Our cashmere linen ivy v neck is inspired by sweaters worn by American Ivy League university students in the 1950s with an iconic overlapping v neck trim.
Back then the v neck was small and tight, and students would wear a shirt and tie underneath.
We wanted to create a contemporary, relaxed version of this style, so whilst keeping the overlapping feature on the v neck, we’ve deepened the v neck trim and designed it in an all over rib-stitch structure for a contemporary look, as well as more room in the body for a relaxed fit.
We have also designed the piece with a raglan shoulder, in keeping with the original. Another benefit of the raglan shoulder is that it accommodates a wider range of shoulder widths compared to a set-in shoulder. The ribbed cuffs and hem are slightly longer for a vintage look.
Hand Feel
This sweater feels luxuriously soft and cosy to wear yet still comfortable if you live in warmer climates or if you feel you heat up very easily with thick cashmere knitwear. Whilst retaining a substantial hand feel as you would expect of anything made in Scotland, the texture of the sweater will feel slightly more open, stretchier, and lighter compared to its 100% cashmere rib-stitch counterpart like the submariner rollneck, due to the 30% linen component. For this reason, it will also feel slightly more relaxed when you are wearing it, as opposed to a garment that wraps you up tightly.
It’s the perfect sweater to take with you on summer walks and beach side holidays - ideal for throwing on after a swim or when the temperature drops in the evening. Cashmere and linen, both being moisture wicking means it will dry very fast when wet.
Wear it with either a button down for a contemporary ivy look or simply over a white t-shirt for a relaxed look.
Why 70% cashmere 30% linen?
The sweater is made with a blend of 70% cashmere and 30% linen. Cashmere is one of the world’s softest fibres and incredibly insulating - great for very cold weather. However, we wanted to create an item that would be perfect for transitional months and accommodate slightly warmer temperatures. Although cashmere is temperature regulating, very thick cashmere can still be a little too hot for the warmer months.
Linen is a light, breathable and airy fibre, but can be quite stiff and scratchy on its own. Having 70% cashmere and 30% linen in the blend achieves the best of both worlds - the remarkable fluffy softness of cashmere which is balanced out by the light and airy feel of linen.
