100% Wool Suits for Men: What are they and why choose one?

100% wool suits are the quintessential choice in premium tailoring thanks to their luxurious wearing experience and timeless style.

Wool is incredibly practical, as well as stylish. Our experts are here to bring you everything you need to know about choosing a wool suit, as well as how to get the most out of this classic investment piece so you can buy, and wear, with confidence.

What is 100% wool?

Wool is a natural fibre, usually sourced from the thick fleece of a sheep. When a suit is made from 100% wool, it means no synthetic fibres have been blended into the fabric, making it a real investment piece for your formal wardrobe.

You'd usually associate wool with staying cosy in winter, but 100% wool suits are seriously breathable and perfect for year-round wear. Natural wool fibres provide style, comfort and exceptional performance properties, and are incredibly long-lasting when properly cared for.

Look for the 100% wool symbol on our products to know you're getting a quality suit from one of our leading UK brands.

Types of wool

Popular types of wool include merino wool from sheep and cashmere, which comes from the cashmere goat. Quality wool is known for its quality and softness, however it's useful to look out for different grades of worsted wool known as 'Super'. Wool fibres are measured by thickness ranging from 70 - 200, and the higher the number, the finer the wool. For example, suit fabric listed as Super 100 or above is classed as an extra-premium standard. Lower to medium grades of wool are usually more durable than higher grades, although higher grades do offer exceptional softness and luxury.

While a 100% wool suit is not necessarily the same as a 'Super 110' suit, both offer supreme quality, with a wool suit being an essential wardrobe staple for special occasion wear.

How does it work?

The keratin protein structure in wool fibres provides natural elasticity, which allows for a touch of stretch for easy wear throughout the day. This also helps the suit retain its shape and prevent wrinkling or creasing, even with repeated wear during long days at the office or special occasions that last long into the night. It is the same natural technology that makes a wool suit renowned for its ability to 'hang' nicely on the body for a perfect fit.

Wool naturally contains air pockets within its fibres, which help to regulate your temperature and keep you warm in winter, and cool in summer.

Our relaxed knitwear range features rich wool blends, so you can enjoy luxurious benefits of wool in your casual wardrobe too.

Why choose a 100% wool suit?

A quality wool suit is soft, flexible and easy to wear, while its structure-retaining properties keeps it looking crisp and wrinkle-free, even after a long day. Sheep's wool is also naturally hypo-allergenic and gentle on sensitive skin.

The unique structure of wool fibres provides plenty of natural benefits, such as breathability to help regulate body temperature for year-round wear. Wool also has excellent moisture-wicking ability, meaning it can absorb sweat and release it into the air to keep you feeling clean and fresh throughout the day. Likewise, if you get caught in a rain shower, your suit will dry much quicker than one made of polyester or cotton blends.

But there's another reason wool remains an enduring and consistently sought-after style; its timeless appeal ensures it is still an essential piece of formalwear for the discerning gentleman.

How to care for a wool suit

Wool is naturally resilient but proper care will help keep your suit looking its best. Our top tips will ensure you wear your wool suit with confidence, time and time again:

• Invest in a good quality gentle fabric brush to prevent dust, fluff and dirt settling into the fibres.
• We recommend taking your suit for expert care at the dry cleaners, no more than once or twice a year depending on how often you wear your suit.
• Dab stains gently with a soft cloth and warm water as soon as they appear, and avoid harsh detergents or cleaning products.
• Store your wool suit in a breathable suit bag if storing for long periods of time, but don't forget to let your suit air between washes to keep it smelling fresh.