SUPER 130’S, SUPER 150’S - What's the Difference

Super numbers describe the fineness of the wool fibers in a suit fabric. If you have seen labels such as Super 130s and Super 150s, the higher number means finer fibers, not an automatic guarantee of a better suit.

The Super designation is used for qualifying new-wool fabrics. The number refers to average fiber diameter, measured in microns.

Finer wool can feel soft and smooth, but the right choice also depends on the weave, fabric weight, construction, and how often you will wear the suit. Compare the finished fabric rather than choosing by its Super number alone.

Merino Wool Suits

Merino sheep produce fine wool used in many suit fabrics. Australia and New Zealand are well-known wool-producing countries, but the quality of a suit depends on more than where the wool was grown.

After shearing, wool can be tested for average fiber diameter. One micron is one thousandth of a millimeter. The Super scale uses this measurement to distinguish levels of fiber fineness.

The published Super scale sets maximum mean fiber diameters of 18.75 microns for Super 100s, 17.25 for Super 130s, and 16.25 for Super 150s. These numbers describe the fibers, not the thickness of the finished cloth. See the CCMI reference for the Super scale.