Woman World Web

March 29th, 2009 by christopher schopf

Men’s suits are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, sizes and fabrics. Here we explore the materials most often used in suit crafting, as well as the lesser employed fabrics popularized through the years.

The most famous fabric from which suits are made is none other than wool. It may sound surprising since many consider wool to be coarse and warm, hence not appropriate for year round wearing. The secret of its application lays in the weaving method and type of yarn employed, which in turn determine the fabric’s ultimate thickness and feel.

Various materials such as flannel, tweed and gabardine are all derived from wool and constitute some of the general suit fabrics. All three are sometimes mixed with cotton to produce variations in fineness.

Among them, flannel is usually the softest, while tweed is the most flexible and resistant to humidity. Gabardine is smooth on one side and has a diagonally ribbed surface on the other. Suits made from wool and its derivatives are highly durable and easy to maintain due to minimal wrinkling. They are particularly favored by the makers of European style suits and throughout the British business scene.

An alternative to wool, cashmere has similar properties but is softer and warmer than wool. It is considered an indulgence by many because of its expense.

Cotton seersucker is very popular among those that live in hotter climates. The reasoning behind this is that the fabric itself allows more air flow and is much better in the humidity. You will find that this particular fabric normally comes with duo stripes. Generally one of the colors used in the stripes is white.

Linen is another material for summer styles. It is considered higher-end than cotton and is favored by luxury brands. It is light and feels very comfortable.

Silk suits are less frequent on the American market, a part from the runways, but are often common with Eastern cultures. For instance, there are many versions of the Mandarin Suit available in silk. In addition, silk is sometimes used in the inner layers of a suit regardless of its exterior fabric.

On the lower end, suits are sometimes made from synthetic fabrics. Polyester is one of the regulars offering cheaper cost. It is often mixed with other natural fibres in order to mimic their properties.

Suits will likely to continue to appear in all types of fabric. However, for now these previously mentioned materials will remain as standards in the suit world and offer options for any taste.