Comparing the Different Types of Fabrics Used in Men's Suits
If you've ever shopped for a suit before, you're probably well aware of just how many different types of fabrics are used in their construction. From traditional cotton and wool to flannel, tweed, and more, the options are endless. With so many different fabrics available, choosing a suit can be a downright daunting task. So, which fabric is the best all-around choice for a men's suit?
There's really no single best type of fabric for a men's suit, simply because each fabric has its own unique characteristics. With that said, most suits are made of either flannel, tweed, gabarine or fresco. Flannel suits are an excellent choice for the upcoming fall and winter months, simply because they are thicker and offer greater warmth. Flannel is produced with either worsted or woolen, and it's woven together to create a soft yet thick texture that's perfect for cool-weather clothing. Tweed, on the other hand, is a much lighter fabric, which can be good or bad depending on your preference. If you have a tendency to get cold, you may want to stick with a flannel suit. But if you're planning to go outside on a warm summer or spring day, then tweed would likely be a better choice.
Something else to consider when choosing a suit fabric is the Super S number. Not all men's suits possess this number, but many of the mid-to-high-end suits do. The Super S number is used to indicate the fineness of the fibers as measured in average diameter. In other words, a suit with a low Super S number has a thinner fabric, whereas a suit with high Super S number has a thicker fabric. Bear in mind, however, that thinner isn't always better. When a suit is made of exceptionally thin fabric, it becomes susceptible to tips, tears and other forms of damage. Most experts will agree that medium-thickness fabrics are the best all-around choice for a men's suit, although it really depends on the time of year during which it will be worn, as well as the wearer's personal preference.
Of course, men's suits are available in many other fabrics as well, some of which include cashmere, wool, linen (an excellent choice for the summer), synthetic materials, and blends of multiple fabrics. I recommend trying several different fabrics to see which one is best suited for your needs.