Why is a good lining important for a jacket /blazer?

A good lining is important for a jacket or blazer for several reasons:

Comfort: The lining helps to prevent the outer fabric of the jacket or blazer from rubbing against the skin, which can cause irritation and discomfort. The lining can also provide an additional layer of insulation, keeping the wearer warm and comfortable. 

Durability: A good lining can help to prolong the life of a jacket or blazer by protecting the outer fabric from wear and tear. The lining can also prevent the fabric from stretching or losing its shape over time. 

Appearance: The lining can improve the appearance of the jacket or blazer by providing a smooth, polished look. It can also help the jacket or blazer to drape properly and maintain its shape. 

Functionality: The lining can add functionality to the jacket or blazer by providing pockets for storage or concealing seams and stitching.

Maintenance: A good lining can make the jacket or blazer easier to maintain by protecting the fabric from sweat, oil, and other stains. It can also be easier to clean and care for than the outer fabric of the jacket or blazer.

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How to select the correct fabric for your bespoke suit or jacket?

Selecting the correct fabric for your suit or garment is an interesting activity and a big part of the whole experience of bespoke tailoring and having a clothes tailor made

When you ask yourself the right questions, it gets easier to make decisions in selecting the right fabric for you.

The list below has a number of pointers to have in consideration to decide the right direction you want to go and which points are important to you.

Our team is available to guide you further with expert knowledge and advice from practice.

1. What is it for? - How formal should it be?

  • Will you wear the suit or jacket only to the office? Is it for a special event? Or should it match a diversity of events? What would suit the environment regarding material, colour and pattern?

  • How heavy should it be?

  • Are you going to wear it all year round, or only certain periods of the year? When you wear the suit the whole year through, are you ever really outside, or primarily indoors and air conditioned?

  • What else will you be wearing with it?

  • Consider whether you will be wearing the suit or jacket with a shirt and tie, or a sweater and jeans, or maybe both.

2. How the fabric is constructed

  • Design. The most obvious aspect - the colour and the pattern. There are shades available of every colour, so it is worth the effort to compare colours and get advice about the differences.

  • Material. Whether the fibre is wool, linen, cotton or cashmere, but also regarding the fineness of the fibre (the ‘Super’ numbers).

  • Weave. The way the fibre is woven to a fabric. This will be most apparent in the pattern (twill, herringbone etc.) but it is also of influence on the performance.

  • Texture. Possibly the most underrated aspect. It’s the difference between something very smooth and silky and something rough and robust.

3. What are the characteristics you are looking for?

  • Hardness. The suit you would wear to the office usually is a worsted and has a harder finish than the soft, woollen cashmere you could wear as a jacket. The harder finish makes a fabric more tight and smooth.

  • Crisp or Dryness. Fabrics with a higher crisp are sharp, making it for example more susceptible to a more permanent fold in the trousers. The surface also tends to feel more dry. Linen often feels more dry than the worsteds that are used for formal suits.

  • Nap. The hairiness - the length of the fibres on the surface of the fabric. In practice very related to the hardness/softness.

  • Weight. An easy characteristic to focus on. Most fabrics state the weight in grams and or ounces. Keep in mind that the heavier a fabric is, the better the drape and wear of the suit.

  • Breathability. A fabric with a more open weave breathes more, making it cooler to wear.

  • Crease resistance. A fabric with a high crease resistance often feels more stiff and does not wrinkle or crease as much. Recommended when travelling.

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Top 5 reasons to use British fabrics for suits and jackets?

There are several reasons why British fabrics are commonly used for suits and jackets:

  1. Quality: British fabrics are renowned for their quality and durability. They are often made using traditional methods, which can result in a superior product that lasts longer than cheaper, mass-produced fabrics.

  2. Heritage: The British textile industry has a long and proud history, dating back centuries. Many of the mills that produce British fabrics have been in operation for generations, and they take great pride in their craft.

  3. Style: British fabrics are often associated with classic, understated style. They are often used for formal and business attire, as they have a timeless elegance that never goes out of fashion.

  4. Climate: Britain's climate can be quite unpredictable, with plenty of rain and chilly weather. As a result, British fabrics are often designed to be warm and weather-resistant, making them ideal for use in suits and jackets.

  5. Sustainability: Many British fabrics are made using sustainable and eco-friendly methods, which can be a consideration for those who are conscious of their environmental impact.

Overall, using British fabrics for suits and jackets can be a great choice for those who value quality, heritage, and style.

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