Seersucker: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

Fashion

• Seersucker is often associated with Southern U.S. summer attire and is a staple in men's suits and women’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.

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.

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