Help Me Decide: a thread for the indecisive prospective purchaser

[Russell Street]

There used to be a thread where members could solicit input on their shopping dilemmas by posting the choices and letting the membership crowd-source an opinion. I can't find it so we're starting over.

Here is a working example.

Two litestraw hats, same price, same construction. One is dandy and colorful, the other a bit drab and dour. Click images for larger, more, views.

the Country Gentleman Keen
or
the Country Gentleman Dean?

 

[stridentlyopposed]

If you're going to wear a straw hat no use in being boring about it. #1

 

[Grand Potentate]

Also known as - please dress me internet.

Well we all can't dress ourselves to look like assholes right out of the box like you, so some of us need help.

 

[Grand Potentate]

I vote 2

 

[LelandJ]

First one looks really busy especially in the larger pic, second one doesn't show up for me but is obviously calmer design.

Are you going on vacation or do you usually buy this far advance of summer?

 

[Russell Street]

Also known as - please dress me internet.

Yes, this thread is totally guileless about this.

If you're going to wear a straw hat no use in being boring about it. #1

I'd agree but worry that for rain wear, maybe drab is best.

However it would be even better if it was undyed straw

I still am unsure if "Litestraw" is at all natural or not. A natural color would be best.

I vote 2

I had no doubt you would go against the more colorful option.

...second one doesn't show up for me but is obviously calmer design.
Are you going on vacation or do you usually buy this far advance of summer?

Link fixed. I buy when things are cheap or when I have money to invest on clothing.

 

[Thruth]

#2 looks more classically shaped and less busy.

 

[Thruth]

I believe it actually is straw but with a proprietary coating to soften the straw and add water repellency:

LiteStraw� is a revolutionary finishing technology that takes traditionally stiff straw headwear and softens it resulting in a supple feel, water repellancy and enhanced shape retention.

 

[Russell Street]

Hmm, so it's like impregnated or something.
I was under the impression that the shapes were the same, but now see that I was totally wrong.

 

[Grand Potentate]

First we had aborted t-shirts. Now we've got impregnated hats. What's next? Circumcised turtleneck sweaters?

 

[Thruth]

Hmm, so it's like impregnated or something.
I was under the impression that the shapes were the same, but now see that I was totally wrong.

Yup some sort of carcinogenic chemical.

The second one is a true Fedora shape while I'm not sure how i would describe #1. It just looks a bit weird, colour notwithstanding.

 

[LelandJ]

Yeah personally don't go for any techno pregnant fabrics, materials, as much for tactile feel as health concerns.

 

[Thruth]

First we had aborted t-shirts. Now we've got impregnated hats. What's next? Circumcised turtleneck sweaters?

Would be uncircumcised, no? Unless it was a weird turtleneck then it would be an aborted, circumcised turtleneck.

 

[LelandJ]

Circumcised t-neck would be one without a rollover layer ending around the neckline, rather a single layer ending around jawline. Don't think I've seen any of those but wouldn't be surprised one of the goth brands having made them.

 

[LelandJ]

I have an inis meain gansey that could be considered an aborted t-neck because the neckline is tight and hugs up the lower part of the neck. It bothers me so much I'm probably going to give it to my friend, who I hope has a smaller neck than me.

 

[stridentlyopposed]

Aren't they referred to as "mock necks"?

 

[ter1413]

This thread is high quality.
Just sayin'.

 

[Thruth]

So I am looking to buy down pants. Two main contenders are the following
Nunataks
http://nunatakusa.com/site07/garments/kobuk_pants.htm
Feathered friends
http://featheredfriends.com/volant-down-pants.html
The first has suspenders and bottom Velcro to go over boots. The second has side zips to easily out on and take off. I'm mainly going to use it to go from my apartment to my work, so I won't use a shell over the top. An alternate for each is the top of the line warmest pants from each brand, just to be warmer despite being less useful.

you need down pants in Minnesota? Seems like overkill. so you will change at work or will you wear the down pants over your work slacks?

 

[LelandJ]

I don't understand either, why not get a long overcoat like a normal human being?

 

[Thruth]

plus they don't have a drop crotch

 

[ter1413]

I don't understand either, why not get a long overcoat like a normal human being?

BINGO.

 

[Thruth]

If you are set on down pants I recommend Nunatak over Feathered friends. You can spec your measurements to Tom and get something that fits you. Both will keep you toasty. Both have similar down quality and fill. If you want ease of on/off get FF but zips are a source of heat loss.

It has been -20 F with a windchill of -36 today. I've been outside for about 9'hours since 7 AM. 200 weight Ibex long johns & surplus German army wool combat pants.

Seriously, get some toasty base layer long johns, wool trousers or Cahrhartts or Studio D'Artisan Orange canvas duck pants. Use a soft shell or wind layer over it. Down pants are for Arctic/Antarctic/high altitude pursuits. You'll overheat especially if walking. I have never worn anything insulated like down pants even outside in the Arctic at -60 for non-sleeping activities. I have used them for sleeping in winter camping.

Put your sexy work trousers on at work.

 

[Zé Ferreira]

Is this shirt from CT too "red shirt" for an office environment? Because there are few things I hate more than dudes in their charcoal or black suits with those god-awful maroon shirts that think they're the absolute shiz.

 

[Grand Potentate]

I have no problem with it. The tie combo kind of blows though.

 

[Zé Ferreira]

Eh - went with some more blue/white/purple combos. I know they're safe based on having worked there this summer. Thank you though - maybe during the 29.95 Sale in the summer that Grand Potentate always hooks his brutha up with (notsosubtlereminder)

 

[stridentlyopposed]

I hate purple business shirts.

 

[Thruth]

Ooh I loves me a pale lilac shirt. The problem with praple is that people often err and choose too deep a hue. If Light enough it is not far off pink, which is not offensive unless you find it offensive. I have a far harder time liking red in a dress shirt unless in a check like a tattersall. On the other hand, red in a casual shirt is fine but then I like plaid, chainsaws, mullets and Pearl Jam.

 

[stridentlyopposed]

I have a lilac/pink gingham that I used to wear to work but now just casually. I don't like the way purple (even light purple) looks against a navy jacket for one reason or another.

 

[stridentlyopposed]

^^This but I still shy from purple.

 

[Thruth]

Red or purple in a casual shirt is fine. For anything more formal I find it foolish to err from light blue, white, and pink.

He's right. I find it refreshing to eschew the non-white shirt: dark suit, white shirt, solid tie, white, non-poofed, non-peaked TV fold square (or no square) with black shoes. Makes a great statement and is a great look. Add leather gloves and you are Patrick Booth

 

[Thruth]

^^This but I still shy from purple.

I don't blame you when you see this out there:

And for Christ's sake, never do this:

 

[Zé Ferreira]

Fwiw, no, not In England, and it was lilac as opposed to "purple." Very pale but not as rosey as pink, which I don't usually like with my complexion

 

[Dropbear]

View attachment 4175

This is a very dusturbing image.

 

[Thruth]

This is a very dusturbing image.

no shit

 

[prince nez]

Is this shirt from CT too "red shirt" for an office environment? Because there are few things I hate more than dudes in their charcoal or black suits with those god-awful maroon shirts that think they're the absolute shiz.

View attachment 4170
View attachment 4171

Can I get some fries with that?

 

[fxh]

He's right. I find it refreshing to eschew the non-white shirt: dark suit, white shirt, solid tie, white, non-poofed, non-peaked TV fold square (or no square) with black shoes.

Yeah well so do I.
But getting a reality check:
Most idiots in the workplace can't think beyond a fleece and a clean shirt so I think you are overestimating your audience.

 

[Monkeyface]

There used to be a thread where members could solicit input on their shopping dilemmas by posting the choices and letting the membership crowd-source an opinion. I can't find it so we're starting over.

Here is a working example.

Two litestraw hats, same price, same construction. One is dandy and colorful, the other a bit drab and dour. Click images for larger, more, views.

the Country Gentleman Keen
or
the Country Gentleman Dean?

I wouldn't go for either one of those. Get a Lock & Co Napoli, made out of sisal. It's a bit less formal than a regular panama hat, so more versatile.

Disregard those badly dressed guys, and just look at the hat:

 

[robertito]

+ 1. I quite like that hat

 

[Allen Smithee]

What's the amazing property of sisal that justifies $400 for a vegetable fiber hat?
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Lock-Co.-Napoli-Sisal-Hat/MT00200,default,pd.html

Can I get some fries with that?

Mickey D's did ruin the burgundy univeristy stripe OCBD witht that uniform even if it's probably a decade or two old.

 

[Monkeyface]

It think its about $300 in the UK. So a $100 BB markup. Anyways, most good panama hats are in that price range. Something to do with the many hours it takes to finely weave one. I believe it's around 50 hours, which makes the price more reasonable. The more finely woven, the better the hat and the longer it'll last and hold its shape.

I'm thinking of buying that Napoli one myself. I have a very high risk of getting skin cancer and I sunburn relatively easily, even though I don't have a super pale complexion. If I'm going to wear a hat in summertime and look somewhat ridiculous, I might as well buy one of the best ones I can afford.