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Cashmere Sweaters

17K views 26 replies 10 participants last post by  Rilian  
#1 · (Edited)
Hey all,

(note: significantly edited--I dropped out the macy's and LE's sweaters).

I'm looking to buy 2 cashmere v-neck sweaters to wear under blazers or suits.

I am considering buying 2 of the Brooks Brothers cashmere sweaters (3-ply Italian cashmere, knitted in Scotland). However, they are $300 a pop. (But there is a 25% off BB corporate event in late Oct that I'm waiting for). Are the BB sweaters that much better in quality and are they worth it for the price--$225 after corporate discount?

https://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCa...nt_Id=1&Section_Id=556&Product_Id=923639&Parent_Id=224&default_color=August-Red

Also, STP has several Johnstons of Elgin cashmere sweaters, but it doesn't mentioned the ply count. SPT has these in v-neck for $191 after discount. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell what they look like from the pictures. Anyone familiar with these cashmere sweaters? They get great reviews on STP. Can these reviews generally be relied on?

One final question: color. I have navy and grey suits, so I was thinking I'd get navy and grey colors for the sweaters. I thought I'd wear navy sweater with grey suit and grey sweater with navy suit. Is this a safe bet?

Thanks all!
 
#6 ·
regular fit

I am not at all an expert on this, perhaps they can be considered as regular fit.

I normally use XL, but in this case I actually bought size L instead. The page has a part that refers to measurements. You can also contact the man behind the homepage, Niclas Ankar directly.

Hope that will help you...
 
#7 ·
If you are going to wear the sweater under a jacket,

DO NOT BUY A 2- OR 3-PLY SWEATER. What you want is a cashmere sweater vest, preferably a single ply made to be worn under a jacket. A long sleeve sweater is not made to be worn under a jacket and will probably restrict arm movement and be uncomfortable.
Two sources for cashmere sweater vests: Bullock and Jones and Maus and Hoffman. Their products are both made in Scotland and are superior sweaters. Tom Maus is a member here so you can send him a personal message with any questions, and his company has a nice catalog as well as a web site.

You can wear a mock or turtllneck under a jacket, preferably a 2 ply, because you wont be wearing a shirt/tie, just a tee shirt. One more word of advice, sweaters are nice, but they are casual attire and shouldn't be worn with a suit.

The Brooks Bros. Cashmeres are a quality product, although they are long sleeve. They are made in Italy, and are a good buy for the sale price. A BB turtle neck could be worn, but the v-neck would be too bulky with shirt and tie.
 
#9 ·
DO NOT BUY A 2- OR 3-PLY SWEATER. What you want is a cashmere sweater vest, preferably a single ply made to be worn under a jacket. A long sleeve sweater is not made to be worn under a jacket and will probably restrict arm movement and be uncomfortable.
Two sources for cashmere sweater vests: Bullock and Jones and Maus and Hoffman. Their products are both made in Scotland and are superior sweaters. Tom Maus is a member here so you can send him a personal message with any questions, and his company has a nice catalog as well as a web site.

You can wear a mock or turtllneck under a jacket, preferably a 2 ply, because you wont be wearing a shirt/tie, just a tee shirt. One more word of advice, sweaters are nice, but they are casual attire and shouldn't be worn with a suit.

The Brooks Bros. Cashmeres are a quality product, although they are long sleeve. They are made in Italy, and are a good buy for the sale price. A BB turtle neck could be worn, but the v-neck would be too bulky with shirt and tie.
Does anyone else agree that you shouldn't wear a v-neck sweater under a jacket? I realize that you wouldn't wear one into court, but I don't see how they are casual attire.
 
#11 ·
I thought that blazers were generally cut to accomodate sweaters and layering underneath. I don't believe suit jackets are however.
Hmm, okay, maybe I'll get two sweater vests and then one sweater. I did further searching on AAAC and styleforum, and Johnstons of Elgin gets high marks.

Should a grey vest work under a navy suit and a navy vest under a grey suit? Or should I keep the colors of the suit and vest/sweater the same?
 
#15 ·
I wouldn't wear a cardigan under a suit.

In cold weather, I don't think anyone would fault you for layering under a heavy flanner blazer or tweed sportcoat. Generally, when I think of cardigans, I think more casual wear. I think they'd look good with a silk knit tie and an OCBD shirt.
 
#16 ·
Does anyone else agree that you shouldn't wear a v-neck sweater under a jacket? I realize that you wouldn't wear one into court, but I don't see how they are casual attire.
I have seen some very well dressed men with sweater vests under suits, but I see them worn under sporcoats on blazers much more often. No idea what the "correct rule" is about all this. The point about long sleeve sweaters being restrictive under jackets is a good point.
 
#21 ·
Sweater vests---the only way to go.

First, I love BB in general, think they have wonderful products and buy there all the time! However, NEVER at full price!!

Okay, BB 3 plys are a great value on sale. I bought 6 last winter at $150/each---gorgeous and luxurious. However, they are very thick for cashmere and I would NEVER wear one under a blazer or sport coat. And, I agree with the other memers who opined that sweaters do not look well with suits, regardless of the weather or whatever J Press or some company or magazine is showing that, etc. However, such is a taste matter, I should add.

I really like 2 ply sweater vests of cashmere or cotton under sport jackets and blazers and that is the only thing I wear involving that look. Believe me, I have tried it all and the guys who are opining this way are exactly correct in my view.

Good luck.
 
#23 ·
First, I love BB in general, think they have wonderful products and buy there all the time! However, NEVER at full price!!

Okay, BB 3 plys are a great value on sale. I bought 6 last winter at $150/each---gorgeous and luxurious. However, they are very thick for cashmere and I would NEVER wear one under a blazer or sport coat. And, I agree with the other memers who opined that sweaters do not look well with suits, regardless of the weather or whatever J Press or some company or magazine is showing that, etc. However, such is a taste matter, I should add.

I really like 2 ply sweater vests of cashmere or cotton under sport jackets and blazers and that is the only thing I wear involving that look. Believe me, I have tried it all and the guys who are opining this way are exactly correct in my view.

Good luck.
I would think that on a typical day (assuming you live in your run of the mill state or country) one would stick with ONLY single ply garments for layering under a suit jacket.

Bear in mind that once you get inside its gonna get HOT.
 
#25 ·
When I'm inside my law office, I was take my jacket off. So that may help.
I have not had a problem with 2 ply, personally. I do like the feel of them better than the singles I have tried---the substance of them I prefer. Nevertheless, I guess this would come down to a personal preference. Thus, I would not disagree with FIHTies POV. Without sleves though, either go nicely under a sport jacket or blazer for me.

I always wear suits the office, so havn't had tried the jacket off, sweater on that you have experience with at the office.

Kind regards.