Wedding Suit Fabric and Materials 101
On your wedding day, you want to look and feel your best.
The best way to ensure that? A well-tailored suit, of course. However, even with the best tailoring in the world, making the wrong fabric choice can be a killer for your big day.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered — we’ve gone through the most popular wedding suit fabrics and materials to give you the lay of the land.
Wool
When in doubt, you simply can’t go past a good wool suit. There’s a common misconception that wool is only really good for the winter months, but it’s actually perfect year-round.
In cold temperatures, yes, wool will keep you warm and insulated. But the breathability of the fabric means that it’ll also help you stay cool even when the temperatures begin to soar.
Wool is durable and hardy, so if you’re looking to get a suit that you can continue to wear for years to come, wool is your answer. Plus — and perhaps the best bit —- it’s wrinkle-resistant. Unlike linen and cotton, you won’t have to worry about creases that’ll inevitably come up an hour into your reception.
Another thing we love about wool is its versatility. Let’s take a look at the three types of wool suits you can choose from:
Tweed
A tweed suit is the perfect way to make an impression and look stylish on your big day, no matter the vibe of your wedding. A distinctly British fabric, it’s evolved over the years from being country workwear to the height of fashion.
Flannel
When we say flannel, your mind might instantly go to pyjamas. But, it’s also an excellent wedding suit choice if you’re tying the knot in winter. It’ll keep you warm while being far more fashionable than donning a ski jacket over a cotton suit.
Worsted Wool
An excellent choice for formal ceremonies, worsted wool is the epitome of class and sophistication. They’re just as crisp as other wool suits but feel much more lightweight on your body. A worsted wool suit often does come with a higher price tag thanks to the quality of the fabric –– but is worth the payoff.
Cotton
The next popular fabric after wool, cotton suits are perfect in warmer climates due to the lightness and breathability, for cool and comfortable wear.
Have a destination wedding on a dreamy tropical island? Then cotton is probably your best bet.
For formal ceremonies, steer clear of cotton. It will never look as sharp and crisp as wool but is a great choice for more relaxed and informal events.
Cashmere
Cashmere comes with a lot of connotations –– luxury, opulence, and comfort. Known for their rich texture and quality, cashmere suits make for extremely comfortable wear. But of course, this comes at an equally high cost.
However, because of its softness, cashmere isn’t as durable as its counterparts. If you’re hoping to make an investment that can remain in your closet for years, opting for a more hardy fabric like wool is a better choice.
Silk
Much like cashmere, silk conjures up images of luxury and extravagance. 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.
But again, what you gain in quality, you lose in durability. Silk suits require special care and storage to keep them in tip-top shape.
Linen
Traditionally associated with summery, beachside weddings, linen is perfect for summer and hot weather thanks to how breathable the fabric is. Linen is lightweight, resistant to moisture, and machine washable –– an excellent choice if you’re travelling.
Of course, it’s a far more casual fabric, and certainly shouldn’t be worn at formal or black-tie affairs.
Polyester
Great for suit shoppers on a budget, polyester is one of the less expensive fabrics.
However, it’s still a good enough quality, giving you more bang for your buck. Again, it’s quick-drying and tends to be wrinkle-resistant, so great if you’re travelling.
But, and there is a but, the lower price means that it’s lower quality.
Often polyester suits have a distinctive shine to them that some people aren’t a fan of. Polyester is also less breathable than other fabrics, so a good one to avoid in warmer months.
Velvet
If you like the idea of feeling like a 16th-century king on your wedding day — and who wouldn’t?! — then a velvet suit is right up your alley. Popular for suits in European countries, silky smooth velvet exudes luxury and sophistication and is best saved for social occasions.
Perhaps, your wedding day?
It’s certainly a statement fabric, meaning it has to be done right. Depending on your velvet's quality and your suit's tailoring, it’s very hit-or-miss. If you go with velvet, invest in the best.
Shopping for your big day? Tweedmaker is the perfect place to start. We’ve got nothing but the highest-quality wool suits, perfect to take you down the aisle with your new partner.
They feel great, fit perfectly, and most importantly, look incredibly stylish. Take a look at our collection and see for yourself.
