A smooth, hard-finished wool fabric made from long-staple fibers that are combed parallel and tightly twisted, creating a strong yarn with a smooth surface. It's the preferred fabric for high-quality men's suits and formal wear.
Named after Worstead, a village in Norfolk, England, where this type of wool preparation was perfected in the 12th century. The technique of combing wool fibers straight became the standard method for producing fine wool fabrics.
Worsted wool is the gold standard for business suits because the parallel fiber alignment creates a fabric that resists wrinkles and maintains sharp creases, essential for professional appearance. The combing process removes shorter fibers, leaving only the longest, strongest ones, which is why a good worsted suit can last decades and actually improve with age and proper care.
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