Almost 2 years on these guys. Got em back from the tailor for a crotch blow out repair and so happy to have em back in the rotation

Picked this bad boy up second hand the other day. Been wanting it for a while, as I think it's basically the platonic ideal of a chambray shirt, since the IH work shirt pattern is so good and it also has great triple needle details. Sadly, I hadn't realized the seller had cut off the chain stitch runoff which is a favorite detail of mine, but eh, that's how it goes.

The current run somehow just didn't fit me right, but I managed to find a barely used pair from the 2022 run on ebay, and they're perfect. Still need a hem, because I have the shortest legs know to man (I'm like 5'11'' but take a 29'' inseam!), but super happy with them.

One question: the pocket bags are black on this pair, which is kind of neat. Was that something done in the past? If I'm remembering right, the current run pair that I tried on and returned had white pocket bags.

First wear today. Gonna have to admit you guys were right and the dudes at Self Edge were wrong: should have gone for the 33. Even after a warm machine wash they barely shrunk (except in inseam which was genuinely almost an inch). I think the cut through the leg is okay but the waist is very loose and the top block is a bit messy. Oh well, you live and learn. If I can't stand it within the next month or so maybe I'll try to resell and recoup some of the damage...

Just a bit over the one year anniversary of my 21oz 888. I don't wear them every day but I probably get in 2-4 wears a week, you can see that they're nice slow faders. The waist definitely stretched a bit but I think if I get another pair someday I'd probably size up.

Finally got my ducks hemmed. Decided to go for a longer hem/more break than I usually do. What do y'all think?

Man this looks fantastic. I might have to figure out how to put this in the budget...

@EdH Never had a pair that I can do this with, but will def get some XHS some day and want to do this (just for the lols if nothing else)---what's the strategy? Just hang dry and when they're dry they can stand up? I usually flat dry my denim, I wonder if that would ruin the ability to stand...

@Goosetown I'd probably size up personally. The ultimate test imo is to sit down for a little bit and see if you get uncomfortable. If you're taking a fit pic you're probably not standing in a natural position so it may fit better/worse than it would if you were more natural

@AdamJ sorry to be annoying, but any update on these boys? I'm super hyped to get a pair, hopefully soon!

First wear today. Gonna have to admit you guys were right and the dudes at Self Edge were wrong: should have gone for the 33. Even after a warm machine wash they barely shrunk (except in inseam which was genuinely almost an inch). I think the cut through the leg is okay but the waist is very loose and the top block is a bit messy. Oh well, you live and learn. If I can't stand it within the next month or so maybe I'll try to resell and recoup some of the damage...

@Go-For-Chill the funny thing is my first pair, my 21oz 888, I also got at Self Edge and went with the 33 over the 34 at the advice of the staff saying the 34 was too big. I still sorta wish I had gone with the 34. That was a few years ago so obviously desires in fit have changed since then so that explains some of the difference, but I do think it's funny.

Well I went back today and every staff member at Self Edge recommended the 34 so against this board's advice that's what I went for. Hopefully it's not too big. I do feel like I absolutely want to be able to tuck in a flannel so if that means they'll be a little loose with nothing tucked in I can just tighten my belt. When I get them back from hemming and a first wash I'll be sure to post a pic!

Okay you guys are all unanimous. I guess as long as everyone feels confident the 33 will give a little bit in the waist with wear (it's a bit uncomfortable when sitting down right now), I'll go for it

@Matt I tuck often although not always. Basically impossible with something this think to have something that's perfect for both as I'm sure you know

@yannis this isn't a bad idea but I guess I'm pretty keen on buying in person and they only had one pair of the 34 left so (assuming it doesn't get sold to someone else in the meantime) that's the one I'd have to go for. But maybe I will go back in with my tailor's tape before I pull the trigger.

Fwiw, here's the two pairs. I won't say which is which size to avoid bias

Pair 1:

Pair 2:

Posted this exact thing on Reddit but figur I'll get as much advice as possible before pulling the trigger:

Can anyone help me size Iron Heart XHS? I just did some pre-BF shopping at Self Edge and tried on 888-XHS in 33 and 34. Both nominally fit, with the 33 being in some sense "just right" and the 34 having a bit of extra room in the waist. I think I lean slightly toward the 34 just because 25oz being too tight seems miserable but I'm wondering how much shrink and stretch people have had and any one's personal sizing journeys. For reference, I have a 888-21 in 33 that I do regard as a little snug and an 888D in 34 that I love the fit of, which also makes me lean 34 but I also realize that tag size means almost nothing

@Aetas Good find! That eases my mind (not that it needed that much ease, to be honest)

Here's a bunch of pics. I'm not feeling too worried as this website seems to show an interior shot of some 888D with black pocket bags

.

I picked up a pair of 888 ducks on ebay a couple months ago that were supposedly from a previous production run (maybe 2022?). I'm not that worried about them being legit, as they have most things seeming legit, and honestly I wouldn't even have a question, except that the pocket bags are black instead of white. Figured maybe I could post here and see if the black pocket bags are expected from a previous run, perhaps?