Camisas de Lana

Tell me about your fascination with wool,” she asked seductively. We were guests at the Thanksgiving dinner of a mutual friend and she, I discovered, was a certified and practicing psychiatrist.

“It started around the 7th grade I guess, when I got a multi-colored, striped crew neck Shetland sweater as part of my back to school clothes,” I explained. “I loved the unique smell and distinct texture. It didn't itch me and it required special care, so I guess that was another turn on! From there I began to incrementally add other wool garments to my wardrobe…”

I enthusiastically went on, “…In high school I got an Yves St Laurent 100% wool navy blue suit to wear when competing in speech and debate events. I felt like an international diplomat! Then in college, I aced my textiles course, sealing the deal".

Before she knew it, I was breathlessly explaining to her that wool is not only naturally hygroscopic (absorbs, retains and releases moisture without affecting thermal properties) but is fire retardant, self-extinguishing, wrinkle resistant and will readily accept and retain dyes without the need for chemicals. I added with gusto that wool is wearable year-round; pointing out that in winter wool keeps a layer of dry air next to the skin, which holds in body heat—in the summer it absorbs perspiration, keeping the body cool.

I told my by now enraptured new friend that in my early adult life I became quite the collector: Alpaca, Merino, Cashmere, Mohair, domestic and foreign made wool garments plus—the “piece de resistance”—Vicuna!

Taking stock of all this information, the woman looked me in the eye and with a tone of a doctor informing a patient the situation was grave (but perhaps not terminal) expertly summed me up, “You know what you are? You're a woolmanizer!”

With my diagnosis official, it is a "shear" delight to present my most complete and favorite collection of Pendleton shirts:

Made by the Pendleton Woolen Mills in the USA from the 1940s – 1990s, their colors, patterns and cuts are exquisite. A selection is presented here. Camisas de Lana…or Wool Shirts.