Filson – Hipsters
- This topic has 6 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated Nov 28, 2013 at 11:23 am by
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I got the Filson catalog randomly in the mail the other day. Man that company has really changed faces. It reminds me of what J. Crew was trying to do by going way upmarket about 5-6 years ago (with perfect timing, right before the crash).
Filson’s ordinary old men’s dress shirt in flannel is like $195 now. Give me a break. Meanwhile they’re also selling both an “Alaska” cut (ordinary, wide cut and a “Seattle” cut. Now, as a skinny guy myself, I certainly appreciate “tailored” shirts when I can get them, but “Seattle”? Come on. Seriously, why don’t they just call it “hipster” and be honest about it. Trustafarians on fixie bicycles are the only ones who can afford those shirts anyway…
Zach
Put a bird on it!!
I just looked at some flannel shirts on their site that are over $200. I could stand side by side in one of mine from the thrift store and you would not be able to tell the two apart. What a joke.
E-bay is the way to go for Filson. Scored a wool vest for about $40 a few years ago and it has been one of the best pieces of gear I have owned. Some of their sale prices have been OK but I can’t justify full price.
I can’t really blame Filson for trying to capitalize on the hipster demographic. Their gear / clothing has always been on the premium end of the price spectrum, and while most of their stuff doesn’t interest my taste in gear, the few Filson items I have are some of the highest quality stuff I’ve ever owned. I have a Filson belt that has lasted about 10 years of daily use and doesn’t look much worse for wear at all. I expect I’ll get another 10+ years out of it, easily. Granted, it’s just a belt, but nonetheless, the quality is impressive.
Maybe this is a good time to bring up something that has been on my mind for a while now.
I am beginning to loose a little of my love for some of my Simms stuff made offshore. My wading boots loose the bond between felt and boot way too soon, the laces wear out very quickly. I recently bought an insulated flannel shirt and a button popped off after half a dozen washings, maybe less.
Just seems like they should hold up a little better considering the cost. Surely the markup on the foreign made stuff should allow for a little more durability. It would be different if it were discount store brand stuff.
I still love the waders and recently I sent them a boat bag that had zipper problems. They sent me a new one with a later model zipper at no charge. My only warranty experience has been great.
I think most of their products are top shelf, but some of them could use a little more quality control.
I also got their catalog and quickly decided they’d gone insane, their prices are double to triple what they were maybe ten years ago.
JCFor deals on Filson gear, follow Sierra Trading Post on Twitter to get notice of their flash add’l 40% off sales. That can bring the total discount into the range of 60-70% off. Keep items you like in your cart, and then purchase when the sale is announced.
I still remember going into Abercrombie & Fitch back in the day when it was a real outfitters store, with fly rods and guns. Obviously, that’s not what they are now. I hope Filson doesn’t go that direction, too.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, too.
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