My 888 still have some mileage left, but it's time to consider a new project to get started on. The 684 is exactly what I wanted to see. I am closer to 50 than I am to 30 now and a geezer in skinny jeans just isn't it, boys.

I grew up wearing the slightly baggy Levi's fits in 1990's USA Tough but comfortable. Levi's were the moderate option compared to JNCO back then. We're finally approaching something like a 'normal guy' cut with these.

Let's not forget the ladies here. This cut will work very well for some of them.

This green buffalo western is still my go to shirt for family Christmas. It pops in just the right way. UHF works very well in these cold northern winters.

I also have the red buffalo check for around the (winter) house. I wash it hot and dry it hot. It only gets better with age. Pair it with a wool watch cap and you are cozy in 90% of your environments.

My 888 still have some mileage left, but it's time to consider a new project to get started on. The 684 is exactly what I wanted to see. I am closer to 50 than I am to 30 now and a geezer in skinny jeans just isn't it, boys.

I grew up wearing the slightly baggy Levi's fits in 1990's USA Tough but comfortable. Levi's were the moderate option compared to JNCO back then. We're finally approaching something like a 'normal guy' cut with these.

Let's not forget the ladies here. This cut will work very well for some of them.

This green buffalo western is still my go to shirt for family Christmas. It pops in just the right way. UHF works very well in these cold northern winters.

I also have the red buffalo check for around the (winter) house. I wash it hot and dry it hot. It only gets better with age. Pair it with a wool watch cap and you are cozy in 90% of your environments.

I've been wearing this for a couple weeks now. Initial impression is highly positive. I'm tall and lanky but broad shoulders (6'1" 170) and the XL fit is spot on. Can throw a hoodie underneath or just a t-shirt and it fits equally as well. Has a bit of a bespoke feel to be honest.

I gave it an initial quick hand wash with Bronner's hemp oil soap and a couple cold rinses before drip drying. New new black denim is always a lint trap. Once some of the starch and dye are out it smooths over nicely.

I know this jacket turns a few heads because in addition to the impeccable fit it is an inky heavy black. Like you disappear into the background ninja type of black. Who needs contrast stitching? I have become an actual shadow now.

Last but not least. POCKETS. I love my Riffblaster 101J but the lack of pockets eventually gets me. With this one, no such problem. I live in Minnesota, I need pockets for cold hands, keys, phone, etc. That interior pocket behind the side pocket lining is perfect for a phone.

Interesting stuff here. Thanks for the honest review Neph. The overwhelming expectation in the jeans market now is stretch. This is easily proven by looking at the websites of Levi's or Wrangler, where the majority of jeans offerings are now various percentages of stretch material.

The fact is the stretch jeans are more comfortable when new. Most people don't have the patience for their jeans to slowly become that way as it is with 100% cotton.

Personally I won't be giving up my all cottons anytime soon. Call it pride, stubbornness, what have you. Maybe even as sort of an anti-trend. But if I were to consider stretch jeans, it would probably be these.

It also expands the IH brand to people who may not have been interested before. This is a good thing. The traditional fabrics aren't going anywhere for us old-heads. But it is bridging the gap to the new-heads which are essential for the survival of the brand.

Was able to procure an XL. Right now it's lost in transit somewhere on it's way to Minnesota. With the blizzard in the NE and UPS being absolutely buried right now I'm assuming it will show up next week sometime.

I know a delivery driver and he said every day now is basically their busiest day ever. Patience is key!

I've been wearing this pretty often for the last month and some change. Hand washed it once. It's finally starting to soften up and stretch a bit. These are not easy to break in, but worthwhile.

Also have to say this thing is a head turner. People look twice and one of my co-workers came up and just started touching it for no reason. My dad even liked it, he wore a lot of Lee Rider jackets back in his day.

That red stitching on the inside is a phenomenal touch.

I was able to grab the last XL and it just showed up today. Nope, it's not going back!

I think XL was the right choice for me. I'm 6'1" 175-ish and the fit is perfect. Arm length is good, shoulders feel good, can button it up without it feeling too constraining.

This is my first foray into the Iron Heart brand or heavy denim for that matter. This jacket is tough! Impressed with the quality and look forward to wearing it often.

Someday when it's broken in more I'll check back with pics.