When our production manager, Ian, isn’t at I+W, he enjoys spending his time in the out-of-doors. Camping and climbing, bonfires with friends, playing with his son Everett: these activities require garments that are practical and will stand the test of dirt, smoke, scree, and spit-up to name a few.
“More so now than ever, my personal style is an extension of who I am,” says Ian. “I admire certain qualities and keep these things in mind when I buy anything: subtlety, utility, timelessness, sustainability, and discernment. I spend a lot of time and often money looking like I didn’t spend any time or any money on how I look. In short, I’m picky.
The most stylish man in the world to me is the aged outdoorsman, specifically the late naturalist, Dick Proenneke; he might be my style icon. I usually ask myself before buying clothing, ‘Would someone over 50 wear this?’ If the answer is yes, then it’s passed the first test.”
Though we feel someone under 50 would easily wear Hencye, this concept of uniquely generic is exactly the direction we took when designing this pant. It is very small details that make it special to the discriminating eye, but by and large Hencye is a pair of work pants. This was our intention, not to reinvent the wheel, but rather refine it.
“I wanted a pair of double-knees canvas pants (remember: “utility” is one of my core values), but no one who actually does physical labor today has my physique. I’ve always been frustrated by this and that rugged has traditionally meant ill-fitting. With Hencye, our goal was to make an authentic pair of work pants with a more tailored fit.”
Hencye is the culmination of ideas for a pant that satisfies Ian’s virtues. If you’re anything like him, we think you’ll love it.
“I sort of want to set back every pair we’re making in my size. Why sell them to other folks when I might need them for a rainy day?”
Luckily for you, Ian has agreed to part with at least a few pairs in size 29.
