You're absolutely right about lack of transparency being a red flag. Brands that are proud of how their products are made want to tell you all about it because it is a selling point. Where is the fibre grown, where is the fabric woven/knitted, where is it sewn, what fabric weight is it, does it have any unique texture, how is it bleached or dyed, what construction details have they used, has it been treated for shrinkage etc etc. Not always, but very often these things correlate with ethical production practices.
Banger video. I think you make a fair argument both for and against bronson. If you want a t-shirt that's a step up from what you can get in a department store, bronson is definently an upgrade. However, their intentional lack of transparency and budget price (when compared to some of the high end heritage brands) means their not as good as the $90+ brands, but they are good enough to be a noticable upgrade from super cheap shirts like hanes.
Wearing my new-to-me Whitesville right now actually. Love it. My faves are this, Velva-sheen, Left-Field NYC (side seams though, sorry Jake!), and my Mister Freedom Skivvys. I just got some Unbleached Apparel tees, and I like the wide neck version, plus the price is great.
I mostly agree with your comments with regards to Bronson. I think for most, the battle of ethics vs budget is a major factor. I’ve said before how you’re far more discerning than myself. That’s not a negative on you. I have some Bronson gear and it’s excellent for the price. Mind you, some of their pricing makes no sense as you commented on. Great vid though and it’s got me researching more for real heritage pieces.
Having just holidayed in China, wanted to mention that I can see Bronson sell their tee shirts on domestic Chinese websites for around 15-17USD (100 to 120 RMB). Also I picked up a pair of Iron Boots from domestic Chinese website for about 350USD. Similar to some Japanese brands the domestic prices of Chinese brands are definitely cheaper.
I'm very curious what AVS thinks of the brands that are only sold domestically, don't use deceptive marketing and price their tees more like $8-12usd such as Bob Dong.
I haven't tried Bob Dong yet but definitely tried shirts and pants from Sauce Zhan and Red Tornado which I believe are "domestic" Chinese brands. To me they are similar quality and price to Bronson. Given the massive amount of manufacturing capability in China I think it's only a matter of time before we have another Grant Stone situation where someone finds the right Chinese factories to make a genuinely high quality clothing line with reasonable prices.
I would like to hear your take on the heavyweight WonderLooper tee. They, along with Sunspel on the other end of the spectrum in terms of weight, have become real favorites. I prefer to wear mine sized down, not like we're seeing on most models. This fabric is much more a knit than a true tee but it breathes, retains its shape with washing, and is worn close doesn't annoy. It may not suit you but I live in cold weather 8 months a year and the WonderLooper lets me wear a leather jacket and feel comfortable when it's quite cold.
Knockout video, so informative and fun. It's great to see so much emphasis being put on ethical manufacturing, thanks so much for that. I've never tried the Whitesville 2-pack (not my fit) but the Whitesville heavyweight loopwheeled pocket is killer and available from Japanese sites like Klaxon and Bears Tokyo for under £40. It is a boxier fit which is right up my street.
you have to go pretty silly beyond loopwheeled to notice the difference. most people should probably get a whiltesville 2 pack if they arent putting too much thought into it. for me if im just wearing a tshirt only the boncoura pocket t is my holy grail t but its a silly thing to have in a way.
Dove 72hr Stain Defense antiperspirant is pretty decent but my shirts will still eventually yellow. I’m curious what this discerning community thinks about alternatives
I switched to natural deodorants about 2 years ago and it was such a smart move. Salt of the Earth is the brand I'm using but there are plenty to choose from. It's a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant, so you'll sweat but the staining is gone, at least in my experience. Removing aluminium from the product seems to be key.
I had nothing white except dress shirts. So i went to get white T-shirts for jeans from Walmart and the first 3 pack was so stretchy it always showed my nipples like rockets! I then went for a single white shirt that was just 100$ cotton and it was an improvement but i think I need a thicker Tee, I want it to be slim and not baggy, but don't want to poke the eyes out of the ladies. I don't want to pay $90 as i know it won't still be white 5 years from now being washed with all my other stuff and just regular wear.
What's your measurements? I'm 6' 195lbs and the Whitesville's XL shirts fit me almost perfect in the chest but are way to bag on my waist. I have pretty athletic build. I see you wear M's and was thinking about sizing down 1-2 sizes. I can wear S-M in american sizes.
Appreciate the comparisons! I think chapter markers and even tighter scripting would go a long way with these long format videos. Especially if you’re feeling the need for a part two following this 44min video.
You're absolutely right about lack of transparency being a red flag. Brands that are proud of how their products are made want to tell you all about it because it is a selling point. Where is the fibre grown, where is the fabric woven/knitted, where is it sewn, what fabric weight is it, does it have any unique texture, how is it bleached or dyed, what construction details have they used, has it been treated for shrinkage etc etc. Not always, but very often these things correlate with ethical production practices.
Banger video. I think you make a fair argument both for and against bronson. If you want a t-shirt that's a step up from what you can get in a department store, bronson is definently an upgrade. However, their intentional lack of transparency and budget price (when compared to some of the high end heritage brands) means their not as good as the $90+ brands, but they are good enough to be a noticable upgrade from super cheap shirts like hanes.
Wearing my new-to-me Whitesville right now actually. Love it. My faves are this, Velva-sheen, Left-Field NYC (side seams though, sorry Jake!), and my Mister Freedom Skivvys. I just got some Unbleached Apparel tees, and I like the wide neck version, plus the price is great.
I mostly agree with your comments with regards to Bronson. I think for most, the battle of ethics vs budget is a major factor. I’ve said before how you’re far more discerning than myself. That’s not a negative on you. I have some Bronson gear and it’s excellent for the price. Mind you, some of their pricing makes no sense as you commented on. Great vid though and it’s got me researching more for real heritage pieces.
My favorite is still warehouse. Excellent collar, super soft loopwheel fabric and the fit is perfect
Having just holidayed in China, wanted to mention that I can see Bronson sell their tee shirts on domestic Chinese websites for around 15-17USD (100 to 120 RMB).
Also I picked up a pair of Iron Boots from domestic Chinese website for about 350USD.
Similar to some Japanese brands the domestic prices of Chinese brands are definitely cheaper.
I'm very curious what AVS thinks of the brands that are only sold domestically, don't use deceptive marketing and price their tees more like $8-12usd such as Bob Dong.
I haven't tried Bob Dong yet but definitely tried shirts and pants from Sauce Zhan and Red Tornado which I believe are "domestic" Chinese brands. To me they are similar quality and price to Bronson. Given the massive amount of manufacturing capability in China I think it's only a matter of time before we have another Grant Stone situation where someone finds the right Chinese factories to make a genuinely high quality clothing line with reasonable prices.
You can find made in USA heavyweight cotton t-shirts for $15-$20. Seems like the best deal.
We got that midnight release boys!
Midnight Gang!
I would like to hear your take on the heavyweight WonderLooper tee. They, along with Sunspel on the other end of the spectrum in terms of weight, have become real favorites. I prefer to wear mine sized down, not like we're seeing on most models. This fabric is much more a knit than a true tee but it breathes, retains its shape with washing, and is worn close doesn't annoy. It may not suit you but I live in cold weather 8 months a year and the WonderLooper lets me wear a leather jacket and feel comfortable when it's quite cold.
Knockout video, so informative and fun. It's great to see so much emphasis being put on ethical manufacturing, thanks so much for that. I've never tried the Whitesville 2-pack (not my fit) but the Whitesville heavyweight loopwheeled pocket is killer and available from Japanese sites like Klaxon and Bears Tokyo for under £40. It is a boxier fit which is right up my street.
Whitesville is done. The few batches coming out will be selling out in five minutes.
Id love to see ur thoughts on the wonderlooper stuff. I know they're more of a modern style, and thats not your thing, but still curious
you have to go pretty silly beyond loopwheeled to notice the difference. most people should probably get a whiltesville 2 pack if they arent putting too much thought into it. for me if im just wearing a tshirt only the boncoura pocket t is my holy grail t but its a silly thing to have in a way.
Amigo Jake, but where can we get the Stevenson nowadays? TY
Thank you for the video 🎉🎉🎉
Stevenson is by far the best t shirt I own
Excellent video man!! Hey, do you mind sharing some good deodorants that don’t pit stain? Thanks
Dove 72hr Stain Defense antiperspirant is pretty decent but my shirts will still eventually yellow. I’m curious what this discerning community thinks about alternatives
I switched to natural deodorants about 2 years ago and it was such a smart move. Salt of the Earth is the brand I'm using but there are plenty to choose from. It's a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant, so you'll sweat but the staining is gone, at least in my experience. Removing aluminium from the product seems to be key.
I had nothing white except dress shirts. So i went to get white T-shirts for jeans from Walmart and the first 3 pack was so stretchy it always showed my nipples like rockets! I then went for a single white shirt that was just 100$ cotton and it was an improvement but i think I need a thicker Tee, I want it to be slim and not baggy, but don't want to poke the eyes out of the ladies.
I don't want to pay $90 as i know it won't still be white 5 years from now being washed with all my other stuff and just regular wear.
Another heavy hitter of a video
Do you hang or fold them?
What's your measurements? I'm 6' 195lbs and the Whitesville's XL shirts fit me almost perfect in the chest but are way to bag on my waist. I have pretty athletic build. I see you wear M's and was thinking about sizing down 1-2 sizes. I can wear S-M in american sizes.
I've been really enjoying the whitesville shirts but the white ones are too white
how much does a bronson t shirt shrink?
I've had minimal shrinkage but I also just wash cool and hang dry. Maybe a bit of length shrinkage but minimal.
how do you tell if its tubeknit or loopwheel?
Appreciate the comparisons!
I think chapter markers and even tighter scripting would go a long way with these long format videos. Especially if you’re feeling the need for a part two following this 44min video.
The loopwheel fabric has *exquisite mouthfeel*
흰색티셔츠반팔티에 청바지 입고 싶어요 ㅋ