Expectations of a cashmere suit?

[The_Foxx]

Does anyone own a 100% cashmere suit? what should one expect as far as longevity, do the trousers/ shoulders droop as time goes by? How many years might you expect a cashmere suit to last, given it is worn several times during the spring and fall/ winter?

My cashmere sportcoats seem to be holding up well (had one about 5 years) but not sure how to judge an entire suit. I'm considering one at the moment, but would appreciate advice on the subject.

 

[yachtie]

Too many variables to give you a really good answer. What weight of cloth, is it tightly woven, etc. FWIW I've had cashmere trousers last as little as 3 years ( light flimsy crap) to longer than 10 (I think the cloth was really overcoating) At best you could hope for something that'd last as long as a woollen flannel but that'd be at a weight that would make it wearable only in the middle of winter. At normal suiting weights I'd guess that you'd be disappointed with the longevity.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by yachtie

Too many variables to give you a really good answer. What weight of cloth, is it tightly woven, etc. FWIW I've had cashmere trousers last as little as 3 years ( light flimsy crap) to longer than 10 (I think the cloth was really overcoating) At best you could hope for something that'd last as long as a woollen flannel but that'd be at a weight that would make it wearable only in the middle of winter. At normal suiting weights I'd guess that you'd be disappointed with the longevity.
Good morning Yachtie! It depends on the quality of the cashmere how it is treated, woven, sewn up. It was about 5 years ago the process to make cashmere about as strong as worsted cloth was discovered. If you buy the right cashmere it will last a good, long time and keep its shape.

 

[yachtie]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

Good morning Yachtie!

It depends on the quality of the cashmere how it is treated, woven, sewn up. It was about 5 years ago the process to make cashmere about as strong as worsted cloth was discovered. If you buy the right cashmere it will last a good, long time and keep its shape.

Good morning FNB!

You're speaking of Harrison's "Millionaire"?

Full disclosure: I don't have any worsted cashmere- only the fuzzy stuff.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by yachtie

Good morning FNB! You're speaking of Harrison's "Millionaire"? Full disclosure: I don't have any worsted cashmere- only the fuzzy stuff.
I am. The multi-millionaire suit cashmere looks smooth but it has a nap when placed next to an actual worsted. If someone is going to get a cashmere suit they should get the best bang for the buck. I am actually surprised you haven't gotten one, I would think it would be handy in a frigid environment.

 

[gefinzi]

I have a 100% cashmere RLPL suit that I've owned about 3 years. The cashmere is relatively heavy, and has a certain "fluffiness" I've found in other RLPL cashmere goods. I wear it once every 2-3 weeks from mid-fall through early spring. So far (knock on wood) no appreciable wear or problems with the coat or the pants. The pants do "bag" fairly quickly and need a press more often than my other suits.

 

[yachtie]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

I am. The multi-millionaire suit cashmere looks smooth but it has a nap when placed next to an actual worsted. If someone is going to get a cashmere suit they should get the best bang for the buck. I am actually surprised you haven't gotten one, I would think it would be handy in a frigid environment.

I thought they were all very light weights so never gave it much thought. How heavy does to book go?

 

[The_Foxx]

thanks!! very informative. Well, the suit appears to be a medium weight, similar to a blue sportcoat I purchased not too long ago. I'd guess a 11oz weight, maybe (I think kiton does everything in lighter weights when possible?).

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by yachtie

I thought they were all very light weights so never gave it much thought. How heavy does to book go?
It's 10oz across the board but the cloth is warm. It's cashmere after all. Most cashmere overcoats are in the vicinity of 16oz. I actually think you would like it. It'd make a good DB suit.

 

[yachtie]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

It's 10oz across the board but the cloth is warm. It's cashmere after all. Most cashmere overcoats are in the vicinity of 16oz. I actually think you would like it. It'd make a good DB suit.

I'll take a peek- thanks for the tip.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by yachtie

I'll take a peek- thanks for the tip.

I think they have a brown background rope stripe in the multi-millionaire collection.

 

[yachtie]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

I think they have a brown background rope stripe in the multi-millionaire collection.

better and better.

 

[The_Foxx]

edit
Well, someone beat me to the cashmere suit anyways. Here is a photo, the suit was going for a really great price so I should have moved faster-- IF I were 100% convinced it would have been a great buy. In retrospect, not sure whether a cashmere suit would have been my first choice for my only Kiton suit in the wardrobe, but I sure liked the look of the suit.

 

[thaumaturgist]

A Cashmere suit is probably one of the best experiences one can have in wearing a suit, let alone a bespoke cashmere suit. However its look and overall complexion (meaning clean look) will depend upon the fabric supplier or mill you purchase the fabric from, but this the beautiful nature of the fabric with its distinctive texture.

Cashmere is not smooth as one would expect on a 150s or 180s even. It has texture with character and its best to really look at the fabric closely and more importantly at a distance to truthfully envisage how it will look on you. I would also recommend a dark colour, i.e., grey or Navy, to portray a rich and classic appearance which will be timeless and versatile within your wardrobe for many more years to come.

I most recently had a Blue/Navy 100% Loro Piana cashmere suit made by my tailor Comelie London. A 3 piece suit, with extra trousers. Believe me, when you're in this cost spectrum and want your suit to last, I would strongly recommend, having another pair of trousers made to add to the life span of the suit.

In terms of cut, I would also recommend having your tailor provide a little extra room around the thigh and the jacket waist suppression. I preferred to have mine made with 1/4-1/2'' extra on top of my existing measurements, where I would create less pull or creasing, to sustain the longevity of the fabric...AND... I assure you im glad I did so, as it's overwhelmingly comfortable to wear and so soft you'll occasionally keep wanting to rub your fabric due its sheer indulgence and wear.

I would recommend requesting light weight canvas from your tailor also, if he already doesn't use a light weight canvas in your suitings..This will make the jacket, less heavy in construction and more comfortable.

I personally live in Dubai, so the weather can become quite hot, so my tailor uses a soft lightweight canvas which is fully canvassed as standard, so I don't feel so warm or heavy when wearing the jacket in my bespoke suits. I wore my complete Cashmere three piece suit yesterday and it was a joy to wear and can make the gentleman look quite robust and masculine also, which one can argue is a plus.

Thumbs up all the way, you will not regret it and most of all, it's a dangerous luxury, it most probably wont be your last cashmere suit either, im already looking at some alternative colours.

Best of Luck

John

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by thaumaturgist

A Cashmere suit is probably one of the best experiences one can have in wearing a suit, let alone a bespoke cashmere suit. However its look and overall complexion (meaning clean look) will depend upon the fabric supplier or mill you purchase the fabric from, but this the beautiful nature of the fabric with its distinctive texture. Cashmere is not smooth as one would expect on a 150s or 180s even. It has texture with character and its best to really look at the fabric closely and more importantly at a distance to truthfully envisage how it will look on you. I would also recommend a dark colour, i.e., grey or Navy, to portray a rich and classic appearance which will be timeless and versatile within your wardrobe for many more years to come. I most recently had a Blue/Navy 100% Loro Piana cashmere suit made by my tailor Comelie London. A 3 piece suit, with extra trousers. Believe me, when you're in this cost spectrum and want your suit to last, I would strongly recommend, having another pair of trousers made to add to the life span of the suit. In terms of cut, I would also recommend having your tailor provide a little extra room around the thigh and the jacket waist suppression. I preferred to have mine made with 1/4-1/2'' extra on top of my existing measurements, where I would create less pull or creasing, to sustain the longevity of the fabric...AND... I assure you im glad I did so, as it's overwhelmingly comfortable to wear and so soft you'll occasionally keep wanting to rub your fabric due its sheer indulgence and wear. I would recommend requesting light weight canvas from your tailor also, if he already doesn't use a light weight canvas in your suitings..This will make the jacket, less heavy in construction and more comfortable. I personally live in Dubai, so the weather can become quite hot, so my tailor uses a soft lightweight canvas which is fully canvassed as standard, so I don't feel so warm or heavy when wearing the jacket in my bespoke suits. I wore my complete Cashmere three piece suit yesterday and it was a joy to wear and can make the gentleman look quite robust and masculine also, which one can argue is a plus. Thumbs up all the way, you will not regret it and most of all, it's a dangerous luxury, it most probably wont be your last cashmere suit either, im already looking at some alternative colours. Best of Luck

John
Interesting. How do people react, if at all, to your cashmere suit? Cashmere has a unique prosperous look to which I think successful, enlightened people everywhere can appreciate. I did a write up of Harrisons cashmere fabric: http://www.filmnoirbuff.com/article/...-cashmere-suit