Landless Gentry: December 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.

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.