As the capital of the United States of America, Washington D.C. is home to some of the most influential people in the world. If you’re doing business in D.C., it’s important to dress the part. In this guide, we’ll go over what fabrics are appropriate for suiting in Washington D.C., and what to avoid.

When it comes to suiting fabrics, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, you want a fabric that’s appropriate for the season. You don’t want to be hot and uncomfortable in a heavy wool suit during those sweaty summers just like you wouldn’t want to be in a light linen suit during our chilling winters. Second, you want a quality fabric that lasts. What’s the point in spending money on a suit that needs to be replaced after a year or two? Lastly, you want a fabric that looks professional and put together. With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite suiting fabrics for Washington D.C.:

Wool

Wool is the most common choice for suiting fabric – it’s professional, breathable, and relatively wrinkle-resistant (just hang your suit up when you’re not wearing it). There are a number of different options when it comes to wool suits, from the weave (tweeds, flannels, gabardines, etc.) to the fabric weight (generally measured in grams per square yard/meter) so be aware of the season you’re shopping for and how the wool feels to the touch. If it’s heavy and feels insulated, probably save that fabric for a winter suit. Wool offers the largest variety of options and often comes in blends with linen, silk, cotton, and polyester or other synthetic materials. Be careful with synthetic materials, as they can help reduce wrinkles but make for a cheaper fabric that degrades more over time.

Linen

Linen is another great choice for suiting fabric – it’s lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for those hot summer days in D.C.. That being said, linen is not the most wrinkle-resistant fabric so if you opt for linen, make sure you have an iron or steamer on hand. Linens are also available in blends to help reduce wrinkles. Look for linen and cotton blends for the summer and linen and wool blends for Spring or Fall.

Cotton

Cotton is another good choice for suiting fabric – it’s breathable and relatively wrinkle-resistant (again, it’s always good to have an iron or steamer to use). The only downside to cotton is that it can sometimes look less formal than other fabrics like wool or linen. If you opt for cotton, we recommend pairing it with a wool blend jacket or blazer.

Cashmere

Though it is a type of wool, cashmere deserves its own category. It is immensely soft to the touch and very insulating, so it is an ideal fabric for the winter months. Cashmere blends open up the options to fuse the comfort and softness of cashmere with the weather versatility of wool.

When it comes to suiting up for business in Washington D.C., there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, choose a fabric that fits the season. Second, choose a fabric that will last. And lastly, make sure your suit looks professional and put-together – this means avoiding fabrics like polyester or nylon and taking care of the garments properly after purchase.

If you’re ready to purchase a custom suit in Washington, DC with the perfect fabric for your needs, contact Capitol Hill Clothiers today