100% Silk Suiting Fabric... Good Idea? Bad Idea?

[tjc4golf]

I picked up a sportcoat that is exactly what I'm looking for (fabric color and pattern, fit, style, etc) with one exception... it's 100% silk. I'm trying to figure out whether I should keep it or move on. Did some digging and I found a few opinions regarding silk here and there but was hoping for some additional opinions and insights.

According to what I've found, silk is hot/breathes poorly and retains odors more so than wool. Is this info accurate? I'm particularly concerned about the lack of breathability as I'm located in a Mid-Atlantic state where it can get pretty hot and humid in late spring, summer and early fall so comments on this would be appreciated. Also, didn't find much regarding durability so info on this topic would also be welcome.

 

[westinghouse]

Originally Posted by tjc4golf

According to what I've found, silk is hot/breathes poorly and retains odors more so than wool.

Add wrinkles and you said it all.

 

[Raoul Duke]

I have 100% silk weave sport coat and I quite enjoy it. I have not had any issues with odors or serious wrinkling. I usually give it a quick steam after I wear it to get any wrinkling out like I would any other garment. I have yet to wear the coat in to the spring/summer months, so I can't say much about breathability.

 

[Matt S]

Originally Posted by westinghouse

Add wrinkles and you said it all.

Wrinkles aren't bad with silk. Some types of silk fabrics won't wrinkle at all. I have silk/linen blends and the silk really helps with the wrinkling.

 

[Holdfast]

I have a grey 100% silk DB suit. It's good for wearing to some evening engagements where its combination of sharpness, texture and slight flashiness complement the nature of such events. If you're looking for something versatile to wear often, move on to another swatch book. If you like the fabric and have a broad enough wardrobe to accommodate infrequently-worn items, go for it!