| Fashion trends have certainly changed in | | | | made from chemicals, not natural fibers, and |
| men's clothing since our fathers' generation. | | | | suits made from it were in style about as |
| While the dapper dresser of the past always | | | | long as disco in the 1970s. What you'll save |
| had his place, and men have always "dressed | | | | on a blended suit isn't worth the look. |
| for success" to one degree or another, there | | | | |
| is far a more aware and sophisticated | | | | Microfiber: Fine for a Halloween costume but |
| approach to clothing today than ever. | | | | not much else. Stay away from any suit made |
| | | | from microfiber. |
| As evidenced by the explosion of fashion | | | | |
| magazines and TV programs aimed at the | | | | Teflon: The same comments that apply to |
| subject of men's wear and even makeovers, men | | | | microfiber also apply to Teflon. Unless you |
| today are much more aware of how they're | | | | plan to fry an egg on your sleeve, stay away |
| dressed than they were in the past, when | | | | from it. |
| fashion wasn't much more than an | | | | |
| afterthought. Many men are paying more | | | | Wools |
| attention to their wardrobes than their cars | | | | |
| or traditional male hobbies in an attempt to | | | | Tweed: Now we're into the fabric of choice |
| achieve the respect the business world | | | | for men's suits, but don't get too excited |
| bestows on a well-dressed man. The best way | | | | yet - tweed is not the first choice. While it |
| to achieve this look, of course, is with a | | | | will keep you warm in very cold weather, the |
| "killer" new suit. | | | | fabric is too heavy to flow on your body. You |
| | | | may very well see tweed suits on seniors; it |
| While style and cut is important, the deeper | | | | has a very old-fashioned look. But it's best |
| idea to be aware of is that the proper fabric | | | | to avoid tweed altogether, as it will tend to |
| is the most important component of the | | | | make you look heavier. |
| perfect suit. To decide which fabric is right | | | | |
| for you, you'll need to know how each will | | | | Flannel: Suits made from flannel are also |
| look, feel, and wear. The following | | | | pretty heavy, as they are made from corded |
| descriptions of fabrics commonly used in | | | | wool. Although flannel is very durable and |
| men's suits will point you in the right | | | | available in charcoal gray with pinstripes, |
| direction. | | | | it's better suited for pajamas than suits. |
| | | | |
| Non-wools | | | | Tropical: Because this wool crepe is very |
| | | | lightweight, it's extremely difficult to keep |
| Linen: Probably not the best choice for a new | | | | from wrinkling. This is not the fabric of |
| suit. Linen is lightweight and has a look | | | | choice for your new suit. |
| that will set you apart from everyone else, | | | | |
| but it stains and wrinkles easily. It can | | | | Worsted: You probably figured out by now that |
| create a suit with a nice line, but it won't | | | | we saved the best for last. Gabardines and |
| stay that way all day at the office. | | | | mid-weight corded wools are Worsted fabrics |
| | | | that are durable and can be worn all year |
| Polyester: The only reason to consider a | | | | long. Make sure your next suit is made from |
| polyester suit is if it's blended with wool | | | | Worsted wool. |
| in order to reduce the cost. Polyester is | | | | |