What's the Best Suit Fabric for the Australian Climate?
The idea of what's acceptable for a guy to wear to the office has evolved considerably over the years. Of course, this depends on the office. For some industries, it might be perfectly okay to wear ripped skinny jeans and a T-shirt with an ironic slogan to work. For other industries, business suits still reign supreme. If you're in need of a new suit for work, achieving the best look while being mindful of Australia's potentially harsh climate is the name of the game.
A British History
Contemporary business suits for men can trace their origins back to England in the 17th century. The tailoring associated with business suits was first popularised by King Charles II, who was reportedly inspired by his French counterpart, Louis XIV. In the 18th century, the style was simplified, ditching many of the ornamental accessories favoured by British nobility. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, the look was further refined, leading to the elegant simplicity of the modern suit—a blazer, trousers, collared shirt, and a tie.
Choosing a Fabric
A heavy blazer and trousers make sense in cooler European climates, and although some regions of Australia can have some harsh winter, the average Australian needs to be more mindful of the heat. This is where the choice of fabric becomes important—and there are many choices. One of the most important things to consider is the breathability of the fabric, which is the ability to allow heat (and perspiration) to evaporate through the fabric. So how do some of the most popular fabric choices add up?
- Cotton is ideal, as it's an organic, breathable fibre. Many suits are a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres, so it's important to check those ratios.
- Synthetic fibres are not necessarily a dealbreaker, but an entirely synthetic suit will not be particularly comfortable on a hot day. Excess perspiration can mean that the suit will need to be cleaned more often—which is why less expensive suits can be more expensive to properly maintain.
- Rayon is another blend of synthetic and organic fibres (with wool generally being the organic fibre). This results in a breathable fabric that won't break the bank.
- An entirely woollen suit will be breathable, but this benefit is diminished by the density and weight of the fabric. Merino wool is the exception but can be relatively expensive.
- Linen is another great choice, but again, can be too heavy for the Australian climate.
- Silk is lightweight and breathable, but can be delicate and requires a lot of care—making it an unwise choice for something to wear to work each day.
Whether the suit is bespoke or bought off the rack, it's important to find a combination of style and comfort. And in Australia, a lot of that comfort is achieved by the fabric's breathability.