Fused, Half Canvas and Full Canvas
What is suit construction?
When people talk about suit construction, they’re talking about the canvas of the suit jacket.
Canvas, simply put, is what is inside the front of the suit jacket. When crafting a jacket with either half or full canvas construction, the canvas layer is carefully stitched to the jacket, often by hand, creating a “floating” layer nestled between the inner and outer fabrics. This method enhances flexibility and ensures a personalised fit. Canvas can be made from a blend of horsehair, wool, mohair, camel hair, or a mix thereof. It also comes in various thicknesses and weights.
Pros and Cons of the various suit constructions
Suits are much more than just a fabric. The construction plays an important role and determines the drape, shape and overall look. Making a suit look authentic comes down to the construction, cut and fabric. In this article, we’ll be breaking down the different types of construction within a suit.
Fused Construction
In fused construction (or glued construction), layers of fabric are joined using adhesive instead of stitching.
Heat and pressure are applied to bond the fabrics together seamlessly.
While fused construction is lightweight and cost-effective, it may compromise durability and breathability compared to stitched methods.
What is a fused canvas suit?
In fused construction, layers of fabric are joined using adhesive instead of stitching. While fused construction is lightweight and cost-effective, it can compromise durability and breathability compared to stitched methods.
![Screenshot 2024-04-03 at 16.21.54](https://mond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-03-at-16.21.54-e1712154376898.png)
Half Canvas Construction
In half canvas construction, the canvas extends from the upper parts of the jacket down to the midsection, offering structural support and flexibility in key areas.
This approach reduces the labor-intensive stitching required for a full canvas while still providing essential shaping and draping properties.
What is a half canvas suit?
A half canvas suit jacket has a layer of supportive fabric stitched in the top half, giving it better shape and durability than some other jackets, while still being relatively affordable.
![Screenshot 2024-04-03 at 16.22.42 Half canvas construction in a jacket and how much of the jacket it covers.](https://mond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-03-at-16.22.42-e1712154536465.png)
Full Canvas Construction
Full canvas construction involves the canvas running from the upper parts of the jacket all the way down to the hem.
This comprehensive canvas layer offers maximum support, shape retention, and draping properties, making it a hallmark of bespoke tailoring.
However, due to the extensive stitching required, full canvas construction is less common than fused or half-canvas options.
What is a full canvas suit?
A full canvas suit jacket has a layer of supportive fabric stitched throughout front of jacket. This gives the jacket a better shape, allows it to drape naturally, and improves its longevity. It’s typically more expensive than other types because of the craftsmanship involved.
![Screenshot 2024-04-03 at 16.22.56 Full canvas construction in a jacket and how much of the jacket it covers.](https://mond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-03-at-16.22.56-e1712154616399.png)
The Fused Suit: A Shortcut
Glued suits, also known as fused suits, present themselves as a quick fix to sartorial needs. Being the most used solution, fusing does the job. It offers you a tight, flat and streamlined look.
1. Breathability Issues:
Suits constructed with glue tend to have poor breathability. The adhesive used in their construction restricts airflow, causing discomfort, especially in warmer environments or during extended periods of wear.
2. Limited Durability:
The glue used in the construction can degrade over time. This degradation may lead to the separation of layers in the suit, resulting in bubbling or delamination, which affects the suit’s longevity and overall appearance.
3. Poor Tailoring Flexibility:
Glued construction restricts the suit’s ability to mold to the wearer’s body over time. Consequently, the fit and comfort are often sacrificed with glued suits as it stiffens the surface, thus not giving the wearer a natural shape or look.
The Superiority of Half Canvas Construction
In contrast, half canvas construction epitomises tailored craftsmanship, offering many advantages over its glued counterpart. MOND offers this as the primary construction putting you ahead of the game.
1. Improved Drape and Silhouette:
A half canvas-lined suit naturally conforms to the wearer’s physique, enhancing the overall silhouette and fit over time.
2. Breathability and Comfort:
Half canvas construction allows for excellent breathability, ensuring the wearer stays cool and comfortable, even in demanding climates or during extended wear.
3. Longevity and Resilience:
Half canvas suits give the wearer the sturdiness and resilience they could wish for. This ensures the suit maintains its shape and durability over time, making it a long-lasting investment.
4. Tailoring Versatility:
Half canvas construction facilitates extensive tailoring adjustments, allowing the suit to be customised to perfection for the wearer’s unique body shape and preferences.
Upgrading to Full Canvas Construction
At the summit of tailored excellence lies full canvas construction, embodying the essence of sartorial refinement and luxury.
1. Enhanced Drape:
Full canvas construction offers unparalleled drape, perfectly conforming to the wearer’s body for a flawless silhouette. Unlike glued or half canvas options, full canvas provides a natural flow and movement. The construction, being made mostly of “natural” elements, gives you the feel of luxury and a distinguished look.
2. Exceptional Longevity:
With its sturdy and durable construction, full canvas garments gives you an exceptional longevity. The canvas ensures the suit maintains its shape and structure over time, resisting creases and wrinkles more effectively than other construction methods. This longevity makes full canvas suits a timeless investment in your wardrobe.
3. Tailoring Flexibility:
Full canvas construction adds tailoring versatility, allowing complex adjustments and modifications to achieve the perfect fit. Tailors can manipulate the canvas to contour to the wearer’s body, resulting in a personalised and flattering silhouette. Whether it’s shaping the chest, adjusting the shoulders, or refining the waistline, full canvas construction offers unmatched flexibility for customisation, ensuring a truly tailored experience.
![Full Canvas Standard Full canvas construction and the different layers.](https://mond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Full-Canvas-Standard.jpg)
Common questions about suit construction
What is the difference between fused, half canvas and full canvas construction?
Fused blazers use glue to bond fabric layers, making it the cheapest but prone to bubbling and wearing out faster. Half canvas means a canvas is sewn into the top half, providing better durability, shape, and fit, for a moderate cost. Full canvas means the layer covers the entire length, offering the best shape, longevity, and breathability, but is the most expensive.
Why should I choose half or full canvas construction over fused construction?
Opting for half or full canvas construction ensures better breathability, longevity, and the ability to mold to your body over time. This results in a superior fit, comfort, and overall quality compared to fused construction.
How can I tell if a suit is half or full canvas constructed?
To determine if a suit is half or full canvas constructed, look for signs like a floating chest piece, a natural lapel roll, or feeling for the presence of canvas between the layers. These indicators suggest a higher quality construction method.
Superior construction, superior fabric
A selection of our high-quality half canvas suits and full canvas suits
In Conclusion
While glued suits may offer a quick fix, the discerning gentleman recognises the unparalleled value of half or full canvas construction. By prioritising quality and craftsmanship, you’re not just purchasing a suit – you’re investing in a timeless garment.
At Mond, we adhere to the highest standards, exclusively offering full or half canvas suits. Choose carefully, and let your Mond suit reflect your sophisticated style and commitment to quality.