The Complete Guide To Men’s Clothing Fabrics
Buying a new item of clothing can be considered a lifetime investment, especially if you are looking for a bespoke or high-quality item and parting ways with your hard-earned cash.
Therefore, at Rampley & Co, we would like to offer you a definitive guide to all things fabric. From soft cotton to heavy yarn wools, your choice of cloth can define your style, confidence and leadership in everyday life.
Below we will cover:
- Types of fabrics used in menswear clothing
- Benefits of different fabrics weights
- What fabrics to wear and to which occasions
- How fabrics are sourced and produced
- Best fabric qualities within luxury clothing
SHOP NOW: RAMPLEY & CO PREMIUM FABRICS
HOW IS FABRIC USED WITHIN MENSWEAR CLOTHING?
At Rampley & Co, we only use natural, high-quality fibres for all our products. However, fibres can be either synthetic or natural, with the most common natural fibre being wool or cotton due to their versatility. If you want a product to keep you warm over time, opt for natural fibres with an insulating ability such as wool vs polyester, which is artificial and has no insulation properties. Each type of fibre is unique and encompasses different attributes; some are sturdy and thick, while others are smooth and flexible.
Fibres are frequently blended together to form an ideal fabric base for an item of clothing. For example, denim usually contains a small mix of elastane to add stretch and recovery to your jeans.
NATURAL VS SYNTHETIC FIBRES
Natural fibres are sourced only from natural materials such as plants, animals or minerals. Once obtained, the raw, natural materials are spun into threads and yarns that are then woven or knitted into natural fabrics. Animal-based natural fibres include silk and wool, which come from silkworms or sheep, while plant-based natural fibres include cotton, linen, and jute.
You will find only natural fibres in all our Rampley & Co collections as they are higher in quality, more durable and offer the finest of fabrics. In addition, natural fibres have an incredibly high absorbency, as the fibres, both plant and animal, have a strong affinity for water. This also ensures they tend to have a more negligible environmental impact than synthetic fibres due to the lack of chemicals. In addition, the structure of cellulose, which makes up natural materials, makes most plant-based fibres very strong.
Synthetic fibres such as polyester as usually more affordable and have higher stain resistance. They can be helpful in sportswear and garments targeted at lower price points. Still, you will get a much higher quality garment with fabrics that are 100% natural such as our wool check jacket featured below.
WHERE ARE RAW MATERIALS FIBRES SOURCED FROM?
Materials can be sourced from all over the world, with India & China the largest producers of fibres used in clothing. However, it’s important to understand that quantity doesn’t always equal quality. Below are some of the lesser known regions which produce the high quality fibres and yarns used across our collections.
Wool is a natural fibre grown by sheep that covers most of their body. The fleece protects sheep from the weather, keeping them warm during winter and cool during the hot summer. In Australia, where weather conditions can be particularly extreme, sheep live a mostly carefree life due to the natural insulating and cooling properties of their own wool.
Our partner mill Scabal sources their high quality merino wool from heritage family farms in Australia and makes sure it’s thoroughly checked for quality before sending it to their production facilities.
Mongolia
Not commonly known as a major fabric supplier, Mongolia is a small mixture of the worlds fabric supply but extremely high in quality. Our cashmere partner mills carefully selects premium yarns used on our soon to launch cashmere jumper collection from the best fibres of Cashmere Goats from Inner Mongolia.
Why is the best quality cashmere is from Inner Mongolia? This is a region where the temperature really fluctuates from really cold in the winter, up to -40 degrees, to over 30 degrees in the summer. The cashmere goats have adapted to this climate by developing a double fleece: A coarse outer guard layer that protects the undercoat from water, and a very soft, fine undercoat that provides warmth and insulation from the biting winter winds.
Due to the extreme changes in temperature between day and night, a ‘duvet' is grown, a fibre with exceptional thermoregulatory qualities, that protects both from the lowest and the highest temperatures. The goats from this region have the longest and finest hair which makes for the best yarn for any jumper.
To get the amount of cashmere that is needed the goat is sheared by very skilled craftsmen and then sorted into the fine undercoat and the coarse outer hairs or guard hairs. Once all the hair is collected it is bundled up and sent to specialist mills such as Cariaggi that then spin and dye the yarn.
WHERE ARE FABRIC MILLED & PRODUCED?
Once you have decided which raw material fibres you want to source, the next stage in production would typically be obtaining your cloth from a material or textile mill. A textile mill is a manufacturing facility where different fibres such as yarn or fabric are produced and processed into usable products.
When textile mills were first created, most of the processes were labour intensive and required manual skills. However, development in production technology has created new ways to produce items efficiently and more cost affordable.
For centuries, Italy has been known for its excellence and high-quality production of cashmere, linen, and cotton. Bergamo and Tuscany are two of the most famous cities where high-quality cotton, linen, silk, and wool fabrics have been manufactured and exported worldwide since the 19th Century.
We work with some of the world's finest fabric suppliers in Cariaggi and Loro Piana, both based in Italy. Since Italian fabrics use superior fabrics and closely monitor the milling process, it's of exceptional quality. That means that every piece of Italian fabric you buy is an investment in a timeless piece of clothing. This ensures it's something well made, using centuries of expertise, the polar opposite of fast, throwaway fashion, which is part of our ethos.
Loro Piana has been a world leader in fabric manufacturing for nearly 100 years and was founded in 1924 by Pietro Loro Piana in Quarona, Italy. The family-run business has made fine fabrics for six generations of skilled craftsmanship.
The stunning textured fabric used on our clothing collection is a timeless selection of cotton, wool, and flannel, which Loro Piana has created in unique blends ideal for impeccable men's suits, polos, jumpers, jackets, and trousers that drape perfectly. In addition, Loro Piana fabric is offered in a wide selection of refined fancies, mélanges and solid colours.
It may come as a surprise, but the UK's textile manufacturing sector produces £5.8bn of materials annually, ranging from the world's most sought-after cashmere to the finest worsted wool, luxurious tweeds and distinctive tartans.
However, the finest material that we use from Britain is our 100% silk collection of pocket squares, ties and linings. Our partner mill in Macclesfield, the traditional home of the English silk industry, is one of the only remaining producers of Madder silks and one of the few surviving printers using the dye and discharge method of printing.
Our luxury tailored jacket collection also features cloth from Scabal’s heritage English mill located in Huddersfield, the home of traditional English cloth making. As with many Yorkshire mills, the area’s soft water gives the cloths a recognisable fine finish.
Huddersfield provides the perfect atmospheric conditions to nurture the cloth and create rare fibres. Alongside this, the fabrics and cloths have excellent stability and recovery performance, and we can produce garments that will stand the test of time. Knowing their beautiful elite yarns and the fine details and workmanship of the fabrics, Scabal fully reflects our brand values on quality, design and sustainability.
HOW ARE PREMIUM LUXURY FABRICS MILLED?
Textile or fabric mills typically use the below multi-step process for taking raw materials and turning them into usable fabric.
1. Firstly, the fibres or raw materials are sourced (for example, plant-based or animal-based) and arranged in various ways to create the desired texture, appearance, strength, or durability.
2. Fibres are spun into yarn, either single ply or double ply. Single-ply means that a single yarn is made into a thread, which is then used to weave the fabric. In two-ply (or double-ply), two single yarns are twisted together to make the resulting thread that is woven into the fabric. This gives the resulting material more strength, durability, bounce and wrinkle resistance.
3. Yarn is then transformed through fabric production techniques such as weaving or knitting, which form together pieces of fabric cloth.
4. Pre-treatment processes are carried out on the fabrics to prepare them to accept dyes and necessary chemicals.
5. If the fabric needs additional dye or colours. Dyeing and printing using pigments and prints are performed on the textiles. Printing can be screen, or digital print, while dye can be either garment-dyed or yarn-dyed. Garment dyed fabric means the entire fabric is dyed together at once, or yarn-dyed means the threads are individually dyed before weaving as below image shows.
6. Finishing treatments are added to the fabric to create any special finish or additional attribute to the material, such as easy iron, stain or water resistance. The fabric rolls are then prepared and can be shipped to factories to produce the clothing items.
What Is Fabric GSM?
GSM is an abbreviation of 'Grams per Square Metre' and is precisely the measure of the weight of the fabric. Therefore, GSM is related to thickness, and generally speaking, the heavier the weight, the thicker the material will be.
Ideally, when sourcing raw materials and natural fabrics, heavier weight fabrics such as wool or cashmere use more raw fibres and have a longer weaving time for increased durability.
For our tailored jackets and blazers, we generally keep our fabrics to a maximum of 350gsm to ensure they are light enough for ultimate comfort. Anything above this would usually be considered a men's wool overcoat, which we also offer.
TYPES OF LUXURY FABRICS USED AT RAMPLEY & CO
Merino WoolMany people ask why is wool itchy? Wool fibres are treated to reduce the prominence of natural scales, which cause the rough, itchy feel of old wool products. We use only high-quality merino wool that is also made up of small-diameter fibres that are not prickly or irritating.
These fine and narrow fibres allow tiny air pockets in the fabric to trap your body heat, which provides superb insulation. As moisture evaporates on hot days, the air in these pockets cools and keeps you feeling comfortable.
The properties of wool are far greater than synthetic and cheaper fabrics such as polyester as they provide no insulation, so polyester will feel hot in summer and cool in winter, the opposite in what you want in your fabric properties.
Merino wool is one of the rare fabrics that can generate heat while it dries. When a wool garment gets wet, water is adsorbed, meaning it gets trapped in wool’s porous fibers. Inside the fibers, the hydrogen bonds in water break down. This creates a chemical reaction that generates heat. Experiments have found through this process, one kilogram of merino wool can produce as much heat over eight hours as an electric blanket.
Mulberry Silk
One of the more popular fabrics for jacket linings, ties and pocket squares is quality premium silk. Silk has the properties of feeling very luxurious to touch and is also the perfect material for luminous colours as the light hits it from different angles. Therefore, you can get different pops of colour, which adds genuine interest to an outfit. Also well known for being a fine fabric, you can achieve several intricate silk pocket squares or tie folds due to drape effect of the material.
However, the main reason we use silk for the majority of our smart accessories and bespoke fine art linings is the incredible detail that can be achieved when working with a piece of quality fabric. Silk provides the perfect canvas to offer both the sharpness of image and vibrancy of different shades.
Finally, we only use the finest mulberry silk, where the quality of the fabric can be seen in the texture and the level of detail and vibrancy of the finished product. This gives our pocket squares and ties the beautiful soft feel that people associate with high-quality silk products while allowing the design to bleed through evenly on both sides.
Finest Cashmere
We use cashmere across all our cold-weather products, including our premium winter accessories. Most of what makes our products unique have to be the cashmere source and the goats' happiness, health, and general well-being from which the wool is combed.
The Carriagi farms are located in the Marche Region, in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, close to the beautiful Montefeltro area. A historic and prosperous region, it is an area of vitality and calm alongside superb weather conditions for cashmere goats to live a full and pleasant life.
These rare conditions are perfect for the humane production of high calibre pure cashmere. The result is the incredible softness, luxury and quality you will find in all our cashmere products.
Our soon to launch cashmere jumpers are made with single-ply premium yarns from Cariaggi's 2/28 collection. These fibres are special because they are produced through precise yarn creation in high-tech facilities, where Cariaggi Fine Yarns Collection welcomes and trains expert hands and sharp minds. These specialists look after the carded and combed spinning of fine fibres to create the soft and delicate fabric on the cashmere jumper.
Giza Cotton
Known as the worlds-best premium cotton, Giza cotton is a type of high-end cotton grown and harvested in the Middle East. It is a type of Egyptian cotton and is unique because it's grown and harvested close to the Nile river, giving it some unique qualities that simply aren't found elsewhere.
Giza cotton is grown along the Nile River Delta, where nutrient-rich waters of the river and the calmer sea air temper the otherwise hot Egyptian summer temperatures. Additionally, the high humidity levels in this area create a unique environment that is perfect for growing cotton.
To preserve its quality, all Giza cotton is constantly picked by hand. This time-consuming process contributes to the higher cost of Giza cotton but also results in materials made from more prolonged and more complete fibres. (In contrast, the blade of a harvesting machine will arbitrarily cut through the cotton, reducing the natural strength and length of the fibres.)
This yarn is therefore smaller in diameter yet stronger than yarns made by other cotton varieties. In addition, more delicate yarn means that more threads per square meter can be used to create a strong fabric with less weight. It is precisely for this reason we use 100% Giza cotton in our soon to launch long sleeve polo collection as this fabric combines both critical softness and durability properties.
Why Is Cotton So Lightweight?
Cotton has long been noted for its comfortable, soft hand and hydrophilic properties. With its amicable breathability, lightweight fabric has a high retention of color and for prints as well. Although lightweight, cotton remains strong due to the mercerization process that also improves a cotton's luster.
Linen
The ultimate summer fabric and premium choice for our classic short-sleeve polo and summer knitwear, linen is not only a beautifully breathable material but it's generally considered more sustainable than cotton and other popular threads.
Linen is considered to be the strongest of all-natural fibres, and did you know it's even considered to get stronger with each wash! Its origins are linked to ancient Egypt, where it was used as currency, demonstrating its sturdy and robust nature. Not only does it has strength, but linen is also a natural fibre with a lower environmental impact than cotton.
Linen is made from the stalks of flax plants, which are resilient species that can grow in poor soils requiring very little if any fertiliser. Linen also uses significantly less water in the production process, reducing its water footprint.
Flax plants must be pulled from the ground to maintain the entire length of their fibres. The plants are then left in a field to soften to make the fibres easier to separate. Once extracted, the fibres are collected, rolled and stored for two to three months for further softening before they are twisted and processed with a spinning technique.
This lengthy process is why linen is considered to be one of the most luxurious natural fabrics and why linen is more expensive than other materials like synthetic nylon or polyester.
Polyester
Polyester is a shortened name for a synthetic, man-made polymer, which, as a specific material, is most commonly referred to as a type called polyethylene terephthalate. It is made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. That all sounds extremely scientific, but basically, polyester is a kind of plastic.
Polyester is a strong material, ideally good for sportswear, and stain resistant items for general use. However, within luxury clothing we would suggest using natural fabrics such as wool and cotton for true softness, durability and eco-friendly products.
What Happens To Polyester Over Time?
Polyester is not biodegradable, and can shed toxic microfibers. While cotton, wool, and silk will completely biodegrade within a few months to a few years. Polyester is a type of plastic, which means it can take hundreds of years to completely biodegrade. Before that happens, however, it will degrade into little microfibers.
If we were to compare a polyester blazer to a merino wool blend, there would be two main comparisons over time to define the items. Yes, the polyester version would be initially cheaper, but you would have to replace a jacket 5 times over to keep the lifetime use that our tailored jacket collection can provide in just one.
1 - Durability. A polyester blazer or jacket would not wash well and not have full recovering from water absorption, due to the fact the fibres are synthetic and do not naturally absorb water. This will leave your blazer with wrinkles and a less formed structure over time.
2 - Microfibres. A wool or cashmere blend blazer would be a lifetime investment that gets softer over time. Polyester isn’t biodegradable as discussed and releases microfibres onto your body overtime. The way polyester is made means it will hold onto to your natural body odour and smells overtime, we can all agree no one wants a smelly jacket!
WHAT FABRICS SUIT EACH OCCASION & SEASON?
Whatever occasion required, you need your clothing and fabrics to be at their most durable and adaptable to work in each season. For example, you need warm and natural insulating fabrics in winter and breathable, light cloth in summer. Any gentleman demands clothing that combines comfort and wearability, which is all down to your fabric choice.
Autumn/Winter
People often ask how warm is merino wool? Wool is the quintessential Autumn Winter fabric replacing flannel and other cotton-based materials for the most part. Traditional wool has multiple benefits, but mainly it has natural insulating and moisture-wicking properties that keep you warm in wintry weather.
If you're worried about wool fabric making you itch, try a more refined blend such as cashmere or our merino wool variety instead. It's much softer and more comfortable than regular wool.
Another prominent winter fabric has to be Tweed, a variety of wool. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, no winter wardrobe should be considered complete without some tweed in it. Men's wool blazers often include Tweed as it's an opportunity to wear bold colours and patterns such as houndstooth checks.
Although you might not think about silk for cosy fabrics, this material works as an excellent insulator. It's a lightweight and breathable material, meaning it works best under an outer layer such as in a casual jacket or as within a men's blazer.
Spring/Summer
Cotton is one of the most prominent fabrics produced worldwide, as it is both versatile and breathable. Cotton offers comfortable and fashionable options in casual and professional attire as it's soft yet durable. Perfect for hot summer days.
We only use natural fabrics because they are vastly more breathable and comfortable than synthetic materials such as polyester whilst also being better for the environment. In addition, heat from the sun can make your skin more sensitive, especially if you're sweating. Therefore it is best to have a natural fabric to protect you.
Linen mixed fabrics are also the perfect blend to keep you cool in the summer months. It might sound slightly odd, but even super-fine merino wool can be as light as cotton, is breathable, moisture-absorbing, antimicrobial, and offers UV protection.
Our soon to launch short sleeve polo collection consists of a superb blend of linen cotton and fine merino wool fibres, offering the breathable qualities of the cotton-linen flax plant but the softness merino brings.
WHY CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE FABRICS
Here at Rampley & Co, sustainability is a core driving force behind our brand and has become a key pillar across everything we do, from the clothes we make to the way we package and deliver your selection. It is something our founders are genuinely passionate about.
Further Reading: Our Sustainability Ethos
Natural, sustainable fabrics have the advantage of being biodegradable and avoiding using plastics that go hand in hand with the fossil fuel industry. We strive to make all our raw materials from sustainable fabrics to end fast fashion.
Linen is another natural fibre we will be using across our short sleeve polo collection. Like hemp, it’s derived from a very versatile crop: the flax plant, as we explored earlier. Linen requires minimal water and pesticides and even grows in poor-quality soil. Plus, every part of the plant is used, so nothing is wasted.
CONCLUSION
Hopefully, you should understand how the fabric in your garment is crucial to achieving a luxurious, durable and versatile outfit. From the country it’s sourced to the type of fabric to suit each season, fibres should be made from premium origins, and ideally always natural.
Rampley & Co collections ensure all the raw materials sourced are done so with luxury and comfort at the forefront. From beautiful merino wools to keep you warm, to soft Giza cotton for ultimate comfort. Fabrics are a crucial element in any sartorial outfit, and knowing your different bases will ensure you make the right decisions when purchasing your next item.
Shop Now: Rampley & Co Menswear
Product Reviews
Menswear Blogger - Linus Norrbom - Sweden
"From a person that feels naked without a pocket square in the chest pocket of my jacket, I can honestly say that Rampley & Co. have change the way I look upon pocket squares.
Rampley & Co. is well renowned for their beautiful and unique pocket squares, but have more recently widened their range of quality men’s accessories, such as e.g. ties in lovely Scabal fabrics but also braces, umbrellas and socks.
In terms of the pocket squares, it is truly a great joy wear a piece of art in your pocket. They feature carefully selected artwork motifs, beautifully printed on high-quality silk and well handcrafted with nice hand-rolled edges etc. I find that the size of 42×42 cm of the Rampley & Co. pocket squares works really well, it sits well in the pocket and allows various folds. The different folds, combined with a lot of colours in the motif, makes the pocket square really versatile in terms of complementing an outfit..." Click to read full review.
The Grey Fox - David Evans - United Kingdom
"I've used Rampley & Co pocket squares, socks and ties for a few years now. All are well-made and stylish. I believe in buying few and buying well - it's the only sustainable way to avoid piles of stuff going into landfill.
The pocket squares are exceptional; in fact I'd collect them all if I could. Those based on old paintings and prints have the advantage that you can fold them in infinite ways, effectively giving you scores of squares in one.
The ties are the ideal width and length and their quality enables me to tie a full knot - always important. It's always worth keeping an eye on their website as the best designs come and go quickly..." Click to read full review.
Jesse - United States
"I was elated when I received the most elegant and exquisite pocket square I had ordered from Rampley & Co! It is absolutely gorgeous. The color and clarity of the scene depicted, and the quality of this accessory are truly exceptional." Read more reviews...
Tom - United Kingdom
"Very impressed by both the quality of the product and the customer service. The team fulfilled a last-minute request and got a beautiful pocket square to me via international shipping nearly instantaneously." Read more reviews...
Thorvaldur - Iceland
"I recently purchased a scarf for my wife´s Birthday and a pocket square for myself. We could not be more pleased. The items arrived promptly, beautifully presented and I received a surprise with my pocket square." Read more reviews...
Merino wool is one of the rare fabrics that can generate heat while it dries. When a wool garment gets wet, water is adsorbed, meaning it gets trapped in wool’s porous fibers. Inside the fibers, the hydrogen bonds in water break down. This creates a chemical reaction that generates heat. Experiments have found through this process, one kilogram of merino wool can produce as much heat over eight hours as an electric blanket.
Mulberry Silk
One of the more popular fabrics for jacket linings, ties and pocket squares is quality premium silk. Silk has the properties of feeling very luxurious to touch and is also the perfect material for luminous colours as the light hits it from different angles. Therefore, you can get different pops of colour, which adds genuine interest to an outfit. Also well known for being a fine fabric, you can achieve several intricate silk pocket squares or tie folds due to drape effect of the material.
However, the main reason we use silk for the majority of our smart accessories and bespoke fine art linings is the incredible detail that can be achieved when working with a piece of quality fabric. Silk provides the perfect canvas to offer both the sharpness of image and vibrancy of different shades.
Finally, we only use the finest mulberry silk, where the quality of the fabric can be seen in the texture and the level of detail and vibrancy of the finished product. This gives our pocket squares and ties the beautiful soft feel that people associate with high-quality silk products while allowing the design to bleed through evenly on both sides.
Finest Cashmere
We use cashmere across all our cold-weather products, including our premium winter accessories. Most of what makes our products unique have to be the cashmere source and the goats' happiness, health, and general well-being from which the wool is combed.
The Carriagi farms are located in the Marche Region, in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, close to the beautiful Montefeltro area. A historic and prosperous region, it is an area of vitality and calm alongside superb weather conditions for cashmere goats to live a full and pleasant life.
These rare conditions are perfect for the humane production of high calibre pure cashmere. The result is the incredible softness, luxury and quality you will find in all our cashmere products.
Our soon to launch cashmere jumpers are made with single-ply premium yarns from Cariaggi's 2/28 collection. These fibres are special because they are produced through precise yarn creation in high-tech facilities, where Cariaggi Fine Yarns Collection welcomes and trains expert hands and sharp minds. These specialists look after the carded and combed spinning of fine fibres to create the soft and delicate fabric on the cashmere jumper.
Giza Cotton
Known as the worlds-best premium cotton, Giza cotton is a type of high-end cotton grown and harvested in the Middle East. It is a type of Egyptian cotton and is unique because it's grown and harvested close to the Nile river, giving it some unique qualities that simply aren't found elsewhere.
Giza cotton is grown along the Nile River Delta, where nutrient-rich waters of the river and the calmer sea air temper the otherwise hot Egyptian summer temperatures. Additionally, the high humidity levels in this area create a unique environment that is perfect for growing cotton.
To preserve its quality, all Giza cotton is constantly picked by hand. This time-consuming process contributes to the higher cost of Giza cotton but also results in materials made from more prolonged and more complete fibres. (In contrast, the blade of a harvesting machine will arbitrarily cut through the cotton, reducing the natural strength and length of the fibres.)
This yarn is therefore smaller in diameter yet stronger than yarns made by other cotton varieties. In addition, more delicate yarn means that more threads per square meter can be used to create a strong fabric with less weight. It is precisely for this reason we use 100% Giza cotton in our soon to launch long sleeve polo collection as this fabric combines both critical softness and durability properties.
Why Is Cotton So Lightweight?
Cotton has long been noted for its comfortable, soft hand and hydrophilic properties. With its amicable breathability, lightweight fabric has a high retention of color and for prints as well. Although lightweight, cotton remains strong due to the mercerization process that also improves a cotton's luster.
Linen
The ultimate summer fabric and premium choice for our classic short-sleeve polo and summer knitwear, linen is not only a beautifully breathable material but it's generally considered more sustainable than cotton and other popular threads.
Linen is considered to be the strongest of all-natural fibres, and did you know it's even considered to get stronger with each wash! Its origins are linked to ancient Egypt, where it was used as currency, demonstrating its sturdy and robust nature. Not only does it has strength, but linen is also a natural fibre with a lower environmental impact than cotton.
Linen is made from the stalks of flax plants, which are resilient species that can grow in poor soils requiring very little if any fertiliser. Linen also uses significantly less water in the production process, reducing its water footprint.
Flax plants must be pulled from the ground to maintain the entire length of their fibres. The plants are then left in a field to soften to make the fibres easier to separate. Once extracted, the fibres are collected, rolled and stored for two to three months for further softening before they are twisted and processed with a spinning technique.
This lengthy process is why linen is considered to be one of the most luxurious natural fabrics and why linen is more expensive than other materials like synthetic nylon or polyester.
Polyester
Polyester is a shortened name for a synthetic, man-made polymer, which, as a specific material, is most commonly referred to as a type called polyethylene terephthalate. It is made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. That all sounds extremely scientific, but basically, polyester is a kind of plastic.
Polyester is a strong material, ideally good for sportswear, and stain resistant items for general use. However, within luxury clothing we would suggest using natural fabrics such as wool and cotton for true softness, durability and eco-friendly products.
What Happens To Polyester Over Time?
Polyester is not biodegradable, and can shed toxic microfibers. While cotton, wool, and silk will completely biodegrade within a few months to a few years. Polyester is a type of plastic, which means it can take hundreds of years to completely biodegrade. Before that happens, however, it will degrade into little microfibers.
If we were to compare a polyester blazer or a merino wool blend, there would be two main comparisons over time to define the items. Yes, the polyester version would be initially cheaper, but you would have to replace 5 times over to keep the lifetime use that our tailored jacket collection can provide.
1 - Durability. A polyester blazer or jacket would not wash well and not have full recovering from water absorption, due to the fact the fibres are synthetic and do not naturally absorb water. This will leave your blazer with wrinkles and a less formed structure over time.
2 - Microfibres. A wool or cashmere blend blazer would be a lifetime investment that gets softer over time. Polyester isn’t biodegradable as discussed and releases microfibres onto your body overtime. The way polyester is made means it will hold onto to your natural body odour and smells overtime, we can all agree no one wants a smelly jacket!
WHAT FABRICS SUIT EACH OCCASION & SEASON?
Whatever occasion required, you need your clothing and fabrics to be at their most durable and adaptable to work in each season. For example, you need warm and natural insulating fabrics in winter and breathable, light cloth in summer. Any gentleman demands clothing that combines comfort and wearability, which is all down to your fabric choice.
Autumn/Winter
People often ask how warm is merino wool? Wool is the quintessential Autumn Winter fabric replacing flannel and other cotton-based materials for the most part. Traditional wool has multiple benefits, but mainly it has natural insulating and moisture-wicking properties that keep you warm in wintry weather.
If you're worried about wool fabric making you itch, try a more refined blend such as cashmere or our merino wool variety instead. It's much softer and more comfortable than regular wool.
Another prominent winter fabric has to be Tweed, a variety of wool. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, no winter wardrobe should be considered complete without some tweed in it. Men's wool blazers often include Tweed as it's an opportunity to wear bold colours and patterns such as houndstooth checks.
Although you might not think about silk for cosy fabrics, this material works as an excellent insulator. It's a lightweight and breathable material, meaning it works best under an outer layer such as in a casual jacket or as within a men's blazer.
Spring/Summer
Cotton is one of the most prominent fabrics produced worldwide, as it is both versatile and breathable. Cotton offers comfortable and fashionable options in casual and professional attire as it's soft yet durable. Perfect for hot summer days.
We only use natural fabrics because they are vastly more breathable and comfortable than synthetic materials such as polyester whilst also being better for the environment. In addition, heat from the sun can make your skin more sensitive, especially if you're sweating. Therefore it is best to have a natural fabric to protect you.
Linen mixed fabrics are also the perfect blend to keep you cool in the summer months. It might sound slightly odd, but even super-fine merino wool can be as light as cotton, is breathable, moisture-absorbing, antimicrobial, and offers UV protection.
Our soon to launch short sleeve polo collection consists of a superb blend of linen cotton and fine merino wool fibres, offering the breathable qualities of the cotton-linen flax plant but the softness merino brings.
WHY CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE FABRICS
Here at Rampley & Co, sustainability is a core driving force behind our brand and has become a key pillar across everything we do, from the clothes we make to the way we package and deliver your selection. It is something our founders are genuinely passionate about.
Further Reading: Our Sustainability Ethos
Natural, sustainable fabrics have the advantage of being biodegradable and avoiding using plastics that go hand in hand with the fossil fuel industry. We strive to make all our raw materials from sustainable fabrics to end fast fashion.
Linen is another natural fibre we will be using across our short sleeve polo collection. Like hemp, it’s derived from a very versatile crop: the flax plant, as we explored earlier. Linen requires minimal water and pesticides and even grows in poor-quality soil. Plus, every part of the plant is used, so nothing is wasted.
CONCLUSION
Hopefully, you should understand how the fabric in your garment is crucial to achieving a luxurious, durable and versatile outfit. From the country it’s sourced to the type of fabric to suit each season, fibres should be made from premium origins, and ideally always natural.
Rampley & Co collections ensure all the raw materials sourced are done so with luxury and comfort at the forefront. From beautiful merino wools to keep you warm, to soft Giza cotton for ultimate comfort. Fabrics are a crucial element in any sartorial outfit, and knowing your different bases will ensure you make the right decisions when purchasing your next item.
Shop Now: Rampley & Co Menswear
Product Reviews
Menswear Blogger - Linus Norrbom - Sweden
"From a person that feels naked without a pocket square in the chest pocket of my jacket, I can honestly say that Rampley & Co. have change the way I look upon pocket squares.
Rampley & Co. is well renowned for their beautiful and unique pocket squares, but have more recently widened their range of quality men’s accessories, such as e.g. ties in lovely Scabal fabrics but also braces, umbrellas and socks.
In terms of the pocket squares, it is truly a great joy wear a piece of art in your pocket. They feature carefully selected artwork motifs, beautifully printed on high-quality silk and well handcrafted with nice hand-rolled edges etc. I find that the size of 42×42 cm of the Rampley & Co. pocket squares works really well, it sits well in the pocket and allows various folds. The different folds, combined with a lot of colours in the motif, makes the pocket square really versatile in terms of complementing an outfit..." Click to read full review.
The Grey Fox - David Evans - United Kingdom
"I've used Rampley & Co pocket squares, socks and ties for a few years now. All are well-made and stylish. I believe in buying few and buying well - it's the only sustainable way to avoid piles of stuff going into landfill.
The pocket squares are exceptional; in fact I'd collect them all if I could. Those based on old paintings and prints have the advantage that you can fold them in infinite ways, effectively giving you scores of squares in one.
The ties are the ideal width and length and their quality enables me to tie a full knot - always important. It's always worth keeping an eye on their website as the best designs come and go quickly..." Click to read full review.
Jesse - United States
"I was elated when I received the most elegant and exquisite pocket square I had ordered from Rampley & Co! It is absolutely gorgeous. The color and clarity of the scene depicted, and the quality of this accessory are truly exceptional." Read more reviews...
Tom - United Kingdom
"Very impressed by both the quality of the product and the customer service. The team fulfilled a last-minute request and got a beautiful pocket square to me via international shipping nearly instantaneously." Read more reviews...
Thorvaldur - Iceland
"I recently purchased a scarf for my wife´s Birthday and a pocket square for myself. We could not be more pleased. The items arrived promptly, beautifully presented and I received a surprise with my pocket square." Read more reviews...