Though the consensus from the comments on my last post were to leave my Dope + Drakkar’s unrepaired, I sent them off to AB Fits shortly after writing the update. Though I understand the reasoning behind not repairing the jeans, I am trying to chronicle how these #1198′s wear in in real life. If I drop $200+ on a pair of jeans I am going to repair them when its prudent. With that said I called AB Fits and filled them in on the repairs needed, John Webb had some ideas on repairing the cuffs and wanted to check out the blown stitching on the back pockets.
After swapping a few emails and phone calls we came to two conclusions. One, they were as stumped as I when it came to why the back pocket stitching had deteriorated so quickly. Two, the solution for the cuffs lay in some Cone Mills Duck Canvas. With the decisions made I kept wearing my khakis and waiting for the D+D’s return.
When they arrived a week later it was like being reunited with an old friend. AB Fits had restitched the back pockets, matching the thread so well that you’d have to get uncomfortably close to my ass to even notice. They had also taken the Duck Canvas we’d discussed and placed matching patches on the rear of my cuffs, and pressing a new cuff into them to avoid re-wearing the same spot. In my opinion they cuff repair adds a lot of unique character to the jeans, although they have been the catalyst for a few interesting conversations with people at my office. Take a look at the pics and start posting your thoughts!
The duck canvas patches certainly add some character. It is a design element that, were I to see it done on a new pair of jeans being sold that way I would hate for being too precious and quirky. It would elicit a similar reaction to “aged” and “worn” finishes on new jeans, but more annoyed and less disgusted. Having “earned” these patches however makes them and the jeans uniquely yours and pretty rad looking. It is a lesson in provenance.
I agree with PD– I like them only because of the story behind them– I’m not sure I would choose that particular look off the bat. It’s a cool fix and I definitely think they did a spectacular job on the back pockets.
mind posting a pic of you wearing them? i’m interested to see how the cuff’s sit over a pair of shoes…
I think the repair work looks cool, especially knowing your experiences with the jeans. I also totally agree with you on the justification for patching them. I, too, think $200+ jeans need any and all reasonable measures to keep them alive and functional. Good call and nice work by AB Fits.
I think once the Duck Canvas patches get some wear and the jeans age a little more you’re going to have a really unique pair of denim!
Nice follow up!
Thanks for the comments everyone! I will be doing a general update on their wear in the next week. I’ll get some good pictures of how the cuffs are breaking in, and how they actually look being worn.
Cheers,
Jon