A few years back I was in Orlando and received a wine bar recommendation. Off the Singer clan went in search of USA chard.

The wine bar was a few doors down from an old, uninspiring menswear store. They specialised in chinos and had about six different brands on offer.

The store owner introduced himself and explained the different manufacturing techniques and subsequent pricing. He recommended the German brand Hertl and a lovely stone colour that has become my benchmark for cotton trousers. It's not quite white, but not cream or grey tinged either. Sadly this manufacturer stopped making the Original Khaki brand.

Since then I regularly search for similar trousers. This season Jack Donnelly poplin get my vote.

Since the thick blue stripe Kamakura is no longer available, Lands End one is a substitute. It might be a bit short in the body, but it's only £30 in the perpetual sale, down from yesterday's sale price.

Strangely the long sleeve supima polos from Lands End are now only available in traditional fit. I loved the tailored ones in decent colours, very classy items indeed.

Worried that the shirts may not tuck in properly, as I don't wear shirts untucked,  but at the price I will take that risk

Kingston1an - Lands End are ‘risk free’, last year I returned to them 3 tee shirts, 1 pair of shorts,1 pair of swimwear, all items bar 1 tee had been worn albeit only slightly and I got a full refund on the lot very quickly, they were mostly bought in lockdown so returned at least 1-2 years after purchasing them,

For anyone that's interested there are some big savings ( up to 50%) on End Clothings mid season sale, I had a quick look at their Polo items and there are plenty of polos, t's, shorts / swimwear, shirts in a wide range of sizes plenty in M & L which I guess is the average size for most of us here,

Shirt is fine. Tucks in OK just looked short in photos online. £5 more expensive today.

Lands End pricing changes swiftly.

Pleased with the shirt though.

At the other end of the price range I had an email from Gant this morning promoting their ' Mulberry Street Collection , some ' Made in USA' OCBD's,  no logos , decent looking collar roll, -  price range £250 - £310, - eye watering !

I had a look at the Gant collection and for £250 I would expect better than a shirt that comes in S,M,L and XL.
As AUS says a Jake shirt would be a better option.
There is also a Jake popover shirt on Marrkt at half price but that is XL which with the generous cut of a Jake shirt would be like a tent on me.

Stax- if they come down to £100 I would be interested. I reckon they will be well made. Might even be interested in a duffel coat at the right price.

On my Easter travels I have picked up a few things I couldn't source in the UK.

First off was some Press madras shorts and batik swim shorts. Must admit never had swim shorts with a zip fly!

I was interested to see what the DuckHead big label khaki reissue was like. The addition of 2% stretch is good. Supposedly based on a 1978 cut. I remember a similar trouser being worn by JG at Russel Street.

I also had a rummage at a Brooks outlet and picked up an old Madison fit uni stripe OCBD for £30.

I was tempted by all white Sperry deck shoes but given the lacklustre exchange rate couldn't

Yes sure, I'm still wearing them in my 50s.... but I try to avoid them being too short or tight as I age.

Separately, I bought down my warm weather clothing and put up the colder yesterday - so no looking back to thicker tweeds and 80/20 shirts now for a few months

Last edited by An Unseen Scene (2024-04-15 09:07:21)

I'm 57 and wear shorts.

In Florida during the day you just can't wear long trousers.

As with all things getting the fit right is critical. I have mine tailored to sit just above the knee. Any longer and I look like a character from IT AIN'T HALF HOT MOM.

Also I only pair shorts with polo shirts and t-shirts. Forget the Ralph look with ties, sports jackets and shorts.