Wool seersucker elasticated trousers

This waffled-effect material, traditionally in blue and white stripes, first appeared in India in the 18th century. Adapted to the wetness of its native climate, it was quickly exported to become a summer classic in the United States. Worn in Congress until the arrival of air conditioning in the 1950s, seersucker is available these days in a wide variety of colours, and still dissipates heat just as efficiently. The American tradition of “Seersucker Thursday” continues to require that men and women wear seersucker suits in Congress, the second or third Thursday in the month of June.

A motif for the marginalised and heretics of the middle ages, for childhood, for pleasure and for business men since the 19th century, stripes are a melting pot of contradictory symbolism. Chosen well they remain an unquestionable sign of elegance.