Andersen-Andersen knitwear
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Hi all,
I am new to the knitwear thing, however I am learning the warmth of wool when it gets cold (and wetter).
I like the look at the Andersen-Anderson sweaters and I think I have narrowed it down to the Seaman and Sailor Crewneck styles.
I will be layering the sweater with a jacket or vest so, I am looking at these models rather than Navy Crewneck or Navy Full-Zip, which look cool but perhaps are a bit too much weight and bulk, especially for packing when travelling.
For those that have the Seaman and or Sailor Crewneck, what are your thoughts about:
• Fit (I prefer a slimmer fit)
• Warmth and ability/need to layer
• Durability (does it get pulled threads easily)Many thanks and I look forward to your comments.
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@Bridger - If you look at the description, you'll see that the Seaman is knitted "on a 7 gauge flat knitting machine with 2 threads extra spun", whereas the Sailor is "on a 7 gauge flat knitting machine with 4 threads extra spun".
I have the Sailor and it's quite thick and warm. It can certainly be worn under an outer coat but I would not layer it otherwise. I suspect the Seaman is much lighter (you should email A-A how much). So far my stuff has been completely impervious to normal daily life.
Note that the round neck sweaters are symmetrical, which means that the neck feels a bit differently than on sweaters that are fashioned with a front and a back. Personally I'd have preferred if it were not symmetrical, but it has not stoped me from wearing it.
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Hi @JDelage
Thanks very much for your response – that is very helpful.
I was particularly interested in your note about the neck being symmetrical. Perhaps that is where the zip up versions come into their own. I would be curious how other owners of the symmetrical sweater feel about the fit.
How does the Sailor pack down in your luggage? I mostly travel carry-on only, so bigger items really need to earn their keep.
Cheers
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Thank you both for your feedback. That is good to know about the size of the Sailor. In this case I might try the Seaman, as it should have less bulk and provide more laying options.
As background, I was recently in the artic circle and it got down to minus 18. I had a number of layers, which included a lightish Merz b Schwanen merino sweater underneath a IH N1 deck jacket and it was a great combination and surprising warm. However, the Merz started beading and had pulled threads only after a couple of wears. This is why I am looking for a better quality wool sweater.
As an aside, I have a new found love of the IH N1 deck jacket – it held up well to the wind and temperatures. It is also hardy enough to through a duffle bag on your back without worrying about it. While it doesn’t pack down to fit in carry-on luggage, I think it earns its keep for trips to colder places.
[Nb I also took a Patagonia Nano Puff and other technical layers with me but they did not perform as well as the wool sweater and N1 combo. Having said that I have been looking at the more technical IH warm jackets/parkas since this trip.]
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Nothing beats high loft goose down for warmth per gram as long as it stays dry, and high loft / fill power will pack down very well and be lightweight for travel. I agree though that a good alpaca deck jacket does incredibly well as long as you don’t need something technical for precipitation or even greater wind resistance (e.g., a hard shell).
Personally, when I find myself in extreme cold, I reach for a down parka with a hard shell and technical layers that are warm, wick moisture, and dry quickly. In a survival situation I’d probably opt for synthetic insulation just in case things got wet.
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Seeing this pop back up has rekindled my interest in AA… I still might pick up a sailor turtleneck one of these days. I love the natural taupe color.
@Giles do you wear an L in their stuff?
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I have just received a Seaman. I haven’t worn it in anger yet, but so far I am happy. It feels much more durable than Merz b Schwanen merino sweater it is replacing, however it is not soft to the touch (and may even prove to be a little rough on the skin).
As JDelage pointed out, the symmetrical neck feels a bit odd - although perhaps that will be handy if I am in a rush
The Seaman appears to be the right pick for me rather than the Sailor. The Seaman feels like a good thickness for layering with a coat or vest, and it packs down pretty well for travel (smaller than a hoodie).
I am very glad I sized down – as they are a Danish brand and have viking sizing. Although, I was a little surprised it is made in Italy, which isn’t a bad thing.
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Looks great (and warm) @Nik
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@Nik like that a lot. Did you order direct from Denmark?
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@Nik - I read that these are super heavy and wear big? Thoughts?
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Yeah I went with a small and I wear medium in Iron Heart for the most part. Peggs and Sons measurements seem accurate. It is a heavy knit for sure.
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@scarfmace - I am a IH S/M so will go for the S
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Just purchased the dark indigo full zip at Division Road for %20 off. For sure not going to be getting any wear for a few months but been eying this piece/Andersen for a while. Psyched!
