Ten C : The Emperor's New Clothes

Yes, forgot about that one - Kentaurus in Koln, right? I was referring to the black trench since you mentioned wearing it to work, sorry.

I don't think Olive would be too adventurous for work, but I'd like Sughero or something like that ideally. May just have to hope they bring it back next year.

By the way, I'm still very happy with my snow smock, but I must report that a pencil (not even a very sharp one) created two small holes in one of my hip pockets. So the fabric may well be hardwearing, but it certainly is prone to cuts and tears.

^ Hah tell me about it!

One one hand, I love how the fabric 'sheds' its micro-furry texture and shows darker and smooth skin with wear.

At the same time, it loses the water proof (which was so fun to play with) real fast, starting from the parts that gets much contact (sleeve, elbow, near pockets). While the inside is still water proofed, the outside is hardly water resistant in some areas.

I wore them hard and went to places, but it has been barely a half year.

Once it loses all it's water proof-ness, or zipper gives up (btw, does anyone else think the zipper sucks on snow smock?) I might throw it in the washing machine and see how it turns out.

edit: typo

and since I edited already: @Johnny Law, That was the exact Issue I am having. Local tailor lady tells me she can replace the zipper no problem but yeah I don't want to have to replace it

I've had one minor issue with the zipper - the cloth tape is fraying and I had to use small strips of black duct tape to prevent it from getting worse. I definitely don't want to have to replace it.

ceoceo said:

One one hand, I love how the fabric 'sheds' its micro-furry texture and shows darker and smooth skin with wear.

At the same time, it loses the water proof (which was so fun to play with) real fast, starting from the parts that gets much contact (sleeve, elbow, near pockets). While the inside is still water proofed, the outside is hardly water resistant in some areas.

Click to expand...

Does this mean that the material thins up with wear? I get it regarding the water proof issue, but I am curious to find out if thinning out of the material could eventually cause lacerations in the end, especially elbows etc? Material does look strong, and one of the major selling points is 'jacket for life' policy...

I am pretty sure it will be jacket for life, but ya know, people grow old and become gross and same goes with this jacket IMO . One thing it will lose for sure is the waterproof character.

Here are some pics I snapped just now, for a comparison.

And because I have too much time I went in to shower. 5 seconds front and 5 back. Notice how some parts get darker as they drink water (Right shoulder, from wearing messanger bag, and sleeves from just lots of movement) and some stay dry even against a moderate amount of water pressure (below pockets and triceps). Interestingly, the hood was the most water proof-y part of the outer surface, confirming my hunch that surface friction is what is causing the loss of water resistance.

Wow for that much money you think the jacket waterproofiness holds up better then that Thanks for the pics.

I was all set to buy a trench, but that pic has me reconsidering. I thought the waterproofness of the fabric was intrinsic and not just a surface treatment. Frankly Ten C should be ashamed of their advertising.

So, is there a way to re-treat the coat is the question?

Can't you just treat it again to improve the 'waterproofness'. Any fabric that is not intrinsically waterproof will need to be treated periodically. This doesn't necessarily reflect on the quality of the garment itself.

It could be that the fabric is intrinsically water-repellent, but once it is abraded by wear it loses its water repellence irreparably. Which would be rubbish.



radicaldog said:

It could be that the fabric is intrinsically water-repellent, but once it is abraded by wear it loses its water repellence irreparably. Which would be rubbish.

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Im pretty sure this is how it works. I mean, the jackets fabric is basically super dense knit of poly-nylon right? (Can't be bothered to look it up) Water rolls around the surface because the knit is so tight it cannot invade into the fabric. Abrasion will wear out this tight knot/bond that traps water at surface level and as a result start taking water.

Personally I welcome all types of discussion for clothes we buy/own. Keep the rants going!

As a big fan of Ten C and other Harvey's/Pungetti's work, I must admit that this water proof thing is disappointing. I am very well aware that virtually all fine water proof materials lose some of their characteristics over the time, but this is too soon. My Ventile jackets are still almost 100% water proof, and I know that waxed jackets lose their ability faster than Ventile, but on the other hand they could be re-waxed.

Having said that, I am sure that the Ten C jackets could be treated with nubuck water repellents, the question is just how often and if this damages the material and/or color in any way. Nevertheless, for this price the water resistance should have lasted a lot longer.

I'm starting to feel glad my order for a field jacket was cancelled. Because "the product was defective."