Reader Questions

From Jonathan

"Do you have any advice on removing stubborn wrinkles from neckties? I have a number of ties (from respected makers) that seem permanently "scrunched" after being untied. I've heard that some roll them after a wear, others may steam--might it have to do with the interlinings?"

Try steaming them from the back (that way if you get a water spot on the tie it's not visible).

As you wrote, some men swear by rolling them. Unfortunately, it's never done anything noticeable for me.

From Lee

"What types of wool pants would you buy for year-round wear? I think tropical wool wrinkles and wears, and am aware of various weights, but since I am forced to buy most of my clothes online, it is often hard to guage seasonal wearability."

There's nothing that's really suitable for year-round wear in a temperate climate The closest you might get would be to wear tropicals under a coat in the winter, however your legs will be cold and tropical weight cloth doesn't wear as well as the heavier stuff.

Compromises that are suitable for most of the year include gabardine. The RTW fabric sold at sources like Ben Silver is fine for all but the hottest weather. Not ideal for freezing temperatures, but better than a tropical.

Consider also medium weight twills like whipcord and cavalry twill. The stuff wears like iron and the weights you are likely to find are going to wear warmer than gabardine but still be nine month cloth.

To the left is a photo of some of the late Duke of Windsor's odd trousers. It has nothing to do with the question, but I couldn't find anything else that did either.