How to Spot a Quality Suit

There is so much that goes into choosing the right suit for a special occasion. While figuring out what color and accessories to select are important, the first step in both looking and feeling your best is making sure your suit is well-made. Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert in fashion design to figure this out—simply follow these tips that will make it easier for you to spot a quality suit.

Fabric 101

Thin is in. Many believe that a thinner fabric means it’s cheap when in fact the opposite is true. Stay away from suits with fabric that is too thick, keeping in mind that the ensemble shouldn’t stand up on its own.

Soft to the touch. A suit’s fabric should be soft, lightweight and breathable. A rough feel indicates lower quality, and it goes without saying that you want to be comfortable at all times. With that in mind, the fabric should drape over your body naturally and shouldn’t have a stiff fit or feel.

Go all natural. Simply put, avoid synthetics at all costs. Instead, opt for suits made of natural fibers such as wool, silk, and linen. When choosing wool, look for Super 130s and above. In fact, most Generation Tux suits are made with 100 percent Super 130’s Merino wool, with a few constructed in a wool, silk, and linen blend.

Check for color consistency. Is the suit the same shade across the entire suit? If not that’s a sure sign it has been constructed with a low-quality fabric.

Look at the Lining

Pinch it. The lining of the suit should float away from the jacket fabric. A good test is to pinch the lining—you should be able to feel the different fabric linings when you do.

Inspect for glue. Glue should never be used in the attachment of the lining to the inside of the jacket or sleeves.

Confirm the Canvas

A jacket should have a canvas in the chest, which provides structure to its front and ensures that the jacket fits properly. Remember, the jacket’s length should land right where your butt starts to curve inward, while the hem of the jacket should hit around the middle of your hand and the shoulder seams should sit around the bend of your shoulder. Additional tips for the canvas include:

Choose the right size. It’s best to stick with a half or full canvas.

Go for a hybrid. The canvas should be constructed with a hybrid of synthetics and horse hair. While you can find those made with 100 percent horse hair, which over time molds to your body shape providing a very custom fit, those canvases are typically reserved for custom or very expensive suits.

Goodbye glue. Just like the lining, the canvas should not be glued to the inside of the jacket. Over time the glue will start to make the jacket shiny after it has been dry cleaned/pressed a number of times.

Of course, Generation Tux offers Free Fabric Swatches and Free Home Try-Ons so you can inspect our quality suits well before your event. Take a look at our selection of suits and tuxedos, and don’t forget to complete your ensemble with a shirt, tie and other accessories.