A new sweater should be worn two or three times, and then washed. This will help settle the fibres and decrease the amount it will pill. Doing so regularly in the future will also reduce pilling over time. The finer a cashmere is, the longer the fibres, so it can be more susceptible to pilling. And pieces that are hand knitted can suffer particularly.

Hand washing is safest, followed by rolling the sweater up in a towel to remove excess moisture and drying flat. I put mine on a rack to increase the air flow; try not to let the arms dangle over the edge in case that stretches them slightly. Remember you’re drying the sweater flat to protect it in its moist, weakened state.

You can wash most cashmere sweaters in the washing machine though – just make sure it’s on the lowest temperature setting and the gentlest cycle. And put the piece either in a washing bag or a pillow case to prevent it stretching – that’s the major thing you’re trying to avoid in hand washing it, after all.

I only started doing this recently, beginning with a relatively cheap sweater as an experiment and moving up to my most valuable stuff. So far I’ve encountered no negative effects at all.

Lastly, when sweaters do pill simply run an emery board or nail file over them. It picks up the little nubbins beautifully.

I have Audie Charles, of Hayward and now Anderson & Sheppard, to thank for most of these practical tips. She promises more pointers in a blog once the A&S haberdashery gets up and running. We can’t wait, Audie.

Photo: Andy Barnham

Post found here: permanentstyle.co.uk

The Clotherie is proud to have been selected as  1 of 7 stores in the USA that will be offering this Made to Measure Program! This is the first time that Canali has offered a MTM suit, sport jacket, trousers and shirts in the U. S. and they are using a very special new construction on all MTM garments.

If you want to get the most luxurious garments tailored to your tastes, come visit us at The Clotherie!

In an era of technology changes so rapid they take your breath away, it’s refreshing to note that some things never change. Good clothes make a difference, great clothes make a huge difference and all men, even those reluctant to admit it, like to look good.

That said, it’s not easy out there for menswear merchants, even those at the top whose business has supposedly rebounded. In early December, the Goldman Sachs luxury sales indicator was showing the slowest growth since September 2009 and luxury merchants were being appropriately cautious (see roundtable feature). Between high unemployment, a volatile stock market, wholesale cost increases and a highly competitive (and promotional) retail environment, risk takers are few and far between.

But, as Paul Rosengard, menswear president of LF USA, recently predicted, “Men’s will continue to outperform women’s as it has for the past three years. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get enough credit for that…” And a point well taken from Bob Mitchell in our luxury roundtable: “At least 50 percent of our male customers are wearing outdated clothing: if the economy turns even a tiny bit, menswear stands to benefit. After all, the economy accounts for 75 percent of our increases; only 25 percent is based on how good we are as merchants.”

Read the full story by Karen Alberg Grossman here

We spoke to seven of North America’s leading luxury merchants about the changing economy and the future of the luxury customer: Russ Patrick, Neiman Marcus; Tom Ott, Saks Fifth Avenue; Bob Mitchell, Mitchells Stores; Ken Gushner, Boyds; Greg Eveloff, The Clotherie; Jeff Farbstein, Harry Rosen; and David Witman, Nordstrom.

How’s current business? What are the hottest items or trends and what do you see going forward?

Greg Eveloff, The Clotherie: Business is challenging: we need more bodies walking through the door! Bestsellers include sportswear, Eton (we put in a shop with their fixtures), tailored clothing (slimmer fits, off the rack), and luxury outerwear (despite temperatures in the 70s…). Cardigans are not moving, although we sold cardigan vest

What are the biggest changes you’re implementing for 2012?

Eveloff: We’re growing our online business which is all plus sales, with surprisingly low return rates. Certain brands do well, even ones that I don’t carry in the store. Hot categories online are denim and wovens. It’s about 4 percent of my business now but I hope to build it to 10 percent. Of course we hired a full-time person to manage it.

What are your long-term challenges and opportunities? As vendors increasingly go direct to consumers, how will your business model shift?

Eveloff: Every day is a challenge, especially with the soft real estate market here in Phoenix. Vendors going direct to consumers is a fact of life; my goal is to win over the few guys who can afford our product with differentiated assortments, networking, referrals, events (although clothing trunk shows have not been pulling) and exceptional service..

How has your pricing/promotional strategy shifted in recent seasons?

Eveloff: We need newness; it’s the only thing selling! Guys don’t need to replace their clothing; they buy if they see something fabulous. (Which is why we’re selling luxury outerwear in 70 degree temperatures…)

Be sure to read the entire article by Karen Alberg Grossman on MRketplace here

I started Dignity U Wear because I was in the concentration camps for five years with no clothes,” says Landwirth. “After I left the camps, I was 18 years old and I was homeless. And I promised myself that one day, God willing, I would be able to help other people not to suffer as much as I did.” To date, Dignity U Wear has distributed over 6.6 million pieces of clothing valued at over $120 million to families in all 50 states.

Eleven years later this great foundation continues to grow with its support from celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg (check out his story here) bringing new clothes to those who need it most.The Dignity U Wear organization is a true inspiration to how philanthropy can blossom from struggle and hardship.

The Clotherie is a proud supporter of giving back and through our commitment we have given hundreds of donated clothes to the Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale. We appreciate the support of our wonderful clientele and hope to continue to make an impact on our community.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!

How did Bow Tie Friday start?
John: What started as a simple act of civil disobedience has become a lifestyle choice.

Charlie: It started as a joke but now I really do like wearing them. Well, that is, once I figured out how to tie one. And once everyone saw that I knew how to do it I had to tie four last Friday!

Has anyone noticed that you started wearing bow ties? What’s their reaction?
John: Yes, people notice. When walking down the street you get one of two responses: either a smile or a scowl. I enjoy wearing bow ties, although on most occasions I wear a necktie. I have fond recollections of seeing my grandfather cutting the lawn with a tie on and wearing totes over his shoes. I guess that’s why I still wear a sportcoat and leather soled shoes when I fly for pleasure. As for what my wife thinks, well, seeing that she spent a small fortune on ties so I don’t repeat, she considers it one of my more harmless vices.

Charlie: Women like it; men have more of a negative reaction, but everyone seems compelled to say something. My wife shakes her head and thinks it’s funny. But it’s catching on—we started with three guys and now we’re up to seven!

Where do you buy them? How much do you spend?
John: I found this nifty place in Vermont called Beau Ties (no shameless plugs though…). They run between $75 and $125. As for neckties, I really like Ferragamo but have been trying to branch out…

Charli: Brooks Brothers and J. Press. I spend as much as I would for a regular tie, anywhere between $55 and $65.

For a great selection of bowties and the ability to order in almost any color satin silk visit The Clotherie!

Article found here on MRketplace.com

Everything Old Is New Again

“Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”

The Clotherie wants you to help share the joy this holiday season as we “gather the old and make everything new again!” In the spirit of the holiday season we would like to offer a gift to you, as well as our Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, a program that provides more than 100 quality programs to 16,000 members throughout the valley. Donations keep these programs available to all families, providing youth development services that instill strong core values and life enhancing skills in a safe environment.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET…

Get rid of the old, find something new, you’ll give it to them, we’ll give it to you!

BRING YOUR “Slightly Used” SUIT* OR SPORT COAT* AND TROUSERS* TO The Clotherie… at the time of purchase. Receive $300 OFF on your next minimum purchase of $800. Our fall/winter 2011 wardrobe is sensational, we have added many new and exciting lines while relishing the fashions of our old-time favorites. Our very professional staff would love to have the opportunity to work with you on your wardrobe in any manner that meets your personal needs and desires.

* All items must be clean