Clothes for TEOTWAWKI?

Shorttime

Shorttime

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Sure, it's not as cool as discussions about knives, firearms, and flashlights, but it's something that crosses my mind, occaisionally. Clothes wear out. How do you get new ones, if there's no internet (perish the thought), no Walmart, no Bass Pro or Cabela's?

I don't think "civilization" is going to end, but it doesn't have to. The randomness of the Universe can leave you with a socialy unacceptable hole in you jeans when you least expect it.

I guess a fella could stock his shelter with extra boots and a treadle-powered sewing machine and call it good. I just wonder if there is clothing out there designed to be more "adventure resistant"? Duluth Trading's canvas offerings come to mind. Are there others?
 
Most countries have a brand or three of decent and appropriately priced work gear. In the US and Canada its stuff like Dickies, Carhartt, and the like. Here in Australia, there is Hard Yakka, FXD, and similar. When I was visiting Germany all the trades workers I saw all had a similar style of pants from what seemed like a couple of different brands that were styled similarly to the Fjallravens that I ended up buying myself. Some of it has to do with workplace standards, for example, if a whole bunch of industries require reflective stripes, then shiney cuffs are going to be on a lot of pants. They may not be super stylish, but when you want to blend in, it makes sense. Plus you are likely to find pants that are more conducive to the conditions, here when it's hot you might want some lighter-weight pants that also have decent knee reinforcement, or maybe have a bit more stretch, those can be had.
Fjallraven makes some really solid stuff though, and they are not slaved to symmetrical pockets, so the layouts actually make a lot of sense. The other brand I'd look at is Varusteleka, they are a surplus store that now makes their own stuff. I don't own any yet, but they are a company that seems to only want to sell you stuff once, in the good way.
 
Seen those "sandals" people make out of car tyres?? Stitched hides n furs...cold is a great inspriration!, plastic doesn't break down but its sweaty!!! Weaving fibres usually takes a stable group...stick to the equator or toughnen up! Or build a loom!?
People survived an ice age before we had cloth...I feel like you're overthinkin' this..
 
Drop bear said:
A basic pair of jeans should last for years.

They tend to pre apocalypse.
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I was under the impression we were all dressing like this at the end of the world

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But yeah sure, you can wear jeans if you want, I guess.
 
Good boots would be one of the more difficult items to replace once they go beyond anything you can repair. Best bet is to have a few extra pairs in your inventory. Use them on a first in/first out basis and buy a new pair each time you start wearing the next.
 
Some things are not as complicated as they appear:
Get yourself some comfy outdoor clothes, use them accordingly - wear them down until they rip/come apart.
If they last longer than you expect, and fit you well, get a another set or two and you are good for bad times to come.

Maybe get the second set a size smaller if you have some love handles rn. You may loose some weight over the end of the world...
 
Shorttime said:
Sure, it's not as cool as discussions about knives, firearms, and flashlights, but it's something that crosses my mind, occaisionally. Clothes wear out. How do you get new ones, if there's no internet (perish the thought), no Walmart, no Bass Pro or Cabela's?
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You've got much more immediate concerns than how long your clothes will last if there are no stores left.

3 days without water. That's what you're up against. In a collapse scenario, most people will die from dehydration and waterborne diseases. Get that sorted, and then you can worry about food and personal safety. Let's say you're totally set on all your basic needs. Now you have to worry about the power plants all melting down in the coming weeks and months.

Your wardrobe will not have enough time to fall apart. It will outlast you.
 
rhino said:
Good boots would be one of the more difficult items to replace once they go beyond anything you can repair. Best bet is to have a few extra pairs in your inventory. Use them on a first in/first out basis and buy a new pair each time you start wearing the next.
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A tube of Shoe Goo or Aquaseal SR will help extend the life of your existing pair(s), and it's a lot cheaper than stocking up on spare boots. It's also a lot easier to carry with you if you need to travel. Nobody wants to haul a spare pair of boots with them everywhere they go.
 
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