TSS - M2L7 = Module 2, Lesson 7 textured fabrics · Real Men Real Style Community

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TSS - M2L7 = Module 2, Lesson 7 textured fabrics

We used to receive our fall clothing in August at the store. By October, I was so anxious to get into all the great fall fabrics that inevitably I would jump the gun wearing something too heavy and being way too hot all day. There simply isn’t anything as nice as fall and winter fabrics. The colors, layers and textures are endless. I studied this lesson in this module yesterday and in my head was thinking about all the great sweaters and moleskin trousers and tweed coats, etc., that I could wear. Right up until I checked the temperature and saw that it was going to get up to 80° today (tiny turns on leaf colors just beginning).

One of the big three of the style triad is Fabrics and one of the things that makes fabrics such a crucial element in adding depth to an ensemble are all the various textures. Antonio in this module defines various textures and their applications. While I love all the woolens, the fabric that got me into this game in high school was cottons. Over the first three years into my CTM journey in the late 1970’s I purged the petroleum fabrics from my wardrobe. (There are always polyester threads in the garments somewhere so clearly not 100%). I recall going from blended cotton fabrics to all-cotton and having to learn to iron. Mom wasn’t going to do it for me. I’ve always loved the various stages cotton goes through as it ages. Everyone is aware of the softening of the old shrink to fit Levi’s ( if not I challenge you to get a pair). Yes cotton is a more casual fabric and provides a different Function than most woolens. But that doesn’t mean one can’t wear it in a business casual or dressed up casual manner. The British Country style lends itself well to that. While I love the Garnett flannel Royal blue blazer I wore yesterday, there is no comparison to value per wearing I have received from my Barbour jackets. This particular one is their Sylkoil weave. Unlike their classic Thornproof tight weave, Sylkoil is not high temperature rolled and has a slightly brushed texture. Consequently with the higher temperatures, it was today’s module that inspired me to use cotton to illustrate the use of texture. Not only does the fabric of the jacket have the soft matte natural finish, but I rewaxed it earlier this year and its multiple wearings in many rainstorms this year have given it that patina that makes Barbour so popular. Many balk at the cost but compared to a sportcoat that is 1.5X the costs it’s actually a bargain specially when worn as either a sportcoat replacement or as an overcoat. Another thing I like about the garment is that here in this rural South central USA town-many folks aren’t familiar with Barbour and to them it’s just an army rain jacket. I actually like that (same reason I drive a cloth seat used F-150 pickup truck), I don’t mind my clients thinking I am successful, but maybe not too successful if you read between the lines. Cotton allows me to do so, even if I am the only person aware of enjoying the texture differences. The soft Barbour fabric, and brushed cotton Schöffel Country tattersall shirt, with the 60/40 silk wool wool Challis tie (both of which I I picked up in Scotland at Stewart Christie’s in August). While on this theme I wore my 100% cotton RL poplin trousers that have aged well enough to have that brushed slightly faded look. (PS one can extend that by turning the fabric inside out when ironing). Lastly my Pantherella merino wool socks with a cable knit are extremely comfortable and add to the texture and fabric ensemble. Again I am perfectly fine with being the only person aware of these details. Yes cotton takes a lot more time to iron, yes the colors fade faster than woolens, yes the fabric wrinkles, and yet nevertheless, I love all the aspects of the process especially the patina that cotton provides. While there is a point where the garments move from WFH or casual meetings to yard work clothing, I enjoy all aspects of the process along the way even the therapeutically persistent ironing. The next project is to take the old beat up patched Barbour and repaired Filson hat that I just got back from my local Orvis Store and begin the rewax (and patching process).

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TSS - M2L7 = Module 2, Lesson 7 textured fabrics