Men’s Suit Fabrics Guide
Suit fabrics play a huge role in determining the suit’s style and appearance.
While fitting the suit correctly is essential to look good, the fabric (sort of) defines the personal style. It depends on the occasion, either for a glamorous event or everyday office use.
There are a plethora of fabrics available for tailoring a suit. Although most of them look very similar, it’s good to know their specifications and differences.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Suit Fabric
The truth is, suits represent you, and the suit fabric you choose will be a chance to showcase your image.
Cost also plays a huge role in the match acquiring process, so it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting. It might save you hundreds or thousands over time.
Breathability
No one likes a sweaty back when they’re attending a summer event. Nor do they enjoy an icy, winter breeze chilling them to the bone.
The breathability of your suit fabric will determine how much of both you need to suffer. A good, breathable fabric will let hot air escape and keep cold air at bay.
Usability
It is important to determine the frequency of usage, too. Since some materials are stronger and more resilient than others, they can be considered a better option for everyday use.
Also, wrinkle-resistance plays a huge role when you’re looking for an everyday suit you can wear in the office.
Softness
You don’t want a fabric that makes you itch, nor a fabric that is so stiff it makes you feel trapped inside your suit. Soft, good quality fabric will provide a comfort level you won’t want to do without.
Natural fabrics are considerer softer and smoother. Synthetic fabrics, while stronger, are firmer and rougher but less expensive.
Different Types of Suit Fabrics
Choosing the right suit fabric is a process that requires a man to learn a few things about crafting materials. That being said, there’s no lousy fabric, only a good choice for the right occasion.
And as you might expect, every suit fabric has its pros and cons. Factors like quality, occasion, and the price will usually decide what you can go for.
The following is a simplified list of the most popular suit fabrics, including both their good and bad features.
Wool
Wool is a natural material, coming from the fleece of sheep. It is one of the most prominent fabric selections for men’s suits due to its adaptability and fine-tuned visual.
Wool is wrinkle-free & very soft, and since it’s natural, it breathes well. That makes it good for everyday use and can be worn during every year’s season.
There are two types of wool categories: worsted and woolen. This pertains to yarn’s weight and size and how the fiber is spun (prepared for spinning).
Woolen means that the length of each fiber is different and is not combed before spinning. Worsted fibers are combed at the same length and overlap at the tips, leaving almost no room between individual fibers.
That being said, you will find that most of the wool suits are actually from worsted wool. The one thing people don’t like about wool is the “chubby” and not-so-luxurious appearance.
Cotton
Cotton is the second most preferable suit fabric, only after wool. It is the fibers surrounding the plant that is used as a material for tailoring.
This type of fabric is often used for semi-formal and casual suits. It’s less expensive than wool and is considered less-quality, too.
Cotton suits tend to fold easily, making it look ill-fitting. They are very soft and breathable, however fairly durable.
Also, it’s not the best choice for winter since it absorbs water without insulating it. Therefore, use it’s the best material choice for autumn and spring.
Cashmere
Cashmere is another natural fabric made from the hair of goats. It’s incredibly luxurious European fabric and is very lightweight and soft.
Because a pure cashmere suit is pretty expensive, it is the only reason why it might not be suitable for everyday use. In fact, cashmere is a highly durable and sustainable material.
Cashmere is indeed hygroscopic and naturally breathable, which makes it good for all-year use. It can be a great choice for every occasion, whether it’s a casual or formal event.
Linen
Made from the fibers of a flax plant, linen is another popular suit fabric. Although a strong fiber, linen is less elastic than wool, for example. Therefore, it wrinkles and stains easily.
Linen is an excellent resistance from high temperatures and sun. It’s also lightweight, making it one of the best materials for summer.
I like how a linen suit looks, but they are not for everybody, certainly not for every occasion. Consider them a choice for less formal and casual events.
Polyester
Polyester is a manufactured fiber made from synthetic materials. It’s much cheaper than natural fibers (such as wool or cotton) and is considered lower-quality.
Although polyester is not a breathable material to the extent of wool, it is often combined with other natural fibers (usually wool and linen) to increase the quality and breathability, making polyester suits good for everyday use.
As a synthetic fabric, polyester is wrinkle-resistant and dries quickly. It’s also a good insulator; it’s strong, durable, and can be washed easily.
Silk
Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics; however, it’s pretty expensive. It brings superior comfort and is one of the most absorbent fabrics.
As a fiber, silk is elastic and has pretty good strength. On the other hand, it’s super-light and easy to wear. It has moderate resistance to wrinkles, but it does not attract dirt because of its smoothness.
Silk is a natural temperature regulator too, which means that it will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s perfect for all seasons and fits most body types; however, it’s best for more formal events.
Velvet
Velvet is another soft and luxurious fabric that can be made from both natural and synthetic fibers. Even the term velvet itself describes “soft and smooth” nowadays.
Natural velvet is usually made as a combination of wool, mohair, silk, and cotton. On the other hand, synthetic velvet is usually a combination of viscose, nylon, rayon, and polyester.
Consider velvet suits as the ultimate luxury attire. That being said, they only do good for formal events. Velvet suits are not for everyday use and should not be worn for office.
Wrapping It Up
In most cases, there are no right or wrong suit fabrics. There are just different options for different occasions.
If you are looking for an everyday office suit, go for wool or cashmere. They provide breathability and comfort while being highly durable at the same time. If you’re allergic to wool, choose cotton instead.
If you are looking to stand out from the rest on formal occasions and events, choose more luxurious fibers like silk or velvet.
Keep in mind that while more expensive fabrics are often more luxurious, they may not necessarily be better. In fact, most of them will wear out much faster.
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