Summer Wool Shirts

[dopey]

e-tutee’s post one resort wear reminded me oded me of something I had seen in Men in Style as well, but which I had though faded into the mists of history - that is wool shirts for summer. I have several references to wool polo shirts or or other casual shirts specifically meant for warm weather wear. Has anyone any experience with such shirts or suitable fabrics. Are we talking about woven only or knots as well. I have only used wool for two shirts and they are in a wool cotton blend, made in ordinary shirt styling. They are exceedingly comfortable, but at nearly ten years old, the collars have begun to fray. I don’t think of them as warm-weather shirts, but I have to say I have never tried.

I would appreciate any insight some of the members here might have, particularly if they have personal experience with the subject.

[dopey]

I hate not having an edit button - this is a better version:

e-tutee’s post on resort wear reminded me of something I had seen in Men in Style as well, but which I thought had faded into the mists of sartorial history. I am referring to wool shirts for summer. I have seen several references to wool polo shirts or or other casual shirts specifically meant for warm weather wear. Has anyone any experience with such shirts or suitable fabrics for making them. Are we talking about woven only or knits as well. I can imagine short sleeve wool shirts with polo or pajama collars in either three button or full buttoning styles. Long sleeves as well.

I have only used wool for two shirts and they are in a wool/cotton blend, made in ordinary shirt styling. They are exceedingly comfortable, but at nearly ten years old, the collars have begun to fray. I don’t think of them as warm-weather shirts, but I have to say that I have never tried to use them that way.

I would appreciate any insight some of the members here might have, particularly if they have personal experience with the subject.

[mathew]

I like some of the cotton/wool and cotton/cashmere shirt fabrics I've seen. Whether I would wear a shirt made from one of these fabrics during the summertime would depend on where I am and on the time of day. I think it would be fine for an evening in San Francisco. I still think I'd prefer a nice cotton/linen blend for the summer. Come winter, though, I'd love to have a cotton/wool shirt when in Chicago!

[Guest]

Viyella?

[RWS]

Viyella?

Yes; but other blends of wool and cotton do exist, with more or less wool than the twenty percent (I think) that Viyella (a proprietary mark) contains: I've seen as much as forty percent (better for springtime or autumnal wear, I should think) and as little as five.

[RWS]

Regrettable that one can't edit his postings.
I'd add that blends of cotton with other than sheep's or lamb's wool (as in Viyella) exist, too: cashmere, guanaco (!), and, perhaps, others.

[Mark Seitelman]

On the suitings front I have seen some summer weight flannels in the Smith's book. They weighed about 9 oz.

[Guest]

The real Viyella was once 55% cotton and 45% wool. Unfortunately they changed it today.

[RWS]

The real Viyella was once 55% cotton and 45% wool. Unfortunately they changed it today.

You're right, Giona; poor memory on my part.

[Guest]

A Flannel will drape very badly at 9oz; I had one in a 11.5oz and drape bad. I guess minimum is 12.5/13.

[dopey]

I was aware of Viyella, and I never thought of it, or the non-trademarked versions of wool/cotton blends, as being intended for summer use.

I know from Tutee’s posts and my own review of old AA/Esquire materials that wool was once used for summer sport shirtings. The question is whether anyone here has done so or is aware of such usage in more recent times. Perhaps one of Messrs.Bugelli or Bonfanti can comment.