Wool or synthetic suit: which one to choose for everyday comfort?

Understanding materials: wool, synthetic, and blends

Wool: properties, types, and benefits

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep's fleece. It is a renewable and biodegradable material. Different types of wool are available, including:

- Virgin wool (standard).

- Merino wool (very soft and made of fine fibers).

- Italian wool fabric (superior quality — our pure Orvieto wool suits are made from this exclusive material).

Wool is valued for its key properties. It offers natural thermoregulation, breathes, wicks moisture effectively, and provides odor resistance. Moreover, its drape and fall are aesthetically superior, as it conforms to the silhouette more harmoniously over time.

On the other hand, its care requires more meticulous and delicate work. Also, because its quality is high, its price is higher. Finally, if its fibers are thick, wool can itch.



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Synthetics (polyester, polyamide, elastane): their real role

There is a variety of synthetic fabrics:

- Pure polyester (100%): a 100% polyester suit is an entry-level choice. Not very breathable, it retains heat and is less elegant. To be avoided if you are looking for a quality suit.

- Polyamide (nylon): this synthetic fiber is abrasion-resistant. In a small proportion (5-10%), it enhances the durability of a wool suit without sacrificing comfort.

- Elastane (spandex): this stretchy fiber par excellence is advantageous in a tiny proportion (2 to 5%). It revolutionizes the freedom of movement of a wool suit without changing its appearance.

Key takeaway: only the 100% synthetic suit should be avoided. In a balanced blend with wool, synthetic fabrics manage to correct their weaknesses (e.g., stiffness and wrinkles) without erasing their qualities.

For example, an Anthony of London suit offered at Ernest is made of 91% wool and 9% polyamide, which increases its durability. A stretch Orvieto suit is composed of 98% wool and 2% elastane for better freedom of movement. If you are looking for an excellent value for money, opt for a Marco Ferrera synthetic suit.



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Blends: why it is often the best choice

Wool vs. polyester suit: which is the best choice? In fact, the most comfortable suit for everyday wear is neither 100% wool nor 100% synthetic, but rather a skillful blend of materials. Indeed, a wool-dominant blend (80% or more) retains all the qualities of wool while adding the resistance of synthetic fabric. In small doses, between 2 and 5%, elastane adds elasticity (stretch) without altering the suit's visual appearance or breathability.

In short, synthetic is a bit like the steel integrated into reinforced concrete (wool): it strengthens it without replacing it. With 98% wool and 2% elastane, this stretch Orvieto wool suit is a fine example of a successful blend. 



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Everyday comfort: factual comparison

Breathability and thermoregulation

- Wool: natural thermoregulation, meaning it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. Its hollow fiber traps air and moisture without feeling wet.

- Pure synthetic: it traps body heat and is therefore uncomfortable during temperature changes (e.g., if you leave an air-conditioned place and it is very hot outside).

- Wool-dominant blend: it retains the thermoregulation of wool, and the proportion of synthetic does not significantly alter this property.

VERDICT: for breathability and thermoregulation, pure wool is the big winner. Next comes the wool-dominant blend, then pure synthetic.

Softness and feel on the skin

- Standard wool: depending on fiber thickness (diameter greater than 30 microns), it can itch the skin.

- Merino wool: because its fiber is less than 20 microns, it is soft directly on the skin. It is comparable to a "premium" fabric. Ernest offers merino wool in its Anthony of London sweaters, which can be worn with a suit.

- Italian wool fabric: it offers a superior feel. Italian origin guarantees a high level of finish (as in the exclusive Orvieto collection at Ernest).

- Pure synthetic: its texture is less natural and gives an unpleasant "plastic" feel while being sensitive to heat.

- Blend: the softness of the suit depends on the proportion of wool. Above 80% wool, the feel remains pleasant.

VERDICT: for softness and feel on the skin, Italian wool fabric is the best choice. Next comes the wool-dominant blend, then pure synthetic. 

Freedom of movement: the role of elastane

- 100% Pure wool: it offers an excellent drape, but being naturally less stretchy, it can be relatively stiff.

- Pure synthetic: it can offer elasticity depending on the fibers used, but at the expense of drape.

- Wool blend with 2 to 5% elastane: it combines the best of both worlds, namely the elegant drape of wool and the freedom of movement of stretch fabric. Concretely: you can climb stairs, sit for 8 straight hours at the office, or drive your car — the stretch suit does not pull or wrinkle.

VERDICT: for greater freedom of movement in daily life, the ideal is without a doubt the wool and elastane blend. Next comes pure wool, then pure synthetic. 

For optimal everyday comfort, this black Orvieto stretch suit is a safe bet, thanks to its 98% wool and 2% elastane blend.



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Odor management

- Pure wool: thanks to its naturally antibacterial properties, wool neutralizes odors rather than retaining them.

- Pure synthetic: this non-porous fiber traps bacteria and odors, which quickly becomes problematic during long days.

- Wool-dominant blend: the fabric retains the antibacterial (and therefore anti-odor) property of wool.

VERDICT: to ward off odors, nothing beats pure wool. The second-best choice is the wool-dominant blend. Finally, pure synthetic is to be avoided if you care about body odor.

Practical tip: after wearing a wool suit, simply air it out near a slightly open window. Discover more tips for properly caring for your suits. 

Durability and care

Longevity over time

- Quality pure wool: it improves with time by conforming to your shape. Its patina is also elegant.

- Pure synthetic: the fabric deforms more quickly, and its shiny appearance betrays its aging.

- Wool and polyamide blend: the synthetic fiber reinforces friction areas (elbows, pant seat). Its lifespan therefore, exceeds that of pure wool.

VERDICT: for optimal longevity, opt for the wool and polyamide blend suit or pure wool, which you will care for with the greatest attention. The pure synthetic suit, for its part, ages much less well.

Practical tips: remember that a suit's longevity also depends on rotation. Avoid wearing the same one for five days in a row, for example. Also, always store it on a suitable hanger.

With its modern cut, this classic 98% wool Horst suit is an excellent choice for superior longevity. 

Ease of care

- Pure wool: Dry cleaning is recommended, or hand washing, which requires drying flat. 

- Pure synthetic or polyester-dominant blends: some suits are machine washable in cold water.

- Wool and elastane blend: Dry cleaning is preferred because of the high proportion of wool. 

N.B.: To avoid mistakes, always refer to the label on your suit or consult our in-store experts if in doubt.

Practical tip: between cleanings, air out your suits for 24 hours on a wide-shouldered wooden hanger, then use a soft-bristle brush to remove dust and lint. Learn more about caring for and storing suits. 

Wrinkle resistance

- Pure wool: naturally wrinkle-resistant thanks to the fiber's elasticity (the jacket regains its shape after a night on a hanger).

- Pure synthetic: it tends to hold wrinkles. Note that the marketing term "non-iron" only applies to permanent creases, not everyday wrinkles.

- Wool and elastane blend: excellent against wrinkles, elastane provides shape memory, while wool offers natural recovery.

VERDICT: for a suit that resists wrinkles, bet without hesitation on the wool and elastane blend. Pure wool is also a good choice, while synthetic represents a risky bet.

Choosing according to use and season

For the daily office

If you are looking for a perfect suit for office work, we recommend a wool-elastane blend, which is the best compromise.

During long days spent sitting, including during commutes, stretching is a decisive advantage for comfort. A wool-predominant suit, thanks to its thermoregulating properties, is also essential in changing environmental conditions. You will be comfortable both indoors and outdoors.

The wool-elastane blend requires minimal care, and wool effectively manages odors. 

For work, our experts recommend the Orvieto stretch suit, made from 98% wool and 2% elastane. And for unparalleled comfort throughout the day, the Anthony of London stretch dress pants for the office (52% polyester, 43% wool, and 5% elastane) is a sensible choice.



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For special occasions (wedding, gala, graduation)

If you are invited to a formal event such as a wedding, gala, or graduation ceremony, we advise you to choose a pure wool suit or a blend with a very high wool content (95% or more). 

The perfect drape and fall of pure wool are unmatched for photos and for simply making a good impression on great occasions.

Also consider that thermoregulation is critical during long-duration events, or even all day. A wedding, for example, often includes a ceremony, a photo session, a cocktail hour, and a reception with a meal, games, and an evening dance.

Italian fabric made of superior-quality wool is your best ally. With its subtle and elegant sheen, it invariably gives you a sophisticated look.

We highly recommend the 100% wool Orvieto suits in exclusive Italian fabric, which are part of our men's wedding attire collection. 

For 4 seasons - summary table

Season	Recommended fabric	Why
Spring	Light wool + elastane blend	Variable temperatures, thermoregulation + stretch
Summer	Fine tropical wool or linen/wool	Maximum lightness and breathability
Fall	Pure wool or 95%+ wool	Natural warmth, optimal drape
Winter	Thick wool or wool flannel	Thermal insulation, outer layer
4 seasons	98% wool + 2% elastane	Ideal compromise, year-round comfort

Price: pure wool vs. blend vs. pure polyester

The following table provides guidance and an overview of suit prices in the Quebec market by fabric. As prices fluctuate, we invite you to visit our online store to see current rates.

Looking for a quality garment? Explore our suit collection and use the filters by brand and style: you will surely find the product that meets your needs and budget.

Fabric type	Indicative price range	For whom?
100% polyester	Entry-level (< $200)	To be avoided for a quality suit
Polyester and wool blend 50/50	Mid-range ($150-$300)	Very occasional use only
Wool 80% + elastane blend	Good value for money ($300-$500)	Daily office, versatile
100% wool (virgin wool)	High-end ($400-$600+)	Special occasions, long-term investment
100% Italian wool	Premium ($500+)	Important events, maximum quality

Conclusion - The right choice for your situation

When it comes to choosing a comfortable suit for everyday wear, neither pure wool nor synthetic is the universal answer. Pure wool excels for great occasions and offers the best drape. Synthetic alone (e.g., pure polyester) is to be avoided for a quality suit. The wool-dominant blend with elastane is the most versatile choice for daily life.

The best way to choose a suit is to feel the fabrics and try them on. Our stylists at Ernest know the composition of each suit and can guide you according to your use, body type, and budget.

Regardless of the fabric chosen, fit remains the key to a successful suit. Our on-site alteration service ensures your suit fits like a glove, whether it is made of pure wool or a blend.

Explore our suit collection to discover our Orvieto, Anthony of London, and Horst models.

Learn how to recognize the quality of a suit to guide your choices.

Frequently Asked Questions - Wool or synthetic suit