Wool consistently ranks as one of the most common and popular materials used in the construction of men's suits. While there are suits made of other materials -- cotton, linen, corduroy, etc., -- few compare to the quality of their wool counterparts. Wool suits are soft and supple yet also durable and long-lasting. Unless you're familiar with them, though, you might have trouble choosing a wool suit. Below a beginner's guide to choosing the perfect wool suit.
What Is a Wool Suit?
Before revealing how to choose the perfect wool suit, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of wool suits and how they differ from other suits. By definition, a wool suit is any type of two- or three-piece suit that's made of sheep or goat fur. There are many different types of wool, each of which has different characteristics. Nonetheless, all types of wool consist of animal fur.
When compared to cotton suits, wool suits are typically softer. This is because wool contains a high concentration of protein and a low concentration of lipids. In comparison, cotton consists primarily of cellulose. Cotton suits are still soft, but wool suits offer a superior level of softness that's not found in suits made of cotton or other materials.
Check the Type of Wool
Don't assume that all wool suits are made of the same material. As previously mentioned, there are many different types of wool, some of which are better than others. Therefore, you'll need to check the specific type of wool from which a suit is made.
Italian wool suits have become increasingly popular in recent years. Italian wool refers to any type of wool that's woven and produced in Italy. Angora wool, for instance, is a type of Italian wool. It's prized throughout the world for its soft texture, which is generally softer than other types of wool. You can choose a suit made of a different type of wool. Regardless, pay attention to the type of wool from which the suit is made, as there are many different types of wool.
Choose a Complete a Wool Suit
It's recommended that you choose a complete wool suit rather than suit separates. A complete wool suit, as the name suggests, contains everything you need for a complete suit outfit. There are two-piece and three-piece wool suits available. A complete two-piece wool suit contains a pair of wool trousers and a matching wool jacket, whereas a three-piece wool suit contains a matching wool waistcoat as well.
The term "wool suit separates" refers to buying a pair of wool trousers and a wool jacket separately. What's wrong with wool suit separates exactly? In some cases, you may be able to find a pair of wool trousers and a wool suit jacket that match. In other cases, these two garments will look completely different. You'll have an easier time finding an attractive and high-quality wool suit if you buy the trousers and jacket together as part of a whole or complete suit.
Solid Color or Pattern
You'll need to decide whether you want a wool suit with a solid color or a pattern. Solid-color wool suits are undoubtedly popular. They consist of a single color that's found throughout both the trousers and the jacket. Some of them feature black, whereas others feature navy or beige. Regardless, all solid-color wool suits have a single color, which is their defining characteristic.
There are also wool suits available in patterns. A common pattern used in the construction of wool suits is pinstripe. A pinstripe wool suit features a primary color as well as a secondary color. The secondary color is used for the lines or "pinstripes" that typically run vertically down the trousers and jacket. So, should you choose a wool suit with a solid color or a pattern? It's ultimately a personal decision that only you can make. Some men prefer the classic appearance of a solid-color wool suit, whereas others prefer the bolder and more unique appearance offered by a pattern.
Sizing Matters
Don't make the mistake of choosing a wool suit in the wrong size. If it doesn't fit, you won't get much use of it. Like with other suits, wool suits that are either too big or too small aren't particularly comfortable to wear. Furthermore, they look awkward and unflattering when worn.
If you're struggling to find a wool suit in the right size, you should consider checking out the inventory offered here at StudioSuits. Not only do we offer one of the largest selections of high-quality wool suits, but all of our suits come with custom sizing at no additional charge. You won't be limited to buying a wool suit in a standard size. Instead, you'll have the freedom to specify your body measurements. We'll use these measurements to design a custom-sized wool suit that fits your body perfectly.
Check the Jacket Style
You should check the jacket style when shopping for a wool suit. Suit jackets are typically made in two different styles. There are single-breasted suit jackets and there are double-breasted suit jackets.
A single-breasted wool suit jacket has a single column of buttons on the front. In comparison, double-breasted wool suit jackets have two side-by-side columns of buttons on the front. Double-breasted suit jackets offer an older and more traditional style, whereas double-breasted suit jackets offer a newer and more modern style.
What About Blended Wool?
As you shop for a wool suit, you may discover that some of them are made of blended wool. Blended wool consists of both wool as well as at least one other material. Rather than being made entirely of wool, they contain other materials used in their construction.
Stretch wool suits, for example, are often made of wool, polyester and lycra. Both polyester and lycra are considered elastic materials because of their elastic properties. When mixed with wool, they create a stretchier blended material.
