No suit is complete without a jacket. Rather than choosing a traditional suit jacket made of a single fabric, though, you should consider buying a suit jacket made of two fabrics. Known as a combination suit jacket, it allows you to leverage the benefits of two separate fabrics.
Combination suit jackets are defined by their use of two fabrics. One fabric is the jacket's primary fabric, whereas the other fabric is a secondary fabric that's used for trim. All suit jackets have trim. Combination suit jackets simply have a different fabric for the trim, resulting in a unique style. How do you choose a combination suit jacket exactly?
#1) Consider the Season
You should consider the season (or seasons) during which you'll wear the suit jacket. If you're planning to wear it during the winter, it's recommended that you choose a combination suit jacket made of thick and warm fabrics. If you're planning to wear it during the summer, on the other hand, you should choose a combination suit jacket made of lightweight and breathable fabrics.
#2) Complementing Fabrics
Regardless of the season, you should choose a combination suit jacket made of complementing fabrics. In other words, the two fabrics from which your combination suit jacket is made should flow cohesively with each other. Some suit fabrics have a complementing effect, whereas others have a clashing and negative effect. You'll need to choose a combination suit jacket with the former properties to achieve an attractive and stylish appearance.
If your combination suit jacket is made primarily of worsted wool, for example, consider choosing another type of wool for the trim. If your combination suit jacket is made primarily of linen, you can choose either linen or cotton or the trim. Maintaining cohesion between the two fabrics will result in a better-looking combination jacket that offers greater long-term value.
#3) Match With Trousers
Your combination suit jacket should match the trousers with which you intend to wear it. Suits require the use of matching trousers. Going back to the basics of suits 101, a two-piece suit consists of a formal jacket with a pair of matching and equally formal trousers. A third-piece suit, conversely, consists of a formal jacket, a pair of matching formal trousers and a formal waistcoat.
Because suits are worn with trousers, your combination suit jacket must match your trousers. If your trousers made of linen, it's best to stick with the same or similar fabrics for your combination suit jacket. A combination jacket made of linen or linen and cotton will naturally match a pair of linen trousers.
#4) Check the Buttons
Don't forget to check the buttons when shopping for a combination suit jacket. Suit jackets, of course, have buttons on the front. Buttons are used to open and close a suit jacket -- and combination suit jackets are no exception. With that said, some combination suit jackets have more buttons on the front than others.
Generally speaking, most combination suit jackets are available in two- or three-button styles. A two-button combination suit jacket has two buttons on the front, whereas a three-button style has three buttons on the front. Some men prefer the simple and clean appearance of a two-button jacket. With three buttons, however, your combination suit jacket will offer slightly better protection against the cold weather. Either way, you should check the buttons when shopping for a combination suit jacket.
#5) Cohesive Colors
Because they are made of two different fabrics, combination suit jackets often feature multiple colors. They'll generally have a color for the main fabric, and they'll have a second color for the jacket's trim. As a result, you must consider the colors used in a combination suit jacket and whether or not they match.
You don't have to choose the same color for a combination suit jacket's main fabric and its trim. You should, however, choose cohesive colors. Cohesive colors are any colors that enhance each other when used together. They don't clash. Rather, cohesive colors have a natural aesthetic-boosting effect.
How do you choose cohesive colors exactly? Well, you can always refer to the color wheel for help. Generally speaking, any pair of colors that are either adjacent to each other on the color, or that are on the opposite ends of the color wheen, are cohesive.
#6) Craftsmanship
Perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying a combination suit jacket is the craftsmanship. Craftsmanship is what defines the quality of a combination suit jacket. Some combination suit jackets are made with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship, whereas others are cheaply made with poor craftsmanship.
Combination suit jackets made with high-quality craftsmanship typically cost more than those made with poor-quality craftsmanship. They are constructed with a great deal of attention to detail. The end result is a better-looking, longer-lasting combination suit jacket. Therefore, you shouldn't choose a combination suit jacket based strictly on price. Instead, pay attention to the craftsmanship.
#7) Maintenance
Finally, consider how much maintenance a combination suit jacket requires. Like all other jackets, as well as suit trousers, combination suit jackets must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. If you don't maintain your combination suit jacket, it may result in a shorter lifespan.
Keep in mind that combination suit jackets often require special forms of maintenance because they are made of two fabrics. When washing and drying a combination suit jacket, for instance, you'll have to use methods that are safe and appropriate for both fabrics. One of the jacket's fabrics might be machine-washable, whereas the other fabric may require dry cleaning. In cases such as this, you should get your combination jacket dry cleaned to protect it from damage.
A combination suit jacket is a stylish alternative to a traditional suit jacket. It's distinguished from all other suit jackets by its use of two fabrics. Combination suit jackets are made of a main fabric as well as secondary fabric for the trim. By following these tips, you'll have an easier time selecting the perfect combination suit jacket.
