Choosing the right fabric for your custom suit is a big decision.  

These decisions allow you to express your style and stick to established style guidelines that will help you define your look. 

You will need to make the right choice when selecting the right fabric for your bespoke suit. This happens before you pick the style or pattern for your custom suit. Different fabrics impact the durability, comfort, style, and personality of your suit. Along with making sure you can depend on it when you need. 

This article will outline the most common fabric options you will encounter in your custom suit process. As Perth’s leading suit hire business, will also explain why you should pick one over the other and how your choice will impact your look. So, let’s now dive into the world of suit fabric. 

Wool Suit Fabrics 

Wool is one of the most popular fabrics for suits because of its durability, versatility, and natural insulating properties. Here are some common wool suit fabrics: 

Super 100s, 120s, 150s, and 180s 

These terms refer to the number of individual wool fibres twisted together to create a yarn. The higher the number, the finer and softer the fabric will be. Super 100s and 120s are considered standard for business suits, while Super 150s and 180s are more luxurious and often used for special occasions. 

Worsted wool 

This is a fine wool fabric made from long-staple fibres that are combed to remove any shorter fibres. This results in a smooth and lustrous fabric that is durable and drapes well. Worsted wool is commonly used for business suits, weddings, and other formal occasions.  

Flannel 

Flannel is a soft, brushed wool fabric that has a fuzzy texture. It is often used for winter suits and has a more casual look. 

Tweed 

Tweed is a rugged wool fabric with a coarse texture that is often used for country-style suits. It is usually woven with a mixture of different coloured yarns, creating a subtle pattern. 

Herringbone 

Herringbone is a distinctive V-shaped pattern that is commonly used for wool suits. It can be made from different weights of wool, making it suitable for different seasons. 

When choosing a wool suit fabric, consider the weight, texture, and colour. Lighter weights are suitable for warmer seasons, while heavier weights are better for colder seasons. Textures like herringbone or tweed can add visual interest to a suit, while solid colours are more versatile and classic. At Suit Vault, we offer a range of wool suits for suit hire in Perth. 

Linen Suit Fabrics 

Linen is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is perfect for summer suits. Here are some common linen suit fabrics: 

Pure linen 

Pure linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant and is a popular choice for summer suits. It is lightweight, breathable, and has a natural texture that adds visual interest to a suit. 

Linen blends 

Linen can also be blended with other fibres like cotton, wool, or silk to improve durability, reduce wrinkling, and add texture. A linen-cotton blend, for example, is more durable and easier to care for than pure linen. 

Chambray 

Chambray is a lightweight cotton or linen fabric that has a denim-like appearance. It is often used for casual suits and has a more relaxed look. 

Seersucker 

Seersucker is a lightweight cotton or linen fabric that has a puckered texture. It is often used for summer suits and has a distinctive casual look. 

When choosing a linen suit fabric, consider the weight, texture, and colour. Lighter weights are suitable for warmer seasons, while heavier weights are better for colder seasons. Textures like chambray or seersucker can add visual interest to a suit, while solid colours or subtle patterns are more versatile and classic. 

The one thing you must get used to about linen is its unique “wrinkled appearance“. You’ll notice this fabric will crease easily on the back and arms of your suit jacket. Don’t sweat it. Linen suits have a tendency to make you look less polished, so they’re great for casual occasions like a dinner by a marina or a beach wedding. 

Cashmere Suit Fabrics 

Cashmere is a luxurious and soft wool that is often used for high-end suits. Here are some common cashmere suit fabrics: 

Pure cashmere 

Pure cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of the cashmere goat and is known for its exceptional softness and warmth. It is a luxurious and expensive fabric that is often used for special occasion suits. 

Cashmere blends 

Cashmere can also be blended with other fibres like wool, silk, or cotton to improve durability and reduce cost. A cashmere-wool blend, for example, is more durable and easier to care for than pure cashmere. 

When choosing a cashmere suit fabric, consider the weight, texture, and colour. Cashmere is a very soft and warm fabric, so it is suitable for colder seasons. Textures like herringbone or twill can add visual interest to a suit, while solid colours are more versatile and classic. Keep in mind that cashmere requires special care and may not be suitable for everyday wear. A cashmere suit is a luxurious investment that should be reserved for special occasions. Speak to our Perth suit hire experts for more information. 

Cotton Suit Fabrics 

Cotton is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is perfect for summer suits. Here are some common cotton suit fabrics: 

Poplin 

Poplin is a tightly woven cotton fabric that has a smooth and silky texture. It is a popular choice for summer suits because of its lightweight and breathable nature. 

Twill 

Twill is a cotton fabric that has a distinctive diagonal weave. It is a durable and versatile fabric that can be used for both casual and dressy suit. 

Seersucker 

Seersucker is a lightweight cotton fabric that has a puckered texture. It is often used for summer suits and has a distinctive casual look. 

Khaki 

Khaki is a cotton twill fabric that has a beige or tan colour. It is a durable and versatile fabric that can be used for both casual and dressy suits. 

When choosing a cotton suit fabric, consider the weight, texture, and colour. Lighter weights are suitable for warmer seasons, while heavier weights are better for colder seasons. Textures like twill or seersucker can add visual interest to a suit, while solid colours or subtle patterns are more versatile and classic. Keep in mind that cotton wrinkles easily, so a cotton suit may not be suitable for more formal occasions. 

Getting it right for you 

The vast world of fabric production is full of nuances in suiting fabrics. We stock custom suit fabrics from more than 20 fabric vendors. These vendors are those where the production techniques are rich in tradition and the smallest details are carefully chosen.

It can be tough to choose the right fabric. We don’t expect that you will know everything.

Suit Vault can help you with the rest once you have an idea of which fabric you like. Get in touch with your fabric questions and to start your next bespoke suit adventure.