Cashmere Sweater Hierarchy

[double00]

in the 60s synthetics were wildly popular in knits . so much acrylic .

 

[DorianGreen]

in the 60s synthetics were wildly popular in knits . so much acrylic .

I mean Scottish cashmere, 0% synthetic.

 

[DorianGreen]

It seems most socks I buy, Smartwool, DarnTough have Lycra in them. Maybe those are not as good as brands as I thought for outdoor type socks or every day where. Not sure what else I would buy that is better?

Lycra/elastane is added both to enhance the lifespan (not sure about that) and to get a "one size fits all", that is obviously a compromise and will never reach the perfect look and comfort of a tailored (properly sized) sock. I always avoid this type of socks.

 

[dbv2]

Lycra/elastane is added both to enhance the lifespan (not sure about that) and to get a "one size fits all", that is obviously a compromise and will never reach the perfect look and comfort of a tailored (properly sized) sock. I always avoid this type of socks.

Makes sense. So, so who else makes warm, merino wool socks besides the smart wool or darn tough that I have always gotten? I also like over the calf socks that stay up.

 

[DorianGreen]

Makes sense. So, so who else makes warm, merino wool socks besides the smart wool or darn tough that I have always gotten? I also like over the clad socks that stay up.

I have a huge collection of socks, all over the calf (the only ones a gentleman would consider), the most of them are Pantherella, Bresciani and Turnbull & Asser (supposedly made by Pantherella). Other brands I would recommend are Palatino, Sozzi, Ciocca, Gallo (only Tailored Line), Mazarin (own brand of Mes Chaussettes Rouges).

Edit: Our fellow @Amidé also offers a very nice stock, no direct experience though.

 

[Bespoke DJP]

Makes sense. So, so who else makes warm, merino wool socks besides the smart wool or darn tough that I have always gotten? I also like over the calf socks that stay up.

I have a huge collection of socks, all over the calf (the only ones a gentleman would consider), the most of them are Pantherella, Bresciani and Turnbull & Asser (supposedly made by Pantherella). Other brands I would recommend are Palatino, Sozzi, Ciocca, Gallo (only Tailored Line), Mazarin (own brand of Mes Chaussettes Rouges).

One cannot go wrong with the above choices, IMO, the player is Sozzi, though not much "Italian" on the marketing side of things; they do what they do best: manufacture! Again, a 100+ year-old, traditional, small, family-owned company, very much alike in terms of commercial philosophy to the remaining Scottish producers that we've been discussing here.

It is known that Sozzi also makes one of the best knit ties in the market, produced in those ultra rare, 100+ year-old knitting machines. Not to de-rail this Thread, but those of you gentlemen who do have a fondness of knit ties and were not aware of a dedicated Thread, started by yours truly and presently rejuvenated, here is the link:

Quintessential Knit Ties: Comprehensive Discussion & Appreciation

Dear Fellow SFers Having in mind that a number of now obsolete, or narrow-scoped threads used to exist, coupled with an ongoing interest for knit ties, I figured that this thread may host all opinions be on the aesthetic or the technical side of the matter. Please endorse it as this may truly...

www.styleforum.net

Best,

Dimitris

 

[DorianGreen]

New entry, Kangra alpaca/yak round neck jumper.

Very nice touch, thick and consistent, I'm very happy with it. Notice how fine and precise the tapering is made, on the chest and on the sleeve.

It's a EU 50 size, 53 cm pit to pit.

 

[HotDilf]

Behold – my first Ballantyne, a rollneck in undyed white cashmere. This is perhaps the most tightly knit 2-ply cashmere I’ve ever experienced: I’m wearing a black Henley underneath and it is not at all see-through.


However, I am surprised and disappointed about the absence of hand-reinforced armpits.

 

[Bespoke DJP]

Dear @HotDilf,

What a great purchase!

Based on the label, is it correct to suppose that this a vintage piece?


Best,

Dimitris

 

[DorianGreen]

Dear @HotDilf,

What a great purchase!

Based on the label, is it correct to suppose that this a vintage piece?


Best,

Dimitris

It's clearly a new old stock item, Ballantyne for Berk, the London shop that closed some years ago. Currently Berk is an online shop selling Scottish cashmere made as the old one from Ballantyne, with the "Bare Finish", at least this is what they claim.

 

[DorianGreen]

Behold – my first Ballantyne, a rollneck in undyed white cashmere. This is perhaps the most tightly knit 2-ply cashmere I’ve ever experienced: I’m wearing a black Henley underneath and it is not at all see-through.
View attachment 1860280
View attachment 1860281
However, I am surprised and disappointed about the absence of hand-reinforced armpits.

View attachment 1860282

Yes, Ballantyne cashmere is legendary and unsurpassed, so tight and consistent, totally different compared to the cheap one you find in many stores, overly soft and processed, mostly loosely knitted.

 

[ianskelly]

well done you! It’s knitwear to be proud of! Where did you get it ?

 

[msimon]

You ever wondered what the security thinks of the elevator fashion shows?. Very nice.

 

[HotDilf]

well done you! It’s knitwear to be proud of! Where did you get it ?

eBay. There's a similar one currently up for auction for a dollar.

 

[ianskelly]

eBay. There's a similar one currently up for auction for a dollar.

Blimey ! I will have a look not sure if it’s on the uk eBay site I will look later , many thanks