I would like to have a boyfriend jacket made, which fabrics would work best?

I would steer you first to the darker jacket because I feel it would be a little more versatile as we head into fall. We can come back and do the lighter colored jacket later, with a few different styling details, based on your enjoyment of the first jacket. I always love the black and tan look, so I’m not hard pressed to push you one way or the other. The boy friend jacket is usually a peak label jacket with outside patch pockets. It usually has a fun lining on the inside of the coat, so when you roll up the sleeves it has a little pop to it. The shoulders are slightly broader and it is supposed to look like it’s your boyfriends jacket that you are wearing for the day.

How do I determine quality in suit fabrics?

Answer:
Natural fibers make for the finest suit fabrics. While a small proportion of polyester or nylon can add strength to a suit, too much synthetic fiber can detract from its important qualities. Wool, whether in a summer or winter weight, “breathes,” allowing air to pass easily through the fibers. This reduces the need for frequent dry cleanings.

Look for fabric that isn’t shiny, and that lays down comfortably when worn. Fabric should feel smooth and supple to the touch. Winter fabrics may be more substantial, but should still feel natural to the hand. Summer fabrics may include wool and silk blends, giving them a lighter feel while retaining the soft, relaxing feel of natural fibers.

The New Silhouette

While a classic, well-crafted silhouette will be stylish on any businessman, savvy businessmen keep in touch with current fashion trends. For this spring, the new look is a much leaner silhouette than we’ve seen in several years. Designers are translating the current economic concerns into a sleek, streamlined look. It’s a movement toward a minimalist look, in keeping with the national desire for a fresh start in business, after the last few years of fiscal uncertainty.

This trend has led to softer shoulders and slightly shorter jackets, which lay flatter on the chest. Many trouser designers have eliminated front pleats and even cuffs, while dress shirts are tending toward a classic, old-school look. Technological developments in suit fabrics have translated to light-weight options that have greater ease, allowing comfort in a closer fit.

Accessories are also seeing changes. Shoes are taking slimmer lines to complement the current suit silhouettes. Most designers are crafting ties from three to three and a half inches wide.

As you keep an eye on these trends, remember to keep the larger picture in focus. Your ensemble should coordinate with your body type, personality, and business habits. When those are all in synch, your wardrobe choices will fit not just the current fashion ideas, but your lifestyle as well.