All natural fibers in a blessed, neutral color
These are the perfect neutral-colored, fabric masks, which are suitable for wearing in a business environment with just about any color or pattern in clothes. As an added benefit the fibers are all natural except for the ear elastics. There are three layers of fabric which help to enhance the filtration level. The slightly textured, cotton-hemp blend is on the outside, with two cotton layers underneath. What is interesting and very useful is that one of the cotton layers forms a pocket inside the mask into which can be inserted a disposable piece of filtration material. I have seen videos demonstrating the use of high level filtration papers in fabric masks due to the shortage of disposable masks. The painstaking and detailed sewing on these make them an excellent buy that will likely withstand many washings. Probably the ear elastics will give out over time, but it would be easy enough to sew on more, or make permanent straps to tie. Thanks!
Very well made in Ireland; a classic!
This is a classic sweater in the button up cardigan style, made in Ireland by Carraig Donn, a highly regarded maker of Aran sweaters and other wool garments. It's highly versatile: It can be worn with a dress shirt and tie in all but formal business environments, yet it looks equally good with a black T-shirt and jeans. The sweater is 100% wool. As such, it has the best properties of wool, such as warmth and moisture-wicking. I find it ideal for use in the 35-55 degree Farenheit range, with no jacket on top of the sweater. (For lower temperatures, a jacket over it would work fine). Note that it does not have any man-made fibers such as acrylic or nylon; some makers make their sweaters with 10-20% of these fibers to lower costs, but they also can have the advantage of adding strength or helping a sweater keep its form. Bottom line: Very high quality, made with nothing but pure new wool -- but you do have to treat it nicely (dry cleaning is best, as is keeping it folded and away from moths!) The only (minor) negatives about this item are: Because it's 100% new wool, it is a bit itchy against exposed skin - but not a problem at all so long as you wear long sleeves underneath. Also, the buttoms are resin. Hardwood would make it a real classic, but also much more expensive and the resin buttons are almost indistinguishable from hardwood unless you examine them closely. All in all, a very nice item that you won't easily find unless you travel to Ireland. It's worth the price, as it will probably last 10 or 15 years if you take care of it.
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