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Slim Fit Suits - Brioni | Isaia

When looking for a suit here are couple important things to consider.

 

The way a suit fits in the shoulders is crucial. It should be no wider than where your upper arm and shoulder actually meet. Also the waist should have a tapered look to it in order to really show off the physic that you have. The sleeve length should be no longer than the wrist, and the pant should fall no longer that the top of a shoe for a trimmer fit, or the top of the heal for more full fit. When looking for a suit, try Brioni, Isaia, Oxxford, or Byron. These brands are well known for their fits and fabrics.

 

Of course there is much more that goes into choosing a suit. Aside from the suit itself, finding the right tailor is equally as important. A good tailor will know how a suit should fit, and know how to work with the fabrics correctly. A tailor will know how to deconstruct the garment and rebuild them. Tailors don't cut corners, they take their time so that the fabric lays flawlessly on its wearer. 

 

If there is one item above all others that is accepted and expected in any mans wardrobe - the suit. It is the keystone of men’s fashion. With this in mind, if there is one thing that you want to fit right, look good, and not go skimpy on, it’s a suit. A well tailored suit speaks volumes for its wearer and helps him to look more classy, dignified, and professional. Whereas a suit that is ill fitted does just the opposite. 

 

One excellent thing about a nice fitting suit is that even someone that knows next to nothing about suits can tell when a suit fits well. They may not be able to pinpoint what exactly is right about it but it will still stand out above anything else. Again, with a Brioni, Isaia, Oxxford or Byron suit, even the most ignorant will recognize how good you look.

Isaia Ties

 

Like most menswear, the necktie has had a long history rooted in military and nobility traditions. Time has brought the accessory to the premier front of fashion and style. The past half-century has seen the occasional transition of tie width, pattern, and fabrics. With this long-assisting history, the necktie is now the piece in any outfit that can display status, personality, and even character.

 

Internationally influential names such as Brioni, Robert Talbott, Dolce Punta, Eton, and Isaia craft neckties that stand for the definition of beauty and true workmanship. Each tie starts as just an idea for design. The finished product, however, starts as a print from that design. That is the beginning. Although the brands differ in their processes, each tie is often cut and constructed by hand, given the attention a piece of art needs.

Utah Woolen Mills Clothiers carries the finest of ties. Exclusive seven-fold ties are offered in our store by Dolce Punta, Robert Talbott, and Isaia. We take pride in our choice selection and their quality. We welcome you to the names that offer you the chance to express your status, personality, and character. Take a stand with men throughout time, and become a man of history.

Isaia Suits: Comfort and Silhouette

 

 

9.19.14 has come and gone and the world famous Isaia line has arrived at Utah Woolen Mills. To help you understand why this is such a huge deal for us (and you), we are going to start a weekly Isaia section talking about different items that we love in their collection.

 

Isaia Suits: The classic necessity for every man's wardrobe. When buying a suit, one must almost always choose between comfort and look. A stylish slim trend suit will impress more than a fuller, bulkier suit, but will not give you the sense of comfort you wish to have during the day. Isaiah has figured out a way for you to have both comfort and style. All of their suits have a full canvas lining that forms more to the shape of your body each time you put it on. With tons of different fabrics to choose from (created from their own personal textile designer) and the option to create a custom suit, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

 

These suits were made to stand out among all the rest, all while keeping you in ultimate comfort. The shoulders are lined with sea island cotton, the softest cotton in textile production, in order for the suit to rest gently upon your body with the weight being much lighter than your typical suit. The sleeves are also sewn onto the body of the suit in a pleated fashion in order to give you more flexibility in the shoulders while still keeping a slim fitted look when the arms are at rest. The sleeve head is also tipped forward in the that a man’s arms naturally hang. Adding to the comfort and style are the many practical features added to the suit as well. All pockets on the suit can not only be opened but are made to be used on a regular basis, with extra pockets added on the insides of the jacket to get most use out of what you are wearing.

 

 

Isaiah truly adds a new element to Utah Woolen Mills that can not be replicated. If you don't believe true style and comfort can't be achieved without making a compromise, try one of these suits on and see for yourself.

 

*Images taken from Isaia.it website.

 

Eton Shirts: The Perfect Fit

Tell me if this sounds familiar. You’re shopping for a dress shirt and you find one that catches your attention. You try it on and its the same story, it just doesn't fit right. The armholes are too low, the sleeves aren't the right length, the shirt is so big you feel like you could go camping in it. It seems like it is impossible to find a shirt that fits you just the way you want. When the idea of custom shirts passes your mind you can't imagine purchasing something without trying it on first, let alone having to wait 6 weeks for it to be made and shipped to you.
Until we found Eton shirts we felt the same way.
Eton shirts have eliminated the pain of trying tirelessly to find a shirt that fits the way it should. They have created 4 unique fits: Super Slim, Slim, Contemporary, and Classic, each available in every neck size. For the tall guys out there they even an option to get extra long sleeves which will also add length to the shirt itself. From tall and thin too short and stout Eton has created the perfect shirt for you.

Isaia Napoli


On the bay of Napoli, Italy, just off the shore from the brilliantly colored coral is a menswear company with clothing just as beautiful as the country-side that surrounds it.
Impeccable in fabric, taste and style, Isaia has become THE premier clothing company for men.


Started in the 1920's, Isaia has been a game changer in men's clothing. With an unwavering attention to detail, and the courage to think outside the box they have continued to surprise the fashion industry with unique, elegant and beautiful clothing.



Their website says it best - describing the Isaia man:


“The Isaia man is like Naples. He knows how to go beyond shared definitions and stereotypical cliches. Passionate, sophisticated, irreverent, eclectic and elegant. Style for his is a matter of instinct. Dynamic, classic, contemporary and ever-changing, he is always searching for his own style.He believes in uniqueness and his clothing expresses the most harmonious, simple and natural representation of his personality. His spontaneous, magnetic and natural elegance is tailor-made around his individuality.”



"The Brand's success is due to its ability to reinterpret the concept of history and to combine tradition with innovation. The sartorial culture of needle and thread with cutting edge technologies, white consistently innovating its style."


"Isaia dresses yesterday's man and today's man with all its countless facets because it is contemporary tradition."



On 9.19.14, Utah Woolen Mills will be among the select few stores in the world carrying Isaia. We cannot wait for September to get here so that we can share with you what they have to offer!




Utah Woolen Mills
59 West South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801. 364. 1851

Neapolitan Knot

Neapolitan Knot

For many of us, the knot that we wear for our tie is fairly insignificant...
Let's change that.
The right knot can be a perfect boost.

 

Introducing "The Neapolitan Knot"

 

A quick tie history:

 

1900s
Cravats with four-in-hand knot

 

1910s
Ascots

 

 

1920s
New York tie maker Jessie Langsdorf invents a new way to
cut tie fabric making the fabric return to its original shape after being tied all day.

 

1930s
Ties became wider and displayed bold Art Deco patterns.
Windsor knot (invented by Duke of Windsor) emerges.

 

1940s
After WWII ties became bright, bold and patterned.

 

1950s
Most known for the skinny tie

 

1960s
The widest ties that we had seen thus far. Ties as wide as 6" were not uncommon
- these ties were called the Kipper Tie

 

1970s
The introduction of the bolo tie to go along side those monster wide Kipper ties.

 

1980s
Either super wide or super skinny - even made of leather.
Knit ties hit the scene.

 

1990s
Started to all look the same around 4".

 

2000s
Ties became a tough thinner coming in around 3.5"

 

2010s
Skinny tie made a strong comeback.

 

Today:
While the skinny tie has dominated the scene for the last couple years,
ties are starting to get their width back - not super wide but about the 3.5" mark.
Florals and knit ties are really making their mark again.

 

The new knot on the scene is the Neapolitan Knot.
The Neapolitan Knot is very similar to the four-in-hand.
 The only difference is that you go around the loop twice instead of once.
It is also known as the "double four-in-hand".
This knot delivers a great dimple and a nice solid knot that is crisp and distinct.
The knot looks best if you really crank the knot tight.
Don't worry about the tail hanging down longer after you have cranked the knot tight.
Yes.
You heard me, let it hang down long.
A messy tie with a sharp fitted suit really makes for great contrast.
Go Neapolitan and let us know what you think!
_________
Utah Woolen Mills
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801. 364. 1851

Cufflinks

Today, the cufflink has become a staple of men's clothing. Between novelty links and classic links, the class that comes with a cufflink is absolute.

Our friends over at wingtip.com have a great writeup about the history of the cufflink and it goes a little something like this:

In one form of another, the cufflink, or 'sleeve button', has been a part of men's wardrobe's for over a millennium -- with royal families commissioning cufflinks to mark weddings or other special events for centuries and some historians noting the cufflinks' presence in ancient Egyptian paintings. But if there's a story to be told about the modern cufflinks and cuff styles prevalent in men's wardrobes today, it should certainly start with a mention of Alexandre Dumas' nineteenth century novel The Count of Monte-Cristo. Nowhere else in the history of western literature will you find a story wherein the cuff of a man's sleeve receives so much attention, or has had such an affect on 'real-world' menswear. Specifically, fashion legend has it that the turned back, french cuff was born (for all intents and purposes) after french tailors read a description of one particularly pivotal character in the book ('Baron Danglars') -- a man whose presence sparked great envy when onlookers "gazed on the enormous diamond that glittered in his shirt, and the red ribbon that depended from his button-hole". So sumptuous and handsome a description was this, that tailors immediately recognized how outfitting french society with such details could distinguish their clients and add a new chapter to modern man's costume. Shortly thereafter, a cuffed shirt and a set of signature cufflinks (or ribbons) became a characteristic mark of a true, modern gentleman -- and cufflinks started to commonly appear at the wrists of men outside the immediate aristocracy. Cufflinks' materials and styles have certainly varied according to available technologies or fashion trends, but regardless of whether they take the form of chain links, cuff buttons, flats, snappers, or one-piece links topped with enamel inlay, stamped silver, cut steel, or sapphire encrusted platinum, the donning of cufflinks is still an act that can truly transform a suit into one's own. This is especially true these days when the cufflink's popularity is still high in circles of discerning gentlemen, but hardly an overwhelming convention.

It's sometimes said that a man should never buy his own cufflinks, but that they should always be gifts meant to mark an occasion. This is surely a custom that harkens back to the cufflink's medieval history, to the time when they were made almost exclusively as items meant to commemorate royal affairs. And while cufflinks are still a popular and great gift for groomsmen today, the set one receives on these occasions might not suit one's more casual style. Thus, these days men have come to recognize the importance of the set passed-down from a grandfather, or given by a best friend at his wedding and might solely rely on such pieces for formal affairs, but are uninhibited about buying their own cufflinks for everyday wear.

The main thing to remember in choosing your cufflinks -- beyond their functionality (which should be based on the kind of cuff you'll be wearing them with) -- is to keep in mind the fact that they should work in tandem with your other accessories. If painted or enameled in some way, be sure their color matches your tie, etc. And if you're choosing cufflinks made from a precious metal, be aware of how they match any other jewelry you'll be wearing.

Come in and check it out. Remember you can always shop our most popular items on our website www.shoputahwoolenmills.com or check out more info on our store with www.utahwoolenmills.com

The Pocket Square

Through the history of menswear, the pocket square has always been a sign of elegance, class and above all style.

In the early 1900's, a dapper gentleman would never leave the house without a pocket square tucked neatly into his suit breast pocket...

As we have started to see the trend return in the last couple of years,

neither should you.

There are a number of different ways you can wear a pocket square.

Here are some of our favorites:

The Straight Fold

Traditionally this would be very crisp, straight and landing about 1" above

the breast pocket, but if you mess it up just a little bit, it can really add to your outfit.

That being said, if you are looking for a more formal look, keep the folds crisp.

(looks best when wearing a tie)

The Puff

The puff really adds a spark to your suit.

If you pinch your square in the middle with one hand,

make a loop with your other hand and pull the pinched square about half way

through the loop you'll have a nice puff.

Take the excess that isn't part of the puff and fold it behind the puff and tuck it in to your pocket.

(looks great with or without a tie)

One Corner Fold

Last, but certainly not least, is the "one corner fold." This is a classic.

The easiest way to fold this one is to take your square and fold it in half so that

the corners are touching. Do the same thing at least 2 more times until it matches the

size of the pocket opening. Fold any extra square behind and tuck it in.

( looks great with a tie)

Be bold and try it out! Pocket squares can be a lot of fun and will really make you stand out.

You can match them to your shirt or your tie

(or if your feeling brave, don't match it at all like in the image of "the puff").

If in doubt you can always youtube new ways to tie your square.

Get ready to turn some heads because after all...

it's hip to be a square!

Shop online at shoputahwoolenmills.com

6 Ways to Tie a Scarf | Cashmere, Wool and Wool Silk Blend

Scarf Season

Whether we like it or not, winter is upon us! The bad news, you might not be able to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt for the next couple months. The good news, you can now dress in layers, topping all of those layers off with a scarf. Scarfs, if worn right, can be an excellent accessory to however you decide to dress for the day. As you will see below,  they can be casual or dressy and really come in handy on these bitter winter nights. 
 
Our friends over at The Gentelmanual have put together some great tips on scarfs that we would like to share with you!
 
 
 
Besides a warm winter coat and polar bear repellent, a scarf is a gentleman’s best defense against the elements. But a scarf can be so much more than just frostbite protection. The right scarf knotted the right way can add boatloads of charm and personality to a your look—a great consolation during those frigid, unforgiving months of winter (or any windy, rainy, or chilly night). We’ve put together six of our favorite scarf knotting methods to illustrate the classic options a man should consider when bundling up.
 
 
 

The City Slicker

When out and about in the crisp city air, this classic knot is a no-nonsense choice that keeps your scarf neat and stylish with no fuss. Simply fold the scarf in half length-wise and wrap it around your neck, pulling the loose ends through the loop that was created by the fold. The City Slicker knot instantly adds a clean, put-together shape to your outfit, whether that be a cozy sweater and chinos or a dapper suit.
 

The Connoisseur

Because The Connoisseur is reminiscent of an ascot, it is perfect for a man who enjoys the finer things in life. To create The Connoisseur, lay the scarf around your neck so both ends are even in the front. Bring one end over and under the other like a single knot. Drape the front end over the back and adjust length to your liking. This style can be worn loose (like step 4), but also looks great when tucked into a blazer or a v-neck sweater. The Connoisseur gives a refined air to your everyday garb.
 
 

The Ivy Leaguer

Look like a regular Harvard man with this elegant and studious scarf style. The Ivy Leaguer can go from very formal to a casual day look depending on the outfit and scarf itself. There are two variations: the scarf draped over the blazer (like step 1) or tucked under the lapel (like step 3). This style can be worn with an opera scarf over a tuxedo or with a blazer and sweater.
 

The Jet Setter

Adopting this classic scarf style will give an effortless feel to your outfit. First, drape the scarf around your neck with one end shorter than the other. Next, wrap the longer end of the scarf across the front of your neck and let it hang over your opposite shoulder. If the scarf is extra long, wrap it around your neck once before placing it behind your shoulder. The Jet Setter will have you looking like a globetrotter in no time.
 
 

The Sophisticate

This scarf style is the perfect balance between put together and laid-back. Drape the scarf around your neck, leaving one end shorter than the other. Wrap the longer end loosely around your neck once or, if you would like a more bundled look, wrap it around twice with both ends lying in the front. Allowing one end to be slightly longer than the other gives a more natural and spontaneous look, but the length can be adjusted to your preference. The Sophisticate style can be paired with anything from a winter coat to a T-shirt and cardigan.
 

The Weekender

Like its name suggests, The Weekender is a more casual scarf knot that looks both contemporary and nonchalant. Start with one end in the front, close to your neck, and wrap the long end around your neck until it is short. Tuck both ends into the wrapped scarf and fluff out for preferred volume.
 
As you can see, a scarf is an awesome way to set your style apart. Come in to Utah Woolen Mills and check our our collection of cashmere, silk-cashmere, wool and wool-cashmere blend scarfs starting as $95!

Shop online at shoputahwoolenmills.com

Friday, April 26, 2013

A man's jacket may be one of the single most important things he can wear.
A simple sport-coat and jeans will set him apart at dinner.
The right suit-jacket will set him apart everywhere...
Here are some simple do's and dont's of jacket fits.
Let's take a lesson from Tyler...
and Tyler's good friend Wyler.
______________________
DO:
Notice how across Tyler's back and through the shoulders there are no ripples or ridges - it lays totally flat Now, you may see some gathering in the arm-holes (top-left), these are necessary. Without extra fabric in the arm holes, Tyler wouldn't be able to move.
DON'T
 Contrast that with the fit of Wyler's jacket across the back. Across the shoulders wrinkle and through his back it fits very poorly. Compared to Tyler he's in trouble.
DO
You can see how Tyler's jacket conforms to the shape of his chest and waist. With a fit like this, Tyler looks like he's in great shape. It accentuates all the right areas of his upper body. The sleeve length is also great, showing a little bit of his shirt cuff to lengthen his arms.
DON'T
Never, never, never button both buttons.
You can see what it's doing to the shape in the front.
It causes unnecessary gathering and won't let your jacket taper through your waist.
Here are the rules for jacket buttons:
2 button: Either the top button or neither. Never the bottom.
3 button: Either the middle button or the top 2. Never the bottom.
Just pretend like the bottom-button doesn't exist.
_______________
These are some tips that can help make your jacket look how it was intended to look.
A huge asset in having a suit that fits and looks correctly is the use of a tailor.
Next time, we'll talk about our tailor, how crucial he is to our business and how he can help you look your best and avoid looking like Wyler!

Shop online at shoputahwoolenmills.com

Friday, April 5, 2013

Spring is finally in the air!
It's an amazing time of year but it can, however, be a little trickier to dress yourself in the warmer weather and still look nice.
The solution:
seersucker, polos, chinos (khakis) and lighter colors.

Seersucker is a very light-weight cotton fabric that will make the warmer temperatures much more manageable. Pair it with a polo and you're good to go!
Chinos (khakis) are a great option for the spring/summer for a couple of reasons:
1) They go with just about everything
2) They are also very light weight.
3) Their lighter colors a great for warmer weather.
You might even branch out and get a colored chino!
Remember this guy?
If polos aren't an option for work, use this ETON model as an example for a great spring/summer outfit. A navy suit, light colored shirt, and a pop of color with a pocket square...Money.
With a huge new shipment of seersucker, khakis and polos, we are ready to help you look and feel as hot as it is outside!

Shop online at shoputahwoolenmills.com

Friday, March 22, 2013

With so many different types of patterns, how is a man to decide which suit to buy!? We'd like to take you to UWM's classroom. Today's topic: suit patterns.
To make things a little easier we've narrowed suit pattens into four major categories:
1) Stripes
2) Checks/Plaid
3) Herringbone/Houndstooth
4) Bird's Eye/Nails Head
Let's break them down...
STRIPES:
Stripes are typically viewed as a more formal or conservative suit pattern. If you are needing a suit for work or something that is a little more formal, go with a stripe.
CHECK/PLAID:
Plaids (also referred to as Glen-plaid or Prince of Wales) are a little more casual and offer a great amount of versatility. With a nice plaid suit, you can use the jacket as a sport coat and pair it with your jeans. The great thing about a plaid suit is that you can use each piece (jacket, slacks, vest) as a separate.
HERRINGBONE/HOUNDSTOOTH
Houndstooth is the pattern that you see in the top-left of this image (interlocking teeth-like pattern). Herringbone is the diagonal zig-zag pattern seen on the right side. These prints are typically seen in heavier fabrics, and most often worn during the colder months of the year. With great texture and casual look, these patterns are a great choice to wear on a night out.
BIRD'S EYE/NAIL HEAD
If you are looking for something that is had a little more texture than a solid suit, bird's eye/nail-head suits are a great substitute. As you can see from the image above, from a distance these suits look like they are a solid; however, as you get closer, the bird's eye pattern will give definition and distinction to your suit.
You owe it to yourself to branch out and try a pattern that you haven't worn before.
You'll be surprised at your happy reaction!

People often ask us, "What is the difference between a $900 suit and a $5,000 suit?" That is a great question...
We'll use Brioni's suits to help us answer that one for us.
In suit construction (much like a car) there are varying levels of construction.  Many suits that you find are constructed with what's referred to as FUSED construction (Honda). A FUSED jacket is essentially a jacket thats inner structure is glued together with piece of facing for structure (these suits are typically in the $100 - $1000 range depending of fabric selection). Over time this fusing will deteriorate and cause puckering and defections in the suit jacket.
On the other hand, at UWM 90% of our suits are constructed with a form of construction referred to as full or partial CANVAS construction, and the creme of the crop are our Brioni suits (Rolls Royce). With canvas constriction there is no fusing or gluing; therefore, nothing internally that can deteriorate or separate. The canvas is hand-sewn on the interior of the jacket between the silk lining and the outer, front panel of the jacket. This method of suit construction is worth its weight in gold and adds an immense difference in the longevity of your suit.

Brioni suits are arguably the nicest suits in the world and come standard with FULL CANVAS construction. Every little detail on their jackets are hand sewn (we're talking predominately needle and thread) to allow the perfect about of give, flexibility and fit in their garments.

If you've never had a chance to try one of the babies on, come in to UWM and feel for yourself the difference that hand-tailored, full-canvas constriction makes (even if it's just to try one on).

Shop online at shoputahwoolenmills.com

The rule-of-thumb for years has been to match your socks to the color of your slacks, well that rule was meant to be broken. There are so many ways to pump-up your outfit and one of those options is to do it with an awesome pair of socks.
Another rule-of-thumb: match your socks to your tie color or socks to your shirt color (Like Mr. Beckham is doing). This is a great way to ease into wearing colored socks.
After you have matched your ties or shirts with your socks, start branching out and having fun with it! There really aren't any rules to this so use your own creativity. Here are some guys showcasing their socks to give you some ideas of the endless possibilities.
Come in and check out our HUGE selection of socks and let us know if you have any questions!

Shop online at shoputahwoolenmills.com