Unfunded Liabilities: a/k/a The Cloth Thread

[zalb916]

The web site doesn't indicate that it comes in any other weights, and I can't remember from when I last looked at the book in person. I also suppose some may consider it more lightweight than midweight, depending on your location and tolerance for heat and cold.

 

[Balfour]

Yes, I had in mind something closer to 11-12 ounces when mentioning mid-weight (which in London is genuinely a three season weight, even though I run hot - indeed wearable even during the Summer save on the 30 odd really hot days we have a year!).

 

[zalb916]



Yes, I had in mind something closer to 11-12 ounces when mentioning mid-weight (which in London is genuinely a three season weight, even though I run hot - indeed wearable even during the Summer save on the 30 odd really hot days we have a year!).

I have no experience with it, but there is also Harrisons Oyster, which is closer to 13 ounces. Kolecho describes it as "a slightly more rustic finish than Lesser in the same weight." On here, rustic usually implies dryer and somewhat variegated, but I don't want to put words in his mouth.

 

[Manton]

Oyster is nice but it's really just a clear cut worsted, the rusticity can be measured in parts per billion.

Basically, your options are fresco, worsted flannel, or (if you can find one), an unfinished worsted. These aren't made much any more.

Or, as someone upthread suggested, get a small pattern line sharkskin or nailhead.

 

[Cantabrigian]



Some good pointers, thanks chaps.  To add to my first post, I'm looking for something with a reasonable amount of variegation / mottling, but something smoother than fresco (and not open-weaved).  Semi-solid fine, but not heavily textured.  Am leaning towards nailhead rather than birdseye (& looking for something 'dryer' than sharkskin).

Maybe a little off piste but you could go with a dark herringbone.

Something perhaps like this from Harrisons P&B Fine Classics.

Given how dark it is, from any sort of distance, the effect is more mottled than herringbone.

Same thing with a very dark glen plaid.


Otherwise something with a bit of physical texture might work (from the same book)- -

 

[RogerC]

Both to Balfour and Velomane: take a look at the Dugdale English Classics book.

 

[velomane]

Thank you sir.

 

[cturner]

I am working with Frank at Ecrole to pick my wedding suit for a daytime wedding in Napa. I am looking for a mid grey, lightweight, with some kind of texture or visual interest.

I went in wanting to do a mid-grey fresco (examples in the Minnis book), but Frank and Scott showed me some sharkskin from the Harrison and Dormeuil books as an interesting alternative.

What would you guys do?

 

[Concordia]

Depends on how hot you run, and how much stress you'll be putting on the suit. Pick and pick (sharkskin) is more elegant than fresco, to be sure. And it can be very hardy if you avoid the too-fine supers.

 

[bertie]

Fresco is a bit "rustic" compared to other choices (and I like fresco)

 

[unbelragazzo]

I'd do sharkskin. Nobody will actually care, but I agree with Bertie that fresco is a bit rustic for the intended occasion. At least the fresco that I know of.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

I'd do sharkskin. Nobody will actually care, but I agree with Bertie that fresco is a bit rustic for the intended occasion. At least the fresco that I know of.

+1

 

[UrbanComposition]

Sharkskin, but I don't think it really matters. Then again, I wore velvet to my wedding...

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I think I am going to start getting suits made totally out of ermazine for the summer.

 

[Balfour]

I agree with the comments in favour of sharkskin. Mid-grey sharkskin can be very attractive and is highly versatile (in my estimation, at least).

Separately, thank you for the various suggestions in response to my query.