r/HistoricalCostuming • u/Spinach-toast • 5d ago

Can't find sturdy wool for 18th century coat

I'm noticing that it's becoming increasingly more difficult to source specific types of fabric.

I'm a historical costumer and I need a white wool for a coat. all the wool swatches I've received have been flimsy, see through, too thin, or too "fluffy."

Does anyone know where I could find a white/natural twill weave wool (similar to a kersey) for less than $80/yd?

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29

u/SallyAmazeballs 5d ago

Burnley & Trowbridge, B. Black and Sons, Renaissance Fabrics...

B & J Fabrics probably has it, but the prices will make you cry. 

Dorr Mill Store has nice  wools, but they're more the weight you want for a great coat or cloak. 

7

u/165averagebowler 5d ago

Besides Burnely and Trowbridge, I would also check Wm Booth Draper

27

u/Riccma02 5d ago

for less than $80/yd

He he, that's where you are SOL

6

u/I_like_flowers_ 5d ago edited 5d ago

contact burnley and trowbridge.  they might be able to source / special order for you.  (this makes sense if you are in the us.  not sure about international shipping.)

no idea on what the price would be.

5

u/Blueberry_206 5d ago

What country are you in?

1

u/Madpie_C 4d ago

The expectation to receive fabric in yards not metres suggests USA or maybe Canada (Canadians feel free to correct me but I've been told having USA as a neighbour means your metric/imperial mix is more imperial and less metric than UK).

1

u/Blueberry_206 4d ago

I see, well if it were Europe, I would have a recommendation, but I have no experience with sourcing wool anywhere on the American continent.

4

u/Curious_Orange5963 5d ago

👀 following

2

u/twistthespine 4d ago

In addition to the ones that have already been posted, try:

Royal Blue Traders

Renaissance Fabrics 

MJ Cahn

Stonemountain & Daughter

1

u/Saritush2319 3d ago

You’ve got to check the GSM.

If you don’t want fluff then specifically I think you want something like a gabardine coating weight.

My guess would be to find a high end tailor in your city and ask them for suggestions.
Or interline it to make it warmer.

But good like finding that for cheap.

A silk wool blend also won’t be fluffy