suit

Choosing Wedding Fabrics

When you’ve decided to tie the knot, there are many decisions to make. Beyond a few rules related to the legality of your union, Canada doesn’t restrict wedding customs and details, including attire. As you’re planning and evaluating, you’ll need to think about the type of fabrics used in your outfits for the big day. 

Factors To Consider

Fabric selection can make or break your nuptials. Some fabrics may look great in a photo, but they may not be as comfortable or practical as others, especially for long wear. The way fabric looks is important, but carefully consider the date, time, and venue when making choices. Some fabrics work well with structured garments, while others lend themselves to draping. It’s your wedding day, and while it’s all about the two of you, do consider the needs of others who are participating.

Fabrics You’re Sure To Love

Think about these materials for your wedding-day outfits:

  • Charmeuse: If you’re looking for a light fabric that feels luxurious, charmeuse is the fabric for you. Although typically made of silk, synthetic versions also exist. Garments made from this cloth tend to have a “slinky” look and feel that’s fabulous, but they can be unforgiving when it comes to hiding details.
  • Chiffon: Noted for its lightweight and sheer look, this woven fabric is often a go-to as an overlay to weightier fabrics. Chiffon can be worn in multiple layers for effect, but it is easy to snag.
  • Lace: When it comes to an elegant touch, few fabrics can compare to lace. Known for its open weave, lace tends to work as an overlay or a detail for a dress made of more substantial fabric. Different types of lace exist, varying in detail and weight. Lace also snags easily.
  • Organza: You can think of organza as a stiffer version of chiffon. Whereas chiffon drapes easily, dressmakers choose organza for more structured gowns. Despite this, it is a very lightweight fabric that lends itself well to warm-weather events.
  • Satin: Technically not a fiber, satin refers to a finish of a fabric made up of silk, polyester, or other synthetic fibers. Satin is noted for its versatility and durability, working especially well in the cooler parts of the year. The material looks great ruched, draped, or in ballroom-style gowns. 
  • Tulle: Regarded for its light, netting-like appearance, tulle is a very delicate fabric that pulls or snags easily. Garments made of tulle have a very airy and ethereal style. 

Fabrics That “Suit” You

When it comes to suits, tuxedos, and sportscoats, think about these fabrics:

  • Cashmere: A 100% cashmere suit is very soft and elegant, but the “shiny” look may not be what you’re going for. A blend of cashmere with another fabric such as wool often provides the right combination of softness, warmth, and body.
  • Cotton: For all-around comfort and breathability, you can’t go wrong with cotton. If your style is more casual, cotton suits the bill.
  • Linen: For outdoor daytime gatherings, a linen suit works really well; however, this lightweight fabric also wrinkles very easily. While a few wrinkles can be part of the charm, a light-colored suit may look worse for wear after a long day.
  • Silk: Suits made of silk convey luxury and comfort. Generally more expensive, silk suits are also nice for temperature control. 
  • Velvet: Coats made of velvet are especially touchable. This breathable fabric offers an elegant look that coordinates well with denim for a quirky yet stylish effect.
  • Wool: When it comes to suits, wool reigns supreme. Noted for softness and versatility, wool suits are appropriate at any time of the year. 

When it comes to clothing, details matter. This is especially true for the fabric in your wedding-day outfits. While appearance is important, be sure to consider other factors such as comfort, temperature, and various body shapes.

Smart Tips for Your Wedding-Day Suit

If you plan to wear the always fashionable suit at your wedding, read on to learn more about the various options to gain a better understanding.

If you plan to wear the always fashionable suit at your wedding, read on to learn more about the various options to gain a better understanding.

Suits are a classic wedding attire choice. With the right cut and tailoring, they can be expertly fashioned to flatter a wide range of body types. If you plan to get married in a suit but aren’t familiar with their design details, take heart. Understanding the anatomy of this timeless ensemble can assist you in making the best apparel choice for your big day.

Suiting 101: A Basic Breakdown

Esquire writer Hans Aschim diagrams a suit’s components in a May 2018 piece. As a key detail, jacket lapels define the suit’s overall look. Most fall into one of three categories:

  • Notch, the classic tightly angled lapel
  • Peak, cut out and point up to the shoulders
  • Shawl, a smooth lapel with no notches

Vents are constructed in the back of a jacket and permit the wearer freedom of movement. A single vent in the center is the most common. Meanwhile, double-vent styles place one on each side seam and can be more comfortable for some individuals.

A suit’s drop refers to the difference between the jacket’s chest measurement and the trousers’ waist size. The average drop is usually 6 inches, but that number can be higher for folks with wider shoulders and narrower waists. Conversely, it can be lower in portly individuals with larger waistlines.

Finally, the “break” refers to the amount of trouser fabric hem gathering at the shoe. He Spoke Style describes the various trouser breaks typically available and the looks they create. No break or a slight break style are modern and fashion-forward, while medium and full breaks tend to be more conservative.

Looking Great Begins With Correct Suit Fit

Tailors can expertly alter a garment to your dimensions, but there are key areas in which proper fit is essential in the first place. As Art of Manliness points out, jacket shoulders are notoriously difficult to alter. It’s also hard to modify a trouser seat that’s too loose, fix sleeves attached at an incorrect angle, or make extreme adjustments to a jacket’s closure or bottom hem.

GQ’s editors discuss an ideal fit in an October 2015 article. Many wearers overestimate their jacket sizes, so you should select yours as true to your body size as possible. Your jacket’s shoulder seams should end right at your shoulder blades. Make sure that the jacket’s lapels lie flat on your chest when it’s buttoned. Ideally, the jacket should also fit snuggly around your torso. Your trousers must sit at your natural waist, with legs that aren’t baggy or excessively wide and hems ending around the tops of your shoes.

Pay Attention to Vital Details

Structure and fit are important when you’re shopping for suits. To guide you in fine-tuning your look, Martha Stewart Weddings provides some useful tips. First, you should choose items that align with your typical style. Super-trendy selections aren’t usually a good idea unless they’re already part of your everyday fashion. Next, keep in mind that neutral shades such as gray, tan, navy, or black easily complement or match other colors. Choose your fabrics according to the season, saving wool and cashmere for cooler weather and lighter options such as linen and seersucker for summer. If you find the world of alterations a little confusing, the editors recommend carrying a “cheat sheet” to help you communicate with your tailor. Jackets should nip at the waist but avoid pulling on its buttons. Ask for shirt sleeve hems that extend ¼ inch below your jacket sleeve when your arms are at your sides. Ideally, trouser hems should graze your shoelaces.

Suits are a perennial sartorial staple, with a wide range of customization options for nearly any wearer. With carefully chosen details such as cut, fit, fabric, and color, this expertly tailored garment is an important foundation of your wedding-day look.