Why We Keep Choosing Wool
October is Wool Month.
For us, wool has been part of the story almost from the beginning. From our first knitted designs in 2019 to the clothing we took across the Western Sahara earlier this year, it is a material we keep coming back to.
Not simply because it keeps us warm, but because of its character, versatility and the remarkable things it can do.
So, for Wool Month, we thought we'd share a little of that story, along with a few suggestions for building a wardrobe around it.
It Started With A Yarn
Back in 2019, we found the wool we wanted for our first knitted design.
That jumper became The Birkin.
Inspired by the substantial collared knitwear of Britain's sporting and leisurewear past, it was the beginning of what would become a much larger collection.
Seven years and countless production batches later, The Birkin remains one of our most recognisable designs.
And the latest batch has just arrived.
WHY WOOL?
There are plenty of reasons we favour wool.
It's naturally breathable, helps regulate temperature and can absorb moisture vapour without immediately feeling damp. Its natural elasticity helps garments retain their shape, while the fibres themselves are remarkably resilient.
Wool also requires less frequent washing than many other materials. Often, a little fresh air and the occasional brush are all that's needed between wears.
But there's something else.
The texture. The weight. The way a favourite jumper becomes more familiar over time.
A good wool garment isn't something you wear for a single season. It's something you come back to, year after year.
THE WOOL WARDROBE
FOUR WAYS TO WEAR IT
One of the things we enjoy most about wool is how easily different pieces work together.
A substantial jumper with a pair of traditional wool trousers. A rollneck beneath a jacket. A collared knit worn casually or dressed up.
With that in mind, we've put together four combinations from the Stanley Biggs collection.
THE MODERN EXPLORER
The Cranwell + The Melbourne Trousers
A combination that brings together the practical and the refined.
Inspired by the aviation heritage of RAF Cranwell, our pure wool rollneck pairs beautifully with the Melbourne's traditional tailoring.
Smart enough for the occasion, comfortable enough for the journey. A classic combination that never feels overdressed.
THE EVERYDAY CLASSIC
The Birkin + The Bamburgh Trousers
The Birkin's substantial collared knitwear pairs beautifully with the dark navy texture of our Bamburgh wool trousers.
An understated combination with plenty of character, equally at home dressed up or worn casually.
THE ADVENTURER
The Eliot + The Creswell Trousers
A traditional wool 'gansey' meets our distinctive fawn wool trousers.
The Eliot is the quintessential 'fishermans' jumper, while the Creswell brings warmth and texture to the outfit.
A combination works if you are exploring the wild coastline or a cities culture.
THE MOVIESTAR
The Everett + The Melbourne Trousers
A little mid-century sporting style.
The Everett draws inspiration from the distinctive collared jumper worn by Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock. Paired with our Melbourne wool trousers, it makes for a particularly sharp combination.
A reminder that traditional clothing needn't look old-fashioned.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PIECES
Of course, good wool is only part of the story.
There are skilled hands behind every garment, from the selection of the yarn to the knitting, cutting and finishing.
Our knitwear is made here in England in relatively small production runs, using the knowledge and experience of makers who understand their craft.
It's an approach we've believed in from the beginning.
We'd rather make something properly, in considered quantities, than chase the next passing trend.
STILL FINDING NEW REASONS TO WEAR IT
From the very first launch in 2019 to the collection we produce today, wool has remained at the heart of Stanley Biggs.
Our appreciation for the material, the craftsmanship and the history behind each garment remains as strong as ever.
And we're certainly not finished with it yet.
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