A question I frequently had when thinking about what gear to buy is "How well will this last?" I was especially nervous about the more expensive bits, for obvious reasons.
In an attempt to help with this question in the future, I'm going to post up some pics/updates of how gear has aged.
Pants: L.L. Bean microfiber pants, Dark Khaki. I liked them well enough that I wore them out within six months; they don't seem friendly to frequent use.
Shirt: Cabella's, Stone. I don't wear this much, so it is still in great condition.
General Gear:
Belts: Various pieces, acquired mostly from Todd's. They are holding up well, though as with the shirt, are infrequently used.
Bag: MKVII from Endicotts. I am still in awe of this authentic piece, and so it mostly sits on display. Great shape, since the 1940s.
Holster: Todds standard, mostly just sits there.
Whip: Purewhips, 8 strand. It hasn't darkened much in 6 months; I perhaps should have put it out in the sun more? Otherwise, still in good shape; rarely used.
Fedora:
Federation III, regular. I wear this every rainy day, plus some sunny besides. Now that the summer heat is well and truly gone, this will see some more use. Six months in, it is holding up well. No fuzzy bits, no worn creases. It is a little tight, so it stays on in the worst weather I've thrown at it. Overall, I'm very pleased with this purchase months later.
Jacket:
Todd's Standard, XL. I wore this a lot in the Spring, and may give it some more use this fall; it is a fairly light jacket, so it wouldn't work for winter. The new smell is mostly gone, but that's about it; despite wearing it around, balling it up, and leaving it in my trunk once or twice, it has held up surprisingly well. I was honestly kind of worried when I got it and felt how light it was, but six months on, it is practically new still. That said, I still wouldn't intentionally put it in harms way.
Boots:
Aldens 405s, from Schmidty. I am still pleased with this purchase, which was actually made last April. The boots are still quite comfortable; if anything, more so. Here is a shot brand new:
And today:
I haven't been taking it easy on them, and they are doing better than sneakers I bought about the same time and wear about as often.
And, that's about it! I figure I'll update again next May or so, if this sort of information is indeed useful.
Lingarn
