Canadian commando sweater

**Rapier** · 30th October 09, 03:23 AM

The canadian ones are a great green. A good source for the NATO style commando sweaters used to be Peter Storm, ( http://www.peterstorm.com/ ) they may only be special order now, as I can't find details - is worth asking. They didn't have epaulettes, just the patches, (which I prefer) and they did great turtleneck versions as well, called the 704, in green, black, blue, camo and bone. They had a special waterproofing process, which is very successful in drizzle. Mine is 8 years old and in great condition still. Another company that makes them is Niffi / Woolyback / Commando Knitwear ( http://www.outdoorknitwear.com/ ), they used to label theirs with the Commando label. Finally ebay search on Bridgedale will bring up the original ones that were so popular in the UK in the 70s and 80s.

**MacTickles** · 30th October 09, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by Rapier

The canadian ones are a great green. A good source for the NATO style commando sweaters used to be Peter Storm, ( http://www.peterstorm.com/ ) they may only be special order now, as I can't find details - is worth asking. They didn't have epaulettes, just the patches, (which I prefer) and they did great turtleneck versions as well, called the 704, in green, black, blue, camo and bone. They had a special waterproofing process, which is very successful in drizzle. Mine is 8 years old and in great condition still. Another company that makes them is Niffi / Woolyback / Commando Knitwear ( http://www.outdoorknitwear.com/ ), they used to label theirs with the Commando label. Finally ebay search on Bridgedale will bring up the original ones that were so popular in the UK in the 70s and 80s.

I bought a few years ago - and still have - a Navy commando sweater 9crew neck) from Outdoor Knitwear. I think they only do v-necks at the moment.
The Peter Storm list looks good.
For British Commando sweaters (like the oliver I'm wearing now - I practically live in them in the cooler months), there are two good sites: www.silvermans.co.uk - click on 'Jumpers' or type 'woolly pully' [NB woolly with two l's] into the search facility on their site.
Also, www.surplusandoutdoors.com Click on Outdoor Clothing, then Jumpers and Shirts - scroll through the shirts and the dreaded acrylics and you will find olive wool 'combat' sweaters [their term] and also a v-neck black equivalent.
Best Wishes,
Aidan

**David White** · 30th October 09, 03:00 PM

The German army sweaters are great, they have epaulettes and a pocket. Tight weave, soft and warm. You can take the shoulder flashes off if you like. I've had one for over 20 years.

**MacTickles** · 31st October 09, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by David White

The German army sweaters are great, they have epaulettes and a pocket. Tight weave, soft and warm. You can take the shoulder flashes off if you like. I've had one for over 20 years.

I've never worn one - I've only had British woolly pullies - but I agree that they're nice and wouldn't rule out getting one at all.

**Strings** · 3rd November 09, 01:24 AM

I have one of the black ones, sold by Brigade Quartermasters, that I received for Christmas in 1985 or so. Wore it in uniform 6 years later while in the Navy (and had SEVERAL people pissed at me about it), and still wear it today...

**Cavebear58** · 3rd November 09, 12:54 PM

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**MacTickles** · 19th November 09, 01:51 AM

Originally Posted by Cavebear58

Two years ago I bought a v-neck wool Musto country pullover and its matching slightly heavier zip neck variant. They layer beautifully and, unlike fleeces, seem to mature with age! What's more, I bought mine from Norris' in Penrith and they were less than half price.
All the best
Graham.

I agree with the comments about wool pullovers maturing with age and John Norris of Penrith is a very useful resource. You might like to take a look at the following website, Black Sheep of Norfolk. I am about to collect one of their sweaters, the 'Smuggler', from David Goldie of Skipton (at a price somewhat lower than the site).

http://www.blacksheep.ltd.uk/jerseys.html

Best Wishes,
Aidan

**MacTickles** · 30th November 09, 01:41 PM

Am pleased to report that I have acquired a bottle green (i.e. Canadian coloured) version of the woolly pully through ebay - to add to the collection!

**Detroitpete** · 30th November 09, 01:56 PM

L.L. Bean carries a version:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...323-ppxs&dds=y

They also have a "Henley Version" you can find via searing LL Bean for 'commando sweater'.

After outgrowing the orignigal black commando sweater I had in the Navy, I tried the LL Bean version (Crew neck) and I've found them perfectly acceptable.