Over the years, our ‘Made in Huddersfield, England’ selvedge has become a distinctive hallmark for excellence and durability – so, to pay homage to all the premium cloths we house here at Dugdale HQ, we’ve decided to launch the ‘Sartorial Spotlight’ blog series.

These posts are dedicated to highlighting the inimitable qualities of each cloth, as well as extracting its distinctive characteristics and ideal sartorial application. First to take centre stage is our sumptuous Luxury Lambswool collection – a cloth that is sourced, woven and spun here in Huddersfield.

Luxury Lambswool

Woven from naturally insulating 100% lambswool yarns, this collection features 20 cloths and is designed purely as an overcoating bunch – meaning it inherently lends itself to the crafting of bespoke or made-to-measure autumn and winter coating garments.

The traditional weave of this particular cloth – weighing in at 580 grams – provides an unprecedented level of warmth, comfort and softness, and this is what gives a Luxury Lambswool garment its deluxe and indulgent feel.

Additionally, the rich depth and weight of the material works effortlessly to create elegant coating apparel that is highly protective against the elements – without feeling too heavy or cumbersome.

Therefore, perhaps one of the most notable features of this cloth is its versatility. It can be worn as part of a formal suiting ensemble, or it can be effortlessly paired with a jumper or shirt – if a more relaxed look is desired. As a result, a coat made from this fabric can take many guises – for instance, it could be a smart and modern city overcoat, or alternatively it may be a casual weekend coat that deviates away from the usual black or grey option.

In essence, Luxury Lambswool offers a modern twist on our heritage Coatings collection, giving today’s discerning gentleman – or woman – another luxurious coating choice, to our venerable original.

A spectrum of colourways and finishes

Another definitive highlight of this collection is undoubtedly the spectrum of colourways and finishes available – with the intricate herringbone, glen check and houndstooth patterns seamlessly illustrating the vibrancy of the cloth, which of course can be offset even further by a complementary lining.

Feedback from tailors has been that the durable and rigid nature of our Luxury Lambswool cloth makes it wonderful to cut.

We’re delighted to reveal our revamped White Rose collections, just in time for the new season. Available in late October, our Caldonaire and Sporting Tweed ranges have been enhanced with the addition of 27 new patterns and colours, bringing these enduringly popular cloth collections up-to-date with the discerning tastes of modern tailors and wearers alike.

Caldonaire

First woven in 1911, this collection was named in homage to the Calder, Don and Aire rivers – the lifeblood of Yorkshire’s industrial development and clothmaking prowess. Dyed, blended, spun, woven and finished within 20 miles of Huddersfield using 100% Shetland wool, the inimitable quality of the region’s soft water is clear in the delicate handle and lustrous finish of the cloth.

Relaunched in 2018 with the addition of eight new patterns, the Caldonaire collection presents a rich selection of lighter-weight tweeds, perfect for tailoring overcoats, outerwear and other casual garments. Providing warmth without extra weight and with a distinctive herringbone weave, this is an iconic Yorkshire tweed that has truly stood the test of time.

Sporting Tweed

Originally launched in the mid-1960s, this collection was a response to the ever-increasing demand for sports jackets amongst the British professional classes, whose weekend attire typically comprised a tattersall checked shirt, a tweed jacket, a pair of cavalry twill or corduroy trousers and always a tie. Sporting Tweed therefore started out as a thorn-proof keepers’ cloth, crafted from 100% British wool – with a lightly water-resistant finish as a result of its rich lanolin content – and robustly woven to last a lifetime.

Revitalised in 2018 with the introduction of 19 new designs, the range remains rooted in Yorkshire – using specially commissioned yarn spun by Lightowlers of Meltham, the melange of colours is carefully composed to evoke the forest greens, moorland browns and soft warm hues of the surrounding landscapes. With an array of inspiring designs in check, overcheck, herringbone and windowpane weaves, this cloth is ideal for crafting durable, characterful outerwear.