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Full Canvas vs Half Canvas vs Fused: Understanding the Distinctions and Selecting the Ideal Option
Apr
When you visit a suit store, you’re often presented with a plethora of options, making it challenging to determine the right type of suit to purchase. Full canvas suits, half canvas suits, and fused suits are commonly discussed, but how do you decide which one is best for you?
In this article, we provide comparisons between full canvas, half canvas, and fused suits to help you identify your optimal choice.
What exactly is canvas?
The term “canvas” might not cross your path until you step into the realm of made-to-measure, tailor-made, or bespoke suiting, leading to potential confusion. Essentially, “canvas” refers to what’s also termed as a “canvas interlining”.
At Oliver Wicks, our suits are meticulously crafted with a Half Canvas construction as the standard offering, although clients have the option to upgrade to a Full Canvas construction. But why the emphasis on a canvas interlining? And what sets apart half canvas from full canvas? We’re here to break it down for you.
The canvas interlining typically comprises horsehair, often blended with cotton, or synthetic fabric. As the term “Interlining” implies, this fabric layer sits between the outer cloth and the inner lining of the suit.
The primary purpose of the canvas interlining is to provide structure and support to the suit jacket, akin to a skeleton. This internal layer, along with other concealed elements like shoulder padding, collectively contribute to what’s known as the suit’s “structure”.
Canvas assists in achieving proper sit, hang, and fit of the jacket on your body, commonly referred to as “drape”. It enables the suit to fulfill its intended purpose: enhancing the contours of the masculine physique. Furthermore, a well-crafted suit with a canvas construction tends to improve in feel and appearance over time, akin to fine aging whiskey.
Grasping the Role of Canvas in Suit Crafting
Canvas typically consists of animal hair, predominantly sourced from horses and camels, as well as various types of cotton or polyester. These materials, when subjected to humidity, pressure, and heat, can be molded, with the fibers retaining their shape.
Horse and camel hair are favored for canvas due to their lightweight nature and remarkable resilience. Mane hair tends to be softer, whereas tail hair is stiffer and more wiry. Different fiber types are woven alongside wool and/or cotton to produce various grades of canvas and haircloth, essential for constructing the foundational structure of a coat.
In the realm of suit construction, canvas assumes a pivotal role, imparting structure, form, and an impeccable fit. It serves as the backbone, influencing the overall quality and durability of the garment.
In the accompanying photo, haircloth, characterized by the presence of horse tail strands, exhibits significant roll. Wrapped haircloth, comparatively softer and more economical, can also be observed. Additionally, wool canvas and fusible materials are depicted, each contributing distinctively to the shaping of suits.
Before we explore three suit types, it’s essential to highlight key aspects individuals seek in tailored suits: fit, fabric, and construction. The fit of a suit is intrinsically tied to its construction. Just as a skeleton supports the body, the canvas core maintains the shape of the suit. Without canvas, a suit may resemble a loose sweater.
Unraveling the half canvas construction method
As depicted in the diagram, the half canvas construction method literally extends from the padded shoulder to approximately halfway down the jacket body. This design facilitates a sturdy and well-defined shoulder structure—an integral aspect of a properly fitting jacket—and ensures an elegant taper towards the waist.
Compared to a fully canvassed suit, a half canvassed suit entails less labor, making it a more economical option while still providing essential structure. It offers noticeable robustness and comfort, resulting in a better fit than a fused suit lacking canvas (particularly in contrast to an unstructured jacket). Simultaneously, a half canvassed suit is lighter and less rigid than its fully canvassed counterpart. Interestingly, many customers actually favor the lighter weight and less structured feel of a half canvas suit jacket, particularly in warmer climates.
Explore half canvas suit selections at oliver wicks
Whether you’re in pursuit of a classic professional ensemble for the boardroom or a stylish blazer to make a statement among friends, we firmly believe that our standard half canvas construction is the ideal choice for the majority of customers. It not only exudes the right appearance but also delivers that essential ‘right’ feeling.
Crafted from sumptuous Italian fabric and featuring our signature half canvas construction, the Navy Pick & Pick suit (pictured above) stands as our top-selling option. With a price point that won’t break the bank, this versatile ensemble is a must-have for any wardrobe. Whether for formal occasions, casual outings, or everything in between, it effortlessly fits the bill.
Exploring the full canvas construction method
Opting for the full canvas construction entails extending the canvas further down the jacket’s front, resulting in added structure and weight. This allows the suit jacket to conform more precisely to your body shape, offering a superior drape. In essence, a full canvas suit ensures the best possible fit among all options.
Moreover, canvas enhances the jacket’s longevity by evenly distributing tension from stress points, such as the elbows and shoulders. It also equips a bespoke suit to withstand the rigors of dry cleaning. Naturally, a full canvas suit incorporates more canvas interlining, further enhancing its durability.
The primary drawback of a full canvas suit is its increased cost, attributed to the intricate and time-consuming construction process. However, personal preference plays a significant role here: while some customers appreciate the heavier and more structured feel of a fully canvassed suit jacket, others prefer the lighter weight sensation offered by a half canvas suit.
Discover full canvas suit selections at oliver wicks
As part of your customization options, we offer the opportunity to upgrade any suit jacket or half canvas blazer with a robust full canvas framework. While some customers opt for this enhancement across their entire wardrobe, even if that’s not your preference, we suggest considering full canvas construction as a valuable upgrade, especially for your autumn and winter attire. You’ll appreciate the added warmth and structure when facing the chilling winds of winter.
Distinguishing Between Full Canvas, Half Canvas, and Fused Suits
Full canvas represents the pinnacle of luxury in suit construction. Typically, the price tag for a full canvas suit is slightly higher compared to other options, but it offers superior durability, weight, and overall quality. These suits carry a bit more heft and boast extended longevity, providing a sensation akin to wearing armor.
In a full canvas suit, the entire front portion, from the chest to the lower part of the jacket, is interlined with canvas. This allows the canvas to conform to your body’s shape and tension. For more insights into the structure and identifying full canvas suits, you can explore our dedicated blog post on the subject.
Conversely, half canvas suits present a more budget-friendly alternative. Here, the canvas extends only halfway down the jacket, and the button section remains uncanvassed. Many individuals favor half canvas suits for their lighter weight and freer flow, particularly noticeable at the bottom of the jacket, contributing to an overall softer feel.
Finally, fused suits represent the most economical option. Fabrics in fused suits are swiftly produced and pressed together. However, fused suits tend to be less flexible, and if you’ve experienced bubbling around the lapel area after dry-cleaning your suit, it’s likely fused. These suits are commonly found in off-the-rack stores.
Exploring canvassed and pad-stitched lapels
In both our half canvas and full canvas construction suits, we ensure that the canvas extends into the jacket lapels, which are meticulously pad-stitched. This process is crucial for imparting the correct shape and support to the lapels, ultimately facilitating a seamless lapel roll.
But what exactly is a lapel roll, and why is it desirable? It’s a valid question.
When you examine the front of a suit jacket, you’ll notice that the lapel is a section of the jacket turned back on itself, extending from the collar down to the button at the waist. The term “lapel roll” refers to this length of turned-back fabric. In contrast, on poorly-made suits lacking a proper canvas structure, the lapel is often pressed flat with a crease, devoid of the attractive and gently curving “roll” characteristic of well-constructed garments.
Insights into fused suits
The non-canvassed sections of the suit jacket body, illustrated at the top of this article, utilize a “fused” interlining. This interlining is a composite of various materials fused or laminated together through a heat treatment process, typically pressed onto the cloth with small amounts of adhesive at temperatures ranging from 266-300°F (130-149°C for our European readers).
Fusing serves to slightly stiffen the fabric, and fused linings are quicker, cheaper, and easier to produce compared to canvassing. However, they do not offer the same level of quality finish as true canvas. Therefore, for those seeking a high-quality suit, the less fused material and the more canvas, the better.
Modern textile technology and materials have significantly refined the fusing process, addressing past issues such as delamination and the occurrence of suits “bubbling” over time.
Although fusing has its drawbacks, adding small amounts of it, alongside a full or half canvas construction, can extend the lifespan of many lighter-weight suit fabric options offered.
Fully fused suits, devoid of any Canvas Interlining, are common but not desirable. Here at Oliver Wicks, we do not offer fully fused suit options. Instead, we use a thin layer of “skin-fusing” in our Half Canvas and Full Canvas options, which is lighter and highly resistant to delamination or bubbling.
Some brands may offer Half Canvas suit options without the crucial canvas structure and lapel pad-stitching, resulting in what is sometimes referred to as a “floating chest piece”. These suits may contain a piece of canvas, possibly with felt fabric and other materials, inside the chest, while the lapels and other parts of the suit are fused. This lack of support in the lapels leads to them appearing flat, floppy, and lacking vitality.
Which suit construction type is right for you?
So, when it comes to choosing between full canvas, half canvas, and fused suits, which option is best suited to your needs?
If luxury is your top priority and you’re willing to invest in durability and superior aesthetics, then full canvas suits are the way to go. Despite being pricier, they offer unparalleled quality and longevity.
For those seeking a balance between budget and quality, the half canvas suit option is a perfect compromise. Not only is it visually appealing and more affordable, but it also tends to be lighter, providing a comfortable wearing experience.
Lastly, if budget constraints are a primary concern, fused suits offer a cost-effective solution. While they may not provide the same level of fit and quality as canvas options, they still offer a reasonable fit while allowing you to save money.
Conclusion
When comparing full canvas, half canvas, and fused suits, it’s essential to consider construction, durability, and price. This blog from Lana Tailor has provided valuable insights into the distinctions among these three types of suits.
If you’re in search of a Vietnam tailored suit, pay us a visit to receive recommendations that offer excellent value for your investment.
