Random Fashion Thoughts (Part 3: Style farmer strikes back) - our general discussion thread

[Trit]

on rainwear, I tried the Stutterheim "Stockholm", but found that it was not fully water proof (leaked in through the pockets), and the cut was awkwardly slim.

I just now got the Grundens "Sandön" coat, which is in the same vein but a bit more heritage/utilitarian (Swedish brand who have made raingear for fishers since the 1920s, yadayada). It seems very well made and is about half the price of the Stutterheim coats (and have a better cut, for me at least).

Im still considering Norwegian Rain for something a bit more refined however.

I agree the Stutterheim pockets are stupid. They stay wet inside for days and there's no way to keep water out of them in the rain. But I love that awkwardly slim fit. I won't complain about a rain jacket being a boxy fit but if you give me a rakish rain option then I'll take it.

 

[snow]

If you want waterproof you can get waterproof-breathable or just waterproof.

In the first category it will be waterproof and breath (a little) but water can push through (for example under backpack straps) and the fabric will eventually lose the water-repellent coating and "wet out" in rain (should still be waterproof). It can also wear through or delaminate over time. Fashion brands will often use generic membranes and pretend that it's amazing or their own tech; you can go along with that if you want. If you want a technical jacket look for one with a good warranty that will replace it if something goes wrong: patagonia, arcteryx, OR should all be good, or anything that is actual gore-tex.

The second category won't breath at all (except through mechanical venting e.g. with a poncho) and covers a lot of ground. A throw-away plastic poncho is waterproof, so are dri-ducks, and so is a rubberised fisherman's coat. The major variables will be price/durability/weight, and you will get extremely sweaty (i.e. wet) if you try to exercise.

I would also echo what someone said above about waterproof jackets - a waist-length waterproof just gets your thighs wet. If you really want to just go outside and stand around in rain a knee-length(ish) non-breathable coat/poncho is gonna be best. If you want to move around you may need to consider waterproof-breathable trousers.

 

[FlyingMonkey]

One category we're all forgetting is waxed jackets or coats. I have a Fjallraven G1000 cotton canvas jacket, which, if waxed properly - and getting the seams right is important - is as waterproof as anything. It was the only jacket I took with me when I travelled from London to Tokyo (via Russia) last year, and I've worn it in the worst weather. The downside is you have to rewax it regularly, or get it done professionally, and once the wax inevitably wears off, it's hardly waterproof at all. Obviously Barbour are big in this category, and most of their serious coats come pre-waxed, but there are several others.

 

[Newcomer]

How about an LL Bean chamois shirt? Most are plain, but they have some plaids.

I've been eyeing this Houdini "one parka"


They have several waterproof jackets. Fairy expensive though. I also like Outdoor Research a lot.

Interesting that the model is walking around with ski goggles.

 

[RegisDB9]

Put four stitches in the back, call it artisanal and I’m down

 

[emptym]

Interesting that the model is walking around with ski goggles.

Yeah, it doesn't really seem like a ski jacket to me. You'd know better. But I guess it supports their claim that it's the only parka you'd need. The product page has other interesting pics, like a guy with ice axes.

 

[cb200]

I've loved what that brands been doing marketing and image wise. Sadly I think North American market for outdoor stuff has been not quite as friendly market to the more athletic Euro brands as Japan has been.

 

[Chrikelnel]

Just had the thought that I spend about 80% of my clothing budget on fall/winter clothes even though I can only wear them 4 months out of the year here.

 

[whorishconsumer]

Are people over Ten C?

 

[troika]

The ultimate "we're moving on, it's me not you" statement

 

[ultraExtendo]

Just had the thought that I spend about 80% of my clothing budget on fall/winter clothes even though I can only wear them 4 months out of the year here.

I had that same problem a few years ago. I ended up selling most of my winter gear and forcing myself to only buy for my dominant season. It's tough though because fall/winter clothing is way more interesting than spring/summer.

 

[DubbyThaFerrgamoCZAR]

Tyler and Rocky got Iggy Pop out of his house.

 

[WBaker]

Put four stitches in the back, call it artisanal and I’m down

Open offer to start an atelier knockoff shop. Mass painting Levi's products white and sharpy-ing Ms. I'm thinking similar to that documentary Sour Grapes, styleforum will be rocked to discover Regis is the Rudy Kurniawan of fake MMM.

 

[dieworkwear]

Haidee Findlay-Levin wears really cool eyewear

 

[DubbyThaFerrgamoCZAR]

I digg her shoes in first pic.