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The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Friday, September 23, 2022

Sweaters for Active Autumn and Winter Activities?

 

A Reader Question: 

I'm wondering what companies are known for making sweaters that are both warm and allow for freedom of movement. I love a good chunky sweater, but I'm on the hunt for men's sweaters that can be worn while engaging in activities like archery or shooting.

 

21 comments:

  1. I have sweaters from Orvis, Peter Millar and Long Wharf Supply that all do the job. I played golf yesterday in my Long Wharf sweater and also regularly do so in my Peter Millar. As someone who lives in the country I appreciate the Orvis ones for fall walking since they typically offer orange as one of the colors.

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  2. Get Thee to J Press for a Shaggy Dog Shetland.

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  3. I don't know if they are available in the USA, but one of the most popular sweaters for country pursuits in the UK is a brand called NIFFI. The most popular ones have suede shoulder and elbow patches. tjmataa

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  4. Well-made shetland or lambswool (or cashmere, but that's a fair bit of money for a 'beater') sweaters that are well-sized for you would probably work fine. Just tell yourself it's the sweater you're going to beat up and don't get flustered if they get worn or snagged sooner than they otherwise might. You can usually find them in different weight yarn, heavier or lighter, so you can tailor either to your anticipated local weather.

    by well-made, I mean sweaters that are well-proportioned, a slightly looser fit, and particularly those that don't have seams that pull and confine. Harley of Scotland shetlands (sold via the Bosie banner on this site) have no seams. that's a big plus for freedom of movement. Some Icelandic sweaters are knit the same way.

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  5. Freedom of movement & gun fit when wearing clothing trumps all. Particularly shotguns. Example, my ancient Willis & Geiger bush poplin shirts...bt swing back, articulated elbows, underarm gussets. Bring an assortment of layers.

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  6. Shaggy Dogs are indeed warm but are cut too close to the body. I would go with Harley of Scotland or Jameson's (provider to O'Connell's).

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  8. One need look no further than the sweaters advertised on this Blog. Cordings offers a wide variety -- as does Bosie. Both are the best quality.

    For ultra chunky go with the Erebus and Beerenberg models from Arthur Beale (easily warm enough to practice your archery in the Antarctic.).

    --- Robert Reichardt

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  9. For the activities you describe, personally I would want something close fitting and tightly woven like Le Tricoteur or Arthur Beale.

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  10. My Arthur Beale, a working man’s sweater, has been perfect for pheasant hunting and late-season trout fishing. I know they’re a sponsor, and I don’t mean to sound like a shill, but give consideration. Nothing I’ve owned has compared.

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  11. Please ignore the poor advice above as the commenters are obviously not sportsmen. Shooting requires knitwear, merino wool rather than shetland, with shoulder patches for grip and recoil absorption. The alternative is to wear a tweed or fleece vest/waistcoat (or fleece) with patches over a sweater. Take a look a brands like Schoffel and Lakes which are available from country retailers and gun shops.

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    1. Indeed, you are correct. Never have worn a sweater while upland or waterfowl hunting. For good gun mount is driven by length of pull, eye is flat down the ventilated rib, & compatibility of butt plate/recoil pad with subject fabric. Of course this all depends upon the weather. Believe in thin layers, not bulk & bring more than you need for fit. You can always remove them. Outer layer is duck canvas brush jacket, Barbour Bedale, Barbour Endurance, & Fleece Jacket contingent upon the weather. That Oilskin Bedale better be slick with reproofing. You do not want your gun hanging up on a mount. More of a utilitarian look for the field & gun club.

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  12. Perhaps not perfect for the field, but perfectly made in USA sweaters are turned out by St Croix. They are pricey. But they are very well made. They can get a little looney with their models that are “designs.” But their solid color sweaters are easy on the eye. The construction and weaving are impeccable. More popular I think in the middle of the country than on the coasts. But so what! If you want genuine made in USA top quality look at St Croix.

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    1. Good suggestion. One of those $800 cashmere sweaters is just the right thing for duck hunting. Mobility, freedom of arm movement and stylish good looks.

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    2. All in one sweater. We agree USA made St Croix rules.

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  13. Orvis and Beretta both make some very nice “wind stopper” shooting sweaters. As both a quarter or full zip. I’ve worn the quarter under a vest for a full day’s upland bird shooting many times.

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  14. I have a recent Ralph Lauren cashmere cardigan that my wife gave me last Christmas. It's the warmest sweater I've had in more than half a century and it weighs next to nothing. Unfortunately, it's not being offered at the moment.

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  15. Orvis’ Foul Weather Sweaters are pretty good for the job you described.
    JM, VA

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  16. Archery? Shooting? in New England?

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  17. Beretta makes a great wool sweater for outdoor activities - but - you generally have to go up one size for a comfortable fit for us "Yanks"

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  18. A Shaggy Dog is a must!

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