It is worth noting that at this time, compared to over a year ago, we have a completely overhauled and new line-up in our knit assortment having introduced and updated new styles, options, and fabrics. Knits are no longer relegated to the narrow offering of just polos with the occasional Henley, but offer polos, zip necks, mock necks, t-necks, and lately hoodies and full zip styles adding to the ever-growing exclusive custom-made knit offering.
I am particularly loving seeing the new colors of the latest fall palette found in new fabrications and designs that were conceived as great custom-made sweater options.
When I say this I am referring to the fact that we are showing these styles as layering over shirts the way you would a ready-to-wear sweater in wool or cashmere, offering a great option to tailor to your warmer layering needs for fall and beyond. This new way to wear a custom-made knit is available through your Stylist setting up a “Layering Profile” which adds the necessary room to layer comfortably. Please note that a non-layered knit would refer to a polo, Henley, crew, or v neck shirt in a long or short sleeve that you would most likely wear against your skin, which up until recently was how most of our knit collection was worn.
Layering is a key to good menswear outfitting, with guys relying on combining pieces together effortlessly and layering them as the season cools down. I find that a stylish patterned shirt peeking out from a zip neck knit gives a rich yet understandable frame to the face, especially when you add sporty modern touches of zip hardware or snaps. Layers add richness especially when detailed like the way I have designed them and ultimately they create a feeling of luxury.
One of my favorite new options this season is the updated covered placket, this style adds a narrow lip that covers over the zipper closure of the mock neck and now the full zip, too. This look cleans up the open neck style and looks modern, thoughtful, and purposeful. I designed it thinking of a style that will work nicely under a sportscoat or outerwear vest, discreetly hiding the zipper teeth whilst remaining 100% functional.
Another new option is the contrast trim package in the mock neck zip style. An internal color collar option that is picked up with subtlety around the piping of the front zip. This option is directly inspired by things you see in sweaters and reinforces our current lineup as a great custom-made sweater option. It really is pretty cool what we can offer with our knit collection today, finding innovative ways to service more of your wardrobe needs.
The full zip is a great style to consider as a layering “jacket” or “cardigan” that most guys will consider as an outerwear piece especially early in the season or in the warmer parts of the country. This style offers a layering option that is super comfortable and easy to wear in a smart yet relaxed way that I think can easily replace a sportcoat in most business casual circumstances.
Two notable new fabrications this season are the cotton wool knit which has a “tweedy” look with a buttoned surface similar to salt and pepper. This fabric offers warmth as the season progresses into cooler temps plus the easy care of cotton in a knit fabric. Loro Piana cashmere wool blends offer the ultimate luxury for the discerning man who probably already owns several Loro Piana or Zegna sportcoats. This melange yarn offers rich natural colorations with a supremely soft hand feel of wool and cashmere. Indeed, I will have a bit of style envy of these lucky guys who will have a truly unique custom-made knit, unlike anything we have been able to offer until now.
