IHSH-43 Flannel Indigo Dyed Western Shirts
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Well, I just got this shirt a few days ago, and wow…
I'd been eyeballing it forever, but haven't really been in a place to buy a new shirt. Then it sold out of my size and the fantasy was over. Then Giles rounds up a few more from Japan, then puts them on sale, then some other stars align and here I am, happy as can be.I really feel like this is a truly unique IH shirt and can't believe it's flown under the radar and not gotten more attention. Of course, I also love my IHSH-30, and there's almost no activity or discussion on that one either (I must be way ahead of, or behind the curve).
I'm not the product review type (although I always enjoy and appreciate a good write up from a more eloquent member), bur this thing has inspired me to do so...1. Color...In a word, unbelievable! The richness of the indigo is truly a thing of beauty. I know the OD debate rages on in other corners of this forum, but I'm all for more experimenting with indigo dyeing (didn't Cris suggest an indigo dyed hoodie...?). My indigo forum tee from last year is aging amazingly and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this shirt. To me the indigo dyeing of a western shirt is a beautiful synthesis of a traditional Japanese aesthetic with solid and classic American inspired design (and being Japanese and living in an old logging/fishing area in the Pacific Northwest, I feel like this shirt was basically made for me).
2. Fabric...Ok, to me this is what makes this shirt so unique, and I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned yet. If I were to blindfold you and let you feel this shirt (don't get too excited), I guarantee that no one would describe it as flannel. It feels much more like canvas or something. Almost a little rough and textured to the touch, definitely not soft (meaning to the touch, the shirt is not stiff by any means). A while ago, SE had a shirt that was made with what they described as "slub cotton duck" I believe, and that is the closest thing I have felt that comes close. I can say that it is quite wind proof though, and I love that. Also, with this fabric, there is really no "give". In my other IH flannels if I really bend my arms or stretch my shoulders (or if I'm sitting at a bad slouched angle after dinner and the gut starts pushing out) the fabric kind of stretches a little bit with me if that makes sense. There is no stretch or give with this stuff, which leads to my next point...
3. Fit...As the fabric isn't really spongy or pliable, it fits fairly snug. But this is a good thing for me. The measurements on the site were exactly spot on for what I like (I take a L in all IH tops by the way) but this one definitely feels just a bit more fitted. I guess the 33 is about as fitted in the middle, but the 43 is shorter in the body and arms which I am loving. No pics for now, camera's at work over the break...maybe I can get the kid to snap a phone pic later. And finally, it's time to address to real elephant in the room...
4. The Buttons...Boy those little black diamonds sure caused an uproar, didn't they? When I first saw pics of this shirt I was feeling the same as most, love the fabric, not loving the buttons. When the shirt arrived, G had thrown in the MOP buttons just in case. Before I got it I had every intention of pimping it, now, not so sure. When I fist opened the package I put the shirt on, and the people in the room all said the same thing, "woah, nice shirt, LOVE those buttons". Over the last couple of days I've gotten nothing but compliments on the buttons, seriously. Cashiers, random girl at bar, bookstore worker, friends (and even the wife!) have all made it a point to say how cool they thought my buttons were. And you know what, they're right. Sure, they're unconventional and new for IH, but that's the beauty. Nothing wrong with going a little avant garde and doing something outside the very small and perfect box of IH shirt design. Being safe is boring, and these buttons might challenge the norm, but variety is the spice of life no?
Well, that is my ramble/review.
Did I mention that I really love this shirt..?
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I guess the length of the review corresponds to the amount of happiness with the product
and that´s what it´s all about baby
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great write up kat stacks.
i never knew you were soooo long winded, jeez
modified to add my favorite sentence from the write up:
To me the indigo dyeing of a western shirt is a beautiful synthesis of a traditional Japanese aesthetic with solid and classic American inspired design
sorry had to pull my favorite sentence from the write up.
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i never knew you were soooo long winded, jeez
Someone had to finally one up you in that department
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In short: jesus fucking christ. I'm in love… Shorter in length and in arms than the 50, though!.. Def more fitted as well!.. Perfect for me, as it's gonna be worn under me riders...
The fabric of this... Main reason why I bought this... It's not flannel, forget about flannel... Wanna know more: read the epic review posted by Katsushin... Or just buy one...
