By Richard
This is a classic sweater in the button up cardigan style, made in Ireland by Carraig Donn, a highly regarded maker of Aran sweaters and other wool garments. Its highly versatile: It can be worn with a dress shirt and tie in all but formal business environments, yet it looks equally good with a black T-shirt and jeans. The sweater is 100% wool. As such, it has the best properties of wool, such as warmth and moisture-wicking. I find it ideal for use in the 35-55 degree Farenheit range, with no jacket on top of the sweater. (For lower temperatures, a jacket over it would work fine). Note that it does not have any man-made fibers such as acrylic or nylon; some makers make their sweaters with 10-20% of these fibers to lower costs, but they also can have the advantage of adding strength or helping a sweater keep its form. Bottom line: Very high quality, made with nothing but pure new wool -- but you do have to treat it nicely (dry cleaning is best, as is keeping it folded and away from moths!) The only (minor) negatives about this item are: Because its 100% new wool, it is a bit itchy against exposed skin - but not a problem at all so long as you wear long sleeves underneath. Also, the buttoms are resin. Hardwood would make it a real classic, but also much more expensive and the resin buttons are almost indistinguishable from hardwood unless you examine them closely. All in all, a very nice item that you wont easily find unless you travel to Ireland. Its worth the price, as it will probably last 10 or 15 years if you take care of it.
By Viva
I got this vest for my husband and he loves it and wears it all the time, and takes it on vacations too. It is warm and soft and well made, and because of it s nubby texture you barely notice the sweater pilling that always happens, at least a little. This vest is fantastic and looks just like pictured.
By Richard
Purchased these for one of my kids a couple of years ago, now everyone wants a set and they remind me before Christmas. They wear them inside and outside, great to hop into the car and run to the store for milk etc. Its hard to please kids 16-23 but these were loved by all. They are a little pricey but you get your moneys worth.
"For me, being in my workshop is not a job; it is my passion. It is a part of my life that I love."
"My name is Violeta Pacheco. I was born in the city of Lima in 1971. I consider myself to be an independent, dreamy, and optimistic woman who is... read more
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