Suits are made in a variety of fabrics, but most commonly from wool. The two main yarns produce worsteds (where the fibres are combed before spinning) and woollens (where they are not). These can be woven in a number of ways producing flannel, tweed, gabardine, and fresco among others. These fabrics all have different weights and feel, and some fabrics have an S (or Super S) number describing the fineness of the fibres. Although wool has traditionally been associated with warm, bulky clothing meant for warding off cold weather, advances in making finer and finer fiber have made wool suits acceptable for warmer weather, as fabrics have accordingly become lighter and more supple. For hot weather, linen is also used, and in North America cotton seersucker is worn.

Other materials are used sometimes, such as cashmere. Silk and silk blended with wool are sometimes used. Synthetic materials, while cheap, are very rarely recommended by experts. Because the suit is a high-end clothing, so they often associated with plastic seals with a thick hang tag.

The most conventional suit is a 2- or 3-button and either medium to dark grey or navy. Other conservative colors are grey, black, and olive. White and light blues are acceptable at some events, especially in the warm season. Red is usually considered "unconventional" and "garish". Tradition calls for a gentleman's suit to be of decidedly plain color, with splashes of bright color reserved for shirts, neckties or kerchiefs. And theplastic seals of suit often use black, dark blue to look solemn. With the fast development of the national economy, the demand for logistics services has been growing significantly; many companies selling plastic seals are also beneficial from this.

Because wearing a suit conveys a respectable image, many people wear suits during the job interview process. The style of an interview suit, however, will depend on the organizational culture of the industry in which a person seeks employment.