A reader question:
Dear Editor:
I am interested in either a Lambswool or a Shetland sweater. I have found explanations as to the difference in construction and origin, but not as to the relative merits. For someone that lives in a milder climate, and who is just looking to purchase one sweater, which type would be best? Also, does anyone have experience with Community Clothing Lambswool Sweaters?
\Cordially Yours,
For a mild climate, a merino jumper would be my first choice as it’s more breathable. Community Clothing’s jumpers are made in Hawick so they should be good quality and excellent value at £60. Always check CC’s size charts because there can be big variations.
ReplyDeleteIf you are in a milder climate and need versatility, I would go with lambswool. Shetland will be way too warm. I would consider J. Press or O'Connell's.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely go for lambswool, but make sure you buy good quality. If you do it should last you a long time.
ReplyDeleteI have never lived in a state that doesn't border Canada, so I don't know much about wearing sweaters in hot weather.
ReplyDeleteThat said, the two most versatile sweaters I own are a plain navy Harley, and voe true Bosie in grey. They're both extremely versatile. I'd get the grey if you wear jeans frequently, or the blue if you tend toward khakis.
Check the ply thickness.
ReplyDeleteBosie (which has been written about on this site) sells excellent sweaters and has great customer service. I have several that are brushed (shaggy) and unbrushed crew neck sweaters. Their sweaters are a little lighter weight than some of the other brands mentioned above which makes them very good for warmer climates and for layering.
ReplyDeleteI live in a very warm place with mild winters. I get the most use out of a cotton crewneck, a sleeveless Fair Isle, and a Bosie Shetland. All are fine in the 45-65F range. Sources were Castaway for cotton, Andover for Fair Isle, and Bosie for true Voe Shetland. My wife's Fair Isles are from Bosie and are quite fine. I may just be a contrarian, but I find Shetlands' more porous knit to make them more comfortable in this temperature range than lambswool or Merino, both of which tend to have a fairly tight knit.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I, too, find Shetlands quite versatile with regard to temperature.
DeleteLambswool from J. Press!
ReplyDeleteToday the two best places to find high quality sweaters are Cordings and Bosie. Either the Cordings’ Lambswool, or the two-ply Bosie Shetlands will provide the right temperature without overheating:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.cordings.co.uk/us/deep-purple-lambswool-crewneck-jumper.html
https://bosieco.squarespace.com/shetland-shop/harley-of-scotland-mens-seamless-saddle-shoulder-shetland-sweater-tusk-ivory
At the tender age of 73 I only wear cashmere sweaters
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with you about cashmere. everything else is too itchy.
ReplyDeleteTo me, it depends on what ‘mild’ means. Wool isn’t great in warm weather, period; cotton or equivalent is the way to go if it’s pretty warm. Otherwise, it’s more a matter of preference between lambswool and a two-ply Shetland - they feel pretty different, but they’re both OK for a cool summer evening. I would opt away from four ply Shetland for mild weather, and I would think about cashmere as an alternative to lambswool.
ReplyDeleteI wrote the question. I appreciate the insight. Is navy the best color to begin with, or would something like bottle green be more versatile?
ReplyDeleteA mid-toned grey is the best, most versatile starting point.
Delete