Off The Cuff! – Tailored Suit Fabrics, Silks, Wools and More

“They come runnin’ just as fast as they can… cause every girl’s crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man”

Everyone notices a man in a nice suit. A suit is the international symbol for business, confidence and style. A suit tells people you are a man on a mission.

Suits have always been in, but recently more so than ever, with a few adjustments. A little off the cuff, but we have been seeing some bold, geometric and funky prints. Classic black and white is still with us because it works, it’s clean and is timeless but the hot and trending colour is blue. Mostly navy, but there are a few other very nice shades of blue popping up in menswear. Purple also seems to be a great accessory colour this year, which happens to pair beautifully with blue. Details are also key. Of course ties are still popular, but interesting shirt details such as peaked collars and large windowpane motifs are being used in lieu of the tie. And if we look at today’s GQ men we find that slim cut, tight fitting suits are ruling. Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it! No need hiding under a loose fitting, potato sac like suit. The vest is back on the scene completing the 3 piece. Double breasted jackets and vests are also becoming more frequently seen. Lastly, the foot wear. Dress shoes with argyle socks and bright, colourful socks exposed. Another look is loafers with no socks at all. I personally was not a fan but now that we are seeing this look everywhere I have to say, I love the look

Most people know that C&M Textiles is the place for bridal and prom wear, but we offer so much more than lace and Swarovski crystals. Top designers and tailors come to us for men’s fashion too. Custom suits are a big business and these clients want the finest.

New to the suit scene? Here’s a quick tutorial of what we offer:

• Suiting fabrics including wools (mostly from Italy) and a few designer names such as Armani. Wools are offered in a wide range of colours, textures and patterns such as the popular pinstripe. Easy for mixing and matching to create your own unique look.
• Wool blends (silk and cashmere)
• Most wools are identified by their selvedge. This is the finished edge that helps keep the fabric from fraying. There is a lot of useful info on the selvedge such as: fabric content, designer name and weight.
• Wool weights are identified by numbers. We carry super cool wools (yes they are awesome) but what we mean is the weight is appropriate for year round use including summer.
• Silk in any colour for accessories such as ties and pocket squares
• A selection of linings, interlinings and interfacings.
• Finishing products such as silk and cotton threads, buttons, zippers.

If you want the girls to come running to you… you better get running to C&M Textiles first!

Written by: Alicia Hewitt