Landless Gentry: 2024

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Heavyweight Henley Shirts by Bronson MFG. Co.

Heavyweight Henley Shirts by Bronson MFG. Co. - The wind cut sharp through the trees. The world felt hard and cold, but the shirt held firm. Bronson MFG. Co. makes Henley shirts the way things used to be made—heavy, honest, and built to last.

These Henleys have three buttons, though you’ll rarely need to use them. The 12.3 oz. cotton feels like armor against the chill. It’s thick but breathes well, warm without smothering. You wear it, and it wears you back, shaping to your frame with time and sweat.

The colors are no-nonsense: White, Ecru (Apricot), Marle Grey, and Navy. The White and Ecru are for men who rise with the sun and don’t mind getting dirty. Marle Grey and Navy speak of long days and longer nights, honest work and earned rest. They look good without trying, like men who know their way through the world.

The details matter. The stitching holds strong, and the neckline sits right—neither too tight nor too loose. It’s tailored but not precious, a shirt that belongs in the wild or by the fire. Layer it or wear it solo—it’s good company either way.

These Henleys aren’t for show. They’re for the long haul. They’re for men who carry their history with them but keep moving forward. If you want a shirt that stands up to life, Bronson MFG. Co.’s heavyweight Henleys are worth your time.

Get the shirt that works as hard as you do—and wear it like you mean it.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Harris Tweed 'Shelby' Cap by Sterkowski Hat & Cap Makers

Harris Tweed 'Shelby' Cap by Sterkowski Hat & Cap Makers - As the chill of winter sets in, I found myself drawn to a classic piece of headwear that blends timeless style with enduring craftsmanship—the Medium Grey Harris Tweed Cap from Sterkowski Hat & Cap Makers. Renowned for their heritage craftsmanship, Sterkowski has been crafting hats and caps in Poland since 1926, and this cap lives up to their storied reputation.

The first thing that struck me upon unboxing was the exceptional texture of the Harris Tweed. Woven in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, the wool’s rugged softness perfectly balances warmth and durability. The grey mélange, subtly flecked with lighter and darker tones, offers a versatile aesthetic that pairs well with everything from tweed blazers to leather jackets.

This is the 3rd cap that I have purchased from Sterkowski, (see my previous review here), and I can say definitely, that they make a quality product.

The unboxing:

Sterkowski provides a nice sturdy hat box for their shipping along with quatily details about them and the hat you have purchase, which is just what I would expect form a premium company:

Head Fit:

Finding a traditional baker boy cap that fits my smaller (size 56cm) head without looking oversized can be a challenge. Enter the recently introduced ‘Shelby’ cap from Sterkowski Hat & Cap Makers—a well-crafted 8-piece Baker Boy style cap with a narrower (22cm) crown than their popular ‘Peaky’ cap (25cm crown). For my narrow head shape, the 3cm smaller crown really made a huge difference. It strikes the perfect balance of heritage style and modern fit, making it an ideal choice for those of us with more modest head sizes.

What truly sets this cap apart is its fit. While Sterkowski’s ‘Peaky’ cap features a more traditional, fuller crown, the ‘Shelby’ cap’s narrower profile creates a sleeker, more tailored silhouette. This design keeps the cap from looking too bulky on smaller heads—a refreshing change in a market often dominated by oversized styles.

Fit and comfort are where this cap truly shines. Its deep crown and slightly curved peak create a flattering silhouette reminiscent of 1920s working-class style—a nod to heritage while remaining effortlessly modern.

Craftsmanship:

The craftsmanship is exactly what you’d expect from Sterkowski, a family-run business crafting hats since 1926. The cap features a viser with just the right amount of curve, providing structure without stiffness. Inside, cotton fabric lining ensures comfort in all but the harshest weathers, making the ‘Shelby’ cap as practical as it is stylish. The Sterkowski name and Harris Tweed label inside the lining serves as a quiet assurance of authenticity and quality.

Conclusion:

After several outings, I can confidently say that this cap has become a staple in my wardrobe. It blends old-world craftsmanship with a modern fit, offering both style and function in equal measure. Whether you’re a vintage style enthusiast or simply looking for a practical and stylish 3 season cap, the Grey Harris Tweed Cap from Sterkowski is a worthy investment. It’s a cap with history, character, and purpose—just the way we like it here at The Landless Gentry.

Styling:

Here are just a few of the ways that I have styled it so far - being a neutral color, it's easy to incorporate into many outfit combinations:

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Pike Brother's 1937 Roamer Pants

Pike Brother's 1937 Roamer Pants - made by Pike Brothers Clothiers, which I have discovered are headquartered just up the road from us in Bad Feilnbach, Bavaria. We often holiday in Bad Tolz, so I will make it a point to visit them in their company store next time that I'm in the area. I've been shopping for a pair of high rise selvage denim jeans for a while now, with a fuller leg profile, especially through the hips and thighs. The jeans in my current wardrobe then to be quite fitted, with lower rise and tapering to a smaller opening at the ankle. This is fine as are as it goes but I'm finding it more and more restrictive for movements and find myself constantly pulling them up. Anyway that's the excuse that I'm giving to justify the purchase of another pair of selvage denims :-)

Pike Brothers' 1937 Roamer Pants are a celebrated tribute to vintage workwear, inspired by the rugged, functional apparel of the 1930s. These pants, crafted from 11oz selvage denim, combine historical accuracy with modern craftsmanship, making them a standout piece in the world of heritage clothing. The attention to detail, the robust material, and the thoughtful design elements are key reasons why these pants are held in such high regard by denim enthusiasts and those who appreciate traditional workwear.

The Unboxing:

Made from 11oz Selvage Denim:

The foundation of the 1937 Roamer Pants lies in their construction from 11oz selvage denim. Selvage denim is renowned for its quality and durability, produced on shuttle looms that create tightly woven edges, preventing fraying and ensuring a long-lasting garment. The 11oz weight strikes a perfect balance between sturdiness and comfort, making the Roamer Pants versatile enough for both heavy labor and casual wear. The denim’s raw, unwashed nature means it will age beautifully over time, developing unique fades and a personalized patina as it conforms to the wearer’s body and lifestyle.

Buckle back detailing:

One of the most distinctive features of the Pike Brothers 1937 Roamer Pants is the buckle-back detail. This buckle adjustment, located at the back waistband, is a key historical element borrowed from early 20th-century workwear. Originally, this design feature was intended to allow workers to adjust the fit of their pants for greater comfort and functionality. The inclusion of the buckle-back on the 1937 Roamer Pants adds not only a touch of vintage flair but also a practical element that ensures a more customized and secure fit. This feature is particularly appreciated by those who value both aesthetics and utility in their clothing.

The Fit:

In addition to the buckle-back, the 1937 Roamer Pants are packed with other thoughtful design touches. The cut is tailored to provide ample room through the seat and thighs, allowing for freedom of movement, with little tapering down to the leg opening. This traditional work pant silhouette is ideal for layering over boots, making them versatile for outdoor activities, casual outings, or even formalizing a rugged, vintage-inspired look. While these pants are descibed as 'high rise', as 6 foot 2'', they fit me more as a mid-rise sitting above my hips, but well short of my belly button/natural waist. However, I have found that they stay in place throughout the day, enhancing both comfort and practicality.

Build Quality:

The Roamer Pants feature a series of durable metal rivets and button closures, reinforcing high-stress areas and contributing to the overall longevity of the garment. The stitching is robust, often done with heavy-duty threads to ensure durability in even the most demanding conditions. Additionally, the pockets are strategically placed to provide convenience, with deep front pockets and a watch pocket at the right hip—another throwback to traditional workwear.

For denim purists, the 1937 Roamer Pants are a way to celebrate the golden era of American workwear. Pike Brothers has meticulously replicated the details of 1930s trousers, infusing modern quality with timeless design. The result is a pair of pants that not only evoke nostalgia for a bygone era but also deliver practical functionality and aesthetic appeal for the present-day wearer.

These pants are more than just a piece of clothing; they are a statement of craftsmanship, durability, and attention to detail. Whether you're a fan of vintage workwear or someone who values durable, high-quality denim, the Pike Brothers 1937 Roamer Pants are a remarkable choice. Their blend of traditional design elements, such as the buckle-back, and modern material quality ensures they will stand the test of time both in terms of style and function.

Styling these Denims:

Here are some of the combinations that I've made so far - as you can see, these work great with workwear such as my canvas chore jacket from the Shackleton Collection, my heavy wool 740N Peacoat from Schott NYC and my heavy duty work boots by William Lennon & Co.