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Post by gaseousclay on Dec 17, 2015 8:06:56 GMT -6
I'm a little curious how many of you have stopped buying from Gustin and have graduated to more expensive brands? I didn't start this thread to bash Gustin, i'm merely interested in why denim enthusiasts choose to transition from one brand to another. I think it's already been stated that Gustin is the gateway denim brand for those looking to dip their toes in the selvedge/raw denim waters. I personally chose G's denim because of the fabrics first followed by cost. For the most part i'm pretty satisfied with the stuff i've received from them and don't really have any complaints. Another factor for me was that buying from Gustin has allowed me to dial in my fit. It's taken over a year to figure it out but now that I know what works for me I can safely look at other brands and buy with confidence. I'll likely still buy from Gustin but right now i'm starting to dive into more expensive brands now that I got a pair of Strike Golds. I blame Bugula for being an enabler and for exposing everyone to so many cool new brands  I'm now debating between a pair of PBJ's, Studio D'Artisan or Ande Whall for my next pair. I'm leaning heavily toward Ande Whall since he's a one-man operation and i'd like for him to continue to put out cool denim. What about you guys? |
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Post by wdw on Dec 17, 2015 8:15:23 GMT -6
I moved on by getting sucked in by the LD hype here, then when that collapsed I moved on to CF and IH. CF's wait times are too long for me now, but I'm kinda hooked on getting excellent quality IH at reasonable prices within a week from Japan.
I've not given up on G, though, as a 2 month wait is good compared to others, and they still have interesting jeans fabrics. And my recent Oxblood Trucker was a real winner and not available elsewhere.
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Post by oatwilly on Dec 17, 2015 8:18:04 GMT -6
Nothing more expensive for me. If anything I'd just go back to buying Levi 501s
But - I have enough jeans now to last me the rest of my life
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Post by ickes on Dec 17, 2015 10:35:57 GMT -6
I'm not going to elaborate on this too much but yeah I've moved away from Gustin (for the most part) to higher quality brands. To sum it up I've just become a more educated consumer and have found other brands that are more my style and produce a much higher quality product.
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Post by david2403 on Dec 17, 2015 10:45:12 GMT -6
I've never been a G fan. I think I've ordered 4 or 5 items, including 2 belts, over the past year.
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Post by bentin on Dec 17, 2015 10:55:41 GMT -6
I'd come back to try a two pocket chambray or similar, but...
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Post by bruns on Dec 17, 2015 11:15:56 GMT -6
Gustin has some fantastic offerings and some pretty awful ones too. I pick and choose from many brands. I've bought some expensive items which I don't particularly like and some cheap(er) ones that I love. Overall though I think some treat Gustin with contempt than valid; they do, ultimately, aim to deliver a high-end product- and for the most part succeed in doing so.
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Post by DigDug on Dec 17, 2015 11:25:58 GMT -6
I thought I moved on. But the 21oz Zims brought me back, grabbed a set of socks with $20 credit given from G for popped buttons, and most likely would back a Denim WS if it's ever offered.
The 2 month wait is ok (sometimes), value is good, quality fair, CS good.
It's the Fit (jeans), I'm thinking there may be a better one (IH 633's maybe).
I'd still recommend G to a friend based on value, timeframe, track record. CF is stretched out, Manny is a good alternative if he has something RTW, beyond those who else is there in the $80-120 range. Unless a friend had money and didn't care then Rakuten but most friends already cringe when I say $100 on a pair of denim or a shirt.
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Post by Old26 on Dec 17, 2015 11:31:48 GMT -6
Gustin jeans fit me. I've tried on so many other pairs - including IH at Self Edge, and I am sick of the whole thing. Gustin jeans fit - I wish the leg openings were smaller on the straights, but that's a minor quip. Only other issue is sometimes they sew up small.
I've got a bunch of the card holders too, but nothing else sans my unwaxed now-a-vest trucker.
The lineup is pretty generic to me - some good stuff, but also it doesn't ooze unique at all. For what they are, I am happy with my jeans. Looking forward to the 21 Japans. The Japan Jutes are one of my favorite pairs.
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Post by matt on Dec 17, 2015 11:33:15 GMT -6
I've slowed my overall purchasing, but not merely specific to G. I am still a fan of G denim for the price and fit, however, I am open to exploring other brands if the offering is something rare or really unique (and not ridiculously priced). I'm all for paying for US craftsmanship, but I've got about 15 pairs and I really only wear 5 of them at the moment. I will say that trying G chinos led me to Taylor Stitch chinos...so that's a parallel move I guess? I have a pair of CF's and I may order again, but it just comes down to rare/unique offerings for a good price.
And G shirts still work for me. I think it's inevitable that I'll buy some TS shirts...so if the fit works as well as G does on my frame, I think that gateway will be a floodgate.
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Post by northcoast on Dec 17, 2015 11:39:10 GMT -6
I'm ready to buy some other jeans BUT I am rather aware of the law of diminishing returns so I'm hesitant on anything outside of CF for now.
I love the shirts. I'm married to them for their tall sizing. I have limited options, can't buy Japanese, don't enjoy returning XXL shirts because they are too blousy etc.
I really like the shirts for practical reasons, (size, fit, price) and I like enough of their fabrics that I keep buying.
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Post by davelewis on Dec 17, 2015 11:43:37 GMT -6
I wouldn't say I've stopped buying from Gustin, but it would take something really special for me to bite, as I'm pretty much set for gear. I looked hard at the recent offering of the 21oz, but ultimately passed because of sizing concerns, and moving up would include an extra 2 inches to an inseam that I wouldn't want, and prefer not to screw around with hemming. I do like my Postal work shirt, and the few pairs of jeans from them, especially the Beasts.
I would tend to purchase some IH stuff from Rakuten now, if and when they have my size, and would more than likely buy jeans from Japan, when the time comes for some new ones.
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Post by quick on Dec 17, 2015 11:45:21 GMT -6
after discovering grailed.
I still buy their shirts because they seem to be a good value considering other shirting options.
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Post by exophobe on Dec 17, 2015 12:36:05 GMT -6
I thought I moved on. But the 21oz Zims brought me back, grabbed a set of socks with $20 credit given from G for popped buttons, and most likely would back a Denim WS if it's ever offered. The 2 month wait is ok (sometimes), value is good, quality fair, CS good. It's the Fit (jeans), I'm thinking there may be a better one (IH 633's maybe). I'd still recommend G to a friend based on value, timeframe, track record. CF is stretched out, Manny is a good alternative if he has something RTW, beyond those who else is there in the $80-120 range. Unless a friend had money and didn't care then Rakuten but most friends already cringe when I say $100 on a pair of denim or a shirt. I always find it kind of funny when someone complements your clothes, then treat you like you're an idiot for paying more money than the stuff they're getting at stores for half the price. It makes me just not want to talk about it. I pay for quality, and I haven't had a significant issue with product received from gustin that their customer service hasn't been willing to resolve. In the end, I don't think there's much more to look for from a company. I've been vocal about my complaints, and frustrated with their continuing issues, but still find their product offers a significant value to me. It's all about fit, and there's probably a better one out there for me but I haven't invested in finding it. Naked and Famous is good in the price range, but their modest premium over gustin unfortunately puts them in competition with the prices on rakuten. And they aren't as good at marketing to me as gustin.  |
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Post by bentin on Dec 17, 2015 12:40:36 GMT -6
I thought I moved on. But the 21oz Zims brought me back, grabbed a set of socks with $20 credit given from G for popped buttons, and most likely would back a Denim WS if it's ever offered. The 2 month wait is ok (sometimes), value is good, quality fair, CS good. It's the Fit (jeans), I'm thinking there may be a better one (IH 633's maybe). I'd still recommend G to a friend based on value, timeframe, track record. CF is stretched out, Manny is a good alternative if he has something RTW, beyond those who else is there in the $80-120 range. Unless a friend had money and didn't care then Rakuten but most friends already cringe when I say $100 on a pair of denim or a shirt. I always find it kind of funny when someone complements your clothes, then treat you like you're an idiot for paying more money than the stuff they're getting at stores for half the price. It makes me just not want to talk about it. I pay for quality, and I haven't had a significant issue with product received from gustin that their customer service hasn't been willing to resolve. In the end, I don't think there's much more to look for from a company. I've been vocal about my complaints, and frustrated with their continuing issues, but still find their product offers a significant value to me. It's all about fit, and there's probably a better one out there for me but I haven't invested in finding it. Naked and Famous is good in the price range, but their modest premium over gustin unfortunately puts them in competition with the prices on rakuten. And they aren't as good at marketing to me as gustin. But you can try on N&F and buy them on the spot. I'm cool with the crowd sourcing model when it's something unique, but have lost patience with it for standard products. |
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Post by Old26 on Dec 17, 2015 13:15:19 GMT -6
I always find it kind of funny when someone complements your clothes, then treat you like you're an idiot for paying more money than the stuff they're getting at stores for half the price. It makes me just not want to talk about it. I pay for quality, and I haven't had a significant issue with product received from gustin that their customer service hasn't been willing to resolve. In the end, I don't think there's much more to look for from a company. I've been vocal about my complaints, and frustrated with their continuing issues, but still find their product offers a significant value to me. It's all about fit, and there's probably a better one out there for me but I haven't invested in finding it. Naked and Famous is good in the price range, but their modest premium over gustin unfortunately puts them in competition with the prices on rakuten. And they aren't as good at marketing to me as gustin. I don't discuss clothing unless I see that the other person has a clue. Just don't do it. And I have fiends with a boatload of money, and they look at me like I'm nuts. Enjoy your gear. Knowing that you bought a quality item that will last and be more unique than most on the street will be it's own reward. |
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Post by gaseousclay on Dec 17, 2015 14:09:56 GMT -6
Manny is a good alternative if he has something RTW, beyond those who else is there in the $80-120 range. there are plenty of suitable RTW denim brands out there if we were to expand the msrp from $80 to $150. Taylor Stitch comes to mind as well as N&F as has already been mentioned. RPMWest also has selvedge denim in the $135 price point that look interesting but not enough for me to pull the trigger on a pair. I do like the G jeans i've received so far. Ironically, my daily beaters are my Gustin American Standards which have the off spec hem. I don't even pay attention to it anymore. The American Standards are finally starting to show their fades/honeycombs after 3 months of 0 washes and consistent wear. I beat the crap out of these jeans everyday and will try to hold off washing them until the 6 month mark. But I digress. I've started to graduate to expensive brands primarily because of uniqueness and aesthetics. I really dig the SG's I received last week but still need to hem them. My one and only gripe with the SG's is the belt loops aren't sewn into the waist band, so they look sloppy to my eye. That's just a nitpick and nothing more. I've really taken a shine to Ande Whall's stuff and now I dig the wing arcuate on the back pockets. I love the SR stuff he's done too but think I might just go with his standard Indigo Mustang 13.5oz denim when he gets more stock. But, Denimio has such great prices on Japanese denim that it's really difficult choosing one brand over another. |
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Post by gaseousclay on Dec 17, 2015 14:13:49 GMT -6
I don't discuss clothing unless I see that the other person has a clue. Just don't do it. I tried having a denim discussion with a young fellow I know who regularly wears Levi's but I feel kinda stupid trying to explain to him the appeal of expensive denim. the truth is, he's at a place financially where $200 jeans aren't practical. I could mention Gustin, Indigogene and a ton of other low cost options to him but that would require him to actually give a damn about selvedge/raw denim. Outside of the small online denim communities, most people don't care. |
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Post by gaseousclay on Dec 17, 2015 15:38:07 GMT -6
For what they are, I am happy with my jeans. Looking forward to the 21 Japans. The Japan Jutes are one of my favorite pairs. I'm pretty satisfied with what I have as well -- American Standards, Cone Mills Superlights, Japan One Sevens and Blue 17's. I still haven't hemmed/worn the Superlights, Japan 17's or Blue 17's but eventually will. The problem with denim is that once you start accumulating jeans it's hard to decide which ones to wear |
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Post by benjaminpersitz on Dec 17, 2015 16:39:51 GMT -6
I am considering moving away. I love their Tshirts but the denim fit doesn't work for me. If they came out with a true straight I'd buy so many more.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2015 16:48:35 GMT -6
My initial motive going to Gustin was to find some nice and inexpensive selvedge denim... I absolutely found that... Aaaaaaaaaaand, then I found out how closely Gustin is priced to IHJP. That killed every bit of value I thought it was getting from Gustin. Not to mention differences the caliber of construction.
Same for shirts and jeans.
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Post by jray on Dec 17, 2015 17:04:37 GMT -6
What I own I really like - oke standards, heavy softs, the beasts, Japan blue x blacks. I prefer denim with a slubby character and have found japanese brands better at this. As for shirts, banana Republic on sale for $30 does just fine for me.
I do think G still has great deals though with the 21 ozers and Japan 17's. I just already have them from other manufacturers.
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Post by gaseousclay on Dec 17, 2015 17:05:49 GMT -6
Yep. When i look at denim on Denimio's site it's an easy sell, if you know your fit. I think Gustin does a good job at getting those customers that are looking for inexpensive options, the way we all did. But there comes a point when you want variety. And lets be honest, i also believe theres some level of prestige that we attach to certain brands, and theres nothing wrong with that.
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Post by gaseousclay on Dec 17, 2015 17:11:35 GMT -6
I do think G still has great deals though with the 21 ozers and Japan 17's. I just already have them from other manufacturers. The Japan One Sevens were a great deal. I really love the character of these jeans. I know you guys are denim dorks just like me and sit and admire your denim. I did this once a few weeks back when i was with my son and he asked me what i was doing. I told him i was just admiring my jeans and that someday when he becomes a young man he too can own nice jeans. His response, "they're just pants, daddy." Gotta love his brutal honesty |
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Post by davelewis on Dec 17, 2015 18:11:24 GMT -6
I don't discuss clothing unless I see that the other person has a clue. Just don't do it. I tried having a denim discussion with a young fellow I know who regularly wears Levi's but I feel kinda stupid trying to explain to him the appeal of expensive denim. the truth is, he's at a place financially where $200 jeans aren't practical. I could mention Gustin, Indigogene and a ton of other low cost options to him but that would require him to actually give a damn about selvedge/raw denim. Outside of the small online denim communities, most people don't care. I normally wouldn't have a conversation about denim, or clothing in general unless I was asked about something I was wearing. I don't think that the masses know about the brands we buy here on the forum, and the majority doesn't care. Its all cool, as I can appreciate my gear just that more. Just the other day, I met a new firefighter for the dept I worked for, during a hockey night out for the boys. I noticed right off the bat, that he knew how to dress, as he was wearing what I had on, only different lol. He picked right up on my horsehide wallet, and asked where I had bought it. None of my other buddies would give a rip. |
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I'm now debating between a pair of PBJ's, Studio D'Artisan or Ande Whall for my next pair. I'm leaning heavily toward Ande Whall since he's a one-man operation and i'd like for him to continue to put out cool denim. 
