Way before this blog started, before there were #hashtags, there were a few stores that I frequented. One of those was Orvis. I had one of their original shotgun shell belts, but it had the actual Winchester shell on the loop rather than the Orvis logo’ed version they carry today. I wore that belt out, and eventually had to put it to bed. I kick myself every day that I didn’t keep that original shell loop.
Orvis has kept a consistent, unique drumbeat that’s refreshing in the flash-in-the-pan #menswear world. I consider them in the same categorization as Filson, Red Wing, and Barbour. They just keep doing what they are doing, and know that ‘cool’ will eventually come their way. I have 100% respect for this, and remain a loyal Orvis customer.
Now that it’s Fall, the Orvis catalog carries a lot of weight. There is so much good stuff in there…here’s what I’d bring home with me:
From top left:
1. Donegal Notch Crew Sweatshirt: I wear a sweatshirt out every Winter. And by ‘wear out’, I mean it gets stolen by my better half. Hello, 2014 version.
2. Trigger Finger Uplander Gloves: There isn’t a huge need for gloves in Atlanta, but there are a few mornings when that steering wheel is like grabbing ice. I like these with the open trigger finger. Sure, it’s good to pull a trigger, but it’s also perfect for pressing ‘ignore’ on your smart phone when a call comes in.
3. Barbour Tapton Jacket: I like the dressed up look of this quilted Barbour. The herringbone collar and the trimmer fit make this one great as a replacement for a tweed coat. Wear this one over a cashmere v-neck.
4. Battenkill Gun Case: If you’re going to spend the money on a good gun, why would you put it in a cheap sock? Do it some justice. And spring for the monogram.
5. Fleece Sweater Jacket: An OUTSTANDING alternative to more expensive options out there. This fleece is as good as there is, especially considering the easy price tag. Minimal logo-ing is even better. Think of this as the ‘dog walker’.
6. Cavalry Bison Leather Belt: You know I love a good belt; especially one with a cool buckle.
7. Luxury Cotton / Merino Wool Shirt: These cotton and wool blend shirts are great. The key is to wash and half dry them. Then hang to dry the rest of the way. Give it a quick steam iron, and then wear it…extremely soft and warm.
8. Field Chronograph Watch: There are a ton of alternatives out there, but try and beat this one for $150. It looks great, and wears very well.
9. Shotgun Shell Coasters: Because why not.
10. Gokey Heritage Duffle: A secret Ebay obsession is vintage Orvis luggage…and it looks like they beat me to the punch.
11. Gokey Sandanona Pull On Boots: Some of the coolest boots out there. The rubber soles make them comfortable for all day wear…after all, they were made for walking the field. This reminds me: I need to recondition mine…maybe worthy of a post?
I used to work at Orvis in Richmond, VA. It is a great company that cares as much about it’s employees as it does it’s customers. You can’t beat the quality of their products.
I own the Gokey boot pictured. I will have to say the Gokey company and or Orvis provided the best customer service I have ever recieved from any company. I love the history of the Gokey Boot Co. and I believe their products are well made. However, this is the most ill fitting thing I have ever put on my feet. Gokey tried their absolute best to make the boots work. My boots were worked on 3 different times and finally on a 4th attempt I think they just started over and made me a new pair. Unfortunately, they are still a horrible fit. Also, they are not comfortable enough to wear” all day “in my opinion? The sole is so primitive and hard it just kills my feet after about 20 minutes. However, they look cool as hell sitting in my closet. Every once in a while I dust them off? Hopefully one day one of my sons will grow in to them and the boots will get some use. I suggest Russell Moccasin Co instead. they are just as durable and well made, but 100% more comfortable.
Funny looking at this and seeing my 12 gauge coaster set sitting next to my computer.
I’ve worked at Orvis many years. We almost got sued over that Winchester shell cap on the belt. It was the Winchester IP team that decided that we couldn’t put it on a belt anymore. I agree – would much rather have the cap of a real shell company – any out there willing to have Orvis market their brand on our belts?