Blog Post

Worth the weight: Bulletproof businesswear

Mar 31, 2022
It’s official: people are back in the office and back in businesswear. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had an increasing number of clients tentatively ask me if I’ve been fitting people for a return to work, and the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. 

With lockdowns now in the rearview, many of them are looking for a new tailored suit for the occasion - one that ensures they look fresh and focused. 

The wait may be over, but what about the weight? 

You’ll no doubt have heard people talk about suits in terms of ounces, weight or wear - but what exactly does it mean? Let me give you the low-down.

Explaining suit weights 


There’s no ‘right’ weight for a suit but there are optimal materials for every occasion. Typically, fabrics are broken down into three core categories: 


Lightweight materials
or weaves sit lighter on the body and are optimum for comfort. Materials such as linen allow more airflow, which makes them ideal for keeping cooler in hotter climes or during the summer. They’re buoyant and delicate with excellent breathability, making them the ideal choice for spring or summer to keep you feeling as cool as you look.  Lightweight materials tend to weigh between 7-8 oz.


Mid-weight materials
or weaves are more robust, yet they retain their breathability, making them the perfect choice for year-round wear. If you’re looking for something versatile that ticks all the boxes and will always promote comfort, no matter the environment, a mid-weight weave is the way to go. Unlike lighter materials such as linen, these often maintain their shape better due to crease-resistant formulations. Mid-weight materials can weigh anything from 8.5 - 13.5 oz


Heavyweight
materials or weaves are the hardhitters. They are exceptionally robust, making them incredibly resistant to wear and giving them superior structure to ligherweight weaves. They help you to retain heat, making them - ideal for autumn or winter and are especially suited to outdoor events. These tend to weigh between 14 - 19 oz. In my opinion, heavyweight weaves are the definition of bulletproof businesswear; they’ll last longer, hold their shape and do what a jacket does best: keep you warm. These particular fabrics (such as flannel or tweeds) are heavy-hitters and are well suited to being overcoats or shooting jackets. 


Whether you’ve got a firmly established wardrobe or are building your businesswear with key pieces over time, it pays to watch your weight.
Get in touch today and I’d be happy to smooth through the scales. 


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