@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’m sitting around bored because of a procedure I had today and thought I’d search the forum if that same procedure had come up here before. It has… and often.

I had my vasectomy today. An olive big buck was my prize. Feeling sore and guilty that I’m avoiding my toddler (that loves to run straight into that area) but that’s the price.
Happy to be at this stage of life

Hi folks, thought I'd introduce myself.

I'm a dad of one and expecting a second later this year. I live in California and was introduced to Iron Heart via Self Edge in San Francisco some years ago. Before then I had shied away from the kind of price points one finds in those stores but went in on a whim, looking to see what a nicer pair of jeans felt like. I think I walked out that day with jeans, two UHFs, and a crazy new curiosity for well made clothes. Who would have thought that a Japanese brand would be the one to make sleeves that fit my longer arms?
I have my PhD in philosophy and I remember early on talking to one of my mentors and telling them how proud I was of my new Dr Martens and how they meant I didn't need to worry about buying or shopping for new shoes for quite a long time (they ended up lasting me 12 years of near daily use). The professor, who dressed well in his own right, smiled and replied that I was right as long as I didn't care about fashion trends.
Sitting here, getting ready to watch the S/S '25 reveal I'm not sure if I care about fashion trends or not. Likely not. It's almost like the feat of creating well made clothes is something worth coming together and celebrating. Not because it's trend setting but because... HAVE YOU SEEN THAT STITCHING? ‍

I could ramble forever but I won't. Happy to be here and nice to see everyone's introductions!

Have a great holiday everyone!

We lost power last night so we’ll see if there will be much of a feast tonight .

Actually wouldn’t mind a candle lit Xmas eve. Not sure about the rest of the family though

Random love:

I’ve had shoes that I’ve worn about every day for 12+ years and was proud of, despite holes and wear.
I’ve had a warm sweatshirt that I wore whenever it was cold and was embarrassed of because it was my only one and people would make remarks and notice its wear.
And many things in between.

I can’t help but look in my closet and identify with the things I see. What stories are being told and how those stories make me feel.
Recently, I’ve begun a tradition of having my 2.5 year old son pick out my shirt for the day. He has his favorites and gets excited to see me wear certain things. For him, what I put on is part of what makes me his dad.
There’s something to be said for a closet, not a style, that you’re known for. I miss that old sweatshirt.

Thank you IH for helping me connect with my wardrobe in a meaningful way. Getting better with age is something we can all hope for.

Some hastily taken pictures of my native (to the California coast) tree orchard. Redwoods, Douglas Fir, and Madrones. Planted them three years ago and they've really been thriving. Just switched my irrigation from bubbler to drip and looking forward to helping that root network grow. Bonus picture of my latest addition - a young giant sequoia. They aren't native to the coast but will do just fine.

Big ups to the IHUK team and the impeccable shipping. Got mine today and am loving life.

@Denimhead-0 great, thank you. I also typically wear a XXXL so SP 4XL will likely be the way I go too (depending on who wins the buy / don't buy debate I have going in my head).

The American weather seer groundhog predicted the Winter season would last another 6 weeks...

Take that Punxsutawney! Spring/Summer is coming next week

@Giles for what it's worth, I had a good shopping experience.

My impressions from web searching between meetings (and taking advice here) is that sharpies/texpens provide the more 'done in the field' type look and then various paints and application techniques can get you more of a 'screen printed' look.

Haven't landed on a personal preference yet. I think I like the look of the pens but really got to practice before approaching anything of value.

Brilliant, thank you, @goosehd. Just found this forum that posts the exact same: https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/217761-how-to-use-brass-stencils-on-clothing/

@Oaktavia @Anesthetist did you bother with a fabric paint (or just used what was on hand)?

@Oaktavia, that's awesome, I'll see if I can find it.
If only it made sense to ship a piece of cardboard overseas . I'll see if I can find someone local to punch me a card so I can get to work.

I was about to ask if anyone uses stencils to mark their clothing and found this thread. I was never military but it seems like a fun way to personalize a piece.

@StarsSuck I think that's part of it for sure.

But also fuck fast fashion, consuming for the sake of being on trend, and throwing things out prematurely.

You know those videos of kids that freak out when their Dad shaves his beard for the first time? Like they're seeing a different person that took over their Dad's body? Like the running and hiding behind mom kind of stuff?

I like to think that's how my kids think of my IH flannels and denim. If I ever turn the corner in a sub par flannel, I hope they react in terror as if some important piece of their father has been unforgivingly changed. hahaha

Random love:

I’ve had shoes that I’ve worn about every day for 12+ years and was proud of, despite holes and wear.
I’ve had a warm sweatshirt that I wore whenever it was cold and was embarrassed of because it was my only one and people would make remarks and notice its wear.
And many things in between.

I can’t help but look in my closet and identify with the things I see. What stories are being told and how those stories make me feel.
Recently, I’ve begun a tradition of having my 2.5 year old son pick out my shirt for the day. He has his favorites and gets excited to see me wear certain things. For him, what I put on is part of what makes me his dad.
There’s something to be said for a closet, not a style, that you’re known for. I miss that old sweatshirt.

Thank you IH for helping me connect with my wardrobe in a meaningful way. Getting better with age is something we can all hope for.

Can I just say that I appreciate that IH doesn't do camp shirts (or souvenir jackets).

He's flying through these releases

Let's gooooooo!