Wool suits are a popular choice of men's formalwear. They are characterized by a wool construction. While available in different colors and styles, all wool suits are made of wool. Wool, of course, is a soft textile consisting of the fur or hair from mammals, such as sheep or goat.
There are many different types of wool, however. While they share some similar properties in terms of softness and appearance, there are nuances between them. If you're planning to buy a new wool suit, you'll need to consider the type of wool from which it's made. Only then will you be able to choose the right wool suit for your formalwear needs.
Italian Wool
You can find suits made of Italian wool. It's one of the most popular types of wool from which they are made. As the name suggests, Italian wool comes from Italy. Farmers in Italy have raised sheep, as well as other mammals, for centuries for the purpose of harvesting their wool. About once a year, they carefully shave the fur off their sheep -- a process known as shorning.
Italian wool suits have earned a reputation of being some of the highest quality men's suits on the market. They are comfortable, stylish and durable. At the same time, manufacturers of Italian wool suits place an emphasis on attention to detail, resulting in a superior level of quality.
Merino Wool
There are suits made of merino wool. Merino wool is derived from a specific group of sheep. It originated in Spain during the latter part of the Middle Ages. At the time, Spain was the only country that raised these sheep, and it was the only country that shorned the sheep to produce merino wool. Spain even outlawed its farmers and textile workers from exporting the merino wool elsewhere.
Merino wool suits are very soft. They are softer, in fact, than suits made of many other types of wool. Merino wool suits are also relatively thin. When most people think of wool suits, they envision a thick jacket and trousers. Wool suits are usually somewhat thick, but merino wool suits are both softer and thinner than their traditional counterparts.
Worsted Wood
We can't talk about the different types of wool from which men's suits are made without mentioning worsted wool. Available for sale here at StudioSuits, worsted wool is a stronger, more durable type of wool than other common types of wool. It receives its namesake from the town of Worstead. Located in the English county of Norfolk is a small town called Worstead. In the 12th century, a textile manufacturing hub was formed in Worstead, linking the small town to a few other nearby towns, including North Walsham and Aylsham.
Worstead wool is a type of strong, durable wool that originated in Worstead during the 12th century. It was harvested from pasture sheep, including Old Leicester Longwool sheep and Romney Marsh sheep. If you're looking for a long-lasting suit that will withstand the hands of time for many years to come, you can't go wrong with a worsted wool suit.
Tweed Wool
When shopping for a new wool suit, you may discover that some of them are made of tweed wool. The term "tweed" refers to a rough-spun woolen textile. Tweed isn't a unique fabric. Rather, it's a type of wool that features a closely woven, open texture.
Tweed wool suits are available in different weave types. Some of them feature a plain weave. Others feature a twill weave or herringbone weave. Regardless, all tweed wool suits feature a similar construction. They are made of a rough-spun woolen textile, and many tweed wool suits feature a traditional pattern that makes them stand out from other types of wool suits.
Solbiati Linen Wool
You can't go wrong with a Solbiati linen wool suit. Solbiati is an Italian brand that's recognized throughout the world for its high-quality, attention-grabbing suit. It originated over 150 years ago. Since then, Solbiati has become one of the leading textile brands.
Solbiati linen wool suits are among the softest men's suits on the market. Solbiati pioneered new weaving techniques, which it uses to produce high-quality textiles. Suits made of Solbiati linen wool are soft, supple and gentle on the skin. And like with types of wool listed here, you can find Solbiati linen suits in a variety of colors and styles.
Flannel Wool
There are suits made of flannel wool. Flannel wool is an alternative type of wool that's brushed to achieve a soft and fuzzy texture. This manufacturing-related process allows the delicate woolen fibers to loosen and create a nap. The nap consists of a raised surface.
Flannel wool suits are prized for their superior level of thermal protection. All wool suits offer some level of protection against the cold weather. Flannel wool suits, though, come out on top. They will lock in your body heat so that you stay warm and comfortable even when it's cold outside.
Stretch Wool
Some suits are made of stretch wool. Stretch wool suits are distinguished from all other types of wool suits by their hybrid construction. Other types of wool suits are typically made of a single type of material: wool. Stretch wool suits, in comparison, are made of multiple types of materials.
A typical stretch wool suit may contain wool, polyester and lycra. Polyester and lycra are elastic materials. They can stretch and bend without succumbing to permanent deformation. To create a stretch wool suit, manufacturers will mix plain wool with elastic materials such as these. The combination of wool, polyester and lycra results in a new hybrid material known as stretch wool.
Stretch wool suits are comfortable and stylish. The main benefit of choosing a stretch wool suit, however, is its elastic properties. Because they contain elastic materials like polyester and lycra, you can stretch them. They won't restrict your ability to bend and move your body Rather, a stretch wool suit will stretch with your body.
