Seersucker

According to the United States Senate, a New Orleans clothier designed "a lightweight suit in pale blue and white striped rumpled cotton fabric" early in the 20th Century "to make summer wear more comfortable." The fabric, called seersucker, became so popular that the Senate set aside "Seersucker Thursdays" for its members to wear the cool suits.The New Orleans clothier credited with popularizing seersucker was Joseph Haspel. He started his company in 1909 and Haspel clothiers was still operating a century later, offering "100% pure combed cotton - for the ultimate in summer cool."The seersucker suit was introduced to Washington by Southern Congressman who valued the fabric for its light weight, its plisse finish and its wash and wear, drip and dry maintenance. The Senate tradition was started because of the intense summer heat in Washington, but it continued even after the Senate was air conditioned.

--Fred