Extraordinary Knits The word knit, not only describes the soft needle-created fabric that descends from vast knitting machines, but also describes the multiple styles that we have available in every knit quality that we offer. Unlike a woven fabric, knit fabric doesn’t need stretch to create elasticity, as the simple stitch technique of threading a yarn back on itself and creating the next loop is itself stretchy. Elastic fibers are mostly added to help with retention and maintain shape when worn. With knit fabrics becoming more and more popular, each season we see not only our mills, ever exploring and experimenting with this ancient technique of making fabric, but also finding ourselves expanding our own catalogue and offering our unique custom-made approach to the knit fabric offering.
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I could be proven wrong, but I think we are alone in the menswear market in offering the custom-made knits across so many styles. We cover tees, Henleys, hoodies, mock zips, zip-throughs, long sleeves, and short-sleeve styles, but perhaps we are most known for custom-made polos. Today’s knits reflect the modern need for soft, comfortable, and stylish fabrics that work effortlessly across categories and have enabled us to expand into outerwear, blazer styles, both unconstructed and tailored, in our custom sportscoat category. Not least, we are able to offer pull-on pants and shorts in knit fabrics, and so the catalogue of Modern Dressing can expand as the needs of the Client evolve and change.
This season, at the top of our knit offering is the “Capolavoro” quality from Loro Piana. The refined wool is mixed in color and then knitted into a sort of piquet stitch, creating a subtle honeycomb texture. The softness of the fabric makes it a wonderful merino sweater replacement, being able to be cut and sewn into most of our current styles. This warm, soft layering styling is surely one of the most desirable must-haves of the season, giving our Clients something completely exclusive from the storied Italian mill. Our Reda knit wool is another wonderful merino offering we have had over the years, and with updated colors in unique mélange colors, Clients can find sweater replacements on one side and proven soft sportscoats on the other. The construction of the Reda knit has a double stitch to it, making it a little firmer to tailor into a sportscoat, unlike the Loro Piana quality, but we did add a double knit from Loro Piana in the same Capolavoro family that does give the exact amount of construction, permitting us to tailor it into exquisite sportscoats, shirt jackets, hybrid blazers and our new stand-collar style introduced this season. |
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Our Scuba knit was introduced last year, and since its introduction, Clients have been loving the unique look and feel of this tech-derived knit. As a double layer, it is designed for warmth with a little more structure and a clean, modern appearance that makes colors look rich. We have added a slightly lighter version this season, aptly named Scuba Light, which we introduced for the specific layering needs of polos, something that the original version was too heavy for. The colors are similar between the two but slightly different shades, and I love how modern they look, worn back to this season’s collection. The original weight has been extended into the Hybrid Blazer, offering a relaxed style.
Of course, our incredible cotton interlock continues into Fall with new colors on the way for Winter, and all of our shirting fabrics, including Flex Texture from Albini, can be styled as knits. Altogether offering a wide range of superb knits and, of course, working perfectly for the weight needed for warmer climates around the country. |
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