Submission to the Archives: Guide Sweater Vest

Filson Guide Sweater Vest (Style No. 705)

On the subject of Filson, I wanted to add a note of support for an item which has been a catalog staple for many years but never shows up in promo magazine spots or on folks I know who wear Filson. I'm speaking here of the Guide Sweater Vest. The vest is great because it combines two of my favorite fabric types: worsted wool and waxed cotton. It's comfortable enough to wear indoors (the wool is neither itchy nor too heavy) but still has the credibility of waxed cotton shoulder panels to keep you dry during outdoor (coffee?) related errands.

I don't think this sweater is in immediate danger of showing up on the Filson sale page (soon to disappear from view), but I do worry about its general visibility/mass market appeal. The Filson product line is so expansive (and pricey) these days that it might be tempting for a shopper to go for a more classic item like the Mackinaw Wool Vest or a Tin Cloth Cruiser. Before making a purchase, however, I recommend a serious look at the Guide Sweater Vest. In ten years, you'll find ample quantities of Filson classics in thrifts and on ebay (I say). But the more rare Guide Sweater Vest will haunt any consumer (you?) who tried it on but passed it by (see my Archival Finder post on the Barbour Tweed Endurance Jacket).

Note to Filson administrators: please consider offering the Guide Sweater Vest as part of a future knitwear collection for women. I'll take mine in Camel, size XS.