Wool or cashmere overcoat

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post #1 of 7

2/21/11 at 7:06pm

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pred02

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Hi,
I want to pick up a basic navy slim fitting coat to wear with a suit to work. Given basic navy is hard to find on the discount, I was thinking picking up an overcoat in John Lewis - either 100% wool or 100% cashmere. Both are made in Italy.

Originally I was going to get the cashmere one as I always wanted a cashmere coat, however the wool one seems to be very light as well (in the store they were nearly indistinguishable). As I travel a lot for work (trains, laptop over the shoulder, backpack) I want something that is more durable.

Any advice is appreciated

Thanks

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post #2 of 7

2/21/11 at 7:08pm

Bird's One View

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Wool is more durable.

Cashmere is warmer at a given weight.

I doubt I would ever buy a cashmere coat, but don't let that stop you.

post #3 of 7

2/21/11 at 7:33pm

Macallan

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Wool

100% cashmere is not suited for most work-wear situations, including your's.

post #4 of 7

2/21/11 at 8:00pm

Knucklehead

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I suggest you get the wool overcoat you like AND a cashmere coat. Have you tried a thrifted or ebay-ed cashmere coat? You won't really care if you muck up a <100 dollar cashmere coat but you still get the aesthetic you desire.

post #5 of 7

2/21/11 at 8:25pm

kitonbrioni

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You should get the fabric you like the most.
I have over a dozen vintage 50+ year old cashmere (and vicuÃ±a) overcoats. None of them show much if any real wear. However, most of them have very sever wear of the lining, so you are more likely to have to replace the lining than the cashmere itself fabric wearing out.

post #6 of 7

2/21/11 at 8:55pm