velvet or wool?

**cable scot** · 4th February 12, 11:05 AM

I would have to agree that your doublet is smashing in wool,but in royal blue velvet.......

I think my chief worry is that I want to enjoy it ,not fear that it'll be ruined every time I have it on.

**artificer** · 4th February 12, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by cable scot

I would have to agree that your doublet is smashing in wool,but in royal blue velvet.......

I think my chief worry is that I want to enjoy it ,not fear that it'll be ruined every time I have it on.

Another (slightly less traditional) material you might consider is Alcantara or Ultrasuede. I believe Robert Amyot (Ancient Alliance) has a period doublet made up in it.

It combines many of the properties of a velveteen with the bonus of being nearly indestructible.

ith:

**Dixiecat** · 4th February 12, 11:32 AM

Make sure that your purchase is 100% COTTON velvet. Do not get acetone or silk velvet. Do not get a cotton blend. Only 100% cotton velvet.

Let me reiterate. 100% COTTON VELVET. Do not get velveteen. There is a difference in how velvet and velveteen are woven. Velvet when properly cared for can last decades. Velveteen? Not so much.

Cotton velvet can be washed and dried normally, but with such an expensive and carefully fitted garment like a doublet, I'd suggest to stay with dry cleaning.

Wipe or dab off spills with a damp cloth going with the nap. Then dry clean not forgetting to explain to the dry cleaner exactly what you spilled and how you wiped it off.

As for crushing. If your jacket is properly made you should have no worries unless you pack it under extreme weight.

My experience comes from making numerous highland dance jackets and waistcoats and inspecting many of the same. This fabric puts up with a ton of abuse and still looks great. The only issues I ever see are at the elbow where the sleeve is usually tight and unlined and the velvet eventually creases due to the perpetually bent elbow. And, at the hip where the dancer rests the closed fist during the dance.

Oh, one more thing. For a rich velvety look, make sure that the jacket is made with the nap going in the upwards direction. This means that if you stroke downwards, the velvet feels rough. When the nap is going downwards, you get a more 'shiny' look.

**cable scot** · 4th February 12, 12:41 PM

Wow thanks, So if I got this right I need to go with cotton blend?

Ok 100% cotton, nap upwards ,dry-clean only and damp cloth wipeing with the nap. It looks like a chat with HC is in order.Also I found a pic of a member in a black velvet sheriffmuir celebrateing the duping a young lady, It does kick up the look of the doublet quite a bit(more pics please

)

I'll have to show it to my girl first, it is her day after all,and it may change what she wants in her dress.

**LitTrog** · 4th February 12, 01:01 PM

Here are some other pictures from that fateful duping. Sorry that the velvet is not specifically featured, but I think you can see that it really adds to the already impressive doublet. This particular velvet is "nap down" just so you can look at it with Dixiecat's advice in mind.

And as far as looking like Mike Meyers, you will not be wearing it as a caricature, but as a fine-looking piece of man flesh. No more thought to that, please.

**piperdbh** · 4th February 12, 01:27 PM

Are you sure there's a Sheriffmuir in those pictures, LitTrog? I don't seem to see it.

**LitTrog** · 4th February 12, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

Are you sure there's a Sheriffmuir in those pictures, LitTrog? I don't seem to see it.

I know. That's why I'm so poorly behaved on this forum. My lovely bride tends to render me completely invisible. I'm forced to do extreme things to be noticed.

Yesterday is a good example.

**LitTrog** · 4th February 12, 02:03 PM

Here is a picture of my doublet without my presence fouling it:

I would love to get an emerald one, a dark blue one, a claret one...

Finances and opportunities to wear it limit my self-indulgence. But, I have seen Mr. Newsome in a less formal sheriffmuir (tweed, I think) that looks great and can be worn more frequently than the velvet. But, man, the velvet is worth the price if you have the room in your budget. It is less bulky than the barathea (read form-fitting) and, while less versatile, will definitely set you apart.

**JSFMACLJR** · 4th February 12, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

Make sure that your purchase is 100% COTTON velvet. Do not get acetone or silk velvet. Do not get a cotton blend. Only 100% cotton velvet.

Let me reiterate. 100% COTTON VELVET. Do not get velveteen. There is a difference in how velvet and velveteen are woven. Velvet when properly cared for can last decades. Velveteen? Not so much.

Cotton velvet can be washed and dried normally, but with such an expensive and carefully fitted garment like a doublet, I'd suggest to stay with dry cleaning.

Wipe or dab off spills with a damp cloth going with the nap. Then dry clean not forgetting to explain to the dry cleaner exactly what you spilled and how you wiped it off.

As for crushing. If your jacket is properly made you should have no worries unless you pack it under extreme weight.

My experience comes from making numerous highland dance jackets and waistcoats and inspecting many of the same. This fabric puts up with a ton of abuse and still looks great. The only issues I ever see are at the elbow where the sleeve is usually tight and unlined and the velvet eventually creases due to the perpetually bent elbow. And, at the hip where the dancer rests the closed fist during the dance.

Oh, one more thing. For a rich velvety look, make sure that the jacket is made with the nap going in the upwards direction. This means that if you stroke downwards, the velvet feels rough. When the nap is going downwards, you get a more 'shiny' look.

Cotton velvet is a horrible fabric! I only have silk velvet. Some of the jackets I have that are made of silk velvet are over 70 years old. Cotton has an inferior sheen, and the hand is stiff. I would never choose it for a doublet.

PS. "Horrible" might be a bit strong. I was trying to get across the view that cotton velvet is not nearly as nice a fabric as silk velvet.

**MacLowlife** · 4th February 12, 04:42 PM

By all means, velvet, or at least not boring old barathea. Ask your tailor ( HC or whoever) about the various kinds available. I think we can agree on no acetate, but after that, you will ultimately have to choose sides. Silk notoriously spots in water, but I expect it makes cotton look drab. And I expect either one makes velveteen look shabby, much more so moleskin, which I like a great deal. Go for the feel and go for the luminosity. And then take good care of it, but remember it is merely a garment, not your master.

Look, look, look at samples, at swatches and finished garments. Somehow, I expect the most expensive doublet you can imagine will be a tiny percentage of the entire wedding budget- and far more likely to see additional use than most of the other expenses. Try to see it as what it is- an extension of your bride's dress- rather than merely what YOU are wearing.

If you look and act like Mike Myers, you will look and act like him in a kilt. If you don't, well, you are probably fine.