Italian Balloon - Cashmere
Ring Jacket
You would think at some point one has covered all needs and wants as it pertains to ones wardrobe, but as we all know there is always a new fabric, pattern, color combination, or just the wanting for something new to incentivise a new acquisition.
I am definitely a victim of the latter, but shamelessly so.
The first addition to the fall and winter line-up is a return to a familiar pattern while the addition of a new exquisite fabric.
Cloth Properties
Ring Jacket Balloon
Houndstooth
320g
Cashmere 100%
Since its inception as a summer fabric years back, the Balloon fabric line-up has expanded in a few directions which also covers fabrics for fall and winter, most recently this cashmere cloth.
As far as quality goes, as you would expect from Ring Jacket, it’s the same amazing level whether a Balloon Fresco or an Italian Balloon.
The incredible properties of cashmere is well known, serving as an appropriate fibre for both summer and winter clothing. At about 320g I think this cloth works quite well in covering both the autumn months as well as being a suitable option for winter, layered with a coat.
When I initially read the specs for the fabric 320g lead me to envision a lighter cloth, more similar to the Piacenza jacket, as opposed to the Pecora Nera jacket.
However, this jacket feels surprisingly heavy and sturdy when worn. More akin to a 400g cloth.
It also has quite a firm drape, as weird as that sounds. Meaning that the lapels stays well in shape and has a beautiful roll to them.
Now, it’s still a cashmere jacket, meaning it’s incredibly soft to the touch, wears as if it was a cardigan and does remarkably well in terms of keeping you warm without feeling too insulating.
Cloth Look
Admittedly I generally prefer houndstooth patterns of slightly bigger scale, the Pecora Nera houndstooth is more or less the perfect example of what I see as the perfect scale for jackets. Of course, one has to take into consideration the colour when making this assertion and with regards to this Balloon cashmere I would say either scale, the one they made, or a bigger scale, would look equally good.
All that said, this is such a beautiful cloth. The colours, the pattern, the touch. Exquisite is really the only proper word to describe it.
And as far as justification goes as mentioned in the introduction, the scale of this fabrics houndstooth makes it a lot easier to justify acquiring it, if that was needed. It wasn’t.
What I like most about both the scale and colour combination is the more subtle, refined appearance it creates.
Adding that I think it broadens the range of potential trouser combinations, if only just slightly.
As a side note, I have been looking for a similar looking fabric for a summer jacket for quite a while now, which has proven harder than expected, or hoped for. It’s with some relief I could cover that part of the f/w wardrobe, which to be fair is my favourite seasonal wardrobe.
Jacket Specs
Ring Jacket Jacket Model No-286
Half Lined
3 roll 2 Buttoning
Patch Pockets
Lapel Width: 9,9cm