Finally “That” Week, an Experiment Revived, and Some Deals & Drops

By the time this goes out, I’m making my way to Trysil in Norway for our annual family ski trip. We’re doing it the classic way—car packed to the brim, snacks onboard (and plenty of alcohol in the trunk, cuz that stuff’s expensive up there!), and an audiobook playing while the kilometres roll by on the E6.

And let’s talk about that audiobook.

Less than a year ago, I started listening to The Bat, the first book in Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole series. Fast forward to now, and I’ve devoured the first 12 novels and I’m clearly addicted. So here I am, just dived into the final one, Killing Moon, and I have no idea what I’ll do once it’s over. It’s like when you get to that last episode of a show you’ve been binging—you know the void is coming.

While I took a break from Harry Hole, I switched things up completely and listened to Lykke-Per (the original Danish version, of course). Written at the turn of the 20th century by Nobel Prize-winning author Henrik Pontoppidan, the language is absolutely stunning—rich, elaborate, and just delicious to listen to.

But now I need something to fill the inevitable post-Harry Hole void. So, if you’ve got any solid crime or Nordic noir recommendations—something dark, clever, and gripping like Nesbø (or even a beautifully written classic like Lykke-Per)—hit reply and send them my way!

Anyway, what I wanted to say is that I’m out of the office until next weekend.

An Experiment That Changed How I Look at Jeans

I’m not the most active on Instagram these days. I used to be, but honestly, I got tired of the grind. I also don’t assume that even our most active followers remember a few posts I did two years ago. But, if you did notice, back in the summer of 2023, I put up a couple of collab post with a new brand, and maybe you wondered what that was all about.

What I haven’t talked about—until now—is that, back in 2023, I ran an experiment. One that had been years in the making. And when that first prototype arrived, it felt like a dream was coming true.

As the months went by, I had to face a tough realisation: bringing this thing to market wasn’t the right move—at least not at that moment.

It wasn’t about the quality, the design, or the demand. But the deeper I got into it, the clearer it became that the timing just wasn’t right for me. So, I made the call to put the experiment on hold.

But here we are, it’s 2025 and I’m not getting any younger, and I haven’t let it go. If anything, stepping back gave me the clarity I needed to move forward in a better way. And now, I’m working on it again. Taking everything I learned from round one and making it even stronger.

So yeah—this story isn’t over. It’s just getting started.

Introducing the Denimhunters Deals & Drops

Bryan and I have been working on this new concept for Denimhunters, which we’ll be bringing to the site soon (at least that’s the plan right now). Each week, we’ll highlight the best new arrivals and the hottest sales and deals—so you never miss out.

DEAL: 30% Off at Blue in Green

Blue in Green is running a solid 30% off sale right now, and if you’re looking for something fun (and ridiculously comfortable), these South2 West8 tie-dye shorts are a steal.

Made in Japan from soft cotton pile, they’re basically the summer equivalent of your favourite sweatpants.

Stock is low, so if you’re feeling them, don’t wait too long.

DEAL: Danton Fleece Vest on Sale at Lost & Found

A good fleece vest is one of those pieces you don’t realise you need until you have one—and then you wear it nonstop. This Danton Polartec fleece vest is lightweight, warm, and versatile enough to work as a mid-layer or a casual top layer.

Right now, it’s marked down at Lost & Found, so if you’ve been thinking about adding a fleece vest to the rotation, this is a solid pick.

DEAL: Yuketen Pancho Boots on Sale at Clutch Café

For months (years, actually), I’ve been hunting for a pull-on boot that’s sturdy, easy to slip into, and practical for everyday life—school runs, garden work, walks. These Yuketen Pancho Boots are none of those things… but just look at them.

Hand-cut, hand-lasted, and bench-made in Mexico with buttery suede and old-school American bootmaking techniques, these are about as cool as it gets. Not the boots I need, but the ones I want. And right now, they’re on sale at Clutch Café.

DROP: The Rebranded Momotaro Collection at Redcast

Momotaro just got a refresh. Their new Tokuno Blue fabric is richer, the details are sharper, and the overall look has a more refined edge—without losing the craftsmanship that made them legendary.

The #100 model is a classic straight fit with a slight taper, premium finishing, and all the durability you’d expect. Sanforized, so no surprises with shrinkage.

DROP: Freenote Cloth at Franklin & Poe

Freenote Cloth doesn’t mess around when it comes to rugged, well-made gear. Two standout pieces just landed at Franklin & Poe:

Rancho Indigo Stripe – A Western shirt with a twist. Slanted pocket flaps, a straight yoke, and 12 oz. Japanese corduroy denim give it a perfectly broken-in look with some added texture.

Vagabond Olive – Fatigue pants done right. Cut from deadstock military sateen with a roomy fit, these are built for comfort but packed with details—custom hardware, extra pockets, and a proper high rise.

DROP: Wonder Looper at Cultizm

If you know heavyweight tees, you know Wonder Looper. Founded by Bahzad and Risa—who spent 25 years at Naked & Famous between them—this Japanese brand takes heavyweight jersey to the extreme.

We’re talking 12.1 oz. tees that are nearly twice the weight of a standard heavy tee, circular-knit in Japan with a beautifully textured surface.

Cultizm just got a massive restock, so if you’ve been waiting to grab one, now’s the time.