You didn’t intend to walk home in the rain, in those shoes. The ones you use for the presentations you actually prepare for, and then you intended to clean them, but you were hungover, and they looked like they’d been abused by a bored tiger.
They did time in a corner of the bedroom awaiting trial, only to be culled when a flatmate said something about, “all your old crap”. This kind of quiet tragedy takes place every day. But there is another way – proper repairs. Repairs are big, repairs are back. We’re talking manufacturer-approved, good-as-new fixups that restore your faith in stuff. Partly a green initiative – throwing lightly damaged things away and buying new takes a lot of resources, partly an appreciation of clothes and accessories looking good with age. The law of Keanu Reeves - weathering just makes some things better.
Here are some men’s brands willing to undo the collateral damage resulting from that time you showed the pub how an NFL tackle works.
Red Wing Heritage
The iconic American boots really do take on a dignified worn, world-weary charm as they age. But you can’t be expected to walk around with a sole beaten to nothing. Heritage owners can now take their boots for a refit both to Red Wing outlets and approved cobblers.
Blackhorse Lane Ateliers Jeans
This London-based denim craft brand does free repairs on its jeans. There are terms and conditions but it’s a solid deal from a very passionate smallish business. They are based in Walthamstow and make great jeans with enormous care.
Blackhorse Lane Ateliers E5 Relaxed Tapered 14oz Indigo Selvedge Jeans - £185
Levi’s
If niche brands aren’t for you then Levi’s has a repair service carried out by its in-house tailoring shops. The prices vary according to what needs doing but you have that reassuring feeling that your Levi’s are all real Levi’s.
The Level Collective
Founded by designer Mark Musgrave, these people make brilliant outdoor gear, especially rucksacks. They offer a repair service over and above their guarantee. You can fill in a form online and send off your battered baggage for rebirthing.
Filson
The rugged US outdoor and hunting brand provides a very solid warranty – the normal lifetime of the product is protected - but you can use for the form for repairs outside any premature failure of the materials and have your kit assessed and pay for an official restoration.
