You are absolutely right Hepcat, buying Chinese is unavoidable and there's nothing more pathetic than getting morally indignant about it all whilst tapping away on your mobile or laptop which is full of their components. However with something as basic as clothing I would have thought that there were still alternative manufacturers within the EU, after all JS is not up against Gap or Uniqlo in the high street market.

And why are these outsourced items the same price as made in the US/UK? At least with the likes of LE and Bean their stuff is dirt cheap.

I would prefer to pay more for made in the US chinos, although only if cloth and construction were also like they used to be. (Although I noticed in an 80s Bean catalogue the chinos were a cotton man-made blend, which I wouldn't want personally.)

I recall JS saying and Ackers might be able to confirm that he said they found a good maker in hong kong that they finally thoight they could standardise some sizes with

There are some high quality tailors in HK, so perhaps there are quality manufacturers too. If all else is good then I would accept it. If I had the funds I would definitely like a single breasted raincoat, and JS would be one of the few options for me to consider.

^ Don't get me started on Cornettos, what they've done to the mint one is bordering on criminal.

^ haha
Not HK but PR (Park Royal Industrial Estate), the same place Viennettas come from.

Well I ****ed that one up good and proper. Due to other committments I have only just applied for a refund. As it's 8 days since I received the chinos I can only get a store credit. The chances of my wanting to buy anything from JS again are a bit slim. A fool and his money . . .

If you bought online then you are enlightened to a full refund for up to 14 days after purchase as far as I know.

I guess you must be enlightened to the refund before taking advantage of it. Otherwise you wouldn't know you were entitled to it.

I'm actually collecting a pair of grey light wool (blended with a little bit of silk or cashmere) trousers this week, courtesy of my tailor (who received the cloth from me in December). Nonetheless the above do look potentially tasty in the FB pics, although as you say probably too tight for my tastes.