Types of common fabrics in menswear

When it comes to dressing for comfort and refinement, the choice of fabric can make all the difference. In Singapore's warm climate, selecting the right materials is essential for staying cool while looking polished. Wool, cotton, linen, and their blends each offer distinct advantages that cater to both form and function. From the luxurious feel of wool to the breezy charm of linen, each fabric brings its own advantages, ensuring that you can enjoy both comfort and elegance in every outfit. Let’s delve into the world of fabrics and explore your repertoire of choices for any occasion.

Wool

Wool is an exceptional fabric known for its natural, renewable properties and outstanding breathability. It feels luxurious against the skin and promotes airflow, keeping you comfortable. Premium wool is soft and gentle, effectively absorbing moisture without leaving you damp, capable of soaking up to 30% of its weight before evaporating it.

For Singapore’s warm climate, we particularly favor worsted wool, which excels in breathability and moisture-wicking, helping to regulate body temperature. Crafted from longer fibers, it offers a smooth, refined finish ideal for everyday wear. This durable, wrinkle-resistant fabric retains a polished appearance throughout the day, making it perfect for tailored garments.

Worsted wool is available in various styles, weights, and blends, categorized by a “Super” number system that indicates the fineness of the yarn—the higher the number, the finer the thread. While finer threads provide a softer touch, they may not be suitable for every occasion due to their tendency to wear down more quickly. At The Feather House, we recommend Super 110s to 130s for daily wear for their durability, while Super 160s and above are ideal for special occasion suits. Overall, our wool garments blend comfort and elegance, ensuring you look and feel your best for any event.

Cotton

Cotton is beloved for its soft feel and breathable nature, making it a great choice for comfortable clothing. Its lightweight fabric retains color beautifully, and the mercerization process enhances both strength and luster. Cotton’s natural breathability makes it perfect for warm weather, while its versatility suits a variety of styles.

We recommend cotton for everyday jackets like chore or safari jackets rather than suit jackets, as it doesn't drape quite as well as wool or linen. Known for wicking moisture away from the skin, cotton helps regulate body temperature, ensuring comfort in different climates. Its gentle texture is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

High-quality cotton is durable, able to withstand frequent washing and wearing, and can absorb significant moisture, keeping you comfortable during physical activities. From casual shirts to chinos and stylish outerwear, cotton is a cornerstone of menswear, combining practicality and style. Whether you’re dressing casually or looking for something polished, cotton offers endless options to help you feel and look great in any setting.

Linen

Linen is the ultimate summer fabric, making it the perfect choice for our casual wear. Not only is it beautifully breathable, but it’s also considered more sustainable than cotton and many other fabrics. Known as the strongest of all-natural fibers, linen even gets stronger with each wash, with roots tracing back to ancient Egypt where it was once used as currency.

Made from the stalks of the flax plant, the process of turning flax into linen is meticulous, ensuring the fibers are of the highest quality. This luxurious fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and perfect for summer suits. While linen does have a tendency to wrinkle, it absorbs moisture effectively, keeping you comfortable even in the heat.

With its slightly crisp texture that softens over time, linen offers a relaxed yet refined look. Linen shirts, trousers, blazers, and even shorts are ideal for warm weather, effortlessly transitioning from casual outings to more formal events. Lightweight linen jackets are great for those transitional days as well.

Overall, linen beautifully combines comfort, style, and durability, making it an essential addition to any summer wardrobe. Whether you're dressing up for a wedding or enjoying a beach day, linen will keep you looking effortlessly chic.

Polyester

Polyester is a popular synthetic fabric in menswear, celebrated for its durability, versatility, and affordability. Known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, polyester withstands stretching, shrinking, and wrinkles, making it a practical option for everyday wear. However, it tends to trap heat, which may affect comfort, especially in warmer conditions. Additionally, it may not be the best choice for individuals with sensitive skin, as it contain microplastics.

Wool-polyester blend

A wool-polyester blend beautifully combines the natural benefits of wool with the durability and ease of care of polyester. This blend enhances strength and resilience, making it resistant to wear and tear, while also adding wrinkle-resistant properties to keep garments looking polished. Although it offers good breathability, it may not match the comfort of pure wool in hot weather. Wool wicks moisture away, and polyester dries quickly, ensuring overall comfort. This blend strikes a great balance between comfort and performance, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings. Additionally, it provides a cost-effective option for tailored clothing without sacrificing quality. Overall, a wool-polyester blend is a versatile choice for menswear, combining luxury with practicality for stylish, functional attire across various occasions.

Wool-linen blend

A wool-linen blend beautifully merges the distinct qualities of both fibers, resulting in a fabric that is both luxurious and practical. With high breathability, this blend is perfect for warm weather. It features a subtly textured surface that feels soft against the skin and exudes a refined aesthetic. While both fibers are strong, linen enhances durability, making the blend resistant to wear and tear. Wool excels at moisture-wicking, keeping you dry, while linen absorbs moisture without feeling damp. Although linen can wrinkle easily, the addition of wool improves the fabric's structure and resilience. This unique combination offers a sophisticated appearance, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions. A wool-linen blend is an excellent option for menswear, providing the warmth and durability of wool along with the breathability and texture of linen. It’s ideal for those seeking versatile, stylish pieces that are well-suited for Singapore’s climate.

Weight

In the context of Singapore, where heat is a significant consideration, here are the typical fabric weights for various clothing items to ensure comfortable and aesthetically pleasing layering. For reference, while heavyweight jackets in cooler climates may begin at 400 gsm, anything over 300 gsm in Singapore can feel quite warm. The standard unit for fabric weight is grams per square meter (gsm).

Suit Jackets, Pants, Work Jackets, Chinos: Lightweight fabric = 250 to 300 gsm; Heavyweight = over 300 gsm.

Shirts: Typically around 120 to 170 gsm.

In summary, the fabrics you choose play a crucial role in how you experience comfort and style, especially in the warm, humid climate of Singapore. By understanding the unique qualities of wool, cotton, linen, and their blends, you can curate a wardrobe that cater to your needs in different occasions. Let these fabrics be the foundation of a wardrobe that reflects your individuality with their unique charm and qualities. Hope this helps!

Cheers~

The Feather House