The Cashmere Rugby

The Cashmere Rugby is a 4-ply collared cashmere sweater, produced by William Lockie via the William Crabtree shop in Marylebone, London.

Simon considers a polo-collar sweater to be a particularly useful garment for the modern man, given how sharp and smart it looks, yet relaxed too. 

And this one is unique. Knitted in a 4-ply 15-gauge cashmere, it's been unavailable for years because it's usually considered uncommercial - too much cashmere, and so too expensive, to communicate effectively online. 

Permanent Style brought the style back, knowing PS readers are engaged enough to understand why it's actually better value than cheaper knits. 

For Simon, it's the perfect winter throw-on sweater. "It’s just so easy. The collar means you don’t need to wear a shirt underneath, and yet it looks very put-together. The thickness means it goes just as well with jeans as with smart trousers (unlike the smarter Dartmoor) and as a result it’s good going to the park, or for a nice lunch." 

He also tweaked the design, raising the collar a small amount at the back, in order to flatter more men and look better without a shirt collar underneath.

The fit is moderately slim - full measurements listed below. The sleeve length can be adjusted by 1-2cm up or down, by changing how much the cuff is rolled back.

Simon wears a Large in the images here, but could also wear a Medium: "I sized up because I wanted a more generous, comfy fit, but a Medium would have fitted too, it would just be neater, perhaps more contemporary."

For more on the genesis of the piece, see the full article here. 

Note: Sweaters are labelled 36 to 44, corresponding the chest measurements, not normal chest sizes on tailoring.