Wool is an exceptional natural fiber\u2014an excellent thermal insulator that also allows water vapor to pass through, which is why we say it \u201cbreathes.\u201d When a garment is made from high-quality wool fabric spun from long-staple yarn, it quickly regains its shape after wearing and hanging, often without the need for ironing.<\/p>\n
What Does \u201cSuper 100\u2019s\u201d Mean on a Label?<\/strong> Merino Wool<\/strong> Special Varieties of Wool<\/strong> The Woolmark Standard<\/strong> Other Animal Fibers in the Wool Family<\/strong>
On the inside of men\u2019s suits made from wool fabrics, you\u2019ll often see markings such as SUPER 100\u2019s, SUPER 200\u2019s, and so on. The letter \u201cS\u201d or the word \u201cSUPER\u201d means the fabric is made from 100% pure wool, while the number refers to the fineness of the fibers, measured by their diameter. Very fine, long, lightweight fibers\u2014anything above SUPER 180\u2019s\u2014allow for an extraordinary drape and comfort. However, these fabrics are also more delicate, wrinkle more easily, and are less suited for frequent wear. Tailors often describe them as \u201calive\u201d because of their fluidity and the challenge they present in cutting.<\/p>\n
The best-known type of wool is sheep\u2019s wool, but its quality varies greatly. The finest merino wool comes from sheep in Australia and New Zealand. Quality depends on the diameter and length of the fibers: the finest fibers measure around 19 microns (SUPER 100\u2019s), while coarser wool can reach up to 40 microns. Fineness, fiber length, natural curl, and color all influence the fabric\u2019s value, softness, resilience, and resistance to creasing.<\/p>\n
Shetland wool comes from purebred Shetland sheep, mostly raised in organic farms on Scotland\u2019s Shetland Islands. It is soft, durable, and warm. Tasmanian merino, sourced from Tasmania\u2019s sheep, is renowned for its supreme quality, with the finest grades used for formalwear like tailcoats and tuxedos. Natural stretch wool achieves elasticity without added synthetics, relying on wool\u2019s inherent spring and special weave techniques\u2014ideal for men\u2019s business suits. Cool wool is a lightweight, smooth worsted wool with a cool touch, perfect for summer suits.<\/p>\n
The Woolmark logo is an international certification for products made from pure new wool. Overseen by The Woolmark Company, it guarantees both the quality of the raw fiber and the manufacturing process.<\/p>\n
Camel hair, taken by combing the neck area, is used in blends with wool for warm winter coats and blazers, often with added silk for a subtle sheen. Cashmere comes from the downy undercoat of Asian cashmere goats and is commonly blended with wool for jackets, scarves, and sweaters. Mohair, from the Angora goat, is silky and lustrous, usually mixed with sheep\u2019s wool for blazers. Alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicu\u00f1a fibers are luxuriously soft yet strong, often blended with wool, cotton, or silk. Cashgora, a hybrid of cashmere and Angora goat hair, makes superb coats and knitwear.<\/p>\n