On last weeks Friday Style Debate I asked what the best summer fabric was – based on the response from you guys linen easily took the decision. My theory behind that – nobody knows what Kid Mohair exactly is thus it really had no chance against a giant like linen. For the educated though – Kid Mohair is the go-to for the warmer months.
Kid Mohair – the ultimate summer fabric.
Mohair comes from the angora goat. In the case of Kid Mohair it comes from the “kid” goats – in particular from the area of the belly which can be shorn only twice a year. The result is a very soft, long and fine fiber that turns into a very strong and resilient yarn that makes up the fabric. In the case of Vitale Barberis Canonico the kid mohair is blended with wool – 86% wool, 14% kid mohair – to create the ultimate summer cloth that comes in at 8.5 ounces.
Why is it so effective for summer?
The fineness of the yarns allow for a very light cloth that is also extremely resilient. This enables a more open weave in the production of the cloth thus enabling more air to pass through the cloth hence it keeps the wearer cooler in the warmer months. Another factor with a looser weave is that it makes the cloth much more wrinkle-resistant. As a result you can achieve the coolness of linen but maintain the crisp, sharp tailoring that a more traditional wool cloth provides. It truly is the best of both worlds and with this gives it the title as the ultimate summer cloth.
It gets better though – the angora wool is naturally white and takes dye wonderfully. The result is an incredible array of options when it comes to colors. Literally every shade you can imagine – the above image is of 10 different shades of blue in one style of weave! Beyond the amazing colors you also get to see the different textures that get woven into the cloth. The result is a very visually interesting cloth that is also very versatile in terms of the roles it can play – going comfortably from a casual summer suit all the way to a formal tuxedo.
If you want to know more book a free appointment to come to see the different cloth options in person. I look forward to hearing from you.
Take care,
Michael
info@martinfishertailors.com
