Why Do Suits Have Linings?

The lining is the part of the suit that isn’t seen—not until you open the jacket, at least. It’s the sometimes shiny, often-slick feeling material that lines the inside of the garment. Now that you know precisely what it is, it’s a great time to ask:

Why do suits have linings?
Lining can appear flashy—particularly if you choose a brightly colored lining or a patterned lining—but the lining actually serves a practical purpose. It provides a smooth layer between your shirt and the main material of your jacket, ensuring that a cotton shirt won’t catch on a wool jacket, and vice versa. 

The lining within a suit jacket will also help it to trap and retain heat, so lined jackets will always be a bit more insulating than unlined jackets. If you plan to wear your jacket in warmer temperatures, or have selected a fabric that’s a heavier weight to begin with, you may wish to have it half-lined or quarter-lined instead of fully lined. 

What is suit lining made from?
Thanks to its smooth hand and light weight, silk was once the material of choice for suit linings. But the modern innovation of synthetic fabrics has seen slik replaced by polyester, even for high-end and luxury brands. The reason is simple: polyester is simply much more durable and easier to work with then silk, making it an excellent choice for lining.