Random conversations

[NorvilleRogers]

@Mister_Brue … on the ‘good’ scale Id put it somewhere between reduced mediocrity and average plus. But that’s using Imperial. Don’t ask me in Metric…Im old school

[Mizmazzle]

Haha

[Mister_Brue]

@NorvilleRogers Me too…

[WhiskeySandwich]

With my most recent purchase of some 888s-142od, I’ve been going thru (overthinking) pro/cons on different weights of denim.
I absolutely love all my 21oz pairs, but having repeatedly trying to wear them during hotter seasons, I’ve found they are a bit too warm and heavy for half the year. The texture and heavier “cords” make for the best fades and color variations, but it seems to fray a bit faster than my 14oz. Certain areas can be a bit bulky, such as belt loops and the 5th pocket, and the crunch behind the knees can make the a little less comfortable to do my regular activities like riding and working on the bike.
The 14oz, due to the tighter weave seems to be more durable, as I’ve noticed a bit less fray from all my pairs. This may make the slightly less breathable than the 21, but they’re far more manageable at hotter temps. And being heavier than your “regular” denim, are still a substantial fabric. They don’t have the same texture as 21oz, they’re a lot smoother, and fades reflect that, which seem to be a bit slower, but they still get a great depth of color and contrast. I really believe the 14oz don’t get enough love.
The 18oz is nice too, a great year-round weight with lots of texture, and incredible fades but they seem to fray faster as well.
I know this is all very subjective and opinionated, but I can’t help but think a big draw to the heavier weights is the challenge, or dare I say macho gimmick, associated with taming the beast. I don’t want to fight with my clothing. All that to say, 14-18 is my ideal weight of denim. There are plenty of good uses for heavier denim, and if my 21s disintegrate I will buy again, as a seasonal option. I’m not anti-heavyweight, I just wanted to express my appreciation for a weight of denim that can do it all and is easy to live with every day.

[goosehd]

@WhiskeySandwich well written and great insights. My favourites are in the 16-18oz as well. I do like the heavier weights when it gets cold, but really find myself the most comfortable with the above…

[Oaktavia]

@WhiskeySandwich you should try 25oz broski! I totally appreciate and understand your write up and you make many valid points. For this reason I would love to hear what you think about XHS.

[Mizmazzle]

I agree that the heavy denims can be too much in the hottest parts of the summer. That's when I tap out and go for a pair of shorts. But for me, the 25oz XHS is so money for 9-10 months of the year. Once it gets broken in, so so soft. Though I do agree with the point about the fraying....I think that part is probably unavoidable if worn hard.

[NickD]

I found 25oz too heavy - 14 to 21oz are great, but my favourites are 18oz.

[WhiskeySandwich]

@Oaktavia oh I’m not counting it out. Can’t knock it till I try it! One day…

[DeeDee85]

@WhiskeySandwich agree with all that, I fucking love my 14’s! Just about to give them their second wash and sideline them for some 21’s while it’s cooler

[catdad1]

@WhiskeySandwich This is a great comparison of the 14 vs. 21 pants. I started with the 14 oz 888s bb for a couple of years before getting into a pair of XHS and then 21. I found the same thing you have as far as the 14 oz being the most versatile out of the bunch, as well as slow fader. Something particularly unique about the 14 oz too, idk, the crunch factor is definitely satisfying. I used the last year to dial in my comfort levels for each fabric. I typically go for outside temps below 50F XHS/bibs, 60-70F XHS or 21oz, 70-80F 21 oz., 60F-90F 14oz. Anything above 90 and you'll find me in the AC all day. This is prob way more research than any other person would do on pants wearability, but that's why we're all here!

If you live somewhere where you have cool climates for at last a couple months out of the year then you should def try XHS like @Oaktavia said. I think a few of us have found the break in period to be literally a couple of days to a week. Then they feel like slightly more done-up sweat pants. re: cozy.

[Mizmazzle]

@catdad1 said in Random conversations:
This is prob way more research than any other person normie would do on pants wearability, but that's why we're all here!

[Oaktavia]

I was brushing off the dusty cobwebs of an old thread (as I often do) and saw this quote I wanted to shine a some light on. There are notes of subtle satire and sarcasm but I feel it still holds true in some sense.

@Finn666:
i really hope this re-run talk stops some day…takes away all the "magic" of the brand imo -.-
if you're late to the party, get your shit together and search for it. if you find one and can make it yours, you´re the happiest mf on earth and want to hug the whole world and get drunk at the same time. if you can´t find one, you´ll keep looking until you will find one. this, besides some other great facts, is what keeps me coming back to iron heart all the time, when looking for shirts or jackets.
if everything gets a re-run every year or every now and then, it´s nothing else as some kind of "mass production" and takes away all the "magic" one combines with the brand.
so please stop asking for re-runs and search your fecking ass off if you want to grab/own a classic...please!

I have been practicing the art of sifting through the mud to find IH gold and gems on resale websites over the last couple years. The feeling of finding something that was made before and not to be produced again is magical. The chase...the score...the high...ride it out. Iron to the Bone.

[popvulture]

@Oaktavia totally agree with this. I’ve been able to snag a couple of long sought after things over the years, and it’s made them all the more special. Case in point: I have an IHSH-87 that I bought from @Clint_D , who said it originally belonged to the other Clint D, an old schooler (and fellow Mississippian I’ve known forever) who hasn’t been on here in ages. Anyway, it’s totally old and worn, and I reach for it about 10:1 over the other UHFs I have because it’s got a story. At the beginning, I used to always wish for reruns, but now I don’t really have any desire.

[Mizmazzle]

Discovering the existence of a phenomenal piece from before my time always makes my heart skip a beat. Then, with time, patience, growing friendships and connections in our community, maybe just maybe you find that special piece. It truly makes that score so incredibly special and is one of the best parts of this hobby.