Photography: Robert Conrad
Nothing looks sexier on a man than a well-tailored suit. However the wrong fabric can be very detrimental if not matched with the wedding theme and climate you're in. Last thing we want is sweaty pits as you receive your bride at the altar or a wrinkly linen jacket for a formal dinner banquet! If you're new to the concept of suiting up, here's a quick reference fabric guide to finding the right material to suit the occasion (and weather).
Wool: A favorite for suits, wool is preferred for its versatility, durability and wrinkle resistance. Good for all seasons, the breathability of the fabric keeps the wearer cool in high temperatures and well-insulated in cold weather. It is also available in different thickness. Tweed, flannel and worsted wool are variations used for suits. The natural fibres are also sometimes blended with other materials like silk or cashmere, which are result in higher quality and consequently a higher cost.
Cotton: The next popular fabric after wool, cotton suits are perfect in warm climates due to its lightness and breathability for cool and comfortable wear. This makes the fabric ideal for diminishing body odour due to high temperatures. However, 100 percent cotton suits tend to crease easily and look untidy, so cotton blends, such as with lycra or spandex are preferred for their stretchability.
Cashmere: Known for its luxurious texture and quality, cashmere suits make for extremely comfortable wear, at an equally high cost. However, because of its softness, cashmere are not as durable compared to its counterparts and tend to show wear earlier. For increased durability, choose from blends, such as with wool. Wool-cashmere blends appear more sturdy and drape well for a flattering fit, with a glossier finish than other fabrics.
Silk: Much like cashmere, silk suits are high-quality and expensive. The fine natural fibres make for comfortable and breathable wear, adapting well to different climates. Silk also comes in varying weights and thicknesses to accommodate different seasons. Commonly blended with cotton or wool, the silk blends are breathable and add a touch of luxury to the materials, at the same time allowing the fabric to drape better for a flattering fit.
Linen: Perfect for summer and hot weather, linen is lightweight, resistant to moisture, and machine washable. Like cotton, the breathability of linen makes it great for diminishing body odour on warm days. However, linen suits have a tendency to wrinkle and can be difficult to clean and press, which may rack up high dry cleaning bills.
Polyester: Great for suit shoppers on a budget, polyester is one of the less expensive fabrics but its quality, giving you a bang for your buck. Commonly blended with natural materials like cotton and wool, the synthetic fibres keep the suits in good shape, staying resistant to shrinking or wrinkling. The downside of polyester is that it does not boast breathability, and appears shiny.
Velvet: Popular for suits in European countries, silky smooth velvet exudes luxury and sophistication with it, and is best saved for social occasions. A statement fabric, it could be a hit-or-miss, depending on the quality of your velvet and the tailoring of your suit. A safe way to wear a velvet suit is to keep it classy and stick to dark colours and simple designs.
