Orvis shirts

[rmwarren]

This is making me nuts, & I am hesitant to even post (but hey, if Bob can post about his red checkered wool coat... [big grin]) but here goes:

About 10 years ago I bought a couple Orvis shirts. Plain cotton, 2 pockets with flaps and a sunglass loop, summer weight, no mesh/Velcro/vented flaps/logos etc. Just great, basic lightweight cotton shirts, about as heavy as a good hankerchief, roll up the sleeves and go to work or fishing or sit at the bar. Ended up with 5-6 of them over the years but they are all starting to disintegrate. Figured I would just order another dozen and be set for the rest of my life. No luck, apparently Orvis "improved" them into extinction.

So this led to the Great-Quest-For-Cotton-Shirts starting about a month ago. So far I have scoured websites, ordered several likely candidates, returned a couple and kept one Filson Feather-Cloth but it is still heavier than I want. In a final act of desperation I am looking for any suggestions/leads anyone may have.

Can't believe I am posting about clothes on a woodworking/tool forum... [embarassed]

RMW

 

[rdesigns]

'Spose you've already checked into Columbia and North Face, etc--the kind of stuff for hiking, climbing? They tend to be pricey, but if you're willing to spring for Filson, that might not be a problem.

 

[rmwarren]

Have not looked an North Face yet, I will give that a try. all the Columbia stuff is either polyester or has velcro, etc.

Thanks,

RMW

 

[tiralie]

Ya, don't get me started on Orvis.
Try Marks work warehouse, not sure they will ship to the US, but worth a try especially at 14.99 for a 100% cotton shirt.
Tim

 

[johninthecamper]

duluth trading company

 

[bigjonh]

Under Armor has a line of fishing clothing out now, I saw it at Cabela's.  There was some nice looking stuff that was lightweight, wicking, and had SPF protection. Not cheap though.

 

[Jonhilgen]

Have you tried Duluth Trading?  I'm a slim, tall guy and they have great cotton work shirts.  Guaranteed, to boot.

Jon

 

[rmwarren]

I will check out Duluth, the cotton on the Orvis shirts was so nice it spoiled me and that has been the hardest thing to locate.

Thanks,

RMW

 

[jeep jake]

Have you checked Simms, I don't own any of there button down shirts, I do have a few jackets and hoodies I really like them.

 

[greg mann]

Patagonia has a line of organic cotton shirts as well.

 

[TOOLTOWN]

Im not sure what size you are, but if you're a small, you are in luck!!

Campmor is clearing out their inventory of 85/15 poly/cotton tees for $3 a pop.  I know you want cotton, but with just 15% cotton content they feel like an all cotton shirt after a couple uses.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___33509

They are made by duofold which is one of my favorite moisture wicking/high performance shirt companies.

Plus, Campmor is a family run store with its one and only brick and mortar location located right down the street from us.  I'm not trying to promote one company here, but I like to give credit where it is due.

Hope this helps someone out if not you.

Ken

 

[Sparktrician]

Have you tried Duluth Trading?  I'm a slim, tall guy and they have great cotton work shirts.  Guaranteed, to boot.

Jon

+1 on Duluth Trading Company!!!  I'm long in the torso, and being able to work bent over without looking like the plumber is wonderful when wearing the Longtail-Ts.  No Crack Spackle needed.  The Longtail-Ts tend to run slightly large, though.  Most times I wear a large, but with these I wear a medium.  Their other shirts are quite nice, too. 

 

[Knight Woodworks]

For a light weight ss cotton shirt I really like the Patagonia AC shirts. I own five of them and wear them for pretty much everything all summer. "Festool" pricing but a good warranty.

Let us know what you end up with.

John

 

[Bob Marino]

Im not sure what size you are, but if you're a small, you are in luck!!

Campmor is clearing out their inventory of 85/15 poly/cotton tees for $3 a pop.  I know you want cotton, but with just 15% cotton content they feel like an all cotton shirt after a couple uses.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___33509

They are made by duofold which is one of my favorite moisture wicking/high performance shirt companies.

Plus, Campmor is a family run store with its one and only brick and mortar location located right down the street from us.  I'm not trying to promote one company here, but I like to give credit where it is due.

Hope this helps someone out if not you.

Ken

I don't know much about Campmor's stock on shirts, but have bought a few items there; yep, I'm a fan of theirs also.

Bob

 

[Bob Marino]

  Richard,

Lots of shirts out there, so is it that you want a super light weight, all cotton, button down shirt?
I think the type of "weave" I guess that is the right word, matters as well as the weight of the material - madras, poplin, etc.
What is it  that you like about the Filson and not the others? I know Filson was going to, or maybe has changed manufactures with some of their items - and I think that shirt was one of them.
Did you try LL Bean?
Duluth is highly recommended also - probably one of the best bang for the buck clothing companies out there.
I know I am anachronistic, but the high tech/poly blend shirts  never felt comfortable for me, BUT most other swear by them.
Actually I like linen shirts in the summer also, but that is a whole 'nuther thing, but I am also looking for the super lightweight long sleeve summer shirt myself.

Bob

 

[rmwarren]

Bob, I have looked at most of those brands and have some of each. Packed Simms for fishing in central PA this weekend. Heading there now via MA & CT (business).

The Orvis shirt is more traditional, has no Velcro, mesh, or extra silly pockets. Just 2 chest pockets with button flaps, one with zippered inside pocket, sunglasses loop and the lightest cotton I have found, like handkerchief or good sheets.

I did find a forgotten Filson in my closet while packing for this trip, lighter fabric than the one I just bought. My biggest complaint with their shirts is the single button on the sleeve cuff makes them to tight to roll up past my elbow. Otherwise they are the closest I have found.

I will be near Woolrich PA this weekend so I may swing by their outlet and see what they have.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

RMW

 

[Sparktrician]

I know I am anachronistic, but the high tech/poly blend shirts  never felt comfortable for me, BUT most other swear by them.

And some swear AT them.  Myself included.  Give me 100% cotton in the summer, then the wicking liner fabrics and wool in the winter. 

 

[rmwarren]

Amen.

 

[Bob Marino]

I know I am anachronistic, but the high tech/poly blend shirts  never felt comfortable for me, BUT most other swear by them.

And some swear AT them.  Myself included.  Give me 100% cotton in the summer, then the wicking liner fabrics and wool in the winter. 

Funny! Lightweight linen is also very cool in the summer, as is hemp.
What type of wicking liner fabrics are you referring to?

Bob

 

[Sparktrician]

I know I am anachronistic, but the high tech/poly blend shirts  never felt comfortable for me, BUT most other swear by them.

And some swear AT them.  Myself included.  Give me 100% cotton in the summer, then the wicking liner fabrics and wool in the winter. 

Funny! Lightweight linen is also very cool in the summer, as is hemp.
What type of wicking liner fabrics are you referring to?

Bob

Patagonia's Capilene is wonderful stuff when one is perspiring.  It wicks the sweat away from the body into the next layer for evaporation.  One stays dry and warm, as in comfortable.  I often wear Capilene undershirts in the summer, just for the wicking action, especially with the Mid-Atlantic humidity.