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Have you ever noticed that some suits have a jacket lining while others don’t?

Or that they often look different from other suits?

These aren’t arbitrary design choices; they are all specifically designed as they are for a reason.

Once you learn the “whys” of suit jacket linings, you’ll be better prepared to find the perfect suit for each situation.

What is a Suit Jacket Lining

You’ve most likely encountered a suit jacket with a lining before. It’s that thin layer of fabric on your jacket’s inside, usually satiny and shiny.

what is a suit jacket lining

The material can vary from expensive silks to more affordable synthetic fibers.

Suit jacket linings can be decorative, with flashy colors and prints, or can blend in with the rest of the jacket.

However, a lining is more than just eye candy – it’s functional.

Why Line a Suit Jacket?

There are several good reasons to include a lining inside your suit jacket. It can look festive or professional, but more importantly, it hides the jacket’s internal construction.

A lining is the best way to avoid seeing the seams and canvassing, but linings go beyond aesthetics.

half-canvas vs. full-canvas suit jacket anatomy and difference

A lining is also helpful for adding warmth to your suit jacket. The lining isn’t just another layer but is also effective at holding in your body heat.

It also means that your jacket is more resistant to wrinkling and allows your suit to slide off and on smoothly.

A jacket lining adds weight to your suit jacket, but it also helps add substance, contributing to the jacket’s shape. It affects the way your jacket sits against your body.

When to Skip Jacket Lining

A jacket lining isn’t mandatory. There are times when it’s wise to forgo a lining.

The most significant reason to opt for an unlined jacket is temperature. If the hot weather makes the idea of a stuffy suit jacket seem unbearable, it’s best to ditch the lining altogether.

what is unlined suit jacket

Not only will you feel more temperate, but it will help you avoid those unsightly underarm sweat stains.

Another reason to skip a lining in your suit jacket is if formality is an issue. An unlined jacket is a casual way to style your suit. If you’re aiming for a laidback style, you can go far without including lining.

Types of Suit Jacket Linings

Your suit jacket doesn’t need to be “all or nothing” regarding a lining. Not every situation calls for either a fully lined jacket or an entirely unlined one.

There are other options that run the spectrum, allowing you to find a compromise and make the most of the benefits of lined and unlined.

Fully Lined

A fully lined suit jacket is entirely covered inside with the lining material. The sleeves, front panels, and back are fully covered.

Fully-lined suit jacket

This type of lining provides a very polished look and hides the jacket’s seams and canvas (if present) flawlessly.

Fully lined jackets are the warmest, most crease-resistant, and most durable option for your suit.

Half-Lined

When we talk about a half-lined suit jacket, that doesn’t mean that literally only half of the jacket is covered.

The sleeves and the front panels are lined, and the top half of the back panel is also lined. So the only part that’s left unlined is the bottom section of the back.

half-lined suit jacket

This style is an excellent compromise for warm weather, but you still require a jacket with structure and formality.

Leaving the bottom section of the back of the jacket unlined provides some ventilation and breathability.

Quarter-Lined

This version of a lined suit jacket offers even less lining than the above options.

A quarter-lined jacket means that only the top of the back panel and the sleeves have lining; the front and bottom back are bare.

quarter-lined suit jacket

The lining inside the jacket’s sleeves means you can easily slip your jacket off and on.

You get the benefits of the durability that a jacket lining offers and the breathability of an unlined suit. You can feel cooler and not be burdened with the extra weight from a liner.

Unlined

It would make sense to presume that an unlined suit jacket is a less expensive option than a fully lined one since it uses less material.

However, it actually costs more money because more work goes into carefully finishing the seams since they will be seen. The seams are detailed and made to appear more attractive.

unlined suit jacket

An unlined suit jacket lacks the structure and weight that comes along with lining. This suit jacket is more informal and feels natural.

While it can keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather, there are also downsides. The lack of lining means that the jacket can become crumpled more easily. It also lacks inner pockets, which can be frustrating.

Suit Jacket Lining Fabric Options

As with most garments, you have multiple options for what type of fabric to use for your suit jacket lining. As usual, there are both natural and synthetic options.

  • Silk
  • Bemberg silk
  • Rayon
  • Polyester
  • Acetate

Silk linings are the best option since it’s entirely breathable. It’s the most pricey choice but also very high-quality fabric.

silk suit lining fabric

Bemberg silk isn’t genuine silk; it’s actually made from cotton. It’s classified as a synthetic because even though it’s cotton, it’s manufactured.

For being a non-natural material, it’s the next-best choice after silk.

bemberg suit jacket lining fabric

Bemberg is a pricy alternative to other synthetics but makes an excellent replica of an authentic natural fabric. It’s also moisture-wicking and doesn’t generate static.

Rayon is a reasonably durable suit jacket lining. It’s relatively soft and comfortable, and highly absorbent. The downside is that it is dry clean only.

Polyester is another durable choice for jacket lining. It’s not costly, but it also doesn’t breathe well.

polyester suit lining fabric

Acetate is the bottom-of-the-line choice for suit jacket linings. It isn’t expensive, but it isn’t durable, either. However, it is moisture-wicking and wrinkle-resistant.

Different Suit Jacket Lining Design Options

Not all suit jacket linings look the same. Some are intended to be super eye-catching, while others strive for a muted, professional appearance.

Some are the most noticeable part of a suit jacket, while you may not even notice some others at all.

Monotone Suit Jacket & Interior Lining

When you need to keep your appearance conservative, opt for a suit jacket with the same color lining as the outer fabric.

monotone navy blue suit jacket lining and outer fabric

It’s the least intrusive, subtle way to include a lining. The colors blend, so you barely register that the jacket is lined.

This is the most common jacket lining style because it keeps your suit versatile. You can wear it for formal occasions but still find other ways to make it informal or playful.

Contrasting Colors

For a bit of punch with your suit jacket, try a lining in a contrasting color. It adds flair to your suit without feeling too shocking.

contrasting burgundy suit jacket lining and grey outer fabric

A contrasting lining color can stand out from the outer shell and provide some character to the jacket.

Depending on the color choice, you can steer your suit toward a dramatic, bold look or remain classy and elegant.

Patterns & Paisley Linings

Patterns typically make a garment less formal. Sneaking them inside your suit jacket is a genius move that can shake things up but on the sly.

patterned pink suit jacket lining and light grey outer fabric

Your patterns can be big and bold, like large paisley, or small and subtle, like polka dots. Determining how flashy you want to get with your lining is up to you.

If you want to incorporate patterns without feeling too ostentatious, try keeping the pattern monochrome with your jacket.

Otherwise, you can have a contrasting color for your design and really shake things up.

How to Recognize a High-Quality Suit Jacket Lining

Examine the suit lining before you purchase to ensure you’re getting one that’s good quality and will last you.

For starters, check that the lining is completely sewn. Don’t allow any gaps or holes in the seam of the lining because that’s a convenient place to get snagged on something and tear the lining.

The lining must lay flat inside the jacket. If it doesn’t, it wasn’t given proper attention when attached and will likely impede your sleek outline when wearing the jacket.

Finally, the jacket’s lining should move well with your movements. Watch out for tugging or pulling; if this happens, you’ll be uncomfortable every time you slip on your suit jacket.

Alexander Stoicoff

Author: Alexander Stoicoff

Hi, I’m Alex, and I’ve studied and specialized in styling in Rome. Through my writing, I want to help men dress well and learn the purpose and significance of suits and other formal attire. My final goal is to make men more confident in their wardrobe choice and life in general.