How does an Ever hoodie compare with Spruce?

[duofold]

I've given up on finding a Spruce hoodie, much less finding it local (especially important since it sounds like the sizing is unconventional).

In my search for Spruce, by calling Fred Segal/Ron Herman & Jake (Chicago), the sales staff at both stores believe that Ever is comparable in quality. Jake's website describes it as following:

Quote: definitely the best hoodie out there. it molds to your body with the interior quilted lining. back to a t-shirt and jeans, this is a staple for every guy's wardrobe. toss this in the dryer to make it SUPER soft.

So, while my patience for getting a Spruce has waned considerably, I don't want that twinge of regret if I discover later that the distinction, if any, is enormous.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

[englandmj7]

I think EVER is pretty wack for the prices.....but meh, if you love the look....

[duofold]

Well, it isn't much of a look. Both Spruce & Ever offer pretty sparse designs, e.g. no prints.

My concern is how quality (construction + fabric) compares between the two.

Since I've never seen Ever either, what is it about Ever specifically that you believe is wack?

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

[jiomitori]

Ever is a similar price to Spruce (a little more expensive), but it's a completely different concept. Spruce is a simple, well-constructed piece, while Ever has a highly distressed look.

See this photo from http://www.shopjake.com :

Edited by jiomitori on May 31, 2006 at 07:20 PM

[giantreptile]

i've got both. Spruce is a more snug fit, i had to size up. the design is simple, yet the details are cool. Ever is a roomier fit, with a distressed design. Ever are lined with thermal whereas Spruce are fleece. Ever also has a patch on the arm, in case you don't like branding.

[duofold]

Thanks for the offer of sale, but I've never worn small in any top. I'm usually a large.

Sounds like it comes down to a preference to style.

BTW...if you're in the states, where did you pick up your Spruce & why are you relinquishing it?

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

[duofold]

Thanks GR...after culling through countless websites, what little pics I've seen of Spruce leads me to believe that I'd like it better than Ever.

Problem is, aside from finding it, is taking the leap of faith and ordering an XL (never thought of myself as ginormous) if indeed it's sized so slim.

Plus, even that little bit of branding turns me off. The cleaner, undistressed nap of the Spruce appeals to me much more.

Sigh...perhaps a trip to LA/NY/TKO is in order.

[ddohnggo]

from what i've read on this board, there exist two types of spruce hoodies (don't quote me on this), the slim fit and the classic fit. i'm going to have to say that the classic fit must fit more true to size than the slim fit. i've never tried on spruce hoodies, but have seen them in person and i think they' are very well made. i'm probably going to get one at some point soon.

[doctorgnar]

The slim fit Spruce hoody is slim, definitely size up. I don't wear a large in anything -- mostly small and medium -- but my large slim fit is perfect.

[Guest Airjamie]

Dont say i never gave you anything.......

http://www.rakuten.co.jp/warp-web/468302/642793/

http://www.rakuten.co.jp/explorer/106150/390001/

http://www.rakuten.co.jp/explorer/106150/390002/

http://www.rakuten.co.jp/explorer/106150/381682/

http://www.rakuten.co.jp/explorer/106150/307543/

http://www.rakuten.co.jp/explorer/106150/307542/

[Rockn]

First off, i just went to the Bloomingdales in Chicago and they have 4 different styles of Spruce sweatshirts (black, purple, white, and grey).

Though I did not buy one, I do own an ever sweatshirt. The ever sweatshirt is thermal lined and very vintage with grinded cuffs etc. But, be warned it is very heavy. The quality is great and I love it because it is great in colder weather. The spruce hoody i tried on is very form fitting, and the quality was great too (loved the zipper). But, it is pretty plain looking and I like the ever patch on there sweatshirts,

[duofold]

Really precise & helpful community here...too bad I'm so damn impatient and impulsive.

Found a shop in Chicago called Saint Alfreds - they had 1 last grey Spruce slim fit in xl. Always had the notion that Spruce was $200+, but apparently the msrp in the states is $130.

Thanks again for all your help, especially reassuring me on choosing the right size in slim fit. And airjamie, very nice links with photos. If the Spruce I ordered is to my liking, I might order a green classic fit tiger fleece.

Rockn...good to hear you're happy with Ever. Actually, for branding, theirs is pretty subtle and tasteful.

Edited by duofold on May 16, 2006 at 01:48 PM

Edited by duofold on May 16, 2006 at 02:17 PM

[herpsky]

does anyone know the stockists in NYC?

[duofold]

Nom de Guerre & Bloomingdale's.

Bloomingdale's had some mediums in stock...the sales staff didn't know much about their own stock. Couldn't distinguish slim fit from classic fit.

Anyway, check out the 59th Street & Lexington shop.

[minya]

I've owned 4 Spruce hoodies and I've tried on a few Evers.

The overwhelming feature of the Spruce hoodies is spectacular construction. They are made better than any other hoodie I've ever seen. They also fit perfectly, in my opinion: depending on what size you get, you can wear them extremely slim, relatively slim, or somewhat baggy. Classic Fit fits "regular" (I'm a small in classic fit if I want a very slim silhouette; medium if I want something fitted but still somewhat loose) and Slim Fit fits VERY slim... almost like women's sizes. I couldn't zip up a size Medium slim fit over my chest. Had to go to a large.

The Ever hoodies were definitely a different aesthetic -- baggier, more relaxed fit, lots of distressing (which looked fairly decent as far as pre-distressing goes), and thermal-lined. IMHO the Ever hoodies aren't really my style, but I can see why some would like them.

Spruce is nicer, in my opinion, but that doesn't mean they're absolutely better than Ever.

[duofold]

Thanks for your comments highlighting Spruce's construction.

My #1 criterion for selecting pieces in the past was looks. Now, it's nearly to the point where I'll dismiss my initial disdain for an item's design if its construction is inimitable. Kind of like heirloom quality.

Fortunately, the strict, utilitarian design appeals to me. Plus, the Spruce's design becomes immune to the whimsy of vacuous fads.