I Search of the Shawl

**superpacker** · October 9th, 2009 11:59

I am trying to find a place that carries a classic and affordable shawl collar cardigan. I really don't care about the color, tan, navy, charcoal, are all good to me. I am particulalry looking for a trim one. I have a very small frame, and my problem with some companies is their shirts and cardiagans swallow me and I look "schlumpy." I am fine with wool or cotton. I have a polo sweater that is a super heavy gauge cotton weave and I think this material would make a superior shawl cardigan. Any suggestoins?

**unmodern** · October 9th, 2009 12:06

Value for money in wool sweaters, hands down to J. Crew. And as a slim guy myself I have gravitated toward them for the stuff (pants and shirts) that BB & others only make in tent-like huge cuts. I've heard bad things about J. Crew's cashmere and cashmere blends, but their merino is amazing. They have a selection of shawl-collared sweaters; if you wait for them on sale you will really score a bargain (under $75).

**BrendanOC** · October 9th, 2009 12:13

I was in search of the same thing last Winter and my travels took me to RL and (oddly) Martin + Osa . . . both fit the bill and weren't inordinately expensive.

**superpacker** · October 9th, 2009 12:14

Unmodern, I really agree with you about J.Crew having great options. My one thing is, the collar on there shawl collar seems to be a bit minesquel. I am looking for some heft, like with an orvis shawl collar. If I can't find one though in a trimmer fit, I am going for the Crew. Can anyone comment on Orvis's cut?

**superpacker** · October 9th, 2009 12:21

Matin & Osa? I must admit, this is a new one to me. I have never heard of them. I should check them out.

**Sir Cingle** · October 9th, 2009 13:06

You might also want to think about Rugby, which offers a shawl cardigan that is slim-fitting and not terribly expensive.

http://rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?prod...179&cp=3138868

**WindsorNot** · October 9th, 2009 13:28

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/f...ad.php?t=98284

...for your consideration. I'm looking into one myself, but I doubt I can justify the purchase being a central Texan.

**Dr.Watson** · October 9th, 2009 15:24

I saw these in Kohls the other day. They are not going to win any awards for quality, but the price is not bad.

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens...t+Cardigan.jsp

I personally don't think I could pull of a shawl cardigan without looking a bit odd. That being said, I do like the one by RL Rugby (I just can't spend $128 on a sweater).

**chiamdream** · October 9th, 2009 17:04

Big fan of these. I would recommend searching out Polo shawl sweaters at your local Filene's/Nordstrom Rack/Lohemann's. They are serious, heavy garments. I have one I got for $50 two years ago; they really hold up. Keep an eye out for the J.Crew ones on sale after Christmas - they're a good deal when they get down to around $50.

**Sir Cingle** · October 10th, 2009 10:03

As with everything from Rugby, there is essentially no reason to purchase the shawl sweater at full price. Virtually everything from Rugby eventually goes on sale, often at pretty deep discounts. I'm sure that, around Christmastime, you can get the Rugby shawl sweater for half the listed price, or thereabouts.

**Reds & Tops** · October 10th, 2009 16:04

I was in J. Crew today, and they had some very nice shawls. Most were 1/2 zips or buttons, but there was one marbled cardigan that was only $98. I'd recommend checking it out.

Here is the link.

**themoderngentleman** · October 11th, 2009 12:30

Brooks Brothers

**superpacker** · November 3rd, 2009 09:15

So, I have really been impressed with the Rugby shawl. It has a trim fit, is pure Shetland, comes in a great tweedy color, has real leather buttons, and real leather elbow patches. It is on sale now 25% off. Do you think that is worth pulling the trigger, and ensuring I get the size and color I want, or should I hold out longer? How well does Shetland hold up? I am expecting to by an investment sweater. I need some thought fellow members

http://rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?prod...834&cp=3768060

**Ron_A** · November 3rd, 2009 11:15

^ FWIW, Superpacker, I just pulled the trigger on the Rugby one (in the brown/tweed color) after clicking on your link. Nice looking sweater. The price ($96 with the 25% discount) seems reasonable. In my experience, shetland holds up about as well as lambswool or any other wool and I actually would prefer shetland for a sweater like this.

**superpacker** · November 3rd, 2009 12:12

Ron A,

that's awesome! Congrats! I am glad I was able to help a fellow-member! The fact that you ordered it is a good sign!

**chiamdream** · November 3rd, 2009 12:21

I noticed a new shawl sweater on Bean's site today:

$54.50; not a bad price. (I would have picked one up, but I have to decide whether the Norwegian sweater's going to work for me or not). Looks very similar to J.Crew's $70 pullover. (I have a gray one of those from last season and I love it.)

At the moment, I have two shawl cardigans: a cream J.Crew one from last year that's some kind of wool/alpaca/angora blend (pretty soft) and an extremely heavy black Polo one that I got a couple of years ago. I'm on the record as a huge fan of Polo's shawls - they're heavy, bulky, and very warm. I always get compliments on it.

I like the look of that Rugby model; I'd be interested in hearing your impressions seeing some fit pics once you receive it.

**superpacker** · November 3rd, 2009 12:40

That bean one seems cool. I would prefer a cardigan, but that is agreat price. Hows the fit? It is pretty boxy?

**AlanC** · November 3rd, 2009 15:11

I don't know your budget, but Ben Silver has a nice looking one.

**superpacker** · November 3rd, 2009 15:20

AlanC,

you're right. Is nice looking. But, so is everything Mr. Silver does. But, it is out of my budget. The Rugby one is just barely in, yet has some sweet features. that is why I can't decide whether to go now, or wait for like an after thanksgiving sale.

**AlanC** · November 3rd, 2009 15:38

^I completely understand.

My own view is that since sales will be kicking in before too much longer, anyway, and that the economy is such that sales ought to be better than normal, the buyer is in the driver's seat. I think patience pays off right now.*

*I accept no responsibility for missed purchasing opportunities due to holding out for a sale.

**superpacker** · November 3rd, 2009 15:47

That seems like sage advice. Although I loved the cheeky footnote!

**Thom Browne's Schooldays** · November 3rd, 2009 18:28

I've been seeing shawls everywhere these days, you might be able to find a great deal on one at someplace like the gap.

I know that cheap ones can be hard to come by, when I was looking it seemed you'd spend at least $60, whether thats a used one on ebay, or J.Crew on sale.

**My Pet, A Pantsuit** · November 4th, 2009 01:50

Originally Posted by Dr.Watson

I saw these in Kohls the other day. They are not going to win any awards for quality, but the price is not bad.

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens...t+Cardigan.jsp

I personally don't think I could pull of a shawl cardigan without looking a bit odd. That being said, I do like the one by RL Rugby (I just can't spend $128 on a sweater).

I took a peek at this one today after work. For the price, I really wanted to like it, but it has those plastic buttons that are meant to look like leather. But if you can overcome that better than I can, this looks like one of the season's better buys.

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