Wool suits are the preferred choice among many men, and for good reason: this fabric offers a certain level of comfort, style and versatility that's not found in other fabrics or materials. Perhaps this is why the majority of men's suits are made of 100% wool. Regardless of the occasion, you really can't go wrong with a genuine wool suit. However, there are a few things you should know when shopping for a new wool suit.
What is Wool?
Before we reveal tips and advice on how to choose a men's wool suit, let's first take a few steps back to reveal what exactly wool is. While most men have at least heard of wool, few understand its true definition. So, what is wool? Wool is a type of textile fabric that's made from the fur of sheep, goats, camelids and other animals. When used in construction of suits and other garments, however, wool is typically derived from goat's fur. There are several key characteristics of wool that make it ideal for use as a textile fabric, one of which is its ease of spinning. Wool's scaling and crimp allows for easier spinning of the fleece, as the fibers essentially attach themselves to each other; thus, keeping the wool together during the manufacturing process. This is why wool fabrics tend to have a greater thickness than other fabrics and textiles. Another characteristic of wool that makes it unique is its ability to retain heat. The Bedouins and Tuaregs have used wool to stay warm for centuries, as it boasts a high specific heat coefficient. Technical jargon aside, wool holds air between the individual fibers -- and these "pockets" of air act like insulation, reducing the amount of heat that escapes the wearer's body. So if you're looking for a comfortable, stylish suit that's going to keep you warm on an otherwise chilly fall or winter day, consider a wool suit. Its insulated properties make it ideal for cold weather. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that wool suits are only useful for cool weather. On the contrary, they can be worn in just about any weather or climate, regardless of the temperature. But there are also some potential downsides to wool as a textile fabric, such as its inherit ability to retain moisture. According to Wikipedia, wool can absorb roughly one-third its weight in water. Why is this a problem? Well, it's not necessarily problem as long you stay dry. If you wear a wool suit out on a rainy day, however, it could absorb the water, making it downright uncomfortable to move. Of course, a simple solution to this problem is to wear a raincoat or bring an umbrella, in which case your wool suit should remain dry.
The bottom line is that wool is an ideal choice of fabric for men's suits. It's soft, thick and offers a high level of thermal insulation. Furthermore, wool has a unique appearance that most men appreciate. Regardless of your personal style, you're almost certain to enjoy the stylish look of a genuine wool suit. But with so many different men's wool suits available for sale, how do you know which one to choose? See below for some helpful tips and tricks on how to choose a men's wool suit.
Tips on Choosing a Men's Wool Suit:
- How many buttons does the wool suit jacket have? As with most suit jackets, you'll find some have as few as just two buttons, whereas others may have three or even four. This is a rather small and subtle element in the grand scheme of things, but it will still impact the overall appearance of your wool suit. When wearing a suit jacket, wool or not, a good rule of thumb is to leave the bottom button unfastened.
- Is it 100% wool or a wool blend. Just because a suit is labeled as "wool" doesn't mean that it only contains wool. Some suits are made of wool blends, containing a combination of wool and at least one other fabric or material. Polyester, for instance, is often used in conjunction with wool to create men's suits. The addition of a second fabric like polyester may improve or otherwise affect the suit's functionality, so pay close attention to its materials of construction.
- Don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right fit for wool suit. If it's too big, it will create the "clothes hanger" phenomenon in which it looks like the suit is hanging off your body like a clothes hanger. On the other hand, if the wool suit is too small, it will be uncomfortable to move around in while looking equally as awkward. You need to choose a wool suit that's made according to your own body size and measurements; otherwise, it's not going to look right.
- How long is the wool suit jacket? Suit jacket lengths vary dramatically, as some fall just around the waistline whereas others fall around the thighs. Ultimately, your height should dictate the length of your suit jacket. If you are tall, you can get away with wearing a longer suit jacket.
- Stick with single-colored wool suits for formal occasions. If you're looking to buy a new wool suit for a formal event or occasion, stick with a single-color style. Wool suits are available in dozens of different colors, patterns and designs. However, single colors work best for formal occasions.
If you're interested in shopping for a new men's wool suit, check out the wide variety offered here at
StudioSuits. We allow customers to specify their own measurements, so you can rest assured knowing that it will fit just right. Skip the "off-the-rack" wool suits and choose one that's tailored specifically for your body shape and size. A custom-made wool suit will offer countless years of enjoyment, making it well worth the minimal investment required.
