Fade Season and Gift-Hint Fatigue

After weeks of Black Craziness, you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit shopped out. But you’re probably still getting questions about what you want this year—our solution for you is in this email.

First, a recap of the last few weeks: We’ve published gift guides (three weeks ago, actually), I built and launched my long-planned Sales page, and shared deals from Black Friday to Cyber Monday here in the newsletter.

This week, I haven’t published anything new on the site—but several guides are nearly ready. I’ve been quietly working behind the scenes—on consulting work, on Weirloom, and just recovering from last week’s series of personal commitments that demanded a lot of my attention.

Okay, let’s move on, here’s what I have for you this week:

Month 3: Indigo Invitational Update

If you’re competing, it’s time to upload your third monthly update. You do that here.

And if this is the first you’re hearing about the Indigo Invitational, it’s a year-long fading competition run by my good friend and longtime collaborator, Bryan Szabo.

This year, I’m once again joining the competition—wearing a pair of jeans from my own brand, Weirloom.

NEW DROP: 21 oz. Rough Slub Selvedge from SOSO

Just launched—and still in stock (for now):

• Denim Jacket – Uneven deep-indigo surface, crisp white interior. Hefty feel, serious slub, built to tell a story.

• Selvedge Jeans – Same fabric, bold texture. Choose contrast stitching or keep it stealthy with tone-on-tone.

If you’re ready for something weighty to break in this winter, these are worth a look.

SOLD OUT: Iron Heart’s Pale Rider and UHF

Iron Heart had some heavy drops this week that didn’t hang around long. The Pale Rider is a western shirt-jacket made by Simmons Bilt from horsehide, with copper snap buttons and a future full of patina.

Gone from Iron Heart’s site—but check your local retailers or sign up for restock alerts if you’re chasing it.

Another one that vanished fast. This week’s 12 oz. slubby flannel drop came in a rich brown check and a western cut. Slub-woven texture on the outside, double-brushed softness on the inside.

Again—worth checking the brand’s stockists if you missed the first wave.

Shopping for Gifts? We Made These Lists for You

If you’re still looking for a good gift—or trying to make it easier for others to shop for you—our 2025 Gift Guides are live and I think they’re worth a look.

We published them before the Black Friday madness kicked in. That means they may be sitting a bit lower in your inbox and feed by now. (I noticed Heddels dropped theirs this week, right after the sales wave passed.)

So consider this a reminder. There are three guides, sorted by budget:

• Gifts Under $150 – Small-dollar presents with real impact

• Gifts $150–$400 – That mid-spend sweet spot

• Gifts Over $400 – The big-ticket wishlist material

We also built them to be shareable. Because if you’re like me, you’re not easy to shop for—and you might not even know what you really want.

Still, people in your life want to give you gifts, and these lists make that easier—for them, for you.

Just forward one (or all, or just this email) to whoever’s buying for you this year. Add a note. Highlight a few picks. That’s what they’re for.

That’s all for now. More coming soon—but until then, keep fading, stay warm, and don’t forget to share your II updates with me if you’re in Weirlooms.

Best,
Thomas