Beav
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2011
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This is a good point, and I'm honestly pretty open about which way to go. There was a time period when stock trousers were a really big part of our business, and I'd order something like 120 units from Hertling every single month.
These were the days when the only competing good pants out there were from the likes of Brooks Brothers and J.Crew, and their prices and fits were both pretty lousy. But things have changed, and there's a ton of startups out there offering basic dress pants which are offshored. And there's brands like Bonobos - who operate at a huge loss and can often sell off imported trousers at close to production cost.
Those volumes that I achieved in the early days were possible because of (1) guys like you who understood and respected the quality and (2) dudes who wanted something that fit slimmer and we were the only option that they saw. Group #2 now has a ton of options, and I couldn't compete with the other players on price no matter how hard I try.
Southwick is pricey for sure, but they've been making really great pants for us, and we've been able to offer a lot of new fabrics - like Harris Tweed and Cotton-Cashmere Corduroy - that Hertling never really had. But outside of that, I'm thinking to focus on the Rivet and Wilhelm shapes in Los Angeles more than ever.
I have a long way to go with communication on this, but the current Rivets and Wilhelms are the best quality cotton pants that we've ever made. From stitching to finishing, the product is really clean. And it has soul to it. The best way to describe an LA-made chino or jean versus a European or Asian one is to contrast a Harley against a Yamaha cruiser. It might be more expensive, it might be a bit less consistent, but there's a feeling there.
So, let's say I get the Rivet and Wilhelm back to good stock levels right after the holidays (this is the plan). If I could source an inexpensive dress wool, these items could be produced for $175 as off the rack. And offered via full MTO as well. They're not traditional dress pants by any means, but maybe that's what can make them cool. And offering such an item with a matching Doyle or Sinclair will make an alternative suit that really stands out. What do you guys think of that?
I'd love to see some budget friendly sinclair and trouser options. I think I've been buying from you for 8 years but have found myself priced out in recent years. More budget sinclair based options would draw me back in.