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@NickD I like their style and patina out of the box - that's just me. They make unique stuff that oftentimes doesn't require years of wear to look comfortable. That's all.
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@NickD for sure there is a value question. And there is some chunky profit for them.
Easy to pick stuff up on eBay or similar and some incredible deals to be had.
Whilst primarily made in the developing world, the quality has never disappointed me. It’s not stitch perfect like Freewheelers, and they aren’t as tough as Iron Heart, but I’d argue still very high quality.
I love the style for the same reasons I love Freewheelers more than The Real McCoys. It’s got a bit of sense of humour and drama to it. Plus, their use of high end materials delivers the heritage aesthetic, but with luxury feel.
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Latest RRL pulls and creations…
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Was obsessing about their light deck jacket recently. I had tried on Ironheart's version in black last year and regretted not buying it ever since.
Seeing it worn in Silo and Lanterns pushed me over the edge to order RRL's version in khaki. I also picked up their "Worn in black denim trucker jacket".
Both are on their way back to Ralph Lauren unfortunately. The Deck jacket was nice but the arms draped so weirdly. Maybe because of the shoulder seams going past my shoulders. This was just how the jacket was designed and when I looked at the senator in Silo and Hal Jordan, they look just as floppy on them. In fact a bit more so.
It was also cropped shorter than Iron heart's iteration. It's Jungle cloth was not as thick and robust. The zipper was finicky and smaller than I think it should be. Wasn't all bad though, honestly. The jungle cloth was really soft and worn in. They definitely put it through an aggressive washing / wearing process of some kind. The sleeves had a lot of room to get in and out of. From memory, sleeves on Ironheart's lightweight N1 were quite tight for my hands and I remember having to pull hard to get the jacket off. I also like that it had a throat latch. I just think those things are cool. No D Pockets though and I liked that the pocket's were lower and in a more comfortable position on the IH.
The Jean jacket was just not for me. The collar was to large and it was too short for my liking. I know it's a repro from the old Lee jacket and that's how they made them back then. The Denim was also put through an aggressive pre wash and wear process but wasn't particularly soft or thick. The buttons didn't feel nice either. I'm spoiled by my IH type 3's completely.
For what RRL charges I had high hopes. The Deck jacket is quite a bit more expensive than IH's lightweight version and much closer to their full on deck jackets with wool lining. But here's the kicker: Both jackets are made in low cost labour countries. The RRL Deck Jacket is made in India and their jean jacket in Vietnam. So while I'm paying more, the details, cut, and quality isn't on par with Ironheart's offerings. Silver lining is I got a prepaid shipping label for both jackets and I get all my $ back. Eventually. RRL's phone support is in the USA and they were really great to deal with and I appreciate that!
I hope IH comes out with an other khaki lightweight eventually. Something to consider @Alex is wider cuffs and maybe adding a throat latch. I do love those D pockets!! Perhaps I'll end up getting get your regular N1 in Khaki this season if measurements work out. (I have a green in oiled already
)Anyhow rant over. I really do appreciate you guys,(IH) the quality of your stuff and value proposition. It's totally spoiled me though!
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@Chibs The RRL patinas are hard to beat though, out of the box. While I love the process, years go slowly.
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RRL does really nice stuff. I used to have a ridiculous amount of it, but over the years I’ve cut it down to some key jackets, sweaters, shirts and a couple pairs of denim. I still have some pieces I’d consider forever pieces, from relatively inexpensive stuff to some of their more expensive items.
I had that navy jacket when it first came out and loved it, but once I put the IH lightweight N1 on, it was hard to look at it the same way.
I’m definitely not one of those heritage guys who hates on RRL. I still think they do some of the best-looking off-the-rack clothing out there. It’s just hard for me to stomach it when something from IH is basically the same price and feels like it’s built to a completely different standard in terms of materials and construction.
@selveldgesteps
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@will6er I had the Buzz N-1 and their Conmatic zip was really fidgety and fragile
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@northsouthdenimguy 100% agree. This was my first time trying them out and I wasn’t aware people hate on them. They have a lot of stuff I’d try on at a brick and mortar. Unfortunately they don’t have one in my city, but free returns are cool.
