70s Intarsia Stripe Lambswool Knit Pullover

Brand: Debenhams
Origin: United Kingdom



70s Vintage (mint condition)

Fabric: Knit

Composition: Wool Blend

Measurements (cm)

Chest: 65

Length: 64

Shoulder: 50

Sleeve: 65

SKU: 004861

This sweater, part of Debenhams’ Casual Club collection, exemplifies the dpartment store’s long-standing heritage rooted in timeless British aesthetics. Established in 1778, Debenhams began as a draper’s store in London’s West End, evolving into a cornerstone of British retail. This sweater’s design aligns with the mid-century-inspired ethos of casualwear, blending functionality with sophistication to cater to a utility-driven audience. The garment is a men’s striped crewneck sweater, crafted from 100% lambswool, a premium natural fiber prized for its lightweight warmth, softness, and elasticity. Designed for casual and semi-formal occasions, it features vertical multi-stripe detailing in harmonious tones of red and teal against a charcoal background. These stripes, integrated through an intarsia knitting technique, demonstrate precise yarn tension and deliberate color blocking, offering a slimming visual effect that elongates the torso. The muted vibrancy of the stripes is achieved through dyed-in-the-fiber or dyed-in-the-yarn processes, ensuring depth and colorfastness while introducing a subtle retro aesthetic reminiscent of mid-century geometric motifs. The sweater’s construction showcases advanced knitting and pattern design expertise. Fully fashioned flat knitting shapes the garment pieces directly on the machine, reducing waste and creating a smoother fit. The body, set-in sleeves, and ribbed neckline, cuffs, and hem are seamlessly linked using a high-quality linking machine, resulting in nearly invisible seams. The ribbing provides both aesthetic continuity and functional flexibility, allowing the garment to retain its shape over time. Additional technical features, such as shoulder shaping achieved through short-row knitting and the strategic narrowing of sleeves during knitting, enhance the sweater’s tailored fit and overall comfort. The fabric, a plain stockinette knit with ribbed accents, exhibits a smooth texture indicative of tightly spun yarns, likely treated for anti-pilling and enhanced durability. The slight fuzziness suggests a brushed or lightly felted surface treatment, enhancing the lambswool’s natural insulating and moisture-wicking properties. The sweater’s label notes it is machine washable, implying that the wool has been treated to resist felting and shrinkage. This user-friendly feature, paired with lambswool’s inherent resilience, makes the sweater an enduring wardrobe staple. The design draws inspiration from traditional knitwear while integrating modern elements. The vertical stripes echo motifs found in heritage knits like Fair Isle and Guernsey sweaters, blending bold simplicity with structural uniformity. Comparisons to textile mills such as Johnstons of Elgin and Jamieson’s of Shetland highlight the garment’s alignment with premium craftsmanship, while the soft finish and vibrant yet earthy palette reflect influences from renowned mills like Todd & Duncan and Baruffa. These elements position the sweater within the domain of high-quality ready-to-wear knitwear. Historically, vertical striped knitwear gained popularity in mid-20th-century fashion, symbolizing a shift toward clean, geometric patterns in menswear. This design pays homage to that era, balancing structure and simplicity while aligning with contemporary trends in slow fashion. The sweater’s use of sustainable natural fibers, combined with its timeless aesthetic, appeals to eco-conscious consumers seeking durable and versatile garments. Its relaxed fit, achieved through minimal seaming and thoughtful paneling, ensures broad versatility across body types, making it suitable for layering in cooler climates. In final assessment, this lambswool sweater represents a refined interpretation of heritage knitwear. Its meticulous construction, from the precise stripe alignment to the seamless integration of elements, reflects advanced production techniques. The understated sophistication of its design, combined with the superior properties of lambswool, positions it as a high-quality offering with significant market potential in both vintage and retail sectors. Balancing tradition and modernity, this piece encapsulates Debenhams’ commitment to creating stylish, durable clothing for discerning consumers.

The sweater aligns closely with Loro Piana’s dedication to natural fibers and understated design. Loro Piana, an Italian heritage brand founded in 1924, epitomizes refined minimalism with its commitment to high-quality textiles. This lambswool sweater, with its soft drape and natural breathability, parallels the technical precision seen in Loro Piana’s knitwear. The fabric’s density and seamless construction evoke their attention to luxurious yet durable fabrics, which often include lambswool and cashmere blends. Its restrained aesthetic resonates with Loro Piana’s emphasis on classic designs that transcend seasonal trends. Luciano Barbera, renowned for its Italian sartorial heritage and focus on modernizing classic menswear, offers another apt comparison. Established in 1971, Barbera integrates artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary practicality. This garment’s relaxed fit and bold yet subdued stripes reflect Barbera’s ability to reinterpret traditional patterns. The technical aspects, such as the ribbed hem and cuffs, ensure functionality without compromising on elegance—a hallmark of Barbera’s knitwear collections. The sweater also draws parallels to Scotland-based William Lockie, a brand synonymous with high-quality knitwear and lambswool. William Lockie, operating since the 1800s, emphasizes meticulous hand-finishing and natural fibers. The sweater’s lambswool material is reminiscent of Lockie’s attention to texture and warmth, while the stripe detailing channels a subtle reinterpretation of traditional Fair Isle motifs, a nod to their Scottish roots. Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s reinterpretation of Americana with luxury sensibilities also finds echoes in this design. Purple Label’s focus on classic knitwear with timeless appeal matches the sweater’s juxtaposition of casual and formal elements. The bold stripe pattern hints at an Ivy League-inspired aesthetic, a cornerstone of Ralph Lauren’s early knitwear. Rubinacci, a Neapolitan tailor with a legacy of relaxed tailoring, connects to this garment’s emphasis on comfort without sacrificing sophistication. Rubinacci’s knitwear collections often feature subtle color accents and a focus on lightweight, breathable wools. The sweater’s lambswool composition and casual fit align with Rubinacci’s ability to create menswear pieces that effortlessly blend leisure with formality. British tailoring heritage brand Anderson & Sheppard also resonates with this design. Known for their soft tailoring and versatile layering pieces, Anderson & Sheppard’s knitwear often bridges traditional styles with a modern sensibility. This sweater’s understated design and durable construction evoke their commitment to timeless, functional garments. Gieves & Hawkes, established in 1771 and synonymous with British menswear, often incorporates military influences and restrained elegance into their collections. This sweater’s structured yet relaxed silhouette and practical lambswool material parallel Gieves & Hawkes’ knitwear pieces that prioritize wearability and heritage design. Italian knitwear pioneer Missoni provides an artistic foil to this sweater’s design. Founded in 1953, Missoni is famous for bold patterns and innovative uses of wool. While more subdued, the sweater’s stripe detailing pays homage to Missoni’s exploration of geometric patterns, albeit in a muted and minimalist iteration. Another relevant comparison is Ermenegildo Zegna, whose knitwear embodies luxurious refinement with a focus on innovative natural fabrics. Zegna’s heritage of crafting high-quality wool parallels this garment’s choice of lambswool, while the sweater’s practical fit mirrors Zegna’s dedication to functionality and style. Cifonelli, renowned for its Parisian tailoring blended with Italian craftsmanship, aligns with the sweater’s structured design. While primarily known for its bespoke suiting, Cifonelli’s knitwear collections focus on versatile layering pieces with clean lines and high-quality materials. The sweater’s subdued elegance and precise ribbing detail echo this aesthetic. Holland & Holland, a heritage British brand rooted in countryside practicality, relates to this sweater through its emphasis on durable, natural materials and functional design. Holland & Holland’s knitwear often includes rustic elements suitable for both outdoor and urban settings, as seen in this garment’s lambswool composition and relaxed fit. Lastly, Berluti’s modern interpretation of classic menswear is reflected in the sweater’s balance of tradition and contemporary appeal. Berluti’s knitwear often highlights subtle texture and tonal variation, paralleling the nuanced contrast of red and blue stripes on this sweater.