Friday, December 29, 2023

Slippers

Some of the nicest slippers are made by Drapers of Glastonbury in England. A variety made of leather or cloth, and with or without shearling wool lining.

Anton ShearlingCharles LeatherMaine Shearling Moccasin

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Guayabera shirts

Pronounced "gwy-e-bara" or "gwy-e-vara" (aka camisa de Yucatán), guayabera are lightweight linen or cotton (occasionally silk) shirts with a distinctive vertical pleat or design in the weave which makes it stand out from a plain cotton or linen shirts. It can be short or long sleeved, and usually have two breast pockets. They are thought to be originally from the Philippines but became very popular in Cuba and are now popular throughout Latin America.

The guayabera, especially the short sleeved version, looks quite casual, but according to Wikipedia: "The guayabera is often worn in formal contexts, such as offices and weddings. In Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Puerto Rico guayaberas are part of the traditional wear for men and may be considered formal wear. In 2010, Cuba reinstated the guayabera as the "official formal dress garment."

For Cubavera brand shirts my size is "Large."

Cubavera 100% linen
Guayaberas y Mas linenDos Carolinas cotton

Suppliers:
Cubavera 100% linen guayabera shirts (under "Fabric Type" select "100% Linen").
Dos Carolinas cotton guayabera shirts.
Guayaberas y Mas linen guayabera shirts.

Source: Wikipedia

Friday, September 1, 2023

Socks

Good quality socks are needed for both dress wear and for comfortable walking. Natural fibers are the best. Artificial fibers, though long lasting, tend to create excessive friction and hold in moisture. Look for fine wool or linen (or linen/cotton blends) for the best comfort, or cotton for everyday wear.

I have tried The Nines and Flaxsox (see below) and like both. The Nines are comfortable and feel cool, and are of very high quality and look great. I have the blue and khaki (in size 39/45). The Flaxsox are okay and are very cool with such an open weave that they are slightly see-through. Because they are 100% linen the fit is a little loose. The elastic band at the top is too narrow and also tends to roll. They are more a work-a-day sock compared to the dressier The Nines.


The Nines of Paris make fine light linen socks. From their website:

"When it gets really hot in the summer, linen socks are the best choice! Lightweight, breathable, soft and durable, they are the perfect socks for summer, because they give you what you crave most when the temperatures shoot through the roof: a pleasant cooling effect!"
and
"With linen socks we say bye bye to sweat and smelly feet! Breathable, soft and durable, linen keeps your feet fresh and comfy during summer."
The Nines linen socks in Hazelnut, Blue and Khaki

These are a linen blend of 60% linen, 30% Egyptian cotton, 7% nylon and 3% lycra.
They also make cotton (85% cotton, 10% Nylon and 5% Lycra), cashmere (30% Cashmere, 50% Viscose, 15% Polyamide and 5% Lycra), and wool (80% wool and 20% polyamide.) socks.


Wool socks are considered to be good for both cold and warm weather: for their insulation characteristics and ability to wick moisture away from the skin, and Merino is considered to be the best type of wool for socks. Many of the Merino wool socks are quite heavy intended for hiking in all weathers. Light-weight Merino, suitable for summer wear, is harder to find, particularly ones that have a high Merino content in their blend. One supplier is Pantherella whose Naish line is 90% Merino and 10% nylon.

Pantherella Naish beigePantherella charcoal

Pantherella also make lightweight summer sock which is a 44% Linen, 31% Egyptian Cotton and 25% Nylon blend.

Available from Amazon.ca and Harry Rosen, Toronto.


Another noted maker of fine wool socks is Nobile from Italy. They make a merino wool sock blend of 80% merino, 18% nylon and 2% Lycra. Available colours are black, blue, anthracite [medium grey], smoky grey, dark green, Bordeaux, orange, violet, and ruby red.
They also make Hircus goat cashmere (95% cashmere, 3% polyamide and 2% Lycra), and Mulberry silk (80% class A mulberry silk18% polyamide and 2% Lycra) socks.


Flaxsox is a manufacturer of 100% organic linen socks. From their website:

Men's linen socks made of flax fabric, soft and lightweight. Their mesh-like pattern allows easy respiration for the feet skin. The thread knitting was designed so that the socks are a bit stretchy allowing perfect comfort.

Linen is known for its sweat-absorbing as well as antifungal, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties.

  • 100% Linen
  • Organic Linen, no herbicides nor pesticides when cultivated
  • Thin, Breathable
  • Perfect for hiking, sports, workouts
  • Moisture absorbing
  • The socks are made of organic linen cultivated with no herbicides nor pesticides. Linen is known for its great moisture-absorbing properties, making the socks good for humid climates and for activities requiring physical efforts.
Men's Thin Breathable Mesh-knitted Organic Linen Socks

US/Canada Sock size comparison chart

US/Canada Sock SizeEU Sock SizeFoot Length Range (cm)  Foot Length Range (in)  
Men’s 9-1239-4224-279½-10½
Men’s 12-1643-4627-3010½-12
Women’s 5-935-3822-248½-9½
Women’s 9-1239-4224-279½-10½

Washing

Unless the maker suggests otherwise, wash linen socks by hand. Here is the preferred method:

  1. Fill a basin or sink with tepid water and add a gentle hand-washing detergent.
  2. Agitate the water with your hands to evenly distribute the soap and add your linen item.
  3. Let soak for up to 30 minutes, then rinse.
  4. Do not wring or twist the linen. Instead, simply press against the side of the basin or sink to remove excess water.
  5. Lay to dry on a rack; do not hang to dry. Optionally you could press between dry towels to remove moisture before drying.

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Purdey of London

Known mostly as the manufacturer of fine hunting guns, Purdey is also a purveyor of fine clothing and accessories. 

Ridge Parka Jacket