Levi's Ad Campaign

Just found another nice article about a company giving back to the community. Levi’s, the iconic jean manufacture, has pledged 1 Million dollars to Braddock , Pa. The community shrunk from an estimated population of 30,000 to around 3,000. The towns largest employer, UPMC Braddock Hospital, closed on Jan 31st, 2010.  As the article stated: “Levi’s may be one of the few companies out there really “making a difference”. On the way, they may even end up doing more for the town than several presidents and good intentions have been able to accomplish for decades.”. You can read the article here. You can also read the article after the jump in case the link gets broken.

Brian
Hanks Clothing

Levi’s New “Go Forth” Campaign Showcases America’s Struggling Workers

Perhaps as the remedy to their somewhat misunderstood first “Go Forth” campaign, Levi’s is trying a new tactic: Instead of highlighting the free-spirited youngsters of today, they will be focusing in on the working class of Braddock PA. Their new ads (which will still be part of the “Go Forth” legacy), will be filmed and photographed entirely in the hamlet, a low to medium income town located in the heartland of Rust Belt America. The town’s name may seem familiar- last year it attracted national news coverage when its mayor, John Fetterman, brought forth tremendous efforts to help get the town back on its feet after years of economic decline. To show that they mean business, Levi’s will be running ads and billboards with timely inspirational sayings like “Ready to work,” “Everybody’s work is equally important” and “We are all workers.”

When asked about the intentions of the new campaign, Doug Sweeny (vice president for Levi’s brand marketing for the Americas at Levi Strauss in San Francisco) states “We wanted to engage consumers in a conversation about real work”. But just how does the brand plan to deliver on its message? To start with, they are donating more than a million dollars to assist the town with renovating a community center, as well as other planned initiatives which require grit, sweat, and more than a few nights of overtime. To bring attention to their efforts, footage from the town’s renewal will be featured in an hour long show sponsored by Levi’s to appear online and on the IFC and Sundance cable channels.

Will Levi’s generous donation and international attention really help the people of Braddock, PA? No one can say that for sure, but for all the talk about revitalizing America, Levi’s may be one of the few companies out there really “making a difference”. On the way, they may even end up doing more for the town than several presidents and good intentions have been able to accomplish for decades.

Levi Strauss & Co.

I saw a search in our blog today for this and over the last 28 years of selling boots I hear this as the number one excuse for guys or girls that just don’t want to wear steel toe boots. I have one word for this myth:

HOGWASH

I have heard so many people who know a friend, who’s friend’s brothers, first cousin twice removed, lost his toes because of steel toe boots but no one has ever been able to actually produce the person, let alone any documentation, this happened to. Now I am sure it may have. Just like there is probably someone who would have lived if they didn’t have their seatbelt on, or someone who smoked 4 packs of Pall Mall straights everyday and lived to be 101. In reality you have a better chance of winning the lottery though. I hear of lottery winners in the news everyday but I can’t remember the last news story of someone who smoked 4 packs a day and just celebrated their 90th birthday.

The end result is your feet are always safer in steel toe boots than without by miles and miles. We’ve all stubbed our toe on the coffee table and it can bring tears to your eyes sometimes. Just imagine  if bumping your toe causes that much pain, how much would it hurt if you dropped a 20 lb block of wood on it?  If I had a 30 lb anvil and you had to have it dropped on your toes and I gave you three choices for your feet:

1. Barefoot 2.Regular work boots no steel toe 3. ANSI Approved Steel Toe Work Boots or shoes
which would you choose? That’s what I thought.

Adam and Jamie of the Mythbusters actually covered this one very well and the myth was totally busted. This was Mythbusters episode 42.  Their final result:

Mythbusted: They had to mount a blade in order to get amputation with the steel toe boot and all their other tests showed much more damage to the foot when regular boots are used.

I found a nice Annotated version of this episode here. I also posted it in full after the jump in case the link breaks. If after reading this you still think this myth is true then I say let you do what you want. Don’t wear safety shoes if you think you are safer without them with one condition… if you get hurt and can’t work and you opted out of wearing safety shoes then no disability, no workers comp, your on your own with the hospital bills, and you pay your employer for the cost of replacing you. I’m sure to catch some flack for this but wear your safety shoes and forget this stupid myth. If you believe this you probably believe the hook on the door handle story.

Brian
Hanks Clothing

Read the full episode annotation after the jump…

Credit for this content below goes to Annotated Mythbusters

Dale Earnhardt Retro Wrangler Car

Wrangler makes some great jeans and Dale Earnhardt Jr does a good job of promoting them.  Just came across an article where Dale Jr says this may be the last time he runs his dad #3:

“I’m pretty sure this will be the last time I drive the No. 3. It’s my dad’s number. We are borrowing it this weekend to honor him, and I hope the fans remember him when they see this blue-and-yellow car on the track.”

Be sure to tune in and watch. May be the last time we see that number car on the track.

You can read the article here. In case the link gets broken I have placed the full article after the jump.

Brian
Hanks Clothing

Read full article after the jump…

Article Credit goes to www.foxnews.com

NNS: Daytona Could Be Junior’s Last Run In No. 3

Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t intend to keep running paint schemes in honor of his dad and he says this might the last time he drives a car bearing the famous No. 3, so he plans to enjoy this weekend’s Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevy will carry the No. 3 and a blue-and-yellow Wrangler paint scheme in honor of his dad, who was inducted in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in May. JR Motorsports, Earnhardt Jr.’s Nationwide team, is fielding the car and special paint scheme in conjunction with Richard Childress, who owned Earnhardt’s No. 3 cars, and Teresa Earnhardt, Earnhardt’s widow and Earnhardt Jr.’s stepmother.

“This is a one-time deal,” said Earnhardt Jr., who drives for Hendrick Motorsports in the Sprint Cup Series. “I have no intentions of making it a habit to run special paint schemes with my dad’s number every year, and I’m pretty sure this will be the last time I drive the No. 3. It’s my dad’s number. We are borrowing it this weekend to honor him, and I hope the fans remember him when they see this blue-and-yellow car on the track.”

The retro No. 3 Chevrolet will mirror the Wrangler paint scheme made famous by Earnhardt through the 1981 to 1987 Cup seasons. Earnhardt and Childress won Cup championships in 1986-87 with the Wrangler car.

“We’re bringing back this Wrangler paint scheme because it’s kind of what started his whole persona as being the tough guy that he was,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “We have a lot of memories of the No. 3 Wrangler car, and I think all my Dad’s fans will get a kick out of seeing it on the track again.”

The Daytona race also marks a reunion of sorts as Earnhardt Jr. will be reunited with cousin Tony Eury Jr., who will serve as crew of the No. 3. Earnhardt Jr. and Eury Jr., both co-owners of JRM, have not worked together as crew chief and driver since they parted ways at Hendrick Motorsports in May 2009.

While Earnhardt Jr. is driving the No. 3, Greg Sacks and Steve Arpin will drive the other two JR Motorsports entries. Sacks will drive the No. 88 while Arpin will be in the No. 7. The race marks the 25th anniversary of Sacks’ memorable victory in the 1985 PepsiFirecracker 400 at Daytona.

“It’s going to be good to be back behind the wheel of a race car, I can tell you that,” Sacks said. “With the type of equipment Tony [Eury] Sr. and the guys put together, I know we can be competitive.

“I just couldn’t pass on an opportunity to race at Daytona in top equipment on the 25th anniversary of my Pepsi Firecracker 400 victory. On top of that, being the only driver in this event that actually raced with Dale [Earnhardt, Sr.] in the Wrangler No. 3 and now being teammates with Dale Jr. in that car is just awesome.”

USA Made Northerner Boots

Grit, a 125 year old publication that focuses on rural life, recently ran an article entitled “Grit’s guide to rain gear“. The author described his love of Northerner rubber boots and also mentioned Muck  Boots. You can read the article here on their website.  Northerner Rubber boots are the last American Made rubber boot in the US. In case the link to the article gets broken I have posted the article after the jump and you can read it in full. Thanks for taking a look!

Brian
Hanks Clothing

Read full article after the jump…

GRIT’s Guide to Rain Gear

GRIT’s guide to rain gear that will keep you dry instead of drenched. March/April 2010

The scenario is bound to play out on your farm at some point – you run down a mental checklist on a nice spring evening planning must-do chores for the following day. The livestock will need feeding, of course, but the horses also need to be shoed, and cleaning the root cellar just can’t wait.

Then you wake up in the morning to an unexpected rain pounding your roof. Or, more likely, you only have the usual chores to do in the rain, but the goats got out, and you need to go fix fence.

At some point, you’ll have to endure the rain to get necessary work done. That day is coming, so you might as well accept it and be ready. Here are the keys to keeping dry and productive when you could be drenched and miserable.

Off on the right foot

The most important things to keep dry – and with cold weather, dry means warm – are your feet. A good pair of rubber boots will go a long way to keeping you on the job until the work is done. Rubber boots have the advantage over waterproof leather boots – they are less likely to spring a leak at the seams. Also, leather boots don’t stand up as well to blood or other barnyard byproducts. Rubber boots are impervious to most chemicals, and they are easy to rinse off when the work is done. With farm life, blood, muck and manure are often unavoidable – whether you are birthing calves or repairing a frost-damaged water hydrant.

Durability and affordability are keys to maximizing your investment, so rather than picking up a pair of $20 boots at the local farm supply store that will last one rain season, tops, I suggest spending a little extra money for a boot that will last years.

Three quality boots in the $75 to $110 range include the classic Northerner brand, the Muck Boot and Xtratuf boots. All three boots are American-owned, by Honeywell, which has the last American rubber boot production plant, right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois.

I love my pair of insulated Northerners (a 3-eyelet insulated pair retails for around $90, and you can get other models for less). I wore them as a youngster – I remember wrestling for an eternity with the bootjack (mine were undoubtedly hand-me-downs and probably a little too small, even well before I passed them on to someone else), trying to pull them off after a day out in the mud.

Nowadays, part of the appeal is their recognition as the classic American farm boot. For me, wearing – or even seeing – a pair of Northerners takes me back to my father dropping trees, and my brothers and I hauling logs by the armful out of a ditch-like part of the forest that we unaffectionately called Devil’s Lane.

Today, it’s still a good boot for me, with the lightweight composite shank in the sole providing side-to-side support and insulation that keeps my feet warm, even in sub-zero temperatures. An American icon, the 3-eyelet model I have has been in production for more than 40 years; if it ain’t broke …

The Muck Boot is another American classic (produced overseas, but still owned by a U.S. company), although lacking the name recognition of the Northerner. It’s the original American work boot with a neoprene upper. The neoprene upper’s give is unique to the boot, and they are known for their comfort. Muck Boots are widely used in the tack world and in hunting, particularly duck hunting since duck hunters are often standing in water. When you put on any pair of neoprene boots, there is a different feel, even a sensation, and any boot you find with a neoprene upper relates back to the Muck Boot.

A new boot that controls the market in Alaska and has made a name for itself in commercial fishing is the Xtratuf, the boot used by crew members on the popular TV show, Deadliest Catch, on the Discovery Channel. These boots use a solid, completely liquid neoprene-dipped construction method, so there isn’t a seam anywhere. It can’t leak, unless it’s punctured. The rubberized neoprene stretches, too. Then, of course, there’s the feature that is making them famous, the slip-resistant outsoles that provide excellent grip on smooth, wet surfaces. That would make this boot ideal in the dairy barn or hog house.

Of course, there are many other recognizable quality boots – LaCrosse comes to mind, as does Servus – but the three boots above are owned by Honeywell, a company that puts North American workers to work in the production plant – something to consider when buying a workman’s boot.

Moving on up

With a jacket and pants suitable for the rain, one thing that is important to consider is a product’s breathability, which is an easy word to throw around in a catalogue, but a completely abstract idea until you get the suit on. Fabric is a big part of breathability. When looking for quality rain jackets or pants, fabrics and their functionality are an integral part of the package.

It’s annoying to me to sweat in the rain. It’s counterintuitive. Overcompensating for the rain to the point of perspiring is like wearing clothes in winter that have you drenched with sweat, or stoking the fire in the house until you run your family out the doors. Working in the summer, you’ll be uncomfortable when soaked with sweat, so why not just wear regular clothing and become soaked with fresh rainwater?!

All-vinyl outers will have you sweating most times. The Dickies rain jacket I use is 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester, with a 100 percent nylon taffeta lining, and it is seam-sealed, waterproof and wind resistant. It’s the best rain jacket I’ve ever had, mainly because it’s the only one I’ve ever owned that doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a big plastic trash bag (a trash bag will make a good poncho in a pinch, by the way), and that’s because of breathability.

Carhartt also has a line of rain gear, including PVC suits and more breathable models of jackets and pants. Compare prices between those two companies. I’ve
always been impressed with Dickies rain gear.

Watch your topknot

Like your feet, your head is a key feature to keep dry, at least during the winter months. If I’m out working in the summer, a little rain on my head always feels good, but it can get annoying after a while.

To combat that, I wear a wire-brimmed hat, even if it’s not water resistant. I have a favorite hat, from The Real Deal Brazil, that’s made of repurposed tarps from Brazilian cargo trucks, a cool bit of recycling. It’s wire-brimmed, so I shaped it myself, and the various pieces of fabric make it look like the hat could have some patched bullet holes mixed in. Although it soaks up rain and becomes wet, the main thing it does in a downpour is deflect the rain and keep the flow off my face and out of my eyes.

However, in the cold, it’s a different story. If it’s raining and cold outside, staying dry is imperative to staying warm. The best bet is to be sure you get a rain jacket that has a good hood, so when the hurricane hits you can pull the hood up and tighten the drawstrings. Maybe you’ll have a ball cap that can be worn underneath to deflect the rain from your eyes and face (the Grit cap at www.Grit.com/Grit-cap sports the name of my favorite team). Also, you can get brimmed hats with neoprene headbands and adjustable straps. FCS has one for $20. I’ve found rubber bucket hats for that price or less, perfect for working in the garden.

In the event that the cows, horses, goats or what have you get out of the pasture when it’s cold outside, I’d advise putting on a favorite raincoat and your heaviest stocking cap. The hood will keep the stocking cap as dry as possible, and that will keep your head and ears warm.

Accessorize

If you’ve invested in the raincoat, a pair of water-resistant pants and a good pair of rubber boots, I’m of the mind that you can go without rain gloves, or even the rain hats I mentioned.

Rubber gloves or neoprene gloves are nice to have − if you’re duck hunting or driving a tractor, they approach necessity − but in everyday chores, I’ve done without. A regular pair of leather chore gloves or winter gloves will get the job done just fine.

One accessory I always like to keep in the truck is a poncho. They are cheap, and in the event that you need to do a quick chore, like change a flat, they can save the day. I don’t think there is an investment to be made in an expensive model; most times when you are wearing a poncho the wear and tear will be minimal.

Thorough living

Unforeseen circumstances occur all the time, that’s part of the fun of country living – you are forced to survive. Sometimes tasks don’t conveniently come together. But you endure. There is something profound in a person choosing to live in such a way that he or she needs to be regularly resourceful. Chores happen, fences break and animals escape – all without regard to convenience.

Being prepared with the appropriate rain gear helps you maintain that resourceful edge when the weather turns wet – and helps you maintain some level of comfort when things turn uncomfortable.

Assistant Editor Caleb Regan learned a lot about rain gear while freezing his rear end off during the duck-hunting seasons of his youth.

Rubber Boot care Is Simple

This is just a quick tip post on the basics of taking care of and storing your Muck Boots and Rubber boots. These boots require a few simple and critical rules for their care so you can get the most life out of them. Read on after the jump…

Sun is deadly to Rubber Boots

Keep them out of the sun!
We could not live without the sun and rubber footwear can’t live with it. The main rule to provide the most life out of your rubber footwear is to keep it out of the sun. If you left a pair of Muck Boots out in the open field they would not last the summer.

Store them in a cool, dry, dark place.
The best place to store rubber footwear is in a closet right in your house. Try not to store them in a damp basement, cold garage, or an attic. Any of those conditions could greatly shorten the life of your rubber boots. So if you put your boots away for say the summer or winter try to store them in an upstairs closet.

If they get wet inside dry them upside down.
If the inside of your boots get wet it’s no problem as most are made with materials that will dry right out. To speed up the drying hang them upside down. They will dry much, much faster. If you can’t hang them upside down stuff them with newspaper and lay them on their side. This will actually speed up the drying time of most footwear.

Patch any rips or holes as soon as possible.
If your boots develop any tears or deep abrasions patch them at once. There are many products available for those like Shoe Goo which works great to repair holes and tears in a lot of items. Just patch them as quickly as possible to prevent them from spreading.

So these are just a few quick tips that should help you get the most life and comfort from Rubber footwear like Muck Boots and Northerner Boots. Remember the main thing is keep them out of the sun. Thanks for taking a look!

Brian

Brian has worked at Hanks Clothing for over 27 years and knows all the ins and outs of the clothing and shoe business. He is inspired to share his insight and experience with others. Brian has lived in scenic upstate NY for most of his life.

Are Carhartt Socks Important?
The answer to that is yes. Socks are very important. If you’re one of those people who have a hard time spending money on socks and buy the cheapest socks you can find you really should try a couple good pair of socks and see the difference they can make.

Benefits of Carhartt Socks
Carhartt socks are specifically designed to meet the needs of workers putting their socks through the ringer on a daily basis. For one, there are several different fabric contents depending on what they will be used for.  You have socks that are made from a blend of acrylic, nylon, wool, and spandex. This creates a sock which is not only quite comfortable but also functional in that they release moisture and provide warmth all at once. They have socks made of Cotton blends for people who are traditionalist or are required to wear Cotton for health reasons. No matter what your needs Carhartt probably has a sock for you.

Carhartt  also makes socks for wearing in steel toe footwear which include built-in cushioning around the parts of your foot and leg which need it the most. The heel and toe portions are reinforced so no annoying holes or tears develop since these are generally the areas of the worst wear and tear on socks as well as having the benefit of added cushioning in the areas where the Steel Toe can bother your foot.

While these socks may cost a little more than your average pair, you’re paying for that extra quality. You’ll quickly realize the comfort and extra support will be well worth the few extra dollars during your long workday. Plus, there’s no reason to have 50 pair of socks since a single pair can last longer than your typical pair of socks.

The Final Word on Socks
Socks are very important for both comfort and the health of your feet. That’s why you should always consider getting the best socks possible and Carhartt socks from Hanks Clothing are a great choice for many people. Thanks for reading and we’ll talk again soon!

Adding to the cost increases on Footwear and Clothing are the following two factors:

• Mandated increases in workers wages and benefits are affecting the cost of goods produced in Asia.
• The weak US Dollar vs. other world currencies makes importing goods, whether components or finished products, more expensive.

Also the price on store supplies that you normally wouldn’t think about have risen drastically. Plastic bags for example that cost $35.20 per thousand in November of 2007 and are now at $98.50 per thousand. To counteract this we searched around and found bags slightly smaller than the ones were using at a cost of $36.49 per thousand.

Hanks is aggressively searching out value for our customers and everyday we continue to search for products that we think are of exceptional value. We look at price, quality, and value for the dollar all combined in our purchasing decisions.

Gas is going to go up more. I am convinced of that. Read this article here that states the good that will come from $8 a gallon gas (not that I agree totally just an interesting take). We’ll do our best here at Hanks to offer products that give you the most for your dollar.

Thanks for listening and conserve that gasoline!

Brian
Hanks Clothing

Hanks is happy to announce that all Muck Boots over $49.00 now have free shipping! Simply add them to the cart and select the Free Shipping option.

Now save even more on all your favorite Muck Boot Styles. Check out the new colors for spring also. Great selection of new colors in select styles.

Well even though it’s only 22 degrees out right now where we are at people are already thinking spring. I went into our local Lowes Home Improvement Center center over the weekend to get some rock salt and they were all out! They did have plenty of Turf Builder and grass seed though so I guess it’s time to start thinking of Spring. I know I’m ready for it and so is Hanks! Our Spring Carhartt is in and ready to go! Click below to continue reading and check it out….

Carhartt Shorts
Hanks has a big selection of Carhartt shorts this year and they are nicer than ever. Choose from several styles .

Carhartt T-Shirts
Hanks has our biggest selection of Carhartt T-Shirts ever. Choose from pocket, logo, and long or short sleeve. Whatever your need in t-shirts Hanks has them!

Carhartt Belts
Did someone say Carhartt Belts? Boy do we have them. Choose from a great selection that compliment all the great Carhartt Bottoms.

So head on over to HanksClothing.com and check out all the great Carhartt Spring clothing that just arrived this week. Warm weather is right around the corner.

Brian