Sweaters and sweater vests. Which are the best ones ?

[sonnymooks]

I've decided to invest in some new sweaters and sweater vests, but sadly, don't know a whole lot about them.

I don't know the best brands, though I have heard that Ballantyne and Loro Piana are well known and supposed to be high quality. I do not know what the highest brands are.

I was thinking of simply buying sweaters from the same companies that are known for their suits and shirts (kiton, brioni, Charvet or Turnbull & Asser), but I don't know if they actually are the best for these particular items.

Any sweater experts out there ? I believe, but may be wrong, that the best sweaters are made from cashmere, is this the case ? Are sweaters made from Egyptian cotton ? are there bespoke or made to measure sweaters ?

I would be most grateful for any assistance, advice or information that anyone may have....

 

[binge]

IIRC, Ballantyne has changed hands at least once in the past 5 years or so (?). I have a 1-ply cashmere Ballantyne turtleneck (from 2007) which I enjoy but I don't know much about their current offerings.

We'd be remiss in not mentioning Cucinelli when it comes to cashmere knits.

Also, if you can find it, Avon Celli is also very nice. I have two of their cashmere sweaters and wear the hell out of them.

Give a look at A Suitable Wardrobe's online store. Will has some very decadent knits for sale.

As for which type of sweater is "best" -- that's up to you. Cashmere, merino wool and lambswool all have different characteristics. Depending on what you want, any of them may be the "best".

 

[sonnymooks]

Originally Posted by binge

IIRC, Ballantyne has changed hands at least once in the past 5 years or so (?). I have a 1-ply cashmere Ballantyne turtleneck (from 2007) which I enjoy but I don't know much about their current offerings. We'd be remiss in not mentioning Cucinelli when it comes to cashmere knits. Also, if you can find it, Avon Celli is also very nice. I have two of their cashmere sweaters and wear the hell out of them. Give a look at A Suitable Wardrobe's online store. Will has some very decadent knits for sale. As for which type of sweater is "best" -- that's up to you. Cashmere, merino wool and lambswool all have different characteristics. Depending on what you want, any of them may be the "best".
I think I prefer Cashmere, I've always just kind of liked the feel of it, but don't know enough to form a solid opinion. I'm not farmiliar with cucinelli or Avon Celli, though recently I have been reading a little bit about Pringles, but I'm not sure how their quality stacks up to others, other then that its a very large company and they don't have a store in New York.

 

[ff4marvel]

No experience with them but I love the look of these Drakes sweater vests

 

[sonnymooks]

Originally Posted by binge

IIRC, Ballantyne has changed hands at least once in the past 5 years or so (?). I have a 1-ply cashmere Ballantyne turtleneck (from 2007) which I enjoy but I don't know much about their current offerings.

We'd be remiss in not mentioning Cucinelli when it comes to cashmere knits.

Also, if you can find it, Avon Celli is also very nice. I have two of their cashmere sweaters and wear the hell out of them.

Give a look at A Suitable Wardrobe's online store. Will has some very decadent knits for sale.

As for which type of sweater is "best" -- that's up to you. Cashmere, merino wool and lambswool all have different characteristics. Depending on what you want, any of them may be the "best".

I've done some reading up....Where does one buy Avon Celli, at least here in New York ? I can't seem to find anything on them anywhere.

Cucinelli seems to look really good, and I have every intention of visiting his 2 stores here in the city.

 

[ville_e]

Ballantyne cashmere is fantastic quality and you'll find some really nice pieces. I'd definitely recommend it.

 

[FIHTies]

Originally Posted by ff4marvel

No experience with them but I love the look of these Drakes sweater vests

Interesting. 275 pounds is about 425 bucks these days.

I offer the same vests from Colombo Cashmere for 300 full price and now 200 in 6 colors. No Pink though.