Replacing the Irreplaceable
What happens when your favorite article of clothing enters forced retirement?
I have a favorite shirt. I imagine everyone does. Mine is a vintage J Crew denim button down, circa Jenna Lyons era, and around 11-12 years old. It still fits perfectly. Ok, maybe it’s a smidge tighter than it was all those years ago, but that’s from all the washes, right? It’s not a shirt I wear all the time, but when I do, there’s this feeling of “ugh, this shirt is soooo good.” And every time I wear it, I have this dread that one day it will just fall apart. Which is why for the last 5 years or so, I’ve tried in vain to find a suitable replacement. There’s been several false starts but no suitable match. The sense of urgency renewed last week when I got to the beach and saw the mission had reached critical mass. Unbeknownst to me, it had wintered nestled away at the beach with a few other random items that I’m not ready to part with but also not rushing to wear. Excitedly I put it on only to remember why it was banished for the winter- a big rip at the elbow.
Now I have an urgent conundrum to solve: How do you replace the irreplaceable? J Crew moved on, everyone else is on the western denim trend, and I’m still out here wishing I could Marty McFly it to 2011 and buy 10 of these denim shirts. Alas, we’re going on a deep dive to find, for real this time, the best same/same out there.
I sleuthed 7 worth considering:
Sessei- A favorite maker of button downs (I have 3 I wear continually), this one is interesting. I’m familiar with the fit of the brand, but the color is a little darker than I’m looking for
Madewell- Reasonably priced and positively reviewed, it appears to be a close match for my vintage J Crew
Polo Ralph Lauren- Also a top pick, it’s got the fabric weight and nice color, but does have the logo, something I’m not really into
Gap- a budget friendly option, but sadly, very popular and sold out in my size
Frame- I like the thickness and the distressing on this shirt
Frank & Eileen- Looks great for a beach/casual shirt but the fabric is not stiff enough for what I’m trying to replicate
Todd Snyder- A men’s shirt in a xs is a possibility but the buttons are a bit large
Still pondering this one, but I think the Frame is the closest match…unless Jenna decides to return to the apparel business.
xo,
A