It seems that 2024 is the year for earthy colours in suiting, and with the climate bringing on longer and warmer summers, it’s time to explore suiting fabrics that are perfect for spring/summer suiting but also suitable for fall or even winter. Cue the Solaro suit.
What is Solaro?
Invented in the early 20th century, the Solaro fabric is the first technical fabric ever made.Solaro was developed for British soldiers battling in tropical climates overseas, and designed to reflect UV rays to provide some cooling effect to the wearer.
OP2528 Cabriole is a Solaro fabric in a classic style with a tan straight side and red underside, creating the two-toned effect in daylight.
Technically, Solaro fabric uses different coloured yarns for the warp and weft, with a narrow herringbone pattern. The underside is typically red, and the straight upper side of the fabric beige. When light strikes the fabric at different angles, it creates this mix of red, gold, and green or brown hues that looks almost iridescent.
Solaro is classically made of light wool or cotton, since it was meant for tropical use. Its association and nature has iconised it as a “summer fabric”, meant for warmer climates or weather. It’s comfortable, breathable, and makes a style statement all on its own.
A model wears a Solaro suit made with OP2527 Langston with a casual striped shirt.
Our Solaro fabrics
In our latest collection, Suitably Styled, we developed three Solaro fabrics for your suiting needs. These are Super 130s, meaning they are woven from virgin wool with a good balance of durability and comfort. Depending on how you choose to design your suit, these fabrics will be excellent for warmer (unlined) or cooler (lined, full canvassing) weather.
However, in typical Paladino fashion, we’ve framed the “Solaro” style against long standing trends in menswear. As earthy tones have gained popularity with designers, we’ve created two variations from the original tan/red combination that suit today’s stylemakers. OP2526 Henley mid tone blue with a light blue underside for an outstanding effect – a shimmery blue effect that has the look of glossy silk, but all the enduring qualities of wool.
Shown here is OP2526 Henley, a Solar-style fabric in blue with a light blue underside, made exclusively for Officine Paladino.
A second version comes in a sage green or light forest green hue, also with a light blue underside. OP2527 Langston varies from golden orange to light green and teal blue in sunlight. For those who prefer just a hint of the Solaro effect, consider OP2526 Henley. And if you like a very classic, perennial fabric, opt for OP2528 Cabriole. To make a strong suiting statement, choose OP2527 Langston.
Shown here is OP2527 Langston, a Solar-style fabric in green with a light blue underside, made exclusively for Officine Paladino.
All three fabrics offer a soft touch against the skin, which makes them perfect as an unlined suit. They also handle very well, draping perfectly when worn. Consider pairing them with our Aura collection of lining fabrics, with whimsical prints to match their colour palette.
A model wears a Solaro suit made with OP2527 Langston with a formal white shirt.
How to wear it
Solaro fabrics are designed to be worn as suits, because they can be challenging to match with a different colour due to its colour-change effect. But if you wish to break the standard rule, we’d suggest wearing OP2526 Henley with a mid-grey pant, and OP2527 Langston with a khaki brown fabric.
There’s no need to add to this look. The Solaro fabric should stand out. Dress it with a white shirt or T-shirt, or a knit tee in a solid colour. You can also consider playing with vertical or horizontal stripes, as that complements the subtle herringbone in the fabric. As for the suit, we’d recommend going for a formal look, with peak lapels and a two-button, single-row format, or a six-by two double-breasted look. Consider turn-ups and pleats on the pant, with side tabs rather than belt loops.
A closer look at how we’ve styled OP2527 Langston in our Suitably Styled lookbook.
More styling options and suggestions are available in our online Style Guide, and you can check out these fabrics in our latest lookbook or shop them online directly. Feel free to contact us if you have additional queries on our new wool fabrics or would like to purchase the lookbook for your reference. Or connect with one of our preferred tailors to learn more about what Paladino fabrics will best suit your needs.
