The Associated Press

Today's well-dressed man still wants a wool suit, but he has other key demands: convenience, performance and environmental friendliness, according to Sam Souan, senior buyer of men's tailored clothing at J.C. Penney.

It's these added interests - plus the advancement of technology - that led Penney's to spend the past three years developing a new washable suit, he explains.

The Stafford washable suit, available in navy and gray pinstripe with a two-button jacket and double-pleated cuff pants, is a blend of wool, polyester and Lycra. The fibers are chemically treated so they'll withstand washing even before the finished fabric is woven, Souan explains.

The wool content of a suit (42 percent in this case) is what usually requires the "dry clean" label because, as a natural fiber, it can shrink when wet.

Souan says the lining of the jacket, often acetate or rayon, also is important because these fabrics will shrink or pucker when wet. "We needed a nice polyester lining that was worthy of a better men's suit label."

Even the thread and buttons have been adjusted to make it through the entire machine-wash process, which not only means water but also detergent and agitation.

The suit's washing instructions are:

• After wear, place the jacket and trousers in the provided mesh bag.

• Machine wash separately on gentle cycle with detergent of choice and warm water.

• Hang on quality shaped hanger; light touch-up with iron.