Choosing material for a doublet

[Snowbear]

I am about to order a doublet for piping. When I finally found the right one, I got into trouble. I now have to choose between Heavy cotton, Melton, Doeskin and Barathea wool.

After some researching, I still can't figure out what looks best. My guess is that Melton and Barathea will be best, but I really have no idea. Is there anyone who can explain the differences and point out what would be best looking for a doublet?

[MacLowlife]

I believe temperature would be your primary consideration. Melton looks good, but is too warm for many situations - like indoors. Barathea also looks good, but might not be warm enough if you wear it outdoors below about 50 degrees. Heavy cotton has the same drawbacks and probably would not wear as well before showing its age, though I have no experience with it. Doeskin would be warmer than barathea, but still might be comfortable indoors. However, it would probably be less durable because of its nap. How hard do you plan to wear this doublet?

Someone else can probably give you better advice based on actual experience...

[Snowbear]

Thanks! I will mostly be wearing it outside, now and then in a church. So a warm jacket could be a good idea.

How does the materials differ from eachother by the looks? And what will be most "authentic"? I have little experience with this, so I rely on your knowledge.

[Bugbear]

Thanks! I will mostly be wearing it outside, now and then in a church. So a warm jacket could be a good idea.

How does the materials differ from eachother by the looks? And what will be most "authentic"? I have little experience with this, so I rely on your knowledge.

Sounds like you might want Melton, which often has a smoothed over or felted surface. You can't really see the weave of the fabric and it is often heavy or thick. I've seen winter overcoats made from this.

Barathea has a texture to it and may or may not be a heavy fabric, but it has a fine, tight weave.

I think that would be the traditional fabric, but not too sure. That's all I know.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Overall your best choice is Melton Cloth. It will be slightly heavier (and warmer) than your average barathea, but will look better made up into a uniform. It will, however, cost more. You might ask your tailor for a sample of each cloth before making your final decision.

[Snowbear]

The price is a bit tricky. It seems that www.skyehighlandoutfitters.com , (that I think is a member here) can make a Melton doublet for $270. I don't think that's too bad compared to doublets from other places that costs £300-£400. So to me it looks cheaper with melton than barathea.

Seems that I do want to go for the melton then. What a luck that we have such wise people here!

[Snowbear]

The doublet is being measured this week for putting in an order. Thanks a lot for all the help!

[OC Richard]

AFter years of wearing a very hot Melton doublet here in Southern California, I ordered one in Barathea (the thinner cloth they make Argyll and Prince Charlie jackets from) and I'm very pleased with it. It's not the usual fabric for Full Dress doublets but for this weather it's more practical.