---
type: "fabric"
name: "Sharkskin (suiting)"
slug: "sharkskin-suiting"
fabric_family: "woven"
construction: "plain"
typical_fibers:
  - "Wool"
weight_gsm: "240–320 g/m²"
price_tier: 4
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sharkskin-suiting"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:26:35.845194+00:00"
---

# Sharkskin (suiting)

Sharkskin is a luxurious woven fabric characterized by its smooth, slightly lustrous surface and subtle texture, commonly used in high-quality suiting.

- **Fabric Family**: Woven
- **Construction**: Plain
- **Typical Fibers**: Wool
- **Weight**: 240–320 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$$ (4 of 5)

## About Sharkskin (suiting)

Sharkskin fabric is a type of woven textile typically made from wool, featuring a plain weave construction that provides durability and a refined appearance. The fabric is known for its unique texture, which resembles the skin of a shark, hence the name. Sharkskin is often used in formal and business attire due to its elegant drape and sophisticated look. It is available in various colors and patterns, making it versatile for different styles of suits.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 70
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 60

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 2%
- **Weft Stretch**: 2%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 1.5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 200 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.1
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Bright
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Wrinkle Resistance
- Stain Release

## Common Finishes

- Mercerized
- Sanforized
- Brushed

## Common Applications

- Suiting
- Formal Wear
- Business Attire

## Common Uses in Detail

### Suiting & Tailoring

Its smooth, slightly lustrous surface and crisp drape make it a premier choice for tailored suits and blazers. The tightly woven [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool) construction holds its shape through long workdays, lending a polished, professional appearance ideal for business and formal settings.

### Formal Occasion Wear

Its refined sheen and elegant texture suit ceremonial garments such as dress trousers and evening jackets. The fabric's subtle visual depth elevates formal attire beyond standard [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool), making it a favored selection for weddings, galas, and other prestigious events.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Iron on a medium setting. Do not bleach. Dry clean recommended for best results.

- Washing: 30°C
- Ironing: Medium
- Do Not Bleach

## Additional Information

Sharkskin fabric is particularly favored for its ability to resist creasing and its elegant drape, making it a popular choice for tailored suits.

- **Regional Names**: Sharkskin Suiting, Sharkskin Wool
- **Sourcing Regions**: Italy, UK, China
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Pilling, Colorfastness to wash, Seam slippage, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Activewear Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-interlock.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-jersey.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-tricot.md) — Specialty
- [Bedford Cord](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bedford-cord.md) — Woven
- [Birdseye](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/birdseye.md) — Woven

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sharkskin-suiting) — HTML version of this page.*