Wool Crepe?

[Sarah]

Hello, I recently bought several yards of wool crepe for next to nothing at fabric sale. It was labeled as 100% virgin wool crepe & in a beautiful dark navy. I know it is not the best for women's dresses because of the looser weave. But I was wondering if it would work well for a man's coat, vest, or trousers. I have enough for one of each & would love to use this color to make a suit for a friend of mine, who is interested in the CW. Can anyone tell me if this would be suitable? I know from reading other threads that it can be somewhat aggravating to work with as it ravels quite a lot whence cut.

Thank you for your opinions & God bless,
Sarah Grace

[Jim_Ruley]

Hi Sarah,

Others have studied more original garments than me, but I don't think wool crepe would be very suitable for repro 1850s-60s men's clothing.  The original coats I've seen have either a plain finish or a soft directional nap, not the distinctive look of crepe.  A twill weave becomes common a little later (1870s and on) but I don't recall seeing crepe in any men's garments of the late 1800's.  Nor in modern men's clothing for that matter.  I suspect it may be too "stretchy" to tailor well.  Maybe someone else has worked with it and knows more.

Hope this is helpful,

Jim Ruley