Many large clothing brands, including Lululemon, Old Navy, and REI, have been found to contain toxic chemicals in their products. Exposure to these substances over time can elevate risks of serious health conditions, such as asthma and kidney damage. Chinese brand Shein, with over 20 million followers on Instagram, is one of the world’s most popular ultra fast fashion brands. Researchers have found dangerous levels of toxic chemicals in clothing sold by popular brands like SHEIN, TEMU, and REI.
To have an ethical and sustainable wardrobe, it is essential to avoid fast fashion brands that contain toxic chemicals. Some of the best non-toxic fashion brands for chemically sensitive people include Harvest and Mill Paka Cottonique Organic Basics Chosenwoven Mate the Label, Harvest and Mill Paka Cottonique Organic Basics Chosenwoven Mate the Label, and Stay Sick Clothing Merchandise.
Oeko-Tex, a German non-profit that certifies brands, suppliers, and brands, has also found that Uniqlo is a fast fashion brand that should be avoided due to its negative environmental and social impacts. By avoiding these brands, individuals can create a more sustainable and ethical wardrobe.
📹 SICK Clothing Brand Packaging Example!
In this episode of Apparel Success, Rob shows all of the packaging for a private label clothing brand called Gym Rats Club.
How do I know if my clothes are toxic?
Oeko-Tex® and BLUESIGN® certifications are international authorities that focus on chemical safety. Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified textiles ensure that every element is tested and contains no harmful substances to human health. These certifications do not guarantee no harmful chemicals have entered the material, but only if they have been removed. Consumers can use this information to determine the safety of the clothing material.
Natural performance fabrics, such as Tencel, are natural and renewable materials that possess desired properties like wrinkle-resistant and cooling. However, washing clothing before wearing is important, as it releases chemicals into the water system and can pollute the environment. New doesn’t mean clean, and using these certifications can help ensure the safety of clothing items.
Is cotton toxic to wear?
Cotton, often considered a natural fiber, is not healthy due to its exposure to chemical spraying, including harmful glyphosate. This makes cotton potentially hazardous to human health. Cotton’s porous structure allows moisture retention and microorganism growth. Organic cotton is slightly healthier, but its physical properties remain unchanged. Cotton has low elasticity, resistance to stretching, and resistance to high temperatures. It is also highly absorbent and porous, making it a favorable environment for microorganism growth and moisture retention.
What are the big 4 fashion brands?
The Big Four in Fashion and Beauty, comprising Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel, are a group of high-end fashion, fragrance, and luxury beauty brands that have established a league of their own. While Louis Vuitton currently lacks a luxury beauty line, it is expected to launch its own in the future. Hermès started its luxury beauty business in 2020, and it is important for other brands to recognize their status and what sets them apart from other high-end fashion and luxury beauty brands.
The key question that many ask about the Big Four is what sets them apart from other brands, as their makeup and other luxury beauty products are an essential part of their image and market profits. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, brands can better navigate the competitive landscape and work towards achieving their desired status in the industry. By doing so, they can better navigate the competitive landscape and stay ahead of the competition.
Why is shein getting backlash?
Shein, a fast-fashion giant based in Singapore, has been accused of human rights violations and unsustainable environmental practices. The company sent a group of social media influencers on a curated tour of its facilities in Guangzhou, China, to rehabilitate its public image ahead of a possible initial public offering in the U. S. Shein, a Chinese fast-fashion company, is known for its customer base, Gen Zers who buy their clothes through TikTok ads and other social media platforms.
The company’s reputation is strained due to the controversy surrounding the company’s handling of human rights violations and unsustainable environmental practices. The company’s reputation is strained as it faces potential legal challenges in the U. S.
What is the least toxic clothing material?
Detoxing your closet involves focusing on plant-sourced fabrics, especially organic ones, such as cotton, linen, hemp, or Tencel. These fabrics require minimal chemical processing and are vegan-friendly, making them easier to find and less toxic than petroleum-based products. Avoid labeling wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, flame-retardant, or cling-free fabrics, as they often contain extra chemicals.
Look for GOTS-certified, OEKO-TEX, and BlueSign fabrics, which focus on eliminating toxic chemicals added during the garment manufacturing process. GOTS includes the fiber source, making it the most comprehensive certification for clothing. Start with workout and sleep clothes, as they are times of repair and toxin elimination. Switch to organic cotton for pajamas and athletic wear to give your body a break.
Wash clothes before the first wear, preferably with non-toxic laundry soap. Washing all clothes before the first wear can help eliminate some chemicals used in production, but not all toxins and synthetics can be removed from a piece of clothing. Research and demand better transparency from brands about their processes and fiber sourcing. A Greenpeace Report showed that many major brands contained hazardous toxins, so if you can’t find information about a company’s textiles, it’s safe to assume they use conventional chemical processing.
The number of non-toxic, organic clothing brands is increasing, making safer clothing more mainstream and easy to find. Although it may be more expensive than typical fast fashion brands, investing in key pieces that last is worth it for your long-term health and the planet.
Can toxic chemicals be washed out of clothing?
The textile industry is a major contributor to global pollution, with two-thirds of clothing being impregnated with harmful chemicals. These chemicals include heavy metals, azo dyes, formaldehyde, and chlorine. These substances are hazardous due to their presence in dyes and other products that make fabrics impermeable and non-iron. At each wash, 80 of these substances seep into wastewater, contributing to water pollution and intoxication of underwater flora and fauna. The bioaccumulation phenomenon leads to the emanation of micro-particles from these substances, which are then consumed by fish, further intoxicating them.
The clothing industry is the second most polluting industry globally, with two thirds of clothing being impregnated with harmful chemicals. The main substances identified by the NGO Greenpeace include nonylphenol ethoxylate, a hormone disruptor used for its “ironed” effect, phathalates, azoic dyes, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. Nonylphenol ethoxylate is found in certain detergents and can be removed by washing new clothes before wearing them. Phthalates cause fertility decline and fetal malformations and are used to soften fabrics.
Azoic dyes are highly toxic and carcinogenic, often found in colorful clothes. Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen and is often present in synthetic items to make them non-iron and strengthen the fixation of dyes. Heavy metals like lead, nickel, and cadmium are harmful to human health through direct contact or extended contact with clothing, causing damage to vital organs and neurotoxins.
Is Shein safe to wear?
Shein, a luxury fashion brand, is committed to product safety and has conducted over 400, 000 chemical safety tests with international third-party testing agencies such as Intertek, SGS, BV, and TUV. The company ensures suppliers comply with its controls and standards, and has removed products from its site as a precautionary measure during investigations. If non-compliance is confirmed, Shein will take appropriate follow-up action with the supplier. The company is dedicated to providing consumers with safe and reliable products, ensuring that the company’s commitment to product safety is upheld.
What is the most worn clothing brand?
The database contains a wealth of publicly available information on a diverse range of brands, including Levi’s, Fruit of the Loom, Hanes, Adidas, Wrangler, Skechers, New Balance, and Nike. It encompasses a multitude of data points, such as survey results, articles, trackers, and popularity rankings. One may gain intelligence from 27 million registered panel members in 55+ markets.
What fashion brands are facing backlash?
The influencer and creator community is facing backlash due to the damage caused by fast fashion giants like SHEIN, H&M, and Zara, as well as the growing awareness of countries like Ghana dealing with textile waste. Fast fashion giants like SHEIN and Pretty Little Thing are experiencing growth, but bad press is also emerging, as seen in 2020 when they launched a 95 off sale during Black Friday.
What is the #1 luxury brand?
Louis Vuitton, with over $17 billion in brand value as of 2022, leads the global luxury industry with revenues exceeding $15 billion annually. Its success is attributed to its control over distribution through directly owned stores and its mastery of luxury branding. Christian Dior, founded in 1946, defines French elegance and luxury, encompassing haute couture, ready-to-wear fashion, leather goods, shoes, accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare.
The House of Dior accounts for over 16 of parent group LVMH’s total sales and has experienced accelerated revenue growth, reaching $8 billion in the most recent fiscal year. Dior enjoys high profit margins and retains exceptional pricing power due to its prestige and well-executed branding, making it a top luxury brand.
📹 Non-Tactical Year-Round Clothing Essentials for Prepared Civilians
00:00 Menty B 03:47 Footwear 11:17 Socks 13:50 Gaiters 14:50 Pants 23:59 Base Layers 26:14 Belths 30:07 T-Shirts 31:36 Tops …
I’m learning bookkeeping and accounting and it’s so not me. Do you think I’m doing a good thing Rob? I resolved to spend one month learning how. I guess I shouldn’t be looking for approval but I can’t afford to hire a bookkeeper or an accountant at this time. I’d rather be learning how to design and invest time in sales, marketing and innovation. You’re a cool guy and I welcome and value your opinion? Thanks. Mark.
Love the content! Always insightful. On the topic of not washing your denim, I would love to see a article about staying clean and keeping your clothes clean in the field. Knowing how to wash your clothes and how to keep bacteria down to help stay healthy and prevent infections with injuries would be VERY helpful.
Ha, it gets cold here in Tennessee. I’m in NE Pennsylvania. I swing a hammer for a living. For a winter base layer i can’t beat an old school turtle neck cottom shirt. The neck really holds your body heat in. That, a mid weight lawyering fleece and a big hoodie and I’m good working outside all day down to 20 degrees. Colder and I’ll just add a thin lawyer between. They’re not easy to find anymore. In the 70s and 80s they were everywhere. Now it’s not easy. It’s definitely worth the hunt of you’re outside in cold weather.
I’ve got base layers that I was issued some like.. 12 years ago still. On top of that, I have a no-name brand fleece I got from Amazon and a nice rain jacket from a state park. It works really well down to -20F. The rain jacket alone works well below freezing all on its own when working (i.e. shoveling snow). If you know what you’re looking for, nothing has to be over $20-50
I work in the black top, road work department. One company that I love is Merrell. I have a 3 year old pair of the MOABs. I love them to the moon. Through years of legit 300 degree asphalt, they are still useable. Also on there website, they run deals, like I just got a pair of MOABs for 50 to 60% off. They also have tactical colors and all the jazz. Just wanted to throw my two cents in for what has worked for me. Boot wise!
I think it’s a given that Swedish M90 splinter camo is the most awesome ever, with tiger stripe coming in a close second, but…yea I wear low-profile grays and earth tones 99% of the time. My best recent purchase is 5.11 “Trail Pant,” which is a slim but stretchy pant with cargo pockets, and the “Defender-Flex Light Slim Pant,” which is the same thing but without the cargo pockets. I also have a stupid amount of camo but it’s all in my basement closet.
Year round preparedness Cholo style in the desert southwest: 1) khaki pants or grey chinos 2) OD green or grey Chuck Taylors 3) bandanna—face mask, sweat band, and emergency tourniquet 4) linen clothing—lighter, easier breathing, stronger than Cotten, and anti microbial which is great for underwear or staying cooler outside 5) fedoras come in earthen colors and look stylish—Panama hats blend into the environment too and great for hot weather 6) flannels for winter wear
Related to the Gore-tex comments, it’s probably best to think of gore-tex as breathable OR waterproof. Once there is water on the surface of the gore-tex it looses its ability to pass water vapor through it. The rate it diffuses moisture through it is also pretty low. If you’re working hard it’s easy to sweat faster than it can pass the vapor. Both of these things can cause moisture to build up under the gore-tex layer making a wearer think it’s leaking even when the waterproof layer is working fine
A good set of square toe boots is THE footwear that we should always wear. For you city guys, ariat featherlight series in square toe style is the best for your money. I own a construction company, I wore my ariats for 3 years doing landscaping until the back heel stitches blew out. They are worth the money.
Nice article! For reference i live in Alberta Canada and i am a human oven!! For boots I prefer leather. My latest Jim Green AR8’S brown, great for mountaineering and polished up wear them out dressed up. Of course i have cowboy boots cant take the country out of me 😉. I do have a pair of waterproof Original Swats coyote, for training mostly in the extreme winter. LoL Pants ive switch over to chinos mostly, i buy both thin and thicker ones they hold up to abuse and again cleaned up look pretty decent. A big trick to keeping your clothes, dont put them in a dryer. Always hang dry your clothes!! For my jackets, oilskin!! I have a vest and duster this winter probably going to buy a shorter version. Oilskins keep you dry, great wind break and you can buy liners for the really cold weather. Although i find a good layering system and i dont need the liner. Base layers wool, hats wool felts western, summer straw hats. Shirts mostly western style button ups and flannel shirts, again always hand dry. I buy a mix of new (on sale) and used. I have both scarfs and neck gators as well i have a few old gaiters for keeping the pant legs dry. At this point im just rambling, again thank you for the article! Cheers beers and whiskey 🤠 🥃 Cheers
For the past 18 years or so, all I wear for pants day-to-day are BDUs. M81 for innawoods, black for work and winter, khaki for summer. Cheap, durable (as long as I don’t slavsquat and blow the crotch out, or catch a belt loop on a door handle and tear it), cargo pockets for my tablet or book, and I don’t have to waste time thinking about what to wear. Paired with earth tone or monotone tee shirt and overshirt (or hawaiian shirt). I think I may be a fairly boring dresser.
Detention officer here, get you some regular, soft, cargo pants, a nice heather or soft under shirt, a upf50 or whatever it is long sleeve, a baseball cap from Walmart with no logos, and some OSHA approved sunglasses Its “contactor grade” no one will ever question it, you blend in with the “help”, its usually durable, its quiet, and no one questions you havong weird tools or backpacks on you.
I’m not saying the article was a waste, but I didn’t see one single second about Zubaz. If you live in a mild to warm climate, then fretting over which brand of outerwear or boots is best is irrelevant. ZUBAZ – athletic, casual, roomy enough to conceal a weapon and multiple layers of kit. You can even get an outfit with your favorite NFL franchise logo and color scheme– the ultimate camouflage in America. Zubaz are the perfect blend of iconic and everyman, from Miami to Monterey. Anyway, I’m gonna go back to sniffing gasoline in my shed, but I just wanted to share some food for thought.
Don’t stress about comments as much. Enjoy the fact you have people commenting on your content. I fucking loved the water purification article. I didn’t comment but Got all my solutions and storage containers lined out. Very thank you guys make the information easily accessible. Same thing with the chickens and just being prepared in general. Intros are a bit much for me but every article I’ve seen I’ve enjoyed. Dude did have some bad ass pants on in the water article. Keep up the good work guys!
I can’t speak to any of their holsters or other products, and have no interest in them, but my two $25 Versacarry belts have been SUPER impressive. I wear them daily for work, 90% of the time under my Occidental, 100% of the time sweating buckets into them and bending, climbing, crawling and hooking tools and impacts into. They have not even begun to fail after five years of daily wear with zero cleaning or oiling. I tried them out after my Duluth “lifetime” belt started to unstitch and delaminate after three months of the same treatment and Duluth revealed that “lifetime” meant 90 days. I got both on sale for $25ea. Highly recommended for leather belt wearers.
A few things I’ve learned. Socks are critical. And whatever you wear for socks works for underwear in many cases. Boots are next, and the more miles you put on a set in one go shows their worth. Everything is good within a few miles or minutes. Put several miles or hours on it and see what really works. Gloves are disposable, but necessary. I treat them like women treat shoes. I’ve got gloves for every job, and multiple pairs. If you don’t already, get a set of leather gloves for handling gasoline. Last, invest in a neck gator or scarf. I came from the GWOT era, so that’s my preference, but sometimes a gator is better to keep bulk down. Last thing. You can’t really wear anything for your lips, so keep a stick of balm accessible. Wind burns really hurt, and chapped lips become a problem in a hurry. Great article.
really surprise you advice to get coton t shirt when merino nylon blend exist, same for pant, 65% polyester or nylon/ 35% cotton ripstop blends (like 5.11 stryke pant for instance) are way more solid and durable plus they dry quicker thats is what most military use. Coton take days to dry so you sweat doesn’t evacuate and you getting cold. Same for Tops, avoids coton get polartec or merino-nylon blend
I wear Keens, actually just replaced a pair that was on Shoe Gloo life support with 6″ Independence Utility Boot. The reason I go with Keens is high levels of comfort, but they also have a rubber toe that comes over the top. I do HVAC for a living and most of my day is spent kneeling in front of a furnace or air conditioner. It takes me about a month or two to wear through regular leather boots leaving a shiny toe peeking through.
This was a decent article but I’m a fabric/clothing designer along with designing and manufacturing all sorts of tactical gear like laser cutting curv, tegris, and laminated cordura all the way to alterations like adding gussets to pants with stretch material or replacing an existing gusset with stretch… for the life of me I can’t understand why people shit on 5.11… the 5.11 pants lineup is insane for the price point especially since there’s always sales, the stryke pants are great everyday pants aside from not having stetch material for the gusset but they still have one. The v.xi xtu combat shirt and pants are out of this freaking world! The pockets could always be redone for different roles but the kneepad system 5.11 came up with is miles ahead of the crye precision combat pants kneepads. I’ve been nothing but impressed with the 200 dollar combat pants from 5.11 compared to my crye’s and my ufpros that cost twice the price for uf pro and really close to twice the price for crye but nobody will give 5.11 the time of day and theres no genuine reason for it. Their clothes last as long as any expensive company. Their not the best by any means but they definitely don’t deserve the hate and in terms of combat pants for the price… they are now definitely the best at that.
In my opinion, camouflage is good to have especially based on various environments in various seasons. However, you’re not going to be wearing it that often, Unless you want to be the weird guy. So it’s nice seeing a article where people are wearing and suggesting practical clothing. That doesn’t scream tacticool and is multi purpose I do wear five eleven flannels a lot becausei like the snaps on the shirts, but I don’t wear the stuff that screams tactical.. Where I’m at It’s very interesting, Our weather we can have well over a hundred degrees in summer and minus forty in the winter And honestly I go with Dull earth tone colors because everything’s going to look dirty anyway due to the dust storms and our towns are very far apart from each other so if we do need to move between towns in a subtle manner. Earth tone colors are the best bet for not drawing unwanted attention or standing out, looking like a ranch hand or wellfield worker in my case is the best tactic to evade suspicion.
I lived in Canada for a couple of years, i have a pair of Columbia boots with the shiny thermal stuff inside. With good socks my feet have stayed warm walking around in bitter cold and wet. I have used them since moving home for hunting and for the winter months as well. Waterproof and warm wete huge for me, and i have weird shaped feet so i have to use what actually fit my feet.
Minnesota socks and head coverings probably most important for anything outdoors merino wool works well for me . Flannel and camo is common in the rural areas . For winter if you don’t have proper clothing you won’t live long outdoors ask someone who works outdoors like lineman or tow truck drivers,loggers if you get wet or sweaty you can’t just stop you have to dry out or you will freeze I also carry more than one pair of boots and two gloves mechanics and over mitts winter in the upper Midwest is no joke and it’s the wind that will kill you
Daily Wear(non-tactical) Shoes: Adidas Terrex trail running shoes. Socks: Smartwool Men’s Hiking Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks Underwear: Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Compression Shorts T-Shirt(s): Under Armour Men’s Tactical HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Shirt White Pants: TruSpec Men’s Original Tactical Pants or Jeans Tops: Any flannel, hoodie, or light jacket with no logos. Gloves: Oakley SI Lightweight 2.0 TAA Compliant Gloves Hats: Solid color ballcaps without logos. SHTF(tactical) Boots: Lowa Zephyr (MK2) GTX Hi TF Boots Socks: Smartwool Men’s Hiking Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Socks Underwear: Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Armour Compression Shorts T-Shirt(s): Under Armour Men’s Tactical HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Shirt Tan 499 Pants: UF Pro Combat Pants Tops: Crye Precision Gen IV Combat Shirt Gloves: Mechanix Gloves Hats: Camouflaged boonie hat for when you don’t have a helmet.
It’s nice to see kuhl brand on the rack! I own 4 pairs & love every pair. They are expensive but very quality products. Just got my hot Rydr flannel lined pants but are not as insulated as I thought. I will still need a good base layer, wool socks & my Georgia insulated boots for winter. Those boots are NOT waterproof & require after market wax or oil treatment but are still great boots. Going on 3 years & still look new from daily outdoor winter work in the snow & mud.
My kore belt is going on 5 years. I wear it every day & it barely has any freying but now, after weight loss, it takes some effort to push past where I use to wear it for years. I still consider it to be a quality belt. The buckle however has lost most of its coating but still holds up & hasn’t rusted out. It’s a great daily belt or gun belt.
My hands are by no means larger than average but I have not found any winter gloves that has fit me as an adult. How do those big boys in north idaho find gloves? I even tried XL gloves that were the largest size in the stores & not one pair has fit in over 20 years! I have had to settle for 3 ligher pairs to wear at once & it is a pain to put on & remove & still had cold, wet hands.
They skipped underwear, however underwear is one of those spend more money on items. The difference between generic underwear vs something like B3nth underwear will literally change your life. 100% worth it. Get quality underwear, b3nth is my recommendation. *If you go with Bn3th go with classic boxer briefs
WELL NEVERMIND: I made my comment before I got to that part and Drew talked about these pants anyway haha On the pants topic. Walmart has Wrangler pants, in all the typical “work pant colors”(black, tan/duck, brown, grey), they’re like $20. They’re a little stretchy, super lightweight. Comfy to carry a gun in. And they’re $20-25… Regular dickies work pants are like $35-40. But the walmart wranglers have held up good for what we do, Ag Spraying with helicopters. Wrestling 30gal drums of chemical, and moving a bunch of boxed chemical. 16hr days, getting sand blasted from forestry tracks in NC/VA. And they pack down super small, which is important for us cause we live out of a suitcase for months.
If you want a super comfortable belt for EDC, check out the Tenicor Zero belt. I even use it at work when I’m not carrying a gun it’s so comfortable. By the way, Darn Tough socks are amazing and worth the price! I’ve spent $300 on the 1990’s. I don’t regret it at all. I’ll never go back to Hanes socks.
Great vid guys. Currently living in Europe, so really got to exercise that low vis look, but still be prepared to hustle. Had to dump most of the cammo, switching over to all greys, grey-greens, and even, ironicaly, black/faded balcks which blends in amazingly well to the over all european sense of fashion and landscaping. Cargo pants are big here in Germany, so that look works out, while france not so much. Cammo anything is way out of place, though molle/military style packs are fashionable. Dont be flaunting that American flag hat, unless you like to get smug looks LOL (for days when I feel punchy) Got some good gear links on this one. Cheers!
It’s always entertaining perusal the “bros” talk about boots.. Take tips from industrial/manufacturing. Composite toe instead of steel to ward off frost bite. Slip, shock, and water resistant leather that breaths. Designed to be on your feet all day.. not cool camo colors I guess 😂 doesn’t scream tactical…….. HyTest Footrest is my go too… Some of the most comfortable work boots I have ever used.. they are soft and do break down. Typically 6 months of 12hr shifts working in and on CNC machines…
Honestly I love the 5.11 pants- both the stretchy Jean/ tact pants. HOWEVER, the last few orders I’ve gotten they didn’t last long ( wear them super often in a kitchen ) but I called the company- they asked for pics / proof of them falling apart and they told me to keep the old pairs and sent new ones two days later. Great company!
Save money: Since my size was never on the sale rack, I used to buy XL women’s hard shell gear when they were on sale and my wife would buy men’s small. Also, I use high end merino wool sweaters from thrift stores as my mid layers. Usually they were donated because they shrank so look in the next size up. Were talking about $200 Merino wool sweaters for $5.
For gloves just put a pair of nitril mechanic gloves under your normal gloves. Did this for racing and walking around mountains in the Afghanistan. Lowa boots for the win though. Only boots that haven’t face planted me in a wall at the worst time with their soles. Easy transition from pouring rain to tile and still keep traction give them a look. We need a AUSSIE combat shorts article… in winter.
OK loved your article … been looking for one of those 100 percent cotton camo etc.. found it lol thanks .. Up here in northern Ontario we need the best we can afford winter boots… Marks work warehouse dock working winter boots, leather with arctic in soles rated for -50 are amazing.. Layered pants because wind is a killer here in the winter … we have real 4 season weather here …
North dakota resident here. 2nd coldest state by average temp and an oil n gas worker Dont ever underestimate layering. You can always shed a layer. Cant shed what you did bring. Staying dry is by far the most important whens it cold. if your nips chafe with baselayers use bandaids or moisturize. dry socks are the only socks you want when its -60 outside for 12 hrs. Lots of southerns come up for work and they either learn quick or go back home missing toes. Muck boots or Dunlops are pretty much what all the Canadians use exclusively up here for boots with bama boot inserts. A loose boot is a double edged sword because foot slop makes your foot muscles work harder which makes em sweat more. Under armor 4.0s are nothing common sight out here.
UNDERWEAR: SAXX or a like brand, the ball pouches are game changer, stay away from champions version (the pocket is laughably small) Wrangler ATX pants, Tractor Supply always has them for $25-40 a pair, they have a thick and thin version. The thick has reinforced, double stitching, double layers in all the right areas. Good pockets and are not SO thick you are hot just wearing them. I have both the thick and thin versions, thick for the cold months in Alabama, thin for the rest when i work outside. Granted now the thin pants are NOT touch or reinforced at all, but they are a little stretchy and breathable while having some extra not tactical looking pockets. The thins are like 60% polly blend but they hold up well to outdoor activities and tons of sweating.
On a reasonable budget, Duluth jeans go the distance. I personally recommend the Ballroom Double Flex which come in multiple fits and washes. I used to buy AE’s un-mutilated classic jeans and had an issue with rapid crotch wear; I’m on year 3 of almost daily wear between 3 pairs of Ballroom jeans, and they have plenty of life left. They retail under $100 and frequently go on sale as low as $50.
As a backpacker, I gave up on Altra. Yes, they are more comfortable than many other shoes I have owned, however, 5 pairs in a row (Lonepeak and Timp) all had holes and/or other damages in under 100 trail miles. My hated opinion in backpacker groups: Altra is junk. I switched to Keen and have had much better luck with quality and even comfortability depending on terrain.
Former Pemi SAR member: Hiking Boots: Salomon Pant: EMS Fencebender Rebar Work Boots: Chippewa T Shirts: heavy cotton Flannel: Woolrich Socks: Warrior Alpaca Socks Underwear: Organic Cotton from Pact (I’ve been wearing my same alpaca socks for years and they saved my foot after breaking through iced over stream, from frostbite on rescue missions in the mounts numerous times.)
What brand of underarm deodorant aren’t you guys using? Cause you stink! Just kidding lol. Have you tried Wrangler 13MWZ Cowboy cut? They have extra belt loops in the back and still have rivets on the pockets. i own $200 Nudie jeans but I like my Gap and Levi just as well but they are older stock, many people complain about modern Levi’s.
Bro needs to learn how to throw a realistic looking punch. That wrist would have collapsed the moment the wind hit it. 😂 The best tactical clothes you can wear are Dickies work pants, a unicolor pair of Timberland work boots, and a golfing polo shirt. The best camouflage clothing you can wear are jean cutoff shorts, a BLM shirt, and vegan GMO-free cruelty-free faux-leather moccasins. No deodorant, to complete the theme.
Anyone from Europe: Try out the Tasmanian Tiger Stretch Belts. They have a version with G-hooks and one with Cobra buckles. I have both, they are awesome and it is all I wear anymore, no matter if I’m wearing a suit or just jeans or cargo pants! (Apart from my Kore Essentials Battle belt, that I wear for Airsoft of course)
This is all fine and good for SMEDIUM-sized Males but what about the MAN-SIZED Men with Extra Xs or Numbered Xs on our clothing. Do any of these options come in the sizes those of us that could have actually played sport past High School are made in? And I mean the real sports people actually watch here in ‘Merica. Not sissy kick or a “sport” where a judge give you a score for your “performance”.
In fairness, trail running shoes may not be designed for the way you are using them or that some of us use them. Most running shoes I find are only good for about 300 miles maximum. Beyond that they really should be replaced. Another thought- having spent a modest amount of time moving fast in the mountains, I mostly go with a very light-weight shoe and usually don’t bother with Gortex unless I know I’m going to be wet. I live in Colorado, pick your footwear according to your environment. Same for jackets, usually a soft shell is superior. when I was younger I definitely bought into heavy boots and waterproof membranes. When I lived in Oregon, I definitely did. In Colorado, breathability and weight are major considerations with our dryer climate and higher elevations. Heavy boots are nice as your pack weight goes up and you expect long days on the trail or are preparing to be outside a long time. To wear those boots, you had better spend time conditioning your feet for it.
I wear LAPG Atlas pants. Affordable, very comfortable, and surprisingly durable. For baselayer I use Brynje wool thermo. It’s a wool fishnet baselayer. If you’re going to be moving and sweating in the cold, this is the best solution I’ve found. It allows the sweat to evaporate so when you slow down you don’t freeze because your baselayer is wet.
I’ve been really happy with my Smartwool socks and a zip-up that worked really well on a mountain climb with extreme temperature changes. And a Vuori base layer shirt I have is top-notch. And you didn’t have a section on shorts, but 5.11 has some great options for intense yard work in the 100 degree heat.