: $250 is right in the target price-range for plenty of us.  You could easily wear this year round.  Watch yourself though, only available through Overstock and word is their return policy can get a little iffy.
The Cons
  • The Color: Yep, it’s a pro and a con.  As unique and downright slick as this grey/blue is… it’ll absorb the sun’s rays much faster than a khaki/almost white option.  You’ll break a sweat in this if it’s above 85.
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  • The Shoulder Pads: All Hilfiger Trim Fit suits have shoulder pads that are a little more pronounced.  This is no exception.  Not a bad thing, but it looks more formal/business ready than most cotton or linen suits.
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  • The Pant Waist: Good grief that’s a tight 32.  A 32 usually has to be brought in for me.  But the 32 on this is real snug.  Survivable snug, but snug for sure.  Take that into consideration before, uh, considering.
The Bottom Line

Impressive.  Enough so that it’s bumping the B.R. Italian Chino from the top spot.  This thing, as the kids would say, is legit.  Not the smartest choice if you live in the desert.  But if you live in a temperate climate?  It’s as sharp as a cotton/linen suit gets.  The color lets you pick any tie & shoe combo, and you’ll stand out from the sea of khaki chino.
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Current Best Summer Suit Standings

Best Dressed Up: Tommy Hilfiger Chambray/Linen
Best Dressed Down: L.L. Bean Signature New Traditional Twill
Best Ultra Cheap Option: INC Grey Cotton linen blend

For the growing archive of the 2011 Dappered Summer Suit Search, click here.

Comments

  4. Shoulder pads are definitely pronounced but not a deal breaker for me. I considered this suit in the past but alas it is no longer available in my size (44R). Oh well…

  5. Haha, just looks like you’ve got a lot of pulling, though may just be the angle.

  6. I just ordered the dark navy cotton summer suit from Boden, total price $149.  Should have it next week. Has anyone ever tried Boden?

  10. I live in Seattle.  I break a sweat in anything when it’s above 85.  Nice looking suit.

  11. mine is on the way.  this review pushed me over the edge…we’ll see how it stands up in a few days!

  12. just received mine today.  i’ve gotta say, the suit looks even better in person.  the word that keeps coming up in my head as i try it on is “crisp” – this suit is as clean, sharp, and refined as cotton/linen can get.  the shoulder pads are structured, but not bulky; all of the lines seem to have been carefully planned out.  needless to say, i love it and look forward to my next chance to wear it!

  13. I just wanted to say thanks for this review.  I purchased this suit, and wore it for the first time yesterday after having it tailored.  It is a very nice summer suit.  Lightweight, but substantial enough to wear it to court and not look sloppy.  It wrinkles, but because of the lower percentage of linen, it doesn’t wrinkle too much.  After tailoring it looks nice and trim.  Thanks again.

  14. Okay, not the smartest choice if you live in the desert? I live in Phoenix, you should review a suit that IS a smart choice if you live in the desert. I’ve been searching and have come up disappointed too many times.