Suiting Fabric

For everyday trousers and skirts, Bi-Stretch suiting is highly recommended. It is a medium-weight, durable fabric that offers a slight stretch for comfort while maintaining a professional, structured look. It is also remarkably crease-resistant, making it the perfect choice for office wear and school uniforms that need to look sharp all day.

Bi-Stretch refers to a weaving technique that allows the fabric to stretch slightly in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Unlike 4-way stretch jerseys, Bi-Stretch is a stable woven fabric. This subtle elasticity makes tailored garments much more comfortable to move in, particularly across the knees and seat of trousers.

Many modern suiting fabrics, especially polyester and bi-stretch blends, are designed to be machine-washable on a cool, gentle cycle. This makes them much more practical than traditional wool suits that require dry cleaning. Always check the specific care instructions for your fabric, and avoid high-heat tumble drying to prevent damage to the fibres.

Yes, woven suiting fabrics like Bi-Stretch and Gabardine are excellent for beginners because they are stable and do not slip around under the sewing machine. They hold a press well, which makes sewing crisp pleats and sharp hems much easier. We recommend using a standard universal needle in size 80 or 90 and a high-quality polyester thread for durable seams.