03/07/2020
The guest in the 14th episode of the Garmology podcast is Bryan Shettig. Bryan owns the brand The Rite-Stuff, specialising in the reproduction of early 1900’s workwear. From growing up in the US to his current base in Taiwan, Bryan has developed a keen interest in the workwear of the early 1900s, going so far into it that he set…
31/05/2020
We live in strange and interesting times. Staying at home most of the time, having more time available for doing stuff, yadda yadda. Fear not, this isn’t another chunk pandemic prose, I’m as sated on it all as you are. What I really wanted to tell you about was my latest venture: The podcast! Yeah yeah yeah, I know, everyone…
05/04/2020
I’m not sure I’ve ever felt the need to start an article with a disclaimer, but I do today. Pandemics and viral infections are deadly serious, and I lay no claim to being any sort of expert in how to protect myself (or you) from airborne, or otherwise, virus. I do know enough to know when it’s time to seek…
28/03/2020
I know, the moment you saw the rainproof smock and sewing as the title of this article, you thought one of three things: Hang on, I’m sure Nick announced that on Instagram ages ago Right, yes, another project started with lots of gusto and never heard of again Ooh, nice one, that will be interesting to read about! And yes,…
22/03/2020
I have a pretty long commute. I don’t do it every day, but 2-3 times a week. It involves cycling, the train, the metro and walking. This means exposure to weather and a lot of sitting around. Add this to a penchant for dressing up in fancy frocks and there is a certain type of weather conditions that is problematic.…
21/03/2020
A couple of years back I gave my wife two pairs of beautiful Heschung split-tie leather shoes and a pair of Gingko boots. The boots are burgundy leather with a lighter colour canvas shank, the shoes a rather spiffy if vivid, deep pink. Over time I noticed that the boots were seeing a lot of use, but the shoes were…
25/01/2020
Welcome to the anniversary 21st instalment of the “Garmsman Dozen” question and answer session. Did you miss earlier ones? There are links at the end of the page. This week we extend a warm welcome to John B from the UK/USA! Who are you, where do you live and what interests you? John B, Brooklyn, 50 Instagram: johnbbrooklyn I grew…
19/01/2020
In the world of tech fabrics, waxed cotton is the old curmudgeon sitting in the corner eyeing up the newcomers with a sceptical look of disdain. Waxed cotton has been around for ages, from the early use of improving the wind-retaining use as sails, to water-repellent outerwear. As these things go, it’s pretty environmentally friendly as well, there are no…
03/01/2020
I very often get quite amazingly great ideas, absolutely world-class, game-changing ideas. Especially when I’m out walking, or trying to fall asleep (these two seldom occur at the same time), and naturally after figuratively slapping my own back in exultation, I think that I’ll put this in my mental bank of great ideas that should be worked on more. This…
20/10/2019
If you’re a wearer of spectacles, you’ll relate to the problems of choosing eyewear that suit you. Apparently there is a science to this, as at least one of my local opticians offers the services of their qualified eyewear stylists. In my experience, it’s more a case of starting at one end of the always immense selection and then working…