Last edited by GFBurke (2006-07-13 23:47:46)
I bought some very good ones from Kent & Curwen back in the early 80s to mid-80s. The quality was fantastic on everything they made or had their name on. They are back now, though I understand it is a different reincarnation. I think the sweaters were made either by http://www.luke-eyres.co.uk, of which I've heard very good things, or by another English maker whose name escapes me right now.
If I were to get one, I'd probably go with Luke Eyres.
I've heard good things about Grasscourt from a few people. Harris posted on them a while back (maybe 2 years ago), but whether he ever bought anything, he did not say. The AA&AAC archives for that far back are kaput, so you're unlikely to get any info there by searching. I tried their Made in USA of fabric Made in England heavy polo pique shirt. It was top notch. I'd bet the rest of the stuff is really good quality too.
If you really want to dig, you might find other club/team outfitters based in England. You might find something there. Or E-mail one of the big Cricket Clubs (like MCC) and ask who does their kit.
Lastly, Press did a Cricket sweater or two. Have you seen them?
Last edited by Horace (2006-07-14 00:08:49)
Horace - thanks for the tips. I did see the Press sweater and it looks good. it's probably either that or Grasscourt. I am leaning towards grasscourt. Good reputation for them seals the deal.
Although the custom striping on the Luke Eyres website was really cool, I suspect the cost for one sweater rather than a team's worth would be prohibitive.
The color of the "collar" corresponds to one's club colors. You put the jumper on when it gets cold. Try any of the Oxbridge outfitters (e.g. Ede & Ravenscroft etc. etc.), but I should warn you that it's a bigger faux pas than wearing a college or club tie to which you can lay no claim.
I have to also add that even in England these rules are dead.
Only the sad and the petty bother about them.
The whole culture of the 'faux pas' is dead common, innit? Know what I mean?
Insist that an MCC tie is for members only by all means... but, my, you will look vulgar.
PLEASE let's not have a godfather of English Trad!
Only the mixed-up and the muddle-headed go in for these roles.
BTW: Girls always look great with regimental/club/school ties threaded through the belt-loops of their jeans. When some fool asks them if they were actually in the Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders (or whatever) the accepted answer is to say 'No, but I once fucked a man who was.'
Let's all learn from them & move forwards.
This should probably be on random clothes related quotes but:
He walked amongst the Trial Men
In a suit of shabby grey;
A cricket cap was on his head,
And his step seemed light and gay;
But I never saw a man who looked
So wistfully at the day.
-Osacar Wilde
I know it's a cap not a sweater but give me a break, I'm an American
Cricket sweaters, like proper mackintoshes, work very well in the temperate British climate, but are useful for only 2 weeks a year in the NE of the United States. It gets too hot and too humid or too cold and too dry too quickly for them to be much use, as stylish as they look.
Tony - Which college is your pic of?
Oxford Freshmen I'd say...
Jesus? (Going by green stripe & colour of stone wall behind)
If I'm wrong my excuse is that I spent most of my time at Oxford in a B&B in Pimlico & rarely set foot in the dismal place.
THE BEAR!
I know my Oxford pubs if nothing else!
Nearest pub to Jesus is The Turl.
The Bear is Alf Street
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/18/1823/Bear/Oxford - Bear
Chris's College: http://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/welcome/
My College: http://www.bnc.ox.ac.uk/index.html
Evelyn Waugh's College: http://www.hertford.ox.ac.uk/main/
Another Oxford Pub: http://www.headington.org.uk/oxon/stgiles/tour/west/48_49_eagle.htm
t.