The knitwear thread

[The Shooman]

Oh look, Ballantyne has now come out and shown much of the jumpers are made in Mongolia. Even the Raw Diamond is made there.

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/product/3333/ballantyne/cardigans/raw_diamond_crochet_effect_cardigan

Of course many of their jumpers are also cotton, and made in Mongolia.

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/product/3266/ballantyne/cardigans/cotton_boucle_cardigan

Mainly cotton, and 600 euro

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/product/3282/ballantyne/r_neck/diamond_r_neck_pullover_in_cotton_and_cashmere

Of course their shoes are made in Serbia where wages are very low, but the minimum wage in inner Mongolia is far less. Imagine the huge markups.

 

[Sammy Ambrose]

Oh look, Ballantyne has now come out and shown much of the jumpers are made in Mongolia. Even the Raw Diamond is made there.

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/product/3333/ballantyne/cardigans/raw_diamond_crochet_effect_cardigan

Of course many of their jumpers are also cotton, and made in Mongolia.

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/product/3266/ballantyne/cardigans/cotton_boucle_cardigan

Mainly cotton, and 600 euro

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/product/3282/ballantyne/r_neck/diamond_r_neck_pullover_in_cotton_and_cashmere

Of course their shoes are made in Serbia where wages are very low, but the minimum wage in inner Mongolia is far less. Imagine the huge markups.

But Shooey, they are not mass producing. They are not
benefiting from economies of scale.

 

[Panama]

Ballantyne also sell sneakers and all types of things now, but where are these things really made? Are the made-in-Italy jumpers really made in offshore sweatshops and then finished in Italy to get the Made-in-Italy stamp?? With these type of snakey companies you can never be quite sure. See, it is a big mishmash of everything now, and l bet it is all cheaply made in fast mass production. This is the type of thing companies try to have consumers buy into now, because they know most know no better.

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/men/shoes

See the polo...designed for someone with a horses head (a huge collar that hangs so low it sits on the top of his chest) and armholes probably big enough to fit someone's legs. Typical sweatshop labour garments, poorly cut. But no matter, most people know no better.

https://www.ballantyne.it/en-US/product/3317/ballantyne/polo/ultralight_knitted_polo_in_cotton

Late edit: hang on, they show where the polo is made, Inner Mongolia. Points for being honest at least, but no points for anything else. It's o,k if the quality is good and they are paying people a fair wage, but is it?...I doubt it.

They will soon be clearance on Yoox.

 

[kneeshuh]

Does anyone have experience with the linen crewnecks by Inis Meáin, especially how they change with wear and washing?
I am considering one or two for late summer and next spring, but I am exactly between sizes and so a bit unsure.

 

[Elote]

Just got from Ebay UK this magnificent early 1960's 6 ply (12 ply modern standards) J&D Mc George. Interesting to note, is the third pocket and the shawl collar.
This is thick bullet proof cashmere, quality's long gone.

 

[The Shooman]

^^^

wow, just WOW

 

[Johnny]

Just got from Ebay UK this magnificent early 1960's 6 ply (12 ply modern standards) J&D Mc George. Interesting to note, is the third pocket and the shawl collar.
This is thick bullet proof cashmere, quality's long gone.

Dont worry , that quality is still preserved today in few makers...but at premium prices of course and thats understandable
But nice to see that people still prefers the quality instead of quantity or whatever this world of fashion provides now through the fashion brands

 

[Swiss]

Hello All
I recently received this seemingly unworn John Laing cardigan. Not sure who it is made by...

 

[Elote]

John Laing its owned by Barrie Knitwear Ltd. John Laing SCC's are 4 ply and Made in Hawick in the same factory as Barrie Knitwear Ltd.
Barrie its owned by Chanel as one of its "Metiers d'Art houses" -in order to keep the savoir faire of Scottish Cashmere- since 2012.

As Hawick Knitwear and Scott & Charters went the way of the Dodo a few years ago, John Laing 4 ply cashmere SCC's remains one of the best in the market. Still manufacture in Scotland by a historical mill.
John Laing SCC's are in same class as William Lockie SCC's, and are far better than any SC cardigan -fur lining excepted- made by Loro Piana, Brunello, Agnona, Zegna or Colombo.
John Laing produces cashmere goods, among others, for Turnbull & Asser.

It is an excellent -hard to get- piece of knitwear. Wear it in good health.

 

[Swiss]

thanks a lot for the information. This confirms what I suspected.
I did not know T&A sourced from John Laing though

 

[Swiss]

Happy new year everyone
I recently received this beauty. Hermes made in Great Britain (in Wales by Corgi as far as I know). I have the same one in black
In my view the quality is on par with the best Scottish cashmeres but with a slightly different feel

 

[güero]

Your Sweaters Are Garbage

The quality of knitwear has cratered. Even expensive sweaters have lost their hefty, lush glory.

www.theatlantic.com

 

[belinmad]

Your Sweaters Are Garbage

The quality of knitwear has cratered. Even expensive sweaters have lost their hefty, lush glory.

www.theatlantic.com

Can’t be bothered to read the article but I already agree with the premise.

 

[Ballantyne]

My red ballantyne cardigan like new almost never been worn an thick € 50,-

 

[Thruth]

My red ballantyne cardigan like new almost never been worn an thick € 50,-

lovely. when you post pics that you upload, upload the full image not the thumbnail by clicking the full image tab. or copy the pic and paste directly in your answer. that way we have bigger pics to look at. I edited your answer.

 

[Grand Potentate]

My red ballantyne cardigan like new almost never been worn an thick € 50,-

View attachment 47652View attachment 47653View attachment 47654

better yet, host them on an image hosting service so we don't have to use up our dwindling server storage space!

 

[Burniham]

I'll never forgive myself for missing out on this!

I have this exact jumper, I inherited from a old family member years ago. I knew Vicuna was expensive but not until today did I bother to research as my son is wearing it to school today. I'm now regretting that decision! I've barely worn it as it's a little big but also frayed at the cuffs. But soooo soft. I've also been too scared to wash it but it doesn't smell.
I'm now thinking I should sell it but don't know where to start. It's just been sitting in a drawer for decades.

 

[Swiss]

I just received this shawl collar belted cardigan purchased on ebay.
I would have never thought Dolce & Gabbana made these types of items. The quality is very good (not to vintage Ballantyne level of course) but it is thick and dense and not fluffy so I am hoping it will stand the test of time.
It is made in Italy. I really wonder by which maker... any thoughts?
It is very nice to wear as it really wraps around.
It makes working on a sunday more acceptable

 

[wheatfield]

This is a great thread. Here's my most recent purchase -- a cashmere Fioroni cardigan from a local shop. My wife likes it but says it looks "girly" because of the front details. No worries, I'm really liking it and wear it often as it's pretty cold here.

 

[Thruth]

This is a great thread. Here's my most recent purchase -- a cashmere Fioroni cardigan from a local shop. My wife likes it but says it looks "girly" because of the front details. No worries, I'm really liking it and wear it often as it's pretty cold here.


View attachment 47871View attachment 47872

should go well with your boater or a Viking helmet

 

[Great White Snark]

should go well with your boater or a Viking helmet

Boater? Oh Christ no, not another one??

 

[Thruth]

Boater? Oh Christ no, not another one??

wait, I thought everyone wants as boater? especially with a women's cardigan.

 

[wheatfield]

wait, I thought everyone wants as boater? especially with a women's cardigan.

This is a great reaction to my first post on this site.

 

[Thruth]

This is a great reaction to my first post on this site.

hey, your posts are garnering views. keep it up!

 

[wheatfield]

hey, your posts are garnering views. keep it up!

Yes, at least one d*ck head is interacting with them at least

 

[Thruth]

Yes, at least one d*ck head is interacting with them at least

Oh, I see. OK, Styleforum is the place of endless love, likes and no criticism not DW.

 

[The Shooman]

W wheatfield that cardigan is a beauty.

 

[The Shooman]

Grand Potentate I know you're going to like this post.

Remember when l bought this.


There was another one for sale recently by Corgi. Would have bought it had l known.


Speaking of the Corgi intarsia, l am going to pull it out for the cooler weather. Can't wait to get it on again. Actually, l am going to search for it now.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Grand Potentate I know you're going to like this post.

Remember when l bought this.
View attachment 47924

There was another one for sale recently by Corgi. Would have bought it had l known.
View attachment 47925

Speaking of the Corgi intarsia, l am going to pull it out for the cooler weather. Can't wait to get it on again. Actually, l am going to search for it now.

not as good as the dogs but its something.

 

[wheatfield]

Here is a new old stock Sulka made in the early 2000's in Scotland. I just received this today and I really like this piece. I'm not 100% sure of the maker, but possibly Ballantyne? If anyone can clarify I'd appreciate it. Here are some thoughts:
-It's incredibly heavy and sturdy. I can get an accurate weight later.
-The construction and details are superb.
-The cashmere isn't as "soft" per se as, say the Fioroni cardigan I posted a few weeks ago. It's more cocoon-like.
-The arm holes are huge, not at all a modern style
-It's a bit longer than a modern style too
-A couple years ago someone said that these "embrace you" when you put it on. That's a great way of putting it. It kind of clings around you around the edges. It looks and feels great when worn.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Here is a new old stock Sulka made in the early 2000's in Scotland. I just received this today and I really like this piece. I'm not 100% sure of the maker, but possibly Ballantyne? If anyone can clarify I'd appreciate it. Here are some thoughts:
-It's incredibly heavy and sturdy. I can get an accurate weight later.
-The construction and details are superb.
-The cashmere isn't as "soft" per se as, say the Fioroni cardigan I posted a few weeks ago. It's more cocoon-like.
-The arm holes are huge, not at all a modern style
-It's a bit longer than a modern style too
-A couple years ago someone said that these "embrace you" when you put it on. That's a great way of putting it. It kind of clings around you around the edges. It looks and feels great when worn.

View attachment 47990View attachment 47991View attachment 47992

Which color blue is more representative? The first two pics is a very sharp design. The third pic looks like a J Crew repro for some reason to me.

 

[wheatfield]

Which color blue is more representative? The first two pics is a very sharp design. The third pic looks like a J Crew repro for some reason to me.

The first two pics are pretty accurate of how it actually looks. In the third pic I wanted to show that extra button. It also has an additional hidden “football” button next to an inside seam near the bottom.

 

[The Shooman]

Here is a new old stock Sulka made in the early 2000's in Scotland. I just received this today and I really like this piece. I'm not 100% sure of the maker, but possibly Ballantyne? If anyone can clarify I'd appreciate it. Here are some thoughts:
-It's incredibly heavy and sturdy. I can get an accurate weight later.
-The construction and details are superb.
-The cashmere isn't as "soft" per se as, say the Fioroni cardigan I posted a few weeks ago. It's more cocoon-like.
-The arm holes are huge, not at all a modern style
-It's a bit longer than a modern style too
-A couple years ago someone said that these "embrace you" when you put it on. That's a great way of putting it. It kind of clings around you around the edges. It looks and feels great when worn.

View attachment 47990View attachment 47991View attachment 47992

Did buy it from crimoboutique ?

Yes it is a Ballantyne, they made for Sulka back in the day. You're a very lucky man. It is a proper cardigan, no comparison imo. No substitute for cashmere when making these, nice heavy comfy cardigans.

Could have owned a few by now, but concentrating on bespoke tailoring over the next two years, hence no top jumpers bought.

 

[wheatfield]

Did buy it from crimoboutique ?

Yes it is a Ballantyne, they made for Sulka back in the day. You're a very lucky man. It is a proper cardigan, no comparison imo. No substitute for cashmere when making these, nice heavy comfy cardigans.

Could have owned a few by now, but concentrating on bespoke tailoring over the next two years, hence no top jumpers bought.

Yes sir! I will just say don’t be too put off by the prices he’s asking for, he’s quite willing to come down a lot.

 

[The Shooman]

Yes sir! I will just say don’t be too put off by the prices he’s asking for, he’s quite willing to come down a lot.

Not with me 2 years ago. Maybe he's changed his mind.

 

[belinmad]

Yes sir! I will just say don’t be too put off by the prices he’s asking for, he’s quite willing to come down a lot.

Those prices are just silly.
I hope “a lot” means at least 60-70% down, otherwise it’s overpriced af.

 

[wheatfield]

Those prices are just silly.
I hope “a lot” means at least 60-70% down, otherwise it’s overpriced af.

It wasn't discounted quite that much. But is it really overpriced? It's essentially a new piece and has heavier/sturdier construction than high end modern cashmere shawl cardigans I've handled. Johnston's of Elgin, Drakes, Begg all have cardigans priced in the $1,200 - $1,700 range. Italian makers like Cucinelli and Loro Piana are maybe double that. It's definitely expensive, but I don't think a Sulka made by Ballantyne at, say $1,400 is necessarily "overpriced".

 

[belinmad]

It wasn't discounted quite that much. But is it really overpriced? It's essentially a new piece and has heavier/sturdier construction than high end modern cashmere shawl cardigans I've handled. Johnston's of Elgin, Drakes, Begg all have cardigans priced in the $1,200 - $1,700 range. Italian makers like Cucinelli and Loro Piana are maybe double that. It's definitely expensive, but I don't think a Sulka made by Ballantyne at, say $1,400 is necessarily "overpriced".

Yea but this is not “new”, where you’re not just paying for quality but also for first-hand brand experience, you’re buying secondhand from a used goods marketplace seller.

Ultimately, the value of something is what the market will bear (ie what you paid), and your argument is just a rationalization of what you paid for it.

My experience is different- I own pieces from pretty much every single brand you’ve mentioned, all acquired second hand over the years, and I’ve always been able to get them at a fraction of the price tag this guy has.

 

[wheatfield]

Yea but this is not “new”, where you’re not just paying for quality but also for first-hand brand experience, you’re buying secondhand from a used goods marketplace seller.

Ultimately, the value of something is what the market will bear (ie what you paid), and your argument is just a rationalization of what you paid for it.

My experience is different- I own pieces from pretty much every single brand you’ve mentioned, all acquired second hand over the years, and I’ve always been able to get them at a fraction of the price tag this guy has.

I see “new old stock” as being basically new. I could see how someone wouldn’t agree with that though.

I also own some Cucinelli and Loro Piana. I think if you’re going for thick and sturdy this easily beats either. LP’s knitwear tends to be a little sleeker Italian style so I can’t really compare to this. But their basic cashmere sweaters routinely get well over $2k. As for Cucinelli, I don’t own any of their super thick chunky cashmere cardigans, but those go for north of $5k on their website. Maybe they compare to this, but isn’t it more finding finding an old gem in great condition?

 

[Elote]

I got this Richard James, made by Corgi in Wales, 83% wool 17% cashmere that had a retail price of £1295. Isn't a nos 100% 6 ply cashmere -the good stuff that doesn't pill- Sulka made in Scotland, a better deal for about the same amount of money? To me, 100% it is!
By the way, I got the Richard James at 85% down, so really not harm done.