You’ll probably run into a polyester suit labeled at a reasonably affordable price if you go suit shopping.
While some call it cheap and wearing it a doomed-style crime, I am more of an open-minded person.
A polyester suit certainly has drawbacks, but not everybody needs super 200s wool to look good.
In this article, I’ll explain what exactly a polyester suit is and how you can wear it.
What is a Polyester Suit Made From?
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made of polymers derived from petroleum and other organic sources.
There are many types of polyester. The one used in fabrics is PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
It goes through various chemical processes to create the fibrous compound.
There are more technical details, but I’ll leave it for a chemistry class.
A polyester suit is either made entirely of polyester or a blend between polyester and any other suit fabric like wool, cotton, viscose, and rayon.
However, what’s interesting is the polyester properties as a suit fabric and their comparison with fabrics like wool.
Wool vs. Polyester Suits: Differences
Wool is a natural fabric, and polyester is synthetic. All the differences revolve around this central idea.
The wool suit tends to fall better on the body.
Polyester suits, on the other hand, feel a little rigid. As a result, wool looks more expensive.
When it comes to durability, polyester seems more durable.
Due to its origin in synthetic compounds, polyester tends to feel like plastic. Hence, more enduring.
On the other hand, the aging process on wool suits is better.
A polyester suit, once it starts degrading, becomes awful. In comparison, the wool suit maintains its specific look, even after getting old.
The other difference is breathability. Again, natural fabrics tend to be more breathable than synthetic ones.
Hence, the wool suit will be better aerated; it will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Finally, the polyester suit is a more affordable option. Plus, it’s easier to care for polyester than for wool.
In comparison, wool suits can be pretty expensive, depending on the weave.
How to Wear a Polyester Suit
You can’t expect to wear a polyester suit and look like James Bond.
But the thing you can do is look put-together and know what you’re doing.
Especially gents who occasionally wear a suit, you guys should focus less on fabric and more on other essential things. The suit fit, for example.
Nobody will point out the fabric with snug shoulders, right torso fit, and to-the-point length.
I can guarantee that you’ll look appropriate, wearing a polyester suit, as soon as it fits perfectly.
Another thing you can do is go with a polyester blend with some other fabric. Or ace a good color combination.
Polyester Wool Blend for Better Fabric Result
In the blend, you’ll have some properties of wool, like breathability, and others from polyester, like durability.
Together, these create a fabric that feels good on the body, creates fewer wrinkles, and looks aesthetic.
This blend will be an excellent fabric for you if you are tight on your budget.
But it doesn’t always have to be wool. Natural fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen can also provide sustainable clothing.
Synthetic yarns are often mixed in varying quantities depending on what you need.
For example, a blend of linen and polyester can is appropriately aerated for summer.
The only problem with these blends is that over time, they age differently. As a result, the fabric will lose its charisma.
Best Colors & Combinations
The first thing you should remember is never wear a black polyester suit. Even the blend would be too shiny and doesn’t look right.
Instead, choose more versatile suit colors like navy, blue, grey, and brown. They are not only easy to style but absorb the unnecessary seriousness out of the fabric.
For example, color matching a navy suit with a white shirt will completely overthrow the fact that the suit is made of polyester.
It’s also important not to wear overly vibrant colors like burgundy and teal with this fabric. Wearing these colors will look like you’re a lousy suit guy.
The dress shirt color is also critical in dealing with the way you present yourself.
You can choose something less serious but appropriately formal, like a charcoal suit with a light blue button-up.
Pink dress shirts are another great option. These also match well with almost every suit color, especially blue suits.
Similarly, striped and checked shirts add detail to the outfit, taking down the formality. This will also look like a conscious attempt to style effortlessly.
You can complement these shirts with ties, pocket squares, and a nice pair of dress shoes. Just keep in mind not to go flashy with anything.
It’s best if you understand the color wheel and thus color-matching.
This will help keep things organized in otherwise difficult fabrics like polyester.
Polyester Suit: Benefits vs. Disadvantages
Polyester suits have their pros and cons. Let’s start with the drawbacks first.
The polyester fabric is shiny. This sheen does two things.
It first tells that the suit is not high-quality, and second, it questions the versatility of the suit.
In extreme weather conditions, it’s an inferior fabric. In addition, it doesn’t breathe as natural fabrics do not absorb heat.
However, if the suit is a polyester blend, you can wear it year-round.
Other than that, 100% polyester suits don’t flatter the body as natural fabrics.
You might not feel it if it’s your first suit, but pretty noticeable after wearing good-quality suits.
Coming to benefits, the biggest one is the price. You don’t spend a lot and get a fair deal in return.
The fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily and is pretty durable. Also, you don’t have to worry about taking excessive care of the suit.
Polyester suits are also a fast-drying material. So you can easily wash and dry-clean it.
Are Polyester Suits Good for Summer?
No, they are not. The reason is that polyester is a synthetic fiber and isn’t breathable.
So, in a 100% polyester suit, you’ll have difficulty keeping yourself cool. The sweat can accumulate and can damage the fabric.
However, a polyester blend that contains at least 40% wool, cotton, and linen can make an appropriate summer suit.
