Freezing your jeans

Big Man and I were among people who seriously 'geek out' over men's fashion this past weekend at the StyleForum in San Francisco.  I learned a TON; and I'd like to share a few things with you.

Stores:

RRL (Double RL) - This is a testing ground for so much that has shaped a contemporary aesthetic movement that RRL calls "heritage style."  It is RL's environment where ideas develop and materials are tested.

JCrew's Mens Shop - The Liquor Store - JCrew has lakes over an 1825 Tribeca tavern (with the bar still intact!), offering handpicked selections of carefully crafted menswear & accessories. 

Tips & Trends:

Freezing your jeans v. machine washing

I feel I have collected a lot of knowledge regarding premium denim over the past few years and learned something completely new.  The tip was to freeze your denim.  I thought it was a joke.  

Here are the instructions:

1.  Spot clean any minor stains with a damp cloth.  Stains are more difficult to remove after freezing, so be sure and get them out PRIOR to freezing.  Dry damp spots with hairdryer so your pants don't freeze with moisture spots.

2.  Shake your jeans vigorously to remove external grit and particles.  Empty all pockets.

3.  Smooth and fold your jeans lengthwise, twice.

4.  Place folded jeans in a Ziploc plastic bag.  Expel excess air too.

5.  Place your jeans in the freezer for a minimum of TWO days to completely kill bacteria.

6.  Remove your jeans from the freezer.  Shake the denim loose and thaw your jeans over the back of a chair before wearing.

I have yet to try the freezing technique.  I've had great success machine washing my denim in cold water, followed by ALWAYS line-drying them.  

Neckwear isn't only for work and special occasions.  It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in San Francisco and more than half of the fashion-forward men attending sported neckwear.  Every person has a very personal opinion and knows the width of tie they prefer.  The consensus of customers wearing skinny ties preferred a width of 2 5/8".  Classic and working professional customers preferred a width of 

3 1/4". 

Fine craftsmanship, detailing, and products made in the USA/Europe are in demand.  There's been a shift in thinking from the American consumer.  As a country we now prefer to own (for example) one pair of jeans for $390 vs. three pair of jeans totaling $390.  Quality is the name of the game.  Hand stitched detailing.  Customized measurements specific to each individual.  One-of-a-kind/limited edition.

All the above encompass my observations & conversations over the past weekend.  One thing is for sure, we all are entitled to our own unique sense of style!