First up......Hope everyone's had a fantastic Christmas! Just 364 days to go until the next one
Myself, well it wasn't too bad at all, thoroughly ruined by the family who blinded me with some Real Stars generosity. I'll share some thoughts if you've been considering some of their latest woolen creations.
It's no secret I love the Apple Green coolness of Real Stars new Shetland Cew Jumpers, it really is an extraordinary shade of green. I wondered how the colour would fare in the flesh...so lots of hints were dropped to various family members.
I was incredibly fortunate to receive the jumper and the Henley from the collected family for Christmas.
I already own some of the RSAR's Henley's so I'll have to admit it, I ripped open the Jumper first and got it straight on. I have to say it's a real beaut on, looks really smart and could be easily paired with trousers or denim, a very adaptable piece. Let's dive in to some details.
material: 100% Shetland wool, for those not familiar with Shetland...yes, it is that slightly itchy one so generally you will need a top underneath it. It is also one of the warmest wools going, absolutely perfect for the winter with it's warm air trapping properties. I've had a couple of Shetland knits in the past and the highest recomendation I can pay them is that they were so good I pretty much wore them to their death. I can see this being the same and being a constant layer for the coming months.
design: a very intriguiging seam-free design on this one, keeps things very tidy and comfortable. Yep, that's right, there are no stitched seams on this piece. The raglan styled shoulders are a woven construction, no stitching. And the main body is a woven tube, so again not a stitch in sight. Should also help with the jumper keeping it's shape through the inevitable washes (I'm bad, I spill....it'll need Guinness or Chianti washed out at some stage shortly)
fit: absolutely bang on! I have to say this is a rare piece for me in that in my personal opinion it has been sized absolutely correctly. The neck sits comfortably close to the neck without being tight. Plenty space to wear a collared shirt underneath or tidy enough to go with just a t-shirt underneath. The sleeves are a proper close fit with the cuff hugging in perfectly. The length has it sitting perfect just over your waist without wondering whether to tuck up or pull down straight. The shoulders sit perfectly and the body sits close without feeling tight.
colour: I know it's only a colour, but ever since we glimpsed Paul Weller himself wearing one I have been extremely eager to see it up close, and the colour does not disappoint. I'm so impressed I have to admit I'm looking at the Blood Red and Burnt Orange versions now. Genuinely the nicest shade of green I've seen in a long time.
Summing up, this really is a great piece. As an investment piece I would say it's up there. Classically styled, well sized, timeless colours, great materials and incredibly well made. Would I recommend one....the fact I am already looking at the other colours should tell you everything you need to know.
Oh, and the new green Henley is the bollocks! Some quick words...quickly...
the colour is cool, photos don't do it justice
the material is indeed thicker, a lot thicker than the previous style
watch your sizing, the material change (I think) makes these a little smaller than before, you may need to size up
If you've not taken a look at Real Stars as yet, it's definitely a time to check them out.
And a big thanks to Phil and Mark at Real Stars for helping with my order.
Peace&Love, theSub