Wool... slapping myself in the forehead for not thinking of it sooner. If
you think wool is "scratchy" and uncomfortable, check out Pendleton. They
have some of the FINEST wool garments anywhere. Produced in New Hampshire,
Oregon, and Washington. Have about 70 stores around the U.S., and are
carried by several different mail order companies, dept. stores and specialty
shops (Orvis, probably? -- haven't looked at an Orvis catalog in years).
One in the Tacoma Mall is the only one "up here" that I know of. And there
is "Pendleton Northwest" somewhere nearby.
Founded in 1909 in Pendleton, Oregon, as a maker of blankets for the Native
Americans, who still buy about half of their "Indian" blankets. They are
GREAT blankets. They even make a picnic blanket: nylon for the ground side,
wool for the "picnic" side. Also carry scarves, hats, gloves,coats,
sweaters, etc.
They, like Filson, have a GOOD reputation for producing QUALITY garments.
There are many different kinds of wool (Cashmere, Merino, etc. -- some are
HEAVENLY to the touch) Pendleton buys/imports different wools in bulk and
makes some of the world's most beautiful and comfortable clothing. The
clerks know which garments to steer you to if you think you're averse to
wool. For outdoor clothing, they are definitely worth looking into. Also
very nice dress clothing.
This opens on their "Legendary Blankets" page:
<A
HREF="http://www.pendleton-usa.com/index.cfm?action=about&do=legendary";>Pendleton
Woolen Mills, men's and women's clothing and apparel, bed
blankets, Indian blankets, and products for the Home</A>
http://www.pendleton-usa.com/index.cfm?action=about&do=legendary
No connection, etc.
Rich
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