British Local Secrets: Vintage Cashmere in Edinburgh
It’s so obvious, it’s probably not a secret, but if you want the best in classic knitwear, go to the source. So that’s Scotland, land of many sheep. And go secondhand. Because it was made to last.
According to iconic designer Vivienne Westwood, it was always about one classic piece.
“Buy less,” she once said. “Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”
1. Armstrong & Son
If you want a vintage cashmere sweater, try the mens’ rack at W.Armstrong & Son in Edinburgh (where most women never look). Men who like their haggis, fish and chips, whiskey and black pudding tend to come in larger sizes in Edinburgh, and so do their cast-off cashmere sweaters. Ideal for a great many women with generous busty substances.
Round the Armstrong Racks
Other good bets are post-Ozempic weight-loss cashmere cardigans, or shrunken twinsets. By the way, always hand-wash and dry flat on a towel…
100% pure cashmere is not only more affordable when secondhand, it is often more interesting than modern designs.
Think Diana in The Crown. Hot pink cashmere and pink gingham pants?
Argyle Sweaters
Armstrong is also the place to find Argyle sweaters and cardigans, much beloved of Ronnie Corbett and other 1970s celebrity golfers.
Pick up Argyle knitwear in cashmere, lambswool or mohair. Ralph Lauren loves the stuff.
Armstrong with all its secondhand treasures inside, was founded in 1840 and originally dedicated to menswear.
It’s still a family business in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town in Grassmarket, the flagship, though there are other shops too.
How to Wear Cashmere and Argyle
The Scots wear their cashmere with a kilt, which is a stupendous look if you’re feeling a little bit Spandau Ballet.
Dior has inspiration, too. Think pale pink, but with scuffed denim flares.
The Queen wore her cashmere twinsets with pearls, but you can mix it up.
The Clan Campbell of Argyle gave us the famous diamond-shaped sweaters.They were picked up by another royal, the Duke of Windsor and have been with us ever since. Armstrong has a great selection. If you want to go the full 1970s tribute, choose brown.
The Vivienne Westwood Argyle
The late Vivienne Westwood was mad about Scotland and used tartan and Harris Tweed in several collections.
You can still buy her Argyle round-neck sweaters at around three times the price of secondhand designs.
Armstrong not only has plenty of cashmere and Argyle, it’s also heaving with kilts, the odd sporran and some tempting 1970s leather coats. It’s luck of the draw, but the vast selection means you should come away with something a wee bit special
