Pros & Cons for our Array of Fabrics

If you're tailoring for the first time, the huge array of fabric choices at our boutique might be daunting and confusing. Here at ŠAKAL, we strive to reduce the stress factor of choosing your first suiting material.
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Our price range are based solely from prices we procure our fabrics at, ranging from poly/wool, cotton, linen, denim, wool, wool/silk, flannel, tweed etc.

Below are some of the Pros & Cons of the fabrics we have in-store and hopefully help narrow down the choices for our readers.

Poly Blends (or commonly known as Poly/Wool)
The most basic and cheap fabric you can get your suit at usually starts from Polyester/Wool. It is not a substandard fabric but it is cheap hence many tailors around the world would propose to those picking their first suit.

Fabric makers decided to mix synthetic fibres to natural fibres such as wool to stabilise the fabric.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Dries quickly

Cons:

• Does not regulate heat in the body (slightly hotter for Singapore's weather)
• Not as breathable
• Not sustainable
• Sticks to sweaty skin (might irritate sensitive skin)

Denim -
Pros:

• Super Durable
• Breathable and highly absorbent
• Wrinkle resistant

• Keeps you cool

Cons:

• Bleeding of dye
• Sizing issues (we usually help the most in this aspect)
• Not environmentally friendly due to the dyes

Denim doesn't have to be just blue, it can come in a variety of colours and for those also looking for less shiny fabric.

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Wool 
One of the most luxurious fabrics used for suit making. Usually considered more for one's second to third time suit and for more special occasions. 

Pros:

• Natural and Renewable. It is a natural fibre
• Safe. It has a naturally high UV protection, which is much higher than most synthetics and cotton.
• Flame resistant 
• Biodegradable
• Breathable
• Durable

Cons:

• Shrinks with heat and moisture
• Needs special care, dry cleaning
• Absorbs odor
• Scratchy on skin
• Weakens when wet​

Cotton/Linen/Denim 

More commonly seen fabrics in the market. Even RTW brands are using these fabrics everyday for clothing items such as T-Shirts, Polos, Jeans etc. Here at ŠAKAL these fabrics are our favourite options to make our custom trousers into. It's great for both casual and business setting if done right, provides both versatility and great for the environment as well.​

Linen -
Pros:

• Strength and Durability
• Linen is considered to be the strongest of all natural fibres
• Breathable and highly absorbent
• Naturally insect repelling

• Keeps you cool, and is really easy to clean.
• Organic linen uses natural dyes, which are healthier for you and the environment (it has a lower impact than cotton)

Cons:

• Wrinkles easily
• It can be really, really expensive to wash your linen regularly (must be washed delicately in low temperatures)
• Do not tumble dry them, as that can cause permanent creasing
• It can look untidy (not recommended for formal occasions)

However, here at ŠAKAL we've been using loads of linen despite the cons. Above shows a few suits we've done in linen for formal/semi-formal/casual occasions.

Wool comes in all different types of weights and colours. Usually Tailoring enthusiasts go for a heavier wools to achieve a beautiful drape for their suits.

We usually advise to upgrade your option of full canvas to pair with such luxurious fabric, to achieve a 3D looking suit that provides drape and versatility. Highly recommended for those with special events such as wedding or if you'd like to invest your money in a garment that will never go out of trend and still preceding centuries later.

At ŠAKAL we usually start with asking our clients the event formality and what colours they are looking for in fabrics. From there we narrow down to what our customers prefer and dislike, adjusting to their concerns and queries. We then proceed to recommend choices from the above and style our clients accordingly. It's an intimate and rewarding process that we love doing, educating and learning both at the same time as a modern tailor.