Make Suits Feel Comfortable

Although suits are often perceived as the pinnacle of professional attire, one can genuinely question whether they can feel comfortable.

The first impression might be that suits are not a very comfortable attire. It’s just something one must wear for certain occasions.

Thus, we often make a sacrifice between looking good and feeling good.

But with the right knowledge and choices, you can effortlessly achieve both, making the suit a more favored garment in your wardrobe.

Suit Comfortability Factors

How can you maximize comfort without sacrificing style? Several key factors play a role in increasing suit comfortability.

Material

The fabric of your suit plays a pivotal role in its overall comfort.

That’s why it’s crucial to go for a natural and breathable suit fabric. Traditional materials include:

• Wool: Renowned for its durability and breathability, wool is a staple in suit fabrication. Its ability to regulate temperature makes it comfortable for both warm and cool climates.
• Cotton: Lightweight and breathable, cotton suits are ideal for casual, less formal settings. However, cotton can wrinkle easily, potentially compromising the suit’s crisp appearance.
• Polyester and Poly-Rayon Blends: offer wrinkle resistance and lower costs, but they lack the breathability and comfort of natural fibers.

Each material has its merits and limitations, affecting how comfortable the suit feels during extended wear.

Suit Fit & Cut

The cut of a suit is crucial for ensuring comfort. Whether it’s a classic, modern, or slim fit, selecting a cut that complements your body type is essential for a comfortable, flattering appearance.

In addition, a well-fitting suit should feel like a second skin, with enough room to move and stretch without restrictions.

Custom suits tailored to your measurements can provide optimal comfort.

Tailors adjust various aspects, such as sleeve length, shoulder width, and pant break, to ensure the suit complements your body shape while allowing freedom of movement.

Off-the-rack suits are more accessible but often require adjustments. An ill-fitting suit can pull or hang awkwardly, causing discomfort and a less flattering appearance.

Design

A suit’s design – its cut, the structure of its lapels, the number of buttons, and whether it has vents—also influences its comfort:

• Single vs. Double-Breasted: Single-breasted suits are more versatile and tend to be cooler, while double-breasted suits offer a classic look but might feel bulkier and less comfortable in terms of heat retention. Check their differences here.
• Vents: Suits with vents (slits at the back) enhance mobility and air circulation, contributing to comfort. A double vent is particularly more accommodating for sitting and moving.

Addressing Common Discomforts

While suits elevate one’s appearance, they often bring along some common discomforts. Here’s how to identify and mitigate these issues:

Restrictive Movement

One of the primary complaints about suits is their restriction on movement. It can be particularly noticeable during activities like sitting, bending, or stretching.

This discomfort mainly stems from:

• Tight Fitting: If a suit is too tight in certain areas, it can restrict your movement and even lead to tearing. To prevent this, ensure your suit fit allows for a full range of motion, especially in the shoulders and waist.
• Fabric Stiffness: Heavier fabrics might offer a sharp look but can limit mobility. Opt for lighter, more flexible materials with a bit of stretch, such as wool blends with elastane.

Heat and Breathability

Suits can also feel uncomfortably hot, especially in warm, humid environments or crowded indoor settings.

• Choose Lighter Fabrics: For warmer seasons or climates, choose lighter materials like linen or lightweight wool, which promote breathability and help maintain a cooler body temperature.
• Opt for Half-Lined or Unlined Jackets: Reducing the amount of lining in your suit jacket increases airflow, making the suit feel less insulating and more comfortable in the heat.

Itchiness and Skin Irritation

Some materials, particularly cheaper synthetic fabrics, can cause skin irritation or itchiness, especially when worn for extended periods.

Whenever possible, choose suits made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, which are gentler on the skin.

In addition, a high-quality dress shirt not only enhances a suit’s appearance but also acts as a barrier between your skin and the suit fabric, reducing irritation.

How to Make Suits More Comfortable

Enhancing the comfort of a suit involves thoughtful selection, proper fitting, and personal customization.

Based on all we discussed above, here are practical tips to make your suits feel as good as they look:

Choose the Right Suit Fabric

The choice of fabric significantly impacts comfort. When selecting a suit, consider:

1. Breathability: Opt for breathable fabrics like wool, cotton, or linen to help regulate body temperature and reduce sweating.
2. Weight: Light to medium-weight fabrics are typically more comfortable, especially for all-day wear. They provide a balance of breathability and structure.
3. Stretch: Fabrics with a slight stretch, such as those containing a small percentage of elastane, can offer better mobility and adapt more comfortably to body movements.

Proper Fit & Tailoring

A well-tailored suit makes a world of difference in terms of comfort:

1. Proper suit fit: Before buying a new suit, understand how the suit should fit. That’s especially useful when you’re buying off-the-rack suits.
2. Accurate Measurements: Ensure that your tailor takes precise measurements. A good fit in the shoulders, waist, and length of the trousers is crucial.
3. Adjustments: Beyond basic measurements, consider adjustments for posture and body asymmetries that standard sizes might not accommodate.
4. Allowance for Adjustments: Ask your tailor to leave a little extra fabric inside the seams to make future adjustments easier if your body changes.

Layering and Accessories

How you accessorize and what you wear underneath your suit can enhance comfort:

1. Undergarments: Invest in high-quality, breathable undergarments, like a cotton dress shirt, that keep you cool and comfortable underneath your suit.
2. Layering: Use layers wisely. A well-fitted vest can add an extra layer of style while helping to regulate body temperature. During colder months, you can even consider a thin, tailored sweater under your suit jacket.

Suit Maintenance and Care

Taking proper care of your suit will keep it comfortable and extend its life:

1. Regular Cleaning: Follow the cleaning instructions carefully. Wool suits, for instance, often need less frequent washing and benefit from steaming to refresh the fabric and remove odors.
2. Proper Storage: To store suits properly, use wide, padded hangers for jackets and hang trousers by the hem to maintain their shape and reduce wrinkles.

By considering these factors, you can significantly enhance the comfort of your suits, making them a pleasure to wear in any setting. This focus on comfort, alongside style, ensures that your formal wear is not only visually appealing but also a delight to wear.

Modern Innovations in Suit Design

The traditional suit has undergone significant transformations thanks to technological advancements and innovative design tweaks that enhance both style and comfort:

Technological Advances in Fabric

Newer suits incorporate materials that wick moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable during long days or in warm climates.

Some modern suits are equipped with fabrics that adapt to body temperature and environmental changes, providing extra comfort by cooling you down or keeping you warm as needed.

In addition, the integration of elastane and other stretchable fibers allows for a greater range of motion, making suits feel less restrictive and more comfortable for all-day wear.

Innovative Brands and Designs

Some brands have developed “athleisure suits” made with the same materials as athletic wear, offering unparalleled comfort and flexibility while still looking professional.

Many companies also offer suits with customizable options, such as adjustable waistbands, stretch linings, and modular components, that can be tailored to individual preferences and different body types.

Finally, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, more brands are crafting suits from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other eco-friendly materials, which are not only better for the environment but also tend to be gentler on the skin.