Suit Fabric & Thread Count
By Maggie Kalogeropoulos - Fashion Correspondent
Different suit fabrics and thread counts
Picking the right suit depends on more than just finding a good style; you have to pick one in a suitable fabric. Depending on the season, the appropriate suit fabric will differ -- although there are yearly staples, like wool, that will accommodate your style needs all year long.
Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about suits so that you can pick out the perfect one for yourself.
Fabrics
Wool
Most modern suits are made of wool. It’s the most versatile fabric, the best in comfort, wrinkle-resistant, and has greater longevity than most. Another characteristic that makes wool an ideal suit fabric is its ability to absorb moisture, so even when you’re forced to sport a suit on the hottest of days, it’ll keep you cool. The most common types of wool suits are merino, cashmere and angora.Best season: All year long
Flannel
Flannel isn’t quite as popular as it used to be because it’s a heavy fabric that doesn’t breathe much, which means that you’ll be toasty warm in any climate. Its wear has also declined because thefabric begins to peel over time.
Best season: Winter
Cotton
Cotton is a durable fabric found in most American suits; it doesn’t quite fit Europeans’ fancy. Like wool, cotton can absorb sweat and keep you cool throughout most months. As a huge bonus, the fabric is quite practical and easy to maintain since it’s machine-washable.Best season: Spring, summer, fall
Linen
Linen may look cool while on a tropical vacation, but it has many drawbacks that don’t necessarily fit into the modern man’s day-to-day life. A linen suit is lightweight and will keep you very cool in the warmer months, but its downfall is that it creases very easily.