/ Fade Friday /

Fade Friday – Iron Heart IH-666-XHS (3 Years, 2 Months, Unknown Washes)

It takes a lot to break in a pair of 25 oz. Iron Hearts. But the will to break through a pair of  25 oz. Iron Hearts is something only a true denim head possesses.

Nidyasmoro has worn these IH- 666-XHS for 3 years and has more than a few stories to tell. From sleeping and jogging in them during break in, to jumping into a swimming pool at an Enter Shikari gig, these behemoth blue jeans have seen more wear than your average pair, which is probably what’s required to get the level of denim evolution we’re seeing here. The overall tone of the denim is a whimsically washed-out indigo, with darker tones nestled into the deep creases in the whiskers and honeycombs, the latter of which have done a full 360 in the knee region.

Nidyasmoro Iron Hearts even saved his skin when he took a nasty spill off a scooter in 2013. He came out alright, though his jeans sustained some critical injuries at the knees. That damage is echoed throughout the jeans in small scuffs, frays, and repairs, all of which add to an overall look that the moto-crazy heads at Iron Heart HQ would be proud to see.

Iron Heart IH-666-XHS Raw Denim Jeans

• Fabric: 100% cotton selvedge denim

• Fabric weight: 25 oz.

• Fabric source: Japan

• Made in: Japan

• Fit: Slim Straight

• Additional Details:

  • Sanforized, unwashed

  • Button fly

  • Veg tan leather patch

  • Arcuates

  • Poly/cotton stitching

• Available at: Iron Heart for $440

/ New Releases /

Stay on Track with Iron & Resin’s Hill Hickory Stripe Jacket

Some of the most handsome fabrics were born out of necessity. Denim is the most obvious example, but look a bit harder across the workwear pantheon, and you’ll see that beautiful fabrics like hickory stripe that were just as important in other industries. Born out of necessity in the late 19th century, hickory evolved from a coarse seersucker to hardwearing canvas and twill garb for railroad workers, with stripes that reduced the appearance of oil and grime compared to plain cloth.

Championing Hickory today is Iron & Resin, who have just dropped their Hill Hickory Stripe Jacket. Made in a chore coat/coverall style reminiscent of work jackets in the steam engine era, the Hill offers timeless workwear style in a heavyweight cotton canvas with woven hickory stripes that illuminate the thickness of the fabric. We may be decades past industrialization, but we still need somewhere to put our stuff, and the Hill comes correct with 3 exterior flapped patch pockets and mechanic-style interior pockets. Custom dual-shank hardware keeps things secure, while a handy locker loop in the neckline makes for easy storage after a long day on the tracks.

Before you go – a word on hickory’s versatility. Despite being an indigo-based fabric, the contrasting white stripes mean that hickory is really good for pairing with all that denim in your closet. It pairs well without clashing, meaning you can keep your favorite raws in rotation with this thing, no problem. And if the Hill doesn’t float your boat, Iron & Resin has a whole Hickory Collection to tempt you with.

Available for $159 from Iron & Resin.

American Trench’s WF Vest Makes Use of Premium American Merino Wool Fleece

Layering season is here for the foreseeable and this nifty number from American Trench has got you covered. Well, apart from your arms. Jokes aside, their latest WF Liner Vest looks like a damn near perfect layer.

The WF in the Liner Vest’s name stands for ‘wool fleece,’ and this is a very special fleece indeed. Custom-made for American Trench in Wisconsin, the fleece is made from a pure 62-grade merino wool, with that ’62’ referring to wool’s spinning count, a traditional method of measuring wool’s fineness. To get less scientific about it, it’s soft, and it’s warm.

The merino is complemented by polyester backing—reminiscent of vintage military liners—and corduroy patch pockets and yoke. It’s also contrasted by a lighter blue on the taped hems, which frame that special, soft fabric. Staying true to its inspirations, the vest has a zippered front and sits a little shorter, so you can layer it with all your favourite jackets and coats, or it just looks ace on its own over a hoodie.

Available for $195 from American Trench.

Chup Makes a Bold Claim with its “Life Long” Cordura Socks

You know what’s really annoying? That hole that you inevitably get in at least one sock. Every pair. But what if we told you that doesn’t have to be the case? What if we told you that Chup Socks claims to have developed “Life Long” Cordura socks that will keep your pinky toes firmly wrapped up with its 4 other companions for life?

Chup has knitted their “Life Long” socks with 45% Cordura, a highly durable material that is more often seen on luggage, outdoor, and military gear. Though the reason they’ve knitted it into socks is that Cordura is known for being 7 times as strong as ordinary yarn, offering a proposed 6 to 10 times more durability than your everyday pair.

Cordura socks are nothing new, but most socks only feature it in certain parts of the sock. In fact, a maker can use Cordura in the heel alone and still use the Cordura name. Chup’s Life Long socks have Cordura yarns throughout, ensuring lasting durability top to bottom.

Chup has really put their money where their mouths are here, too. They’re not just making the lifelong claim but actually scientifically testing it, and the results seem to hold up. To pass the abrasion test, socks that use Cordura have to survive 500 times; Chup’s “Life Long” survived 30,000 times. So, yeah, over 60x what was needed.

These come in a range of 8 different colors, so you can mix and match, but make sure you’re really set on those colours, as you may not be buying socks for a long, long time.

Available from Iron Heart for $29 a pair.

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