Herringbone

[maufic]

Hello all,

I was wondering if someone can enlighten me on what exactly is Herringbone? How is this fabric different from other fabrics used in making a suit. I always thought herringbone suits were for older men, but some of the herringbone suits I've seen online look really nice. So what are the characteristics of a herringbone suit?

Thanks,
Maurizio

 

[Cary Grant]

Heringbone simply refers to the diagonal/zig-zag weave/pattern.

 

[bachbeet]

CG's right. Just a pattern on the suit, shirt, socks, etc. When I was a little kid, the Coasters had a song called Shopping for Clothes (great song). In it the salesman shows a suit to the customer and says it's "pure, pure herringbone." After his credit proves to be no good, the salesman says "that's a suit you'll never own." I thought then that herringbone was a special type of material and couldn't understand how a material made from fish bones could possibly work in clothes.

In any event, I love the herringbone pattern. Also the twill is great too. In fact, just ordered 3 shirts from H&H -- 2 herringbone and 1 twill. They are on sale for 33 pounds with a flat rate shipping of 19.5 pounds for all three. If you order only one or two shirts, each is 49.5 with the same flat rate. Seems a better buy than the Coles shirts which are not currently on sale. Also better than the H&K shirts which are also not on sale.

 

[mimile]

Here is how it looks like:

 

[maufic]

Thanks for the info.

When would one wear herringbone. Would a herringbone suit be suitable for work or for a night out? or can it be worn almost in any situation?

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by bachbeet

In fact, just ordered 3 shirts from H&H -- 2 herringbone and 1 twill.

Just received a white herringbone, french cuff, british spread shirt myself.

 

[bachbeet]

CG: How long did the delivery take?

 

[mimile]

Originally Posted by maufic

Thanks for the info.

When would one wear herringbone. Would a herringbone suit be suitable for work or for a night out? or can it be worn almost in any situation?

It is considered somewhat 'sporty', relaxed, not dressy. I wear it for work sometimes and for nights out but not for a wedding or any other formal occasion.

 

[Concordia]

You see some herringbones in black/black formal wear. It looks pretty crisp in navy blue, too--- so it's not always a step below in formality.

More common, I suppose, are the mid-greys and those are a shade more relaxed than some other patterns for daytime suits. I might think twice before wearing them on business in London, where dark suits rule, but otherwise I think they're fine.

Tweed herringbones, are, of course, the favored uniform of doctors all up and down the east coast. Jackets only for those-- not suits.

 

[KBW]

I can tell you that J Crew has an incredible herringbone jacket this season. It is outsourced from some very old company. I know a lot don't like the brand but I bought it and it is a great jacket.

 

[JordanH.]

herringbone, i think of it like Herring bone, you know fish bone? that's what it (kinda) resembles. i think herringbone suits are for anyone who can look good wearing one.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by bachbeet

CG: How long did the delivery take?

I wasn't paying strict attention- I'd say three, no more than four, weeks. It was one of five shirts so don't know if that made a difference. I usually expect about a month.

 

[extempore]

Originally Posted by KBW

I can tell you that J Crew has an incredible herringbone jacket this season. It is outsourced from some very old company. I know a lot don't like the brand but I bought it and it is a great jacket.
The grey 'refined herringbone blazer' with fabric from (IIRC) Abraham Moon?

One month on, how is it holding up?

 

[mdg137]

Originally Posted by bachbeet

CG: How long did the delivery take?

I just received an order from H&H in just over 1 week-- from online order to receipt at my door.

 

[Will]

Originally Posted by maufic

Thanks for the info.

When would one wear herringbone. Would a herringbone suit be suitable for work or for a night out? or can it be worn almost in any situation?


That depends on the size of the herringbone and to a lesser extent on the cloth.

Large herringbones are for informal suits. Patterns that are small ,discreet and dark are used for formal wear.

The more formal weaves are worsteds. The larger ones tend to be tweed.