Excel in Tencel - Two New Summer Suits

As hard as we tried, we just couldn't figure a way to get "Tencel Washington" into the title of this journal, but this innovative fabric deserves the comparison! For the first time, we've incorporated Tencel into two of our summer suits. Getting to know this incredible fibre has been really interesting, discovering how it cuts, drapes, and reacts to wear, and the verdict... can't fault it.

Tencel is a type of rayon, like viscose and modal - constructed from cellulose fibres that are made by dissolving wood pulp and using a special drying process called spinning. Initially, the wood chips are combined with a solvent to produce a wet mixture, which is then squeezed through small holes to form threads. These are chemically treated before being spun into yarn and woven into cloth. So why bother using Tencel when we use natural fibres such as organic cotton, linen, and wool? Tencel is very sustainable. Don't just take our word for it. This is from the sustainable fashion authority www.goodonyou.eco:

"In production, Tencel requires less energy and water than conventional cotton. As a plant-derived fibre, Tencel is also biodegradable, but check that it isn’t mixed with other synthetic fibres like nylon when it comes time to dispose of the garment. Although, like most materials, it is often coloured with harmful conventional dyes, Tencel requires a lot less dye than cotton. It is also pure white when produced, so no bleaching is necessary and undyed is always an option."

The dominant makers of Tencel, a German company called Lenzing AG, also state that the wood pulp they use is sourced from sustainably managed PEFC or FSC tree plantations. So why use it in our suits? Tencel has some pretty amazing properties that lend it to use in fabrics designed to be worn in warm temperatures. Back to Good On You:

"According to Lenzing, Tencel has incredible absorption characteristics: 50% more than cotton. Because it’s more breathable and less susceptible to odorous bacteria growth like environmentally-damaging synthetics, this fabric is ideal for activewear."

Fairway Jacket Causton Navy

Claremont Trousers Causton Navy

Brook Shirt Brecon White

 But also summer suiting! We've combined it with cotton, using Tencel's brilliant absorbent properties to effectively super-charge its qualities. The result is a fabric that has a ridiculously soft handle and that drapes beautifully. It is very lightweight, too, making it a great option for smart resortwear or events such as summer weddings.

Part of the new and exclusive Mr Porter Wedding Capsule, our Fairway jacket has been expressly designed for those smart summer occasions when you want a tailored look that isn't stuffy or rigid, and the Tencel/cotton combination gives you exactly that. The Fairway jacket is unstructured for a lightweight and natural drape and is single-breasted with a notch lapel, giving it a relaxed, sprezzatura appeal. You can wear it as part of a suit or mix it up with chinos or other tailored trousers for a laid-back separates look.