It’s now…or you'll miss out…

2 Nov 2023

As we step into November, do you feel the chill? I haven't yet, but we all know that Hong Kong's weather can turn cold in a flash. One night it's like summer, and the next you're shivering.

If you don't want to be caught off guard by the cold weather and realise you don't have a versatile, warm coat, visit our boutique to get your bespoke coat. Creating a high-quality coat takes time and attention to detail.

Speaking of coats, many people think that Hong Kong doesn't get cold enough to wear them. But is it just me, or does it sometimes feel like it’s only a few degrees when it gets chilly?

My cashmere coat was made five years ago and still looks as good as new. Paired with a high-neck sweater, it's the classic combo for autumn and winter. Whether you're going for a casual look or need to attend different occasions, a high-quality coat can be the perfect finishing touch.

Now, you might be wondering, why people always say cashmere is the best when it comes to coats? What makes cashmere so special? Is it suitable for Hong Kong's weather? Besides cashmere, are there any other options, and most importantly, how do you choose the right one for yourself?

Don't worry. I'll explain it all in a few minutes and introduce you to a natural fibre that's gaining attention but is still unknown to 90% of people. The secret will be revealed at the end.

First, let's talk about the most familiar fabric—cashmere. Anyone who's touched it can feel its softness and smoothness, which regular wool can't match.

There are two key factors that determine the grade and quality of the fabric:

* Smoothness

* Rarity

This's why vicuña is considered THE ultimate luxury choice among fabrics. High-quality cashmere fibres are about 14 microns in thickness, while vicuña can go down to 12 microns (a human hair is about 70-100 microns). Additionally, the quantity of vicuña is extremely limited because it's an endangered species, making it the world's softest and most precious material.

But let's get back to cashmere. Although cashmere sweaters have become widespread in fast fashion brands, high-quality cashmere is still relatively rare. Therefore, when it comes to making coats from cashmere, both smoothness and warmth surpass those made from wool.

Does cashmere outshine wool totally? Not necessarily. Wool has the advantage of offering a wider variety of styles. Tweed and flannel are the two different weaving methods for wool, and they can create various textures and styles. Cashmere, on the other hand, is mainly known for its solid colours.

But do you really need a coat in Hong Kong? Many people associate coats with being heavy and making them feel stuffy. However, as long as you select high-quality natural materials and pair them with breathable linings, you shouldn’t feel stifled.

If you want a lightweight coat, you can consider alpaca. Yes, the same animal people humorously call the "grass-mud horse." While alpaca retains slightly less heat than cashmere, it's an excellent choice for those who dislike the heaviness and have a higher cold tolerance.

So far, we've covered four natural fabrics (vicuña, cashmere, wool, and alpaca). Now, let's move on to our highlight—camel hair (did you guess it right?).

When I think of camels, they remind me of their resilience, and their ability to withstand the scorching desert heat, sandstorms, and the chillness at night. So it makes perfect sense for their hair to create a fabric with the same characteristics—durability! While camel hair may not be as smooth as cashmere, it's tough, warm, and holds its shape very well, making it increasingly popular.

In summary: choose vicuña for luxury; cashmere for softness and warmth; wool for fashionable styles; alpaca for lightweight and camel hair for durability.

Now, nothing beats the experience of getting your hands on the actual fabric. After all, comparison is the path to improvement. If you want to make a coat or are undecided, visit our boutique and feel the fabrics for yourself so you can make an informed decision.

While quality coats are usually made from the above natural materials, different brands bring in their exclusive styles and colours of fabric collection each year, and once they're sold out, they can’t be replicated and reproduced.

So, do you enjoy articles with more in-depth knowledge like this one? If you’ve gained some new fabric knowledge, reply with a 👏🏼 to let me know you like this kind of informative content. (The number of replies is the direct indicator and my motivation for creating new content in the future.)

Thanks again for staying till the end. Until next time!

Stephen