Monday
Oct262009
One Rinse Workaday Denim by Engineered Garments
Posted on 
October 26, 2009 by Ryan Willms
October 26, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
The Workaday collection from Engineered Garments has definitely been on my mind this fall as they offered the best pair of cords I've come across. The items are so simple and basic, but have great cuts, top quality and the most essential of design. Beyond the heavy weight oxford BDs and corduroy pants, the one rinse selvage denim now have my eye. The cut is the same as the cords, so you have to size up, but once you do the fit through the legs, the rise and straight cut is perfect. The jeans have an interesting weave and I love the look of the white selvage line. If I hadn't been living in my rinsed 1966 SCs I would have snapped these up by now.
Tags : Engineered Garments, Workaday
Engineered Garments, Workaday 
Reader Comments (12)
I bought a pair of the Workaday cords two weeks ago. The first time I undid the button fly, a button came off. I returned them for another pair. The second time I put them on a different button came off and I noticed serious fraying around the crotch area. I'm taking EG's "top quality" with a grain of salt.
I love EG and I got quite a few of their products. Recently buttons from my chambray shirt fell off. One fell off a couple of months ago and after I sew that back, another fell off. Less then a year of usage. I don't get that from my other shirts, even the really cheap ones. I love the brand but...
^Fair enough - That's unfortunate about both experiences. I've only ever lost one button on a shirt and nothing else. I would imagine no brand is without a button loss here or there, but that shouldn't happen on the cords...
not to keep adding wood to the fire, but . . . i tried on two different pairs of the workaday jeans a month or so ago, and two buttons on each pair came off each time i went to go button them up (and i was wasn't trying to squeeze in by any means). the shop i was in told me this was happening very often. however, to be fair, i contacted EG about the issue and they were very responsive, and happily offered to repair the jeans if i had indeed made the purchase.
Rise looks really high, almost like the old Levi's 501 fit. Does anyone know the specs on this jean, or have some insight into how they fit? Where is the production & fabric from? Not to sound skeptical, but for 140 pounds, it should be the best denim in the world. Doesn't look like it from the picture.
I guess what I'm asking the authour is, what makes this jean worth it's value? Just because its EG...
D.C. I think the cut, materials and exclusivity of the item merits the 140 pound price point... At that cost, I find these more of a mid level purchase. Especially for denim. Most of the pairs being flaunted about the scene are in the 230-350 range... we're talking Japanese, hand dipped, custom made, union hradware etc... 140 pounds for something like this isn't really that unfathomable...
btw, Ry.. im liking the font switch... for the reply box.
There is no doubt that there seems to be a problem with the buttons on some of the first production run of workaday cords and jeans but I do not think that there is a company in the world that does not encounter problems with some product development at some time in its life. I am sure that once they are aware they will look into and try and rectify this situation. One of the charms of EG is that they try and manufacture everything they possible can in New york city so therefore have a limitation on who they can produce with. They have been responsible in a sizable manner for the preserving of much of the clothing manufacturing techniques and jobs still existing in this great city. When you consider the price on theirs or any other first world product you must take into consideration the higher base costs (labour, over heads etc). When you see a label stating made in USA, Japan or from a country within the EU you know that the worker is of a "proper" age, has been paid a reasonable wage and has worked in a certain environment. We in the west have have fought hard and long for this standard and way of life and as many of our large corporations have turned their manufacturing to "off shore" we should be applauding those that seek to uphold our crafts and skills. This and occurred import duties should always be considered when making comparisons and assessments on pricing. Sorry for the rant but things need to be in context. All aside it is still disappointing when a button comes of a favorite shirt or pant.
Ok if were done with the EG bashing I'd like to say that these jeans are very nice. Just looking at the fit they are based off the 1947 Levis 501. There is a good reason why they pictured the weave, as it appears to be a broken denim type. Broken denim, after fading, will give you those beautiful horizontal lines that look very reminiscent to the denim of that day. I only wish they weren't rinsed at all because I like breaking in denim myself, its more personal. Here's a tip gentlemen, learn how to sew, or have Mrs. do it.
nothing can be as bad as steven alan shirt buttons coming off D:
btw these look great
they definitely look like a '47 Levi 501. broken twill inside isnt bad either, getting a closer look, it looks like a very dense, thick fabric. as traditional as the '47 fit is, in reality its not a good looking one. rise is too high & thigh is too baggy, altho this EG one looks slimmer in the thigh. overall, still dont think its worth the cash. then again, im a big sucker for Japanese made product.
btw Kyx, im a big believer in Tanner Goods. ive seen it in several markets & tradeshows, its amazing quality stuff. keep up the good work.
When I say the buttons came off the cords, I mean that the metal rivet that holds it in place snapped off. This is hardly "fixable by the missus": it needs to be soldered back in place. Just to make that clear.
People here are preaching to the choir. We all know the merits of buying "made in the USA" (or indeed any other first world country) over buying imported, mass produced and often poor quality shite; That supporting proper labour laws (while doing that little bit to discourage sweatshops) is encouraged and worth the money of the garment alone; That you really do (or are supposed to!) get what you pay for.
I commend EG's customer service and that they are being so forthcoming in fixing problems that arise. The Bureau (where I bought my pair) have been great, too. But there's something about this story that makes me that much angrier: With the tiny stock that they manage to produce (persumably because of this exact supposed "attention to detail" and amazing quality), shouldn't these buttons have been thoroughly looked at before these trousers hit the shelf? If you are trying to convince people that buying at Uniqlo - where buttons on a pair of cords would not come off - is bad and that paying the extra money for a pair of supremely crafted trousers, shouldn't you be doing absolutely everything in your power to make sure you are rolling out a superior product?
Haha!!! Excellent work! Those dudes at your competition (you know who) don't even have a clue! Keep it up!