Ibex is coming back next month.

[BWeaves]

I second everything haraya said about wool.

Someone who travels rough is going to get holes in cotton or poly items, too. The thing about wool is, when it's done right, it's very comfortable to wear. But it's not iron. It's not designed to be armor that can withstand anything. But neither is cotton. It's funny, we're perfectly fine to pay $200 for distressed denim with artfully positioned rips and holes, and washed, faded T-shirts, but we get our panties in a knot if we get a moth hole in a merino T-shirt.

[haraya]

Aww thanks GrussGott, I was worried I was a little over the top!

Wow, excellent info, tips, and advice!! great post!

[haraya]

Ha! Great point, BWeaves.

For what it's worth, I try to buy all my wool on sale so that I'm not too worried to wear it out. (For instance - I just discovered that all the fancy department stores near me put their cashmere on deep discount in February. Stock up now!!) The other thing though is that if you take care of it, wool can last a long, long time. Somewhere in this house is a lambswool cardigan that was my dad's - I commandeered it from him in college and, other than needing a pocket stitched, It's perfectly fine. I also just realized that an overcoat I bought a long time ago - on sale, from one of those overstock retailers - is now so old it's "vintage", by my daughter's standards. The polyester lining is shredded but the exterior is fine. I just need to take it to a tailor to replace the lining and it'll last me another twenty years, if not longer.

Oh! My other secret source for bargain wool is consignment and estate sales. (They might not be everyone's cup of tea; for myself I like the idea of extending an item's useful life, instead of consigning everything to the landfill.) Just last week I scored a navy Brooks Brothers wool/cashmere coat for $60. Classic style and I'll probably hand it down to my daughter someday. Thrift stores also have lots of merino - might not be "technical" brands, but nothing wrong with wearing a J. Crew shirt to go hiking!

It's not designed to be armor that can withstand anything. But neither is cotton. It's funny, we're perfectly fine to pay $200 for distressed denim with artfully positioned rips and holes, and washed, faded T-shirts, but we get our panties in a knot if we get a moth hole in a merino T-shirt.

[BWeaves]

I agree. My wool and cashmere items last for decades, so I try not to be too "fashionable" when I buy. I also live in Florida, so my wool items don't get worn as much as my linen does.

[G42]

I agree. My wool and cashmere items last for decades, so I try not to be too "fashionable" when I buy. I also live in Florida, so my wool items don't get worn as much as my linen does.

Do you have linen company reco's?

[bijoux]

For linen Elizabeth Suzann has a good reputation

https://elizabethsuzann.com/

[Cristina]

Do you have linen company reco's?

Here’s an excerpt from my post in the Women’s travel clothing thread. There is so much linen on Etsy it’s unreal. A lot of the places make to order so the last pic on a listing will be of the 10-20 colors that each item can be made in. You can also sometimes get custom lengths/modifications, depending on the seller.

I love linen so much for modest summer clothes. I usually buy my linen items from Etsy, and I usually look for sellers in Lithuania because there is an enormous linen industry/tradition there. You can filter items by where the seller is.

Here is a shawl I have an eye on myself:
https://etsy.me/3aqSGXG

I also like the shop LinenWorld, here is one of their scarves:
https://etsy.me/2UNkjVF

Here is a wrap skirt I have my eye on:
https://etsy.me/2o1Kf1q

[Ms. Ferret]

What I went to the old Ibex for was their lifestyle clothing I could wear to work and travel. Interesting tops and dresses and a circular wrap that I've used as a shawl, shrug, hood, scarf, etc.

I'm holding out hope that New Ibex will bring back my beloved Carrie hoodie, as I've worn my remaining one to actual pieces (it's currently a vest, and its wrecked sleeves have been repurposed for repairs, LOL). I guess we'll see how it goes.

As far as merino tops, dresses, and layering pieces -- I heard about Ureshii Design here on the forums, and they've been getting basically all of my clothing money ever since. They have the cutest designs and make everything to your specific measurements (in the fabric of your choice), are great to work with if you want customizations (or want one of their retired designs), and I love that my clothing is made by Emily & Amanda in their home studio vs. mass-produced in a factory. I'm a HUGE fan of their Pure Merino (now available in a beautiful vibrant blue) and lush Sweater Merino/tencel blend. I can't say enough wonderful things about them.

[Cristina]

I'm holding out hope that New Ibex will bring back my beloved Carrie hoodie, as I've worn my remaining one to actual pieces (it's currently a vest, and its wrecked sleeves have been repurposed for repairs, LOL). I guess we'll see how it goes.

As far as merino tops, dresses, and layering pieces -- I heard about Ureshii Design here on the forums, and they've been getting basically all of my clothing money ever since. They have the cutest designs and make everything to your specific measurements (in the fabric of your choice), are great to work with if you want customizations (or want one of their retired designs), and I love that my clothing is made by Emily & Amanda in their home studio vs. mass-produced in a factory. I'm a HUGE fan of their Pure Merino (now available in a beautiful vibrant blue) and lush Sweater Merino/tencel blend. I can't say enough wonderful things about them.

Oh wow, what a great site!! Thank you. Their prices seem incredibly reasonable for made to measure.

[BWeaves]

Wow. I'll have to check out Ureshii Design further.