We know you love IH, but where do you think we can improve?
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Regarding the motorcycle functionality thing, I totally get (and respect) that Iron Heart began as a motorcycle clothing company, and thus functionality while riding a motorcycle is an integral part of the identity of the company. That being said, the customer base has diversified quite a bit in the last few years, and I'd venture that a sizeable portion of the current customer base do not ride motorcycles. I would imagine that there are certain items that the motorcycle contingent have no interest in, and others that are nearly universally popular with them (in my mind, I see the 555/633/301 cuts being an example of the former, and the 634 cut being an example of the latter, although I may be wrong). If this is indeed the case, perhaps there are some items that could stray a bit from the motorcycle-centric elements and allow for slight tweaks to certain things like pocket size and placement, sleeve width and length, etc…
Of course that puts us back to the "new cuts" conundrum.
Seriously, though, it's amazing that you guys can are even asking us for input. This is one of the many things that make IH such a great company.
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It would be nice if every shirt and jacket came in each size, and if IHUK got at least one of each size, XS-XXXL (or whatever). It seems kind of random which items get made in XS and which ones don't. And then sometimes IHUK doesn't stock XS in a particular item, as with the M65 this season. This is frustrating for smaller dudes like me. (Might be frustrating for large guys on the other end as well, I'm not sure). If IH consistently made XS I'd buy more IH jackets for sure.
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Regarding the motorcycle functionality thing, I totally get (and respect) that Iron Heart began as a motorcycle clothing company, and thus functionality while riding a motorcycle is an integral part of the identity of the company. That being said, the customer base has diversified quite a bit in the last few years, and I'd venture that a sizeable portion of the current customer base do not ride motorcycles. I would imagine that there are certain items that the motorcycle contingent have no interest in, and others that are nearly universally popular with them (in my mind, I see the 555/633/301 cuts being an example of the former, and the 634 cut being an example of the latter, although I may be wrong). If this is indeed the case, perhaps there are some items that could stray a bit from the motorcycle-centric elements and allow for slight tweaks to certain things like pocket size and placement, sleeve width and length, etc…
Of course that puts us back to the "new cuts" conundrum.
Seriously, though, it's amazing that you guys can are even asking us for input. This is one of the many things that make IH such a great company.
I think Giles (or someone else) has mentioned in the past that, within Japan, IH is still recognized as pretty much a rider's company. Only in the West is it more of a fashion brand. That doesn't mean more products can't be produced exclusively for non-riders, but that would have to be limited in my opinion (you still want to keep in line with a brand's identity). Maybe Triple Works can be expanded with less of a riding focus?
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I'd like to see YKK zippers dropped from the line up. I know they're strongly functional and of a high grade within YKK's gamut, so highly unlikely, however, I'd like to see other zippers. Maybe a pet peeve of mine, but a non-YKK zippers help sway me to purchases. It shows a blend of form and function, not just one or the other. I'd happily pay a few extra dollars for something without the YKK zipper.
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Giles,
Can it be possible for IHUK, to have human ressources in a near future to propose denim repairs on any IH products? Buttons, holes…full range of repairs. Level SE repairs or IHJP.
I tried here in Europe, Denim Doc...few ones...nice people, contact. But patches is used and you have to call them, explain every single details, pay an amount included shipping rate quiet big...Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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^Agreed! I've got a couple pair to send your way for repairs as soon as ya'll are ready.
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I think YKK is the best zipper company in the world. Extremely vertically integrated, diverse, quality products at good price points. The IH two way on my car coat is outstanding.
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What's up with YKK? Serious question.
I think YKK is the best zipper company in the world. Extremely vertically integrated, diverse, quality products at good price points. The IH two way on my car coat is outstanding.
MCL, I agree they're the best zipper company in the world. They're a domination for sure, and consistently deliver reliable results on BILLION of items, no doubt there.
G, it's definitely emotional/personal. The feel of a Riri or Talon or other high end zipper (esp Riri as I've had a few more of those over the years), the touch is better in the hand, the smoothness when zipping is a 'zing' where you really feel it. I've never felt that with a YKK Zip. The IHSW-02 comes as close as I've had but not quite. Add at/near the price point I like the idea of a subtle show off for those 'in the know'. It's premium quality, best in the world clothing as is, the YKK zip doesn't give/show that nod.
It's not for functional reasons in short, and I doubt it'll get traction, but hey, it's the subject of the thread to discuss
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On YKK, interestingly enough;
Why YKK? - The mysterious Japanese company behind the world’s best zippers.
http://www.slate.com/articles/business/branded/2012/04/ykk_zippers_why_so_many_designers_use_them_.html -
Having owned Visvim jackets with Riri zippers, and more recently jackets with the modern interpretation of Talon zippers, I would take YKK all day long. The smooth zipping action is nothing compared to the sheer toughness and longevity of YKK, purely down to this they are a much better fit for IH.
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The IHSH-91 has red bar tacking on the pockets and orange chainstitching on the inside of the placket. I think it would look better if the colors matched, preferably both red.
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Having owned Visvim jackets with Riri zippers, and more recently jackets with the modern interpretation of Talon zippers, I would take YKK all day long. The smooth zipping action is nothing compared to the sheer toughness and longevity of YKK, purely down to this they are a much better fit for IH.
I get that, my original post still holds true as is too
Maybe a pet peeve of mine, but a non-YKK zippers help sway me to purchases. It shows a blend of form and function, not just one or the other. I'd happily pay a few extra dollars for something without the YKK zipper.
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I don't think you can reasonably make broad statements about YKK. They have a hugely diversified portfolio and value chain. For example, the Universal zipper on my IH hoodie was manufactured in Kentucky by an old domestic fastener company, Universal, which was acquired by YKK.
