Los Banos Rotary Club History
Local Clothier Praises Wool As Superior Fabric

Local wool men, who pessimistically fear complete loss of America's wool industry to the new synthetic fabric market, haven't too much to worry about – at least for the present.

So says Elge Mastrangelo local clothier and city councilman, who told members of the Rotary Club Tuesday noon that wool is still the number one favorite fabric for men's and women's suits, sport shirts, socks, and a great many other articles of apparel for which wool cloth has been used for thousands of years.

Even the old cattleman, Frank "Poncho" Arburua, beamed with happiness as Mastrangelo pointed out that to date the "100 per cent wool" tag on a garment is a guarantee of top quality, long wear and excellent color stability. As further evidence of the permanency of the natural fabrics, wool, cotton, silk and linen, Mastrangelo pointed to the fact that each industry has awakened to the threat of the new cynthetic materials, and are planning a counter-offensive of advertising and publicity that will be of great benefit in retaining public favor.
Besides its other qualities, Mastrangelo pointed out that technicians are constantly improving the weaving techniques to make a lighter, finer, longer wearing cloth, as evidence the new lightweight men's suits which continue to gain in favor. Wool and cotton, he said, are favored by cloth manufacturers because they can be woven into a much larger variety of weaves and textures than any other material.

However, Mastrangelo said, the new synthetic fabrics are gaining favor for some items of clothing, especially shirts, jackets and dresses. The synthetic industry is spending millions of dollars in developing and extolling the virtues of the new materials, and they are gradually presenting a highly satisfactory product.

For instance, he said, some $27,000,000 was spent in the development of nylon and another $25 million on orion, before either was introduced on the market. Rayon, which was first introduced to the public in 1924, is now more widely used than any other synthetic fabric.

Commenting briefly on coming men's wear fashions, Mastrangelo said men's suits will become somewhat more tailored, top coats still large, loose and comfortable, the rounded collar will become more popular on men's shirts, and also contrasting colors; hats will have somewhat narrower brims; ties will lose their flamboyant colors and designs and become more neat with smaller prints and designs; shoes will turn slightly to the quieter side, with somewhat lighter soles.

Mastrangelo's talk concluded his appointment period of three months as program chairman of the Rotary Club. Frank Peluso, club president, announced that beginning next Tuesday, Michael Dambrosio, city administrative officer, would be program chairman for three months.

October 3, 1952

---