Lightening Up the Hill: A Century of Seersucker in U.S. Politics 📅
Unraveling the Origins of the US Senate's Unique Custom: Seersucker Thursdays
It's no secret that politics can get rather heated, but even hardcore C-SPAN enthusiasts might have missed Resolution 254 when it popped up at the Senate recently. What's the big deal about this resolution, you ask? Well, for starters, it champions seersucker suits!
"Designating June 12, 2025, as 'National Seersucker Day'," the resolution declares, "designating every Thursday after National Seersucker Day through the last Thursday in August 2025 as 'Seersucker Thursday', and designating June 2025 as 'Seersucker Appreciation Month'."
Seersucker's Unlikely Politicians 👔
You might be wondering why politicians would get behind such a seemingly trivial fashion trend. Turns out, bipartisanship is the reason Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) came together to sponsor this resolution.
In the face of contentious political debates, Seersucker Day serves as a breath of fresh air. "Seersucker Day in the Capitol is a way to lighten the mood," explains Warnock, "[It gives] a chance for lawmakers to come together and find some common ground."
The History and Allure of Seersucker🥲
So, what's the deal with seersucker? Born from the Persian phrase "shir o shakar" or "milk and sugar" due to its contrasting textures, seersucker suits have been a staple of American style since the early 1900s. With their distinctive puckered stripes, they quickly became a fashion favorite in the Deep South before catching on in the Ivy League scene in the 1920s.
Thanks to their breathability, seersucker suits were and still are perfect for those sweltering summer days in Washington, D.C. For Warnock, seersucker conjures up images of porch swings, sweet tea, and the timeless charm of the South.
The Senate's Sartorial Tradition 💼
Seersucker Day in the Senate has a rich history. Introduced by former Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) in 1996, the tradition aimed to add a touch of Southern charm to the Capitol. Despite its Southern, conservative connotations, Seersucker Thursdaycatching on quickly, and by Lott's retirement in 2007, almost a third of senators from both sides of the aisle were suitin' up in stripes.[1]
Even during tense times, Seersucker Day has remained a consistent annual event. The only hiccups were in 2012 and 2013 when the optics of senators wearing seersucker amid government shutdown threats were deemed a bit too controversial.[2]
The Future of Seersucker in the Senate 🌟
With the unanimous passing of Senate Resolution 254,[3] the future of Seersucker Day is looking brighter than ever. Mark your calendars for June 12, 2025, and get ready to appreciate seersucker for another year!
[1] Washington Post. (2021, July 1). What is Seersucker Thursday – and why do many senators wear seersucker suits? [https://www.washingtonpost.com/fashion/2021/06/09/what-is-seersucker-thursday-senators-seersucker-suits/]
[2] NBC News. (2011, September 27). Congress cancels Seersucker Thursday due to partial government shutdown debate. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/congress-cancels-seersucker-thursday-midst-shutdown-debate-n1021296
[3] Senate.gov. (2025, May 22). Congress passes Senate Resolution 254 to designate June 12, 2025, as National Seersucker Day. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=118&session=1&vote=00111
- In an unexpected collaboration, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) have sponsored a resolution to celebrate seersucker suits, demonstrating how fashion can bridge the gap in social-media dominated pop-culture and politics.
- With its distinctive style and breathability, the seersucker suit, born from the Persian phrase "shir o shakar" or "milk and sugar," has become a popular fashion choice in American politics, serving as a symbol of southern charm and a refreshing break from contentious debates.
- As the seersucker suit gains traction in the Senate, show notes indicate that the tradition of Seersucker Thursday has remained a consistent annual event, proving that style and fashion can have a lasting impact on political entertainment and—perhaps more importantly—bipartisanship.
