All Coats by Mary Ellen outerwear is made in-house by experienced professionals n Toronto, on Wilson Avenue. There is no outsourcing or third parties.
Wool is a natural breathable fibre that provides instant warmth unlike synthetic materials. It regulates itself to individual body temperature and is really warm in winter. It is also a great buffer against rain, wind and snow.
The scientific reasons for these ‘miraculous’ properties are that, in cold temperatures, wool removes moisture from the skin while at the same time its insulating qualities trap dry air and warmth. To add to that, wool is naturally water-resistant, repelling moisture vapour through its fibres and making it resistant to rotting, mould and mildew. Added to that, wool’s unique structure means that it won’t allow the build-up of body odours. George Mallory climbed Mount Everest in a wool tweed jacket and, today, participants in extreme sports as well as fishermen, sailors, mountaineers and skiers all swear by their wool gear because of its warmth, flexibility and strength. People are rediscovering that wool competes very successfully with high tech man-made fibres in sports wear. In fact merino wool is generally accepted as the "Rolls Royce" option for high performance base layer clothing.
Wool is hard to challenge for its sustainability (sheep are not intensively reared). It grows as hair on goats, sheep, llamas and rabbits, occurs naturally and is renewable i.e it quickly grows back. At the end of its life, wool is bio-degradable in soil, releasing important nutrients. If you invest in a decent wool coat, it will last years. Goats that are reared for cashmere produce delicious milk as a bi-product and provide hill farmers with an additional income.
Wool gives superior performance to man-made fibres, and as wool is a naturally occurring fibre it brings so many other amazing benefits...
1. Wool resists wrinkles - wool is like a spring, it has a natural crimp that allows it to return to its natural shape. Its complex coiled structure gives it great resilience against becoming flat and hard, so you can count on wool to keep its shape.
2. Wool has balanced thermal insulation properties - meaning it is warm in winter and cool in the summer.
3. Wool is hypoallergenic - it is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew that can trigger allergic reactions in many people.
4. It absorbs harmful pollutants - not only does wool absorb many harmful pollutants from the air, it does not re-emit them. It's estimated that wool used in interiors can help purify the air for 30 years.
5. Dust mites don't like wool - dust mites need moisture to survive. Wool has microscopic pores that respond effectively to changes in humidity making it unfavourable for the growth and breeding of the house dust mite. Dust mite allergens are one of the triggers for asthma attacks.
6. Wool is naturally anti-static - wool generates very little static electricity because of the qualities of its natural fibres. Static attracts lint, dirt, and dust, so its anti-static properties keep it much cleaner for longer.
7. Easily cleaned - wool fabrics clean easily because the outside surface of the wool fibre consists of a series of overlapping scales (similar to the feathers on a bird), which means that dirt sits on the surface of the fibre, making it easy to remove.
8. Wool is naturally flame resistant - wool is difficult to ignite, has low flame spread and heat release properties; it does not melt and has superior self-extinguishing qualities.
9. Wool is a naturally renewable fibre - what could be more natural than wool? Each year sheep produce a fleece, which makes wool a natural and renewable resource. As yet, no one has been able to reproduce the properties of wool synthetically.
10. Eco-friendly and Sustainable - when it's 'out with the old' wool will naturally biodegrade. It is a totally natural product, entirely renewable and sustainable. And it is 100% biodegradable - a very important feature in a world that is increasingly concerned about the environment.
Sheep can thrive in the most intense winter conditions. And they can handle serious heat too. Wild sheep living at 20,000 feet in Asia often have serious heat and serious cold in one day. Wool protects them from both extremes. And it can do the same for us.
What will keep you safe and comfortable over the widest range of conditions? If overall comfort level -- overall performance -- is the deciding factor, then wool is tops. Interesting thing ... there are companies famous for their synthetic outerwear that now recommend and sell wool base layers
Welcome to the Coats By Mary Ellen Made- to- Measure experience.
You will be enlightened as you as part of the creation process.
You select the style, fabric, colour, lining, and buttons. We have an array of fabrics, imported from Italy, Scotland and England to choose from. Select from wool blends, 100% pure cashmere, alpaca, mohair and more. You also have the option of adding genuine fur trim such as fox, beaver, mink and many others.. We also have a selection of vegan furs and leather trims if you are not interested in genuine materials. To further personalize your coat, monogramming is optional. You create a coat that is uniquely yours made right here in Toronto.
Generally it takes about 2-3 weeks for your coat to be completed and involves at least one fitting. A fitting is not necessary but always beneficial because at that point we can make any necessary tweaks/changes.
The price of Custom Made-to-Measure is varies depending on fabric, style and level of detail and usually starts at $750 .
Having your coat custom made means having a coat that is made specially to fit you. Our family of experts have been handcrafting specially made coats and jackets for over 36 years.
Over the years we have made over 5,000 custom made coats. Each one handcrafted to meet the individual needs of our customers.
Please call us to book an appointment to enjoy the personalized service and experience of having your coat Custom-Made to Measure. Consultation is FREE. We are committed to providing the highest quality in hand craftsmanship for an unprecedented value.
