Random questions to which you seek an answer
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Honest justification comes from economies of scale.
Take a look at how many shirts you currently own, I know that in past times I have owned 30 or 40 different shirts at any one time, I thought nothing of having 100+ tee's, 10 pairs of jeans, 30+ pairs of sneakers, 10+ pairs of shoes/ boots, and 40+ coats and jackets (my real obsession).
These days my clothing collection is MUCH smaller, I sold just about all my old gear (Supreme, Wtaps, Bathing Ape etc..) when I first got into Japanese raw denim, and used the money I made to finance myself on the way. These days I own maybe 10 shirts, 3 pairs of jeans, 8 coats/ jackets, and 25 tee's, a far smaller, more compact collection, but the difference in quality and style means that I will still be wearing these clothes in another 5 years in many cases.
You have to consider not only the quality of the item, but also the longevity of it's wear in terms of construction and style. Much of the IH catalogue is made up of timeless items, straight cut jeans, flannel shirts, denim shirts, Deck Coats, trucker jackets, riders jackets etc. These are items which have been worn by men for decades, and will continue to be worn for decades more. Fashions change but style will always be style.
In short, point out that what you buy when you buy IH is an investment in time, clothes to last through your life. I would like to think that my boy will be borrowing my Riders jacket, or Deck Coat when he's older, as I shout after him "You be careful with that coat, I've had that almost as long as you've been alive"
You're absolutely right. The compact collection of clothes thing is something I've noticed, but haven't been able to verbalize. It's so true though. I went outside to mow the lawn and weed the beds yesterday, and before I did, I donned an old pair of lucky jeans. I stood in front of my wife and asked her what she thought (I've been wearing my 634's and Beatle Busters exclusively for a year and half) and she remarked how different they looked compared to what she's now used to seeing me in. She really does understand the investment. I just want a bigger budget
Over the last three years, I've been investing in boots (Wesco, Alden, White's) and in jackets (Barbour, Aero), and now in clothes (IH, IH, IH, IH, IH!), and I really feel like I'm wearing quality pieces that will last a long time.
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Don't go too overboard though man. In my opinion (and this is something I've been very guilty of in the past) you need to get maximum use from your wardrobe, so diversity is key. Buy items that are very different from each other to allow you that maximum "mix and match" potential.
I feel that there is little point in having 5 heavy flannels, or 3 denim shirts, when you can get several different items. More looks, for less money
There is always need versus want, and then there is budget versus desire. If there is an item that you really want/ need then my advice is to plan for it, save for it, and don't expect your "itch" to be satisfied by anything other than your hearts desire, when you allow yourself to become distracted by lesser desires, that is when it gets REALLY expensive
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Words of a wise man!
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Great way of looking at it Mega.
I totally agree with the versatility statement. I definitely try to achieve that when I buy a new piece. For instance, when I got my Aero, I opted for cordovan fqhh, because it's IMO the most versatile color. It can be worn with black or brown boots, and looks smashing with IH denim, or chinos.
I've mapped out a general plan for IH shirts, to achieve maximum versatility. I've already got my hands on the new wabash shirt, and I've got my eyes on the IHSH-07 when it becomes available again. After that, maybe a western flannel and a western plaid of some sort. Oh yeah, and maybe IHSH-01od. Five shirts isn't bad, right?
All I have on my radar for new jeans is a pair of 634s-XHS. That'll make 3 pairs of jeans. Done and done.
(That new Gosport tee looks great too. dammit.)
What do you guys think would make a great core collection of IH gear?
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No wardrobe is complete without at least couple of pocket tees. White and black at a minimum.
That's for everyone; personally, I have at least half a dozen. Of course, I live somewhere hot and have absolutely no need for flannels, so there should be some allowance for climate variation…
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I break down essential shirting like this…
1 x denim shirt
1 x heavy flannel
1 x mid weight flannel
1 x spring weight flannel
1 x chambray
1 x wool shirt
1 x short sleeved shirtWith that, and mixing up the colours, you're good for most circumstance.
Edit: As Chris says, regional climate needs to be considered. Where I live we have full 4 season weather, sometimes in one day
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could anyone over in the US of A help us out with this item,,stumbled across the website,,kinda like whats being offered up ,,cheers for any help ,,
heres the web linky type thing
http://www.losermachine.com/collections/hats-beanies/products/godden-beanie -
Unlike Mega, I get two seasons- hot and oh my God, I'm going to spontaneously combust in about five minutes. My opportunities to wear flannel, even "spring weight" flannel are limited to times when I travel to colder places (like NYC in October, for instance). So my shirts are all much lighter- no flannel, no denim. Even IH chambray is only for winter.
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I'll help you out, Nem. I'll PM you and we'll work out the details.
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Me? Wise?
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Sounds like someone's been doing a wee bit too much drinking…:D
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Drinking Kool-Aid by the sounds of it
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Which should I get?
8301S or 9634
I know this isn't a crazy question but just want your opinion.
I LOVE the 22oz SuperBlack denim but getting a size 36 would make me want to get them slightly tapered.
I haven't tried on the 8301S yet, but probably will this weekend. I'm hoping the fit is spot on and fits fine in the thigh(my only area of concern). I wouldn't mind the fading possibilities of the SBG denim because I don't really work in my jeans. It would take years for mine to fade.
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I'm still considering the 8301's too…..or the SExIHxNY 634's, so I guess I would pick the 8301's.
