Ever noticed how some men just look right in their suits? Not just well-dressed, but comfortable and confident? This happens when a man discovers which fabrics work best for his lifestyle. When you're looking to invest in tailored clothing, the fabric choice matters just as much as the fit. Think of it this way, the cut creates the silhouette, but the fabric help brings it to life.
We'll be breaking down different suit fabric options from classic wool to summer-friendly linen, and decoding those "Super" numbers you see on wool fabric labels. Because when you understand the language of fabrics, you can make choices that truly speak to who you are. After all, great style is not just about looking good, but feeling right in what you wear.
Worsted Wool: The All-Rounder Think of worsted wool as the navy blazer of fabrics. Reliable, versatile, and smooth to the touch. Made from long-staple fibres that are tightly twisted, giving the fabric a clean finish with just the right amount of structure.
Why choose it: It breathes well, holds its shape, and comes in a variety of weights. The tropical-weight versions are tailored for climates like ours in Singapore: light, airy, and still formal enough for the boardroom.
Best for: Work suits, first-time commissions, and daily wear in hot and humid climates.
Flannel: The Cool-Weather Charmer Flannel is like that old friend who shows up with a bottle of red and good stories. It’s soft, slightly fuzzy, and perfect for cooler climates. Not ideal for Orchard Road in June, but if you’re travelling to Tokyo or London during cold seasons for business, a flannel suit adds both warmth and gravitas.
Why choose it: The brushed finish gives it a cozy texture and a refined, vintage charm. It drapes beautifully and feels like luxury.
Best for: Winter destinations, casual Fridays, or when you want to look like you know your way around a single malt.
Hopsack: The Undercover Hero Hopsack is a type of open-weave worsted that breathes beautifully, perfect for our climate. Has a subtle texture, matte finish, and enough structure to hold its shape through long days. To top it off, its crease resistant.
When to wear it: Daily suits, travel blazers, or that Friday office look that needs to toe the line between casual and commanding.
Pinstripes: The Power Move There’s a reason the classic pinstripe never goes out of style. It’s the visual equivalent of standing taller and speaking clearer. Pinstripes subtly elongate the frame, works really well for gents on the shorter side.
What they say about you: Corporate. Confident. On a mission. The bolder the stripe, the stronger the statement. Fine pinstripes suggest ‘boardroom finesse’; wider chalk stripes makes a bolder statement.
Best for: Business meetings, interviews, or anytime you want to leave a lasting impression.
Windowpane Checks, Prince of Wales & Gun Club Checks: Pattern with Purpose Patterns can say a lot without saying a word especially when it comes to suiting. Checks offer the perfect balance between personality and polish. The right check can elevate your look without overpowering it.
- Windowpane Checks are large, square grid patterns that are easy on the eye yet impossible to ignore. Windowpanes are best suited for men who want to stand out in a subtle, sophisticated way.
When to wear it: Business-casual days, creative industry meetings, or evening events where a solid suit feels too safe.
Best for: Helps a tall guy look even sharper, or makes a short king look taller. Pair with a plain shirt and minimal accessories to let the pattern shine.
- Glen Checks & Prince of Wales Often used interchangeably, but there’s a nuance: Glen checks are the basic pattern made up of small checks and broken lines. The Prince of Wales version is similar but usually has an extra stripe of colour like red or blue for a bit more style.
When to wear it: Weekday meetings, weddings, or smart weekend affairs.
Best for: Communicating quiet confidence. The complexity of the pattern works well in grey tones and soft blues. Classic, versatile, and always appropriate.
- Gun Club Check A check pattern made up of small, repeated checks in earthy tones. Usually a mix of brown, tan, green, or even burgundy. Has a relaxed, rugged feel that’s less formal than your typical business checks.
When to wear it: Smart-casual settings, weekend brunches or casual Fridays. Great pick when you want to look sharp without being too dressed up.
Best for: Blazers, sport coats, or even trousers when you want to add a bit of personality to your outfit.
Linen & Seersucker: Breezy Elegance for the Tropics When occasion calls for effortless style under the sun like outdoor weddings, seaside cocktails, or smart-casual Fridays. Linen and seersucker are your go-to fabrics. Known for their breathability and laid-back charm. Linen usually has a rumpled texture and relaxed drape to it whereas seersucker has a textured surface and feather-light feel to it.
When to wear it: Daytime events, outdoor gathering or resort getaways.
Best for: Unstructured blazers, summer trousers, or a full suit to channel relaxed Riviera style.
Understanding Wool Super Numbers
Those Super numbers you see on fabric labels, 110s, 120s, and so on. They simply tell you how fine the wool fibers are. Higher numbers mean thinner fibers, which generally feel softer to the touch. But here's the thing: chasing the highest number isn't always the smartest move. It’s about finding the perfect balance that suits you.
Super 110s -120s are what I call the reliable friends of the suit world. Offers great balance of refinement and durability. If you're wearing suits regularly, these are your go-to fabrics. They hold their shape well and can handle our humidity without looking tired by day's end.
Super 130s – 140s Step up to these when you want something noticeably smoother and more luxurious. The drape is elegant, and the hand feel is softer—ideal for client-facing roles or important business meetings. They require a bit more care but reward you with a more refined look.
Super 150s and above are the luxury options. Incredibly fine and lightweight with an almost silky feel, these fabrics make truly special suits. We typically suggest these for milestone events or when you want something truly exceptional.
Next time you're selecting fabric for a suit, think about how often you'll wear it and in what sort of conditions. The perfect Super number for you might not be the highest one on the shelf. The real secret to great style is not chasing trends, but finding what works specifically for you.
At Q Menswear, we truly believe bespoke tailoring is all about crafting a garment that matches your lifestyle. We've helped many of our clients achieve that. Book an appointment with us and go through our fabric library with our team. Feel the differences, ask questions, and take your time. Our team is all about guiding, not pushing. We'll answer your questions, share our insights, and give you the space to make choices that feel right for you.
