If you find some modern fabric blends leave you cold, Viyella is certain to keep you warm. Viyella is a zephyr-weight flannel fabric made of lamb's wool and Egyptian cotton first created in 1880 by William Hollins & Co., in Nottingham, England. Originally a 55% wool/45% cotton blend, it combines the smooth comfort of cotton with the warmth and porosity of wool. Today's fabric, however, is usually an 80% cotton/20% wool blend.* The ultimate sport shirt for the weekend, Viyella shirts come in enchanting patterns of tartans, checks, tattersalls, and plaids. They are renowned for their classic styling and durability. 
I first encountered Viyella as a boy in the form of shirts in various tattersall patterns. They soon became a favourite. Whether beagling in Northumberland or pub-crawling in the Home Counties, I could be relied upon to wear a Viyella shirt. Today I still wear them, though I am partial to tartan and checked designs, pairing them with grey flannels and tassel loafers or khakis and chocolate suede chukka boots. A Viyella shirt is the perfect shirt for the kind of chap who holds his Purdey at jaunty angles.
*over the years, you will have noticed, the wool content of the Viyella shirt has moved in inverse proportion to its price
Excellent post! Would you mind if I used one of your photos for a hunting post I plan to do in the future?
ReplyDeleteNot at all Richard. Glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteMy tattersall (paired with a wool tie) sees regular use during winter weekends. Good stuff. And it feels indestructible.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. The vintage ads are great. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI love Viyella; it keeps out the chill on the High or the Broad, especially paired with Harris Tweed.
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