deer skin leather was fringed to help water (rain) run off.

I didn't know that. Thanks!

After reading your comment about wollen garments , I immediately thought about Harris tweed, Fair Isle, Jerseys, Guernseys and so on. I did some Googling and found this site which I offer tentatively (because I know you to be expert in this area!) as having some interesting historical information amongst its adverts. You have to scroll down a bit.

http://www.achillknitwear.com/aranknit1.html