Synthetic fabric

For a suit go with 100% wool if you can. For many, the reasoning is that synthetics are generally petroleum or chemical based (plastic) and they feel less luxurious and wear hotter (although the heat argument also has a lot to do with how the fabric is woven. There are other reasons as well, I'm sure.

I prefer natural fibers, but with things like sweaters I wont be completely turned off by some synthetic content if it's a good fit and a good deal, because knits are an open weave to begin with, and some synthetics will keep their shape better through rough treatment than a pure luxurious wool.

Just my 2 cents.
Edited by inlandisland - 10/24/11 at 11:15am

Synthetic fabrics are justifiably subject of discussion but oft enough speculation and jaundices assert themselves due to the prestige woolen and other 'natural' products have. We all, as I assume, have encountered cheap synthetic materials that had been used to produce clothes of low quality. This might lead us to the misunderstanding that all synthetic fibers are of poor quality, as well as all synthetic clothes. Just as the thickness of the wool and different steps of production influence the quality of the fabric, synthetic fibers may differ amongst each other.

 

As I had to find, processing outranks material composition. Although I prefer natural fabrics, I do own suits made of synthetic blends that differentiate in haptic from my woolen ones but not in a negative way. If the overall value is right, I prefer buying a well-made synthetic suit of Italian origin instead of a cheaply produced wool suit from anywhere else. With knitware, it's the same. There is horrible chemically treated 100% merino wool stuff available, as well as long lasting and good looking synthetic blends.

However, all synthetic stuff that I've seen has one restriction in common: In bright daylight you'll see that shimmer - some materials glint less, but they still do. That's why I'd recommend only to use synthetic clothes as evening wear in darker environments. 

(Albeit I don't think many people would notice it - once you know it exists, you will always care.)

This article is a good place to start: Four Fabrics You Don't Know Enough About - it runs down the major differences between synthetic fibers vs. natural fibers.

 

In suits, blending can get tricky. It comes down to the typs(s) of synthetic fiber(s) that are present in the blend, as well as the blend ratio. As both @inlandisland and @sayluncheon mentioned, the manner of processing, blend ratios, types of fibers, etc all play a role in the final product. So there's really no cut and dry answer.

 

Yes, synthetics tend to shimmer in bright daylight. However, I silk blend suits will do the same. Synthetic blends will wear better over time, which can be a strong positive factor for a budget-conscious buyer. Just don't make that trade-off at the expense of comfort or style.

 

Bottom line is to buy the suit that looks good and fits you and your budget. Plan to take it to a tailor for a final fitting and make sure you're happy with the end result.

 

-GD

Also, I am not sure if he still frequents these fora or not, but user "MartinStall" is quite knowledgable about synthetics. If you have any specific questions try to PM him and he can likely tell you more than you need to know.