The Material Review
Issue 142: Personal Business, Fruit of the Loom, 60/40, Boomer Stuff, Hotel Cancellations, Production Process and Spotlight on: Sweats.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Personal Business
[Are.na]
Why do so many people think the Fruit of the Loom logo had a cornucopia?
“It’s a popular example of the “Mandela effect,” or a collective false memory. And while some people may laugh and move on, others spend years searching for an explanation.” [MIT Technology Review]
Long Live the 60/40
“The Story Behind the Classic Cotton/Nylon Shell That’s Durable, Breathable, and Timeless” [Easy on the Ivy]
Boomers Are Passing Down Fortunes — And Way, Way Too Much Stuff
“As the $90 trillion Great Wealth Transfer begins, millennials and Gen X aren’t just inheriting money. They’re being buried under an avalanche of baseball cards, fine china and collections of all sorts.” [Bloomberg]
Why Hotel-Room Cancellations Disappeared
“The age of travel flexibility is over.” [The Atlantic]
What Is A Production Process?
Glenn Gould: Eccentric Genius at Play
[LIFE]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Harvester International Plaid Flannel Service Shirt
Rolling Square AirCard Pro
Rancourt & Co. Freeman Slipper
Dirtbag Billionaire
Quiet Golf Flag Dad Hat Bone
Aer Gym Tote 2
Sweats
Battenwear Step-Up Sweatpants V.2 / Olive
Buck Mason Welterweight Double V Crew Sweatshirt
NWKC 004 - TROUSER - CHARCOAL
Sunspel Oversized Loopback Sweatshirt in Black
Front General Store Loopwheel Sweatshirt Hoodie
Outerknown Sur Easy Sweats
Adsum Waffle Zip Hoodie
Soft Goods French Terry Sweatshorts
kellsport Crewneck sweatshirt with Muff Pocket
Classifieds
Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line at if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 character per ad.
🛒 Beams Plus Pop Up @ Blackstock & Webber
Now through Jan. 31. 242 Mulberry Street. NYC
The Beams Plus General Store will have a selection of Beams Plus in-line product curated by Founder and Creative Director of Blackstock and Weber, Chris Echevarria
Michael: you have on occasion mentioned your frustration with product over-diversification. Please see L.L. Bean's "Chamois Shirt" category as Exhibit "A."