428CJ

4 hours ago, propellerbeanie said:

Not sure if this is supposed to be sarcasm because I'm pretty sure that a little variance in the same size is within tolerance. 

Of course it's sarcasm.

Probably undeserved, though. I didn't get the feeling that the poster to which he was replying was complaining, but rather, that he was just reporting.

^^^ Nice. Classic, simple fades so far.

Did you soak the jeans before ever wearing them? In other words, have they been wet two times (the two washes you mentioned), or three times (the washes plus the first soak)?

I got mine about a month after you. I've only put three weeks of solid wear on them so far (still dry). I can't wait till they are faded, as I like the fit so much.

Good news: the above sale has been increased to 40 percent off sale items, with code SALE40. This sale is live on the site now, but hasn't been generally advertised yet, so go now if you want to get something. Rigid 1880's are still available in 34 and 38, for $180 plus tax.

Bad news: customer service will not price match this time, so if you already bought something during the 30 percent off sale, you are S.O.L. It's in the fine print. I guess they learned their lesson from the Black Friday and Green Monday sales (during which I retroactively price matched twice, and got almost $70 back from them)!

Wrangler 936's (a little over a year old – factory rinsed, and not wet since)

new Mil-Tec jungle combat boots 

This has been my basic "uniform" for several days now (with changes of shirts and boots).

2 hours ago, JDelage said:

I just had a great shopping experience with Rising Sun, so I want to give them props here. I don't want to go into the details because I don't want to set expectations, but they went above and beyond normal customer service. I wish them the best and I hope they are a going concern.

I second this. I had a very nice CS experience with my recent order.

1 hour ago, SLEEZY said:

Anyone know how much shrinkage I might be able to get out of the R1901 Ryders?

Theres a pair of size 30s available locally and when I tried them on they felt good, but I could tell that if they stretch out at all they will become too loose for the fit I’m after. Ideally I would wear a size 29, but those aren’t available. So I’m wondering if anyone knows if they might shrink a little after a hot soak.

I looked online and I didn’t see any info on shrinkage. The pocket flasher says they are sanforized, but I was hoping maybe I could still get a bit of shrinkage out of them.

What do you guys think? Anyone notice much shrinkage after a soak or a wash?

 

Thanks!

They'll stretch out, and you probably won't be able to get much shrink out of them. I would wash them hot and tumble dry them hot throughout their life. You can also cinch your belt tighter and tighter as they age. This works better if the pants have seven belt loops. Perhaps you can write Ryan and ask him if he'd be so kind as to sell you two loose belt loops that match, which a local tailor can install for you (if you don't have a sewing machine). Alternately, you can craft your own extra loops (or have a tailor do it for you) using leftover material after hemming. Though the twill will be 90 degrees off from the rest of the jeans, this is not really noticeable unless you are specifically looking for it.

FYI: The 1880's Overalls are deeply discounted on the Levi's Website, in both rigid and distressed versions. 34, 36, 38 are available rigid, and 28, 34, 36 in the distressed finish. For some reason they are not in the LVC section, nor have I *ever* seen them there. I guess they've been "hidden" on the site in a way, in that you can't get to them via a search of the LVC category. They are marked down nearly 50 percent to $300, and there's 30 percent off of that price with the current sale. To find them, go to the list of additional 30 percent off sale items, and sort by highest to lowest price. That's how I stumbled across them by accident.

I thought there was a guy here who mentioned he really wanted them, but that he couldn't pay $600 for them. Well, here they are at about $230 delivered. Still expensive, but I'm not sure they'll ever be a whole lot cheaper.

Well, couldn't help myself. Given the $139.99 price tag during the current sale stacking, I ordered a rinsed TPB. I already have a rigid one, and I don't like pre-rinsed denim. But I've fantasized about over-dyeing a TPB black for some time, and I figure a pre-rinsed one on deep discount is the perfect piece to do that to.

Also nabbed a rigid Sunset shirt during this stacked sale. That's something I love, but never even considered at normal price (costs as much an an LVC denim jacket). I wanted to grab a Sunset striped henley too, but they are sold out of my size.

Those who want the TPB, and don't mind it in the pre-rinsed version, now is the time. All sizes are available on the Levi's Website, and marked down to $140 with their current sale code. Trying hard not to grab one myself (I already have a rigid one from the last huge sale).

The only sneakers I wear with jeans are Converse High Tops or similar. I don't like any open-ankle/low-top footwear, in terms of feel or looks. The only pair of low tops I own is my running/walking shoes, and I *only* wear those for running or taking walks.

As far as Chuck Taylors, I have black leather (retired barring major repairs), red leather, white leather, and Jungle Green (in dry dock at the moment, pending repairs). All are standard cut High Tops.

I only wear sneakers sometimes, and only with shorts, Dickies, or tapered jeans (all of which I do not have many). I *always* wear boots with straight jeans, and never wear boots with tapered jeans.

FWIW, I'm on my feet all day at work every day, outside of driving. Boots are far more comfortable and durable to me. If I wear sneakers to work, I feel it in my legs (and sometimes my lower back) that night...not to mention having my feet and ankles feeling unprotected at work.

For @swiss-jeansfreak:

Each tag is made from a different type of coated woven material, not paper. The lot number is 220-0241.

...and a couple of quick teaser shots of my more typical style NWOT Storm Rider (lot number 220-0141):

This one has a glossy paper materials tag and a woven care tag (no wool in this blanket lining):

I suspect that either or both of these, but especially the long one, could actually be very early '80's, before the '80's mods that Lee made to their jackets. I'm not sure, though, as there is not a whole ton of detailed Lee identification info that I've found online. One can quickly find out nearly anything about Levi's, but Lee and Wrangler info is more scarce. My instincts say the the short jacket is probably early '70's, while the long jacket is probably late '70's.

8 hours ago, swiss-jeansfreak said:

Wow what an awesome looking vintage 70-ies Lee sherpa lined denim jacket. 

It should be named Stormrider as well. 

Isn't it dtazed on the inside patch? Can you send me a pic of this label?

and I can't wait to see your other Stormrider update including the label as well

It's definitely a Storm Rider. But I don't know the name of this variant, as opposed to the typical ones that are built on the shorter "trucker" design.

I don't remember the tags having a date. There is a lot number (220-0241), but I wonder what Lee's name for the jacket was. For example, my dead stock '70's Levi's jacket has the lot number 70505-0217, but the front pocket tag lists name of the jacket: "Fitted Jacket."

There is at least one variant of this jacket style, which features a narrower, more "normal" looking collar.

IIRC, I have also seen this cut in dark brown.

That's true, I suppose. A little bit 101J/standard Storm Rider, a little bit chore coat, a little bit parka, a little bit western shirt/jacket, a little bit pea coat... It has a lot going on, but it's very comfortable and warm, and I've always liked them in terms of style.

Just scored this LNWOT '70's sherpa-lined ranch style Storm Rider. I searched a bit for a dedicated vintage Lee thread, but I couldn't find one, so I am putting these pix here.

I've never been able to find out the actual name for this model of jacket. "Ranch jacket" is often used to describe them, but I don't think that's technically the correct Lee name for them.

 It has a mean crease in one of the lower front panels that I will have to steam iron out (not a problem). It has just the slightest hints of fades around the cuffs; they look to be those which would be caused by being shuffled about during decades of closet/drawer/box storage or the like. It has definitely never been wet, and if it has been worn, it doesn't show it – not a single fade mark outside of the ones I mentioned on some of the high points around the cuffs. It has just the faintest hint of a musty smell. IME with much worse musty smells in dead stock clothes, some air, sunlight, and a vinegar spritz should take care of this.

I have been looking for one of these in dead stock or similar condition for quite a while. I am very happy with my find...and it will make the perfect companion to my dead stock '70's Storm Rider jacket (which I plan on finally putting into the rotation this coming year, after I fully document its condition and construction details).

On 12/15/2017 at 6:06 PM, Coolguyzack said:

As far as actual vintage Levi's go, what's the consensus of the non-selvedge 501 STFs from the 80s/90s? I feel like the denim actually looks pretty good, but idk if it's worth the "vintage" upcharge.

Example from ebay:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Just got these in the mail today, and I am very happy with them.

Levi's 505's, M.I.U.S.A., rigid, new with tags. $60 shipped. Must be not too far from the end of U.S.A. production, as the pocket tag looks pretty modern (even has a Website on it). I'm thinking very late '90's (just a gut feeling, without having researched the specifics). Very well-made, in perfect condition, and an absolutely outstanding fit. 13" rise, 13+ inch thighs, and no vanity sizing on a size 36 about has me in tears of joy here. I wish they were stil cut like that. Ah, to think these used to be only 20 or 25 bucks at any department store in any town... They won't win any cool vintage jeans awards, but given what crummy Levi's cost these days, and how poorly they fit me in comparison, I consider this money well spent.

33 minutes ago, Coolguyzack said:

As far as actual vintage Levi's go, what's the consensus of the non-selvedge 501 STFs from the 80s/90s? I feel like the denim actually looks pretty good, but idk if it's worth the "vintage" upcharge.

Example from ebay:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

They're very good quality jeans – the best bang for the buck in old Levi's IMO. But be aware than they can be *very* slim fitting in comparison to both modern style 501's and older style 501's. Be sure to get thigh and hip/butt measurements from your seller! Today's size 35 STFs give me plenty of leg room; my early '90's pair of the same size, I can baaaaaaarely get into (as in I really shouldn't be wearing them...but I do it from time to time anyhow).

As for value, I wouldn't consider them to be collectible in a "vintage" way. They're just becoming more and more desirable in dead stock condition in a utilitarian sense. They are the last of the era of very well made Levi's that will actually last 30 years if you want them to, and you don't have to pay collector prices for red line edging with these. They're certainly worth twice what a new pair of outsourced 501's sells for today, based solely on materials quality and build quality, which adds up to a longer life for the jeans. Personally, I might pay $100–$125 for a pair (if I needed one), as opposed to paying $88 plus tax for a pair of modern M.I.U.S.A. Levi's...but beyond that price, I'd just get the new M.I.U.S.A. Cone 501's for $88. Those are actually pretty well made for the money, in comparison to outsourced 501's that are not even $30 cheaper, list.

Note that I am talking about dead stock jeans above. These are almost worthless if already washed and worn. You can really get a huge bang for the buck by purchasing lightly worn pairs from this era of Levi's.

Also, be aware that 505's from the same era are even cheaper, and just as good (arguably "better," due to having a zipper).

Nice looking '44's. I can't wait till mine are broken in.

42 minutes ago, Iron Horse said:

@mpukas Try Smoky Sumi (aka Kaijin X):

http://smoky-sumis-store.biz/mens-accessories-3.html

@428CJ Your case is difficult; I know how hard it can be to source pearl snaps.Try Etsy for starters:

https://www.etsy.com/market/pearl_snap_buttons

You could also thrift a cheap western shirt and cannibalize it for the buttons.

Thank you for the recommendation.

I have seen all sorts of pearloid snaps out there, but it's very hard, usually impossible, to determine whether they are just the usual crap, or something well made. Any experience with good and bad western pearloid snaps from certain sources?

Thank you.

27 minutes ago, mpukas said:

Um... yeah... it's absurd, actually.

I'm not trying to start anything with you, but take a moment and think about it... hey, to each their own, they're your clothes, do with them as you please. i.e. I iron my jeans after the first wash or two to get some of the stiffness out and they drape much better, but that's pretty much fallen on deaf ears around here. 

It is not absurd. Half the clothes on the racks at many dry cleaners are blue collar uniforms. Some dry cleaners are only in business where they are because of all the commercial clientele and blue collar uniforms that need to be serviced (e.g. around military bases). Do you think cops and firefighters wash and iron their own clothes all the time? Not a chance. Military (as I was for most of my youth)? Postmen? Electrical workers? Dry cleaning is not ubiquitous, and I do not claim that it is, but it certainly is not uncommon among the blue-collar work force. Anyone who thinks that every blue collar worker in the world has the time or energy to properly maintain his/her own uniforms  has obviously never lived a real blue-collar life. 

And FWIW, The two shirts in question are semi-formal western shirts that are white, which I don't want to shrink at all, and which had oil stains. There's nothing wrong with dry cleaning them; there is something wrong with the quality of work performed by the dry cleaner. But again, beside the point. This is the hardware thread. I am looking for hardware recommendations.