The Material Review
Issue 135: The Explosion of Choice, Japanese Denim, Factory Tours, Optimo Hats, The Browns, The Bull Shot, Protein Bar Controversy and Spotlight On: Kamakura Golden 90s.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
The explosion of choice
It’s only in recent history that freedom has come to mean having a huge array of choices in life. Did we take a wrong turn? [Aeon]
Japanese Denim Is Going Global, Just as It Runs Out of Artisans
“Despite soaring sales and international hype, Kojima’s famed denim mills are struggling to replace a dwindling pool of master weavers.” [Bloomberg]
On Factory Tours.
Hatmaking’s Lifeblood
“On the South Side of Chicago, the founder of Optimo Hats quietly churns out impeccably made fedoras and Panamas for clients including Sean Penn and John C. Reilly” [Air Mail]
The Day The Browns Crafted A Playbook Entirely Out Of Spite
“No pass attempts. Punting on third down. Cleveland had a point to prove.” [Defector]
Top Drawer: The Bull Shot
“And five bars to find them” [Fewer & Better]
The Protein Bar King and the Battle for the Holy Grail of Fat Substitutes
“How the ‘secret sauce’ in America’s hottest new brand of protein bars sparked a storm of controversy that has forced small businesses to the brink of death—and upended the protein bar market that many of us have come to rely on.” [Mens Health]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Rocky Mountain Featherbed Down Jacket
Adsum + Sanders Vibram Sole Split Toe Gibson
Manresa Chambray Herc Shirt
Unimatic Modello Due U2-GMT
The Anthology Wool Tweed Sport Jacket - Dark Forest
Porter - Yoshida & Co. POTR Packs Grooming Pouch & Tray
Kamakura Golden 90s Collection
TOKYO SLIM FIT - Button Down Giza 96 Pinpoint Oxford
TOKYO SLIM FIT - Italian Spread Giza 96
TOKYO SLIM FIT - Italian Spread Giza 96
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.
🎨 Keiran Brennan Hinton: Change of Scenery
17 October - 22 November. Charles Moffett, 394 Broadway, Second Floor, New York, NY 10013
Charles Moffett is pleased to present Change of Scenery, a solo exhibition of new paintings by Canadian artist Keiran Brennan Hinton. The exhibition marks the painter’s third solo show with the gallery. It is the culmination of a year’s worth of travel across the U.S., as Brennan Hinton spent extended time in residency in Corsicana, TX, Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and Fishers Island, NY.
🛒 Tony Shirtmakers in NYC: Ephemeral Showroom & Shop
Friday, Oct. 24 4-7pm, Saturday Oct. 25 12-6pm, Sunday, October 26 12-5pm. 616 E. 9th St. NY, NY 10009
New styles! One of a kinds! Restocks!
🛒 prAna + understory + Altar of Now Indigo Dye Workshop
Saturday, October 25th. understory. 484 49th st #C . Oakland . CA . 94609
Join us for an indigo dye workshop at Little Frog Park, right around the corner from the shop. We have 25 spots available and all you need to do to attend is purchase any prAna item in store before the date of the workshop. Stop by the shop to check out all the new gear in person and get your name on the list for the dye party.