Seersucker Thursday

Seersucker Thursday was an annual tradition in the United States Congress in which Senators don the lightweight, striped, summer-friendly fabric seersucker, in the spirit of traditional Southern clothes, on usually the second or third Thursday of June.^[1]

The tradition was started by Republican Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi in 1996 who wanted to ""bring a little Southern charm to the Capitol"" to remind the Senate of how Senators dressed before the advent of air conditioning in the 1950s.^[2] The cotton weave, which originated in western India, became a signature look of the United States in the early 20th century because its light weight and pre-rumpled surface made it ideal for the oppressive humidity of summer. ^[3]

While this tradition was an annual event, it is common to see Congressional staffers don seersucker suits on Thursdays throughout the year.