Iron Heart Update - 2026
-
For what it’s worth and this is just my opinion, if it means the retailers that are still on board continue to order roughly the same amounts while the brand’s own website has product available for longer, that actually makes a lot of sense to me. It feels strange to go directly to a brand’s site and see everything sold out, only to find the same items readily available at other retailers. That may not be the intent, but as a consumer it would feel better and more confidence inspiring.
Personally, I’m going to buy where I buy, when I buy, and how I buy. Edit: meaning IH I will find it where I can lol. But if I were new to the brand, seeing availability on the brand’s own site would feel like a positive signal and a more welcoming experience overall.
If I’m totally off base and reading this wrong that’s fine…just my two cents.
Edit: I’m fine with what ever you all do. just spouting my opinion. Hopefully it doesn’t come across in a negative way.
@selveldgesteps
-
-
-
@northsouthdenimguy not to mention IH's return/exchange policy is miles better than most retailers
-
My preference has always been to buy direct. The shipping is free, the service is unbeatable and the boys have the most inventory to check if I’m between sizes.
I’ve noticed over the last couple years that some releases are becoming hard to get/luck of the draw. I can definitely see why they are starting to tighten up on dealers.
On a different note, can’t wait for SS26!
-
@nrtphotos agree with you and the ability to upgrade snaps when you order is a plus too.
-
Retailers are nice for promoting the brand and reaching customers from countries with stringent export laws but not all are created equal. Streamlining the retailer market to get the biggest bang for your buck is smart in this sideways fucked economy. As for providing details to us in emails or here in the forum, that’s a courtesy and it certainly isn’t mandatory.
-
I prefer buying direct from the IH site, but very much appreciate that occasionally there are retailers that may have something the IH site is sold out of. Also, I love having more than one place to look for things that may be on sale. I can't always afford my taste, but every now and then I get to buy and wear something I likely wouldn't have been able to buy at full price, so there is an interest for customers to see IH in more stores, not fewer. With that said, if pulling back on some retailers means you'll be able to avoid increasing prices for longer, or if it means you're going to be able to eventually open an IH store in the US eventually (to be clear, this is a hypothetical example, this would be amazing though), there is an equal or greater interest in that option for customers as well. I run a company with 95 employees, and I fully understand that these behind-the-scenes decisions aren't meant to hurt anyone or anything, and I make sure not to see it that way. I appreciate the transparency, and support you guys in a huge way for many reasons. I'll just say that everyone in my life knows about Iron Heart by now, and not always because they went looking for it
Thanks guys -
This isn’t about “shakedowns” or “opening a US store”, this is about the stress placed on the supply chain and having to dial things back to get things under control. If they keep pushing the way they are, something’s going to break. In the best interests of the future of Iron Heart, something had to give in order to prevent that from happening.
The reason I’m pointing out those two examples is this is how internet rumours are started, and I’m quashing them now.
"I don't give a shit what anyone else is doing, we will do what is best for us and our customers" - Giles P. :)
-
Yeah it's unfair on the people actually making this stuff, more demand and being rushed... It's the same for all other brands, they're all competing for mills to make their product and wait times can be years. It's a shame things sell out so quick, but I feel like if I really want something and show up on time there's a high chance I'll get it. It's just better for the people in Japan etc to not be so rushed, and as we all know IH is known for it's craftsmanship and quality so that's not something they want to lose...
I'm not bothered about this update and although I'm biased as being in the UK, I've heard IHUK have spectacular shipping times to overseas customers.
Thanks for sharing with us Alex. Here's to many more years of IH! -
I've bought a few things I may not have, as support for a few retailers I appreciate. I doubt I'm the only one.
I prefer IHUK for their super fast shipping, email replies, quality quick hemming.. oh and their stickers.... I love the stickers I know I'm weird. One day I hope to order something during the holidays for a chocolate bar lol. The stars have not aligned! -
The only 2 retailers I would go to Rivet and Hide Danny is more a friend then a seller same applies to Iron Heart Germany my Bro Shane and his Iron Heart Crew.
The magic always stays in Gosport been 13 long years now.
Seen many changes over the years. Am still buying.
This is not a rumor, this is my experience
-
@Alex said in Iron Heart Update - 2026:
We are not, and will never, compromise on quality, cut corners, or manipulate supply.
This is why I buy Iron Heart. Please do everything and anything needed to keep the brand what it is
-
I purchase the majority through the IH website for all of the reasons listed above. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … I’ve never dealt with a company that’s any better than Iron Heart in terms of the customer experience. It’s truly remarkable and exceeds any brand including the luxury ones.
That said, I’ve also purchased from The Shop, Rivet and Hide and Standard and Strange when items have sold out too quickly on the web site. Retailing is a tough business, and I would imagine this won’t be easy for the ones who are let go.
Thanks for the update, really appreciated.
-
This post is deleted!
-
This must be a tough decision for IHUK to let go of some retailers. For many, Iron Heart is a large enough percent of their business that it will leave them scrambling to make up for it in revenue stream.
But I have also heard from retailers that IH has a sticker shock factor to it for the general shopper browsing a men’s store. That’s why it has so much success online by us who seek it out from online retailers. We use IH site for the best measurements and then buy it from them or a closer retailer if IH sells out quick.
The Inventory has been spread so thin the retailers are basically “drop shippers” who never display the product (as described by Alex recently in the ask Giles or Alex anything thread). They sell out online before they have to.
I hope this keeps IH on track as described above for a long time.
