The Suit Fabric Guide

Every man needs a good suit, but what should you be looking for in terms of fabric and thread count? The Hawes & Curtis Times explains.

Quality Fabric

A good suit should be breathable and maintain the body at an even temperature. Wool is the most commonly used suit fabric because it is versatile and has a greater longevity than most other cloth. Unlike man-made materials, pure wool also regains its shape because of its natural flexibility.

'Super 120s' describes the finesse of the wool fibres used in cloth. ‘Super’ is a way of indicating that wool is high quality, while the number refers to the maximum diameter of the fibre. The higher the number, the finer and lighter the cloth will be. In theory, finer fibres mean a better quality and more expensive cloth.

Anything above super 140s feels lightweight and extremely smooth – perfect for warm climates and the summer. The drawback, however, is that this lightweight fabric doesn't keep its shape terribly well. And as the cloth is much finer than a more conventional super 100s, it isn’t as durable. Therefore wools in the realms of super 160s or super 180s should be considered a special occasion suit, rather than a daily option. Our suits are crafted from super 120s and super 140s pure wool to ensure a soft, luxurious feel whilst remaining robust.

Stylish Suit Patterns

Patterns are created in fabric by interweaving different coloured threads. Here are classic patterns found in our wool men's suits.