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Seersucker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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seersucker

[หˆsiหษ™rหŒsสŒkษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fabric type

Seersucker is a lightweight cotton fabric that is typically characterized by its crinkled texture and alternating stripes of smooth and crinkled areas. Often used in warmer climates, seersucker is prized for its breathability and comfort, making it a popular choice for summer clothing. The fabric's distinctive texture helps it to stand away from the skin, allowing for better air circulation. It is commonly used in suits, dresses, and casual wear.

Synonyms

cotton fabric, lightweight cloth, striped textile.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a seersucker suit to the summer wedding.
  • Seersucker shirts are perfect for hot weather.
  • I love the texture of this seersucker fabric.
  • She bought a seersucker dress for the beach party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Seersucker is often associated with Southern U.S. summer attire and is a staple in men's suits and womenโ€™s dresses.
  • The fabric is known for its ability to stay cool and resist wrinkles, making it practical for warm climates.
  • In 2009, the U.S. Senate declared the first Saturday in June as 'seersucker day' to promote this light fabric.

Cultural Significance

  • Seersucker fabric has become a cultural icon in summer events and casual outdoor parties in the U.S.
  • In movies and television, characters often wear seersucker suits to depict charm and a laid-back lifestyle.
  • The fabric has been used by various fashion designers, integrating it into both high fashion and everyday wear.

Science

  • The bumpy texture of seersucker is created by using crimped yarns, allowing air to circulate, keeping the wearer cooler.
  • Studies show that wearing light-colored fabrics, like typical seersucker shades, can reflect sunlight and help in heat reduction.
  • Its unique weaving technique results in less contact between the fabric and the skin, enhancing comfort on hot days.

Literature

  • Seersucker often appears in literature to evoke nostalgia and southern charm, symbolizing leisurely summer days.
  • Writers use descriptions of characters in seersucker to paint vivid pictures of their social status and lifestyle.
  • Classic American novels sometimes feature seersucker as a metaphor for the changing seasons of life.

Origin of 'seersucker'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Persian phrase 'shir-o-sukkar,' meaning 'milk and sugar,' referencing its light and sweet feel.
  • Originally used in India, this fabric became popular in the American South due to its breathability in hot weather.
  • The term first appeared in the English language in the early 1900s, reflecting its growing popularity.

The term 'seersucker' comes from the Persian word 'shir o shaqar,' which means 'milk and sugar.' The name reflects the fabric's unique texture, which has a smooth, silky side and a rougher, crinkled side. Seersucker was originally developed in India and was brought to the West in the 19th century. It became popular in the United States, particularly in Southern states, where hot, humid weather made lightweight and breathable fabrics necessary. Over time, seersucker has been embraced in a variety of fashions, from formal suits to casual wear, and has become synonymous with summer attire.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,219, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.