The Controversy over Super Wools

kronik · Sep 11, 2007

I was reading about Biella mills and I happened upon -

http://www.american.com/archive/2007...ver-super-wool

I think I recognize the author.

dokelroth · Sep 11, 2007

Super wools are great if you like to look shiney and want your clothing to wear out in a couple of weeks.

I know there will be protests about Brioni 150s this and Kiton 180s that, but the bottom line is that they just aren't as good as good old fashioned wool. Cashmere suits are even worse. They are truly for the chumpy class.

Will · Sep 11, 2007

There was a spirited debate about the piece when it was published four months ago.

kronik · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by Will

There was a spirited debate about the piece when it was published four months ago.

Did I offend your sensibilities? A search on "Controversy Over Super Wools" turned up no results. Perhaps you should invest in a pair of bespoke panties - the chafing should be less severe.

For kicks: http://styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=37078 http://styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=36054

Artisan Fan · Sep 11, 2007

Super wools are great if you like to look shiney and want your clothing to wear out in a couple of weeks.

Rubbish. Today's mills make very nice Super 150s that hold up well over time in my experience.

dokelroth · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Rubbish. Today's mills make very nice Super 150s that hold up well over time in my experience.
Well, from that article and from my experience along with the experience of many people I know, I stand by my original statement.

Connemara · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Rubbish. Today's mills make very nice Super 150s that hold up well over time in my experience.

Not really.

Artisan Fan · Sep 11, 2007

I'm just going on personal experience. My Kiton suits in Super 150s have held up very well with regular use since the early 2000s.

Some 150s are not well made but there are some that are terrific. My 180s Kitons are also doing fine so far.

texas_jack · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

I'm just going on personal experience. My Kiton suits in Super 150s have held up very well with regular use since the early 2000s.

Some 150s are not well made but there are some that are terrific. My 180s Kitons are also doing fine so far.

Yes, let's do this again.

itsstillmatt · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

I'm just going on personal experience. My Kiton suits in Super 150s have held up very well with regular use since the early 2000s.

Some 150s are not well made but there are some that are terrific. My 180s Kitons are also doing fine so far.
Apples to apples, though, have you ever had a suit made from some of the really nice plain worsteds that are talked about on this board. I have been converted and am much happier for it.

Artisan Fan · Sep 11, 2007

Apples to apples, though, have you ever had a suit made from some of the really nice plain worsteds that are talked about on this board.

I've tried a number of worsted fabrics...can you be more specific? Are you talking Lesser or H&S? (No on Lesser, Yes on H&S). I did not say these are not also nice fabrics, just that the durability issue with some Supers is way overblown by my experience.

rssmsvc · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by iammatt

Apples to apples, though, have you ever had a suit made from some of the really nice plain worsteds that are talked about on this board.

I have been converted and am much happier for it.

I love the heavier 80's and 100's but I have never had nor run into anyone that has their Kiton/Brioni Supers suit wear out. I have some sportcoats and suits in cashmere and with proper care look fine. Invest in the Kent Cashmere brush and basic care and I don't see them wearing out any sooner than other fabrics.

I thought that in the book from the president of Zegna that Cashmere was originally worn by hunters and Scottish clansman in harsh weather.

Artisan Fan · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by rssmsvc

I thought that in the book from the president of Zegna that Cashmere was originally worn by hunters and Scottish clansman in harsh weather.

Interesting...what book is this?

itsstillmatt · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

I've tried a number of worsted fabrics...can you be more specific? Are you talking Lesser or H&S? (No on Lesser, Yes on H&S). I did not say these are not also nice fabrics, just that the durability issue with some Supers is way overblown by my experience.
Nothing in particular. I have never had anything from Lesser either. I don't really love what I have seen there. Just more generally the difference between 100s and 150s is huge.

Will · Sep 11, 2007

Originally Posted by rssmsvc

I thought that in the book from the president of Zegna that Cashmere was originally worn by hunters and Scottish clansman in harsh weather.

Those hunters had to make a long trip to China to get their cloth.

The Controversy over Super Wools

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