18 East

[sood]

Preorders are something we will be exploring when it comes to unproven styles that we do domestically like tees and sweatshirts but likely not things out of India. That said, we have meaningfully increased our buys for the summer and fall on some styles, though obviously not everything (as you can see it’s not like we are selling out of every piece on every drop). That said, the size runs have been altered dramatically so there will be very little xs and s.

As for stock things, this was actually something I began working on on my last trip to India but was an idea we put on hold and then covid hit. Thankfully we did as I wouldn’t want to be in that inventory position right now. I think what will likely happen when things begin to normalize is that we may start placing two buys, one for the web and one for the studio. We’re still working it all out.

As for returns, we thankfully get very few of them and, interestingly, they are almost always the sizes that are the hardest to sell (xs and s)

hopefully you can still continue doing xs & s

 

[ecerratic]

I do find it interesting that the most returned sizing is xs and s. I wonder if it‘s partly due to people not being used to the more oversized/generous sizing after everything has been so much slimmer over the last while (other brands, not 18e) or they don’t feel like they can pull off certain pieces.

 

[Newcomer]

I know you are looking into this - but I do think a primarily pre-ordered item would be a fun way to engage the community. It could even be a higher-priced item that you want to make but don't want to buy a bunch of stock that sits on the shelf. Looking at other retailers, among others, NMWA, a pre-order is a fun way, in my view, to get a select group of people a fun product.

 

[scubajose]

 

[NickPollica]

I do find it interesting that the most returned sizing is xs and s. I wonder if it‘s partly due to people not being used to the more oversized/generous sizing after everything has been so much slimmer over the last while (other brands, not 18e) or they don’t feel like they can pull off certain pieces.

The vast majority of questions we get about fit are from people in this size range as well. It makes me think of my brother who is at the other end of spectrum being 6’7” - he is the most critical person I’ve ever met when it comes to clothing, largely because he’s had such a hard time finding clothing that fits him even halfway well.

 

[briancly]

I know you are looking into this - but I do think a primarily pre-ordered item would be a fun way to engage the community. It could even be a higher-priced item that you want to make but don't want to buy a bunch of stock that sits on the shelf. Looking at other retailers, among others, NMWA, a pre-order is a fun way, in my view, to get a select group of people a fun product.

I kind of like to think the hat was a test run for that. A good way to help out a business in need that makes good stuff, and I think it turned out pretty well.

 

[platinumtooth]

I do find it interesting that the most returned sizing is xs and s. I wonder if it‘s partly due to people not being used to the more oversized/generous sizing after everything has been so much slimmer over the last while (other brands, not 18e) or they don’t feel like they can pull off certain pieces.

Also seeing on the BS forum that M/L/XL stuff is scooped up usually very quickly, if not instantaneously. XS/S/M stuff can take days or longer before people sell it. Whether it's via retail or secondhand, it does show that smaller sizes aren't moving. "Size up" IS A MOVEMENT.

 

[Reginald Bartholomew]

Can you just make enough Goreckis that I can get a pair in the green?

 

[kevenmee]

The vast majority of questions we get about fit are from people in this size range as well. It makes me think of my brother who is at the other end of spectrum being 6’7” - he is the most critical person I’ve ever met when it comes to clothing, largely because he’s had such a hard time finding clothing that fits him even halfway well.

Found that curious as well - do you see the similar behaviour on the other opposite end of the spectrum (XL, XXL)?

 

[sood]

The vast majority of questions we get about fit are from people in this size range as well. It makes me think of my brother who is at the other end of spectrum being 6’7” - he is the most critical person I’ve ever met when it comes to clothing, largely because he’s had such a hard time finding clothing that fits him even halfway well.

yeah because when you are short, "big fits/ size up" doesn't always work, it looks sloppy in most instances!

 

[NickPollica]

it looks sloppy in most instances!

I think this is categorically false, but represents the mentality that the inquiries (and returns) derive from. Further, if you are concerned about looking “sloppy” than we probably aren’t the right brand for you. This is why it took so long for me to start making jackets again.

 

[NickPollica]

Found that curious as well - do you see the similar behaviour on the other opposite end of the spectrum (XL, XXL)?

I don’t recall getting XLs back in the recent past. XXL either really but that does happen slightly more frequently. Interestingly, we have had a bunch of requests for XXXL and I’ve thought about making 1-2, because the reality is that if I’m wearing XXL goreckis (which I do) then there’s a guy who likes them but can’t fit them.

 

[sood]

I think this is categorically false, but represents the mentality that the inquiries (and returns) derive from. Further, if you are concerned about looking “sloppy” than we probably aren’t the right brand for you. This is why it took so long for me to start making jackets again.

what mentality is that?

I have plenty of clothes (from 18E and others) which are generous fitting and I enjoy them; what is categorically true is that fact that sizing up doesn't always work!

whether you choose to make XS/ S is a creative and business decision you have to make but you can't tell people what they should feel about clothes they choose to wear or not wear.

 

[NickPollica]

what mentality is that?

I have plenty of clothes (from 18E and others) which are generous fitting and I enjoy them; what is categorically true is that fact that sizing up doesn't always work!

whether you choose to make XS/ S is a creative and business decision you have to make but you can't tell people what they should feel about clothes they choose to wear or not wear.

I’m particularly referring to the word sloppy, which denotes a very CM mentality and is at odds, I think, with baggy cargo pants and utility shirts.

 

[ramdomthought]

any more of that fleece from peru in the lineup coming up? simple and basic but have only taken that yellow one off because it got up to 90

Any chance you guys would do any of your embroidery in the form of a patch? lots of stuff i need to mend and love using old patches for it instead of fabrics