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Old 15-12-2014, 14:08   #1
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Can't find a good sweater..

Hello,

Certainly not locally here in Florida.. Everything I see on the web looks to be made for fashion, not for sailing. I would think 100% wool would be best, or am I wrong? Where can I find a real sweater online, something I can take to sea?

Thanks,

Gil.
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Old 15-12-2014, 14:23   #2
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

Howdy.

While I like wool sweaters (and had heavy wool turtleneck "sailor" ones at that), I would much prefer to wear good fleece garments while sailing. I have bought them in light, medium, and heavy weight fleece for different degrees of cold weather.

Fleece dries quickly and does not retain as much water and does not stretch like most woven wool sweaters do when wet.

And wool can stink when wet (some fleece does too after lack of washing).

I would look for good quality camping supply store (REI) and get a fleece jacket with windstopper outer layer (or wear a foul weather coat in colder wind). Wind through a fleece (or sweater) should be avoided, to stay warm.

I look for high collars (that zip up) and I prefer one with armpit zips (my favorite fleece for sailing was heavy and so the pit zips helped ventilate after grinding winches during tacking in races).

I also look for multiple zip pockets big enough to put my glasses, etc.

And my favorite garment for years of sailing was a Land's End fleece jacket with windproof outer layer to which I added some sewn on reflective tape around the collar (see my avatar on this forum).

A similar garment that is also waterproof (breathable) and has taped seams, hood and other nice features (and is on sale) is at LLBean. Similar in some ways to what I got at Lands End, but I consider this one even better in features. Comes in various colors, but I would still get a yellow one for sailing (I like yellow).

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/86478...id=62960478320

Good luck.
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Old 15-12-2014, 14:38   #3
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

Wow, someone looking for a real oiled-wool sweater! I haven't had (or seen) one of those since I was young and synthetic fleece, etc hadn't been invented yet. I have strong memories still on how badly that thing stank when wet and how gross it would feel after a while.

Like already posted, there are much, much better things out there than the old fashion ones of yore. Lots lighter, less bulky and better performance.

Unless you really like the smell of wet sheep on board…

Mark
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Old 15-12-2014, 14:43   #4
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

Learn to knit or have a spouse that knits.
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Old 15-12-2014, 14:47   #5
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

Thanks guys, I just want something that works.. Not stuck on old garments. I just know that wool keeps you warm even wet.. So I'll look into fleece as well.. Any other suggestions? I dont't expect to sail in very cold waters, but nights can be chilly anywhere in the winter..

Gil


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Old 15-12-2014, 15:19   #6
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

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Originally Posted by gilgsn View Post
Any other suggestions?
Plan so that you don't get wet. Lots of options for very light water resistant pullovers or jackets that won't let dew or spray get past them, while allowing water vapor to escape.

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Old 15-12-2014, 15:32   #7
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

Base layer for men - Helly Hansen Official Online Store- Helly Hansen Official Online Store
Check out commercial fishing undergarments.

Also,have a look at Skier's underclothing---Lycra-non absorbent,but traps a layer of warm air next to body.

Check Cabelas,LL Bean,etc for hunting undergarments.
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Old 15-12-2014, 15:42   #8
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

I have a couple old wool sweaters that I love... but never wear anymore. Heavy Fleece dries out fast and stays pretty warm.
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Old 15-12-2014, 15:48   #9
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

GRUNDENS

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Old 15-12-2014, 15:50   #10
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

If funds are plentiful check this place out: Traditional Icelandic Pullovers and Cardigans | Icelandic knit pattern | Wool online shop

Hand made icelandic sweaters with lanolin laden wool. They have a few that are fleece lined as well and are warmer than most coats.
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Old 15-12-2014, 15:56   #11
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

I guess most of you synthetic lovers don't like sheep.
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Old 15-12-2014, 16:00   #12
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

Quote:
Originally Posted by colemj View Post
Wow, someone looking for a real oiled-wool sweater! I haven't had (or seen) one of those since I was young and synthetic fleece, etc hadn't been invented yet. I have strong memories still on how badly that thing stank when wet and how gross it would feel after a while.

Like already posted, there are much, much better things out there than the old fashion ones of yore. Lots lighter, less bulky and better performance.

Unless you really like the smell of wet sheep on board…

Mark

Yep….I smelled like a sheep when wet!
An endearing smell to some (ewes) but not one most humans enjoy, unless they have a strong liking to sheep.
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Old 15-12-2014, 16:08   #13
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

There are some sweaters that are better seen on the dock or land, even if on sailors, and while they WILL keep you warm, they do have that "wooly" feel and smell when wet.

I have a navy and a white one with high turtlenecks, and while I am fond of them, they would not be my first choice today on a boat. You can order REAL fisherman's sweaters online from Aran and others from Donegal (Ireland). Google Aran sweaters for sources.

Another item I like (also wool) is the classic Duffle Coat (can't get more classic than this), that was popularized by the Royal Navy (and adopted by others) during WW1 and then WW2. Later it became a fashion item (1960s, 1970s). I like them for their classic looks, the horn buttons/toggles are easy to close with gloved hands, they have big hoods (to go over a peaked officers cap), and deep pockets on the front to warm hands.
Reproductions can be found, some older surplus, and some modern fashion styled ones too. The classic is best.

A few photos of classics:
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Old 15-12-2014, 16:08   #14
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

IRELAND

Got my favorite sweater there.
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Old 15-12-2014, 16:21   #15
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Re: Can't find a good sweater..

I'm a wool sweater fan, yes when they get wet they are heavier but I can put a cold, wet, heavy wool sweater on and within a couple minutes I'm warm. When I put a cold wet lightweight synthetic sweater on ,I'm just cold and wet but its not heavy.

If you want a good cheap wool sweater check military surplus stores , I'm not familiar with American surplus stores but I know up here in Canada the surplus stores carry Canadian and European wool sweaters that are fairly cheap and tough as nails.
I'm lucky my wife knits me sweaters and wool socks, I'm old school.

Just my experience.
Good Luck
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