Mister Freedom® infos « CHRISTOPHELOIRON®

Mister Freedom® LOOKOUT Watch Cap, Indigo-Dyed Cotton Ribbed Knit, “LIBERTY” Edition, mfsc FW2024 “SUBMARINER” (JP)

Mister Freedom® LOOKOUT Watch Cap, 100% cotton ribbed knit, indigo-dyed.
mfsc FW2024 SUBMARINER
Made in Japan

The LOOKOUT Watch Cap is a Mister Freedom® spin on the vintage 1940s US Navy “Enlisted Man’s Watch Cap” pattern, with the usual liberties we take with our military-inspired pieces.

First, we opted for 100% cotton yarn, as opposed to the worsted wool of the originals. The warmth properties of the cotton knit is obviously not comparable to that of wool, but this makes our cap a bit more all-season for us Californians. Then we went for indigo-dyed rather than the traditional navy blue color, for a beautiful patina overtime.

The construction is a combination of three continuous knit patterns: two distinct ribbed knit sections finished by a “purl knit” bottom band at the cuff. The hat features a six-dart 1×1 ribbed knit crown.
We revisited the silhouette for a rather shallow profile, staying clear of the “ski cap” vibe of contemporary beanies with pointy/high crowns, aiming for more of a vintage seaman style.

We’re not big on obnoxious outside branding in general, but our old school “MFSC Naval Clothing Tailor” woven rayon label is stitched to the visible side of the cuff, in all its glory! We’re proud of what we make at MF® — or what we don’t make, and where we make it — so, once in a while, we flash our little brand’s name. That label looks pretty cool when worn on the side or back of the head.

The “liberty” mermaid patch on the other side of the cuff is a nod to the salty tradition of liberty cuffs in the US Navy, a customized uniform detail we’ve often played with. That rayon patch is stitched on 3 sides, so feel free to slide a folded sawbuck in there as emergency fund, when you really need that hipster cappuccino but left your wallet at home, and the phone battery gave up on you after prolonged exposure to the vast wasteland of TikTok.
And when the dude standing in line behind you for his cup of joe enquires about the flag of Scotland on your lid, go salty and mention that those are actually is maritime signal flags: diagonal white cross on blue background is international naval code for Mike, the letter “M”. Red diamond on white background is Foxtrot, “F”. He’ll reply Tango Mike.

Anyways, “Lookouts to the bridge!” (sub lingo here) calls the conning tower CPO to the three bubbleheads (port/starboard/stern) on watch… “Dive, Dive, Dive!” into our FW2024 SUBMARINER story here, and check out the whole line-up here.

The Mister freedom® LOOKOUT Watch Cap design is reimagined in California, USA, and produced in Japan in collaboration with Sugar Cane Co.

SPECS:
PATTERN: Inspired by vintage 1930s~40s US Navy watch caps, revisited.
FABRIC: 100% cotton ribbed knit, indigo-dyed.
DETAILS:
* Three continuous knit patterns, two ribbed knit sections finished by a “purl knit” bottom band.
* Traditional six-dart 1×1 ribbed knit crown.
* Shallow profile, designed for single wide fold/cuff.
* Woven mfsc rayon label exposed on cuff, backed with concealed old style USN mermaid “Liberty” patch.
* One size.
* Made in Japan.
SIZING/FIT:
The Mister Freedom® LOOKOUT Watch Cap comes ready to wear, no shrinking protocol.
Due to the cotton knit stretch, this is a “one-size-fits-all” type cover.
Style it your way, new school or old school, cocked to the side, slung in the back of the skull, pulled over the ears with a narrower cuff…
CARE:
Hand wash when needed, lay flat to dry on (dark) towel.

Available from www.misterfreedom.com, our Los Angeles brick & mortar store, and fine retailers around the World.
Email sales@misterfreedom.com or call 323-653-2014 with any questions unanswered above.
Thank you for your support.

Christophe Loiron
Mister Freedom®
©2024

Mister Freedom® SKIVVY T-Shirt, all cotton tubular knit, new “DESERT SAND” color, Made in USA.

Mister Freedom® SKIVVY T-Shirt, all cotton tubular knit, new “Desert Sand” color!
Made in USA

We are introducing a new fantastic color for our very popular Skivvy T-Shirt!
Call it beige, natural white, cream, écru, … , we named it “Desert Sand” ’cause we’re fancy like that.

The color is similar to that of unbleached cotton yarn, and was inspired by the specific shade of an old vintage henley undershirt from our archives.

The “Desert Sand” now joins our growing Skivvy family of classic T-Shirts introduced in 2013: white, black, navy blue, jungle green, sage green, brown 436, along with an heather grey edition.
Same US Military-inspired “Quarter Sleeve Undershirt” cut, same old school flatlock seam construction, same vintage silhouette, and same all-American provenance.

Please refer to the original MF® blog posts for specificities of both Skivvy and Stanley T-shirts, specs/sizing/fit/care instructions. Find the skinny on Skivvy vs. Stanley here. It’s like a Coke® vs. Pepsi® decision, but better for you.

Christophe Loiron
Mister Freedom®
©2024

Mister Freedom® x Sugar Cane mfsc SS2025 LookBook Preview: “Hi-DESERT” Collection

“Hi-DESERT” mfsc SS2025 vintage inspiration:

“Hi-DESERT” mfsc SS2025 show, Ryogoku, Tokyo, Japan.
Sept 2024:

Mister Freedom® x Sugar Cane Co SS2025 mfsc “Hi-DESERT” line-up:

Searching for “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” in the wrong place…

1) MF® “PLACER” Overalls, 11 Oz. selvedge denim, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (JP)

2) MF® “HOMESTEADER” Shirt, NOS fabrics, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

: Mrs. White Elk, Cheyenne, 1879

3) MF® “WILDCAT” Zip Jacket, NOS 9 Oz. Cacao Chambray, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

4) MF® “SPORTSMAN” Chinos, NOS 7 Oz. Cone “Midnight” Indigo Twill, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

5) MF® “BRONSON” Tank Top, Tubular Cotton Knit, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

: “nice try, son…”

6) MF® “DJEBEL” Chinos, 11.5 Oz. Khaki Katsuragi Twill, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (JP)

: 1er Spahi, Médéa, Algérie (my grandfather with white képi)

: G. Loiron (1957)

7) MF® RANCH BLOUSE “MOJAVE”, NOS Kaihara 10 Oz. selvedge denim, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

8) MF® “WORKMAN” Shirt, NOS Hickory Stripe, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

9) MF® “TASKMASTER” Bib Apron, NOS selvedge denim combo, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

10) MF® CALIFORNIAN LOT64, 13 Oz. “Hanada” indigo denim, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

11) MF® STANLEY T-Shirts, Cotton Tubular Knit, SS2025 mfsc Hi-DESERT (USA)

Mister Freedom® x Sugar Cane Co SS2025 “Hi-DESERT”

Inspiration/visuals:
The American DESERT, the “Devil’s Domain” (as deserts were once referred to), with a focus on the Southern California High Desert in the Morongo Basin — an area North of Palm Springs, about a three-hour drive from Los Angeles, CA. — with its iconic Joshua trees landscape and famed JTNP.
For the vibe, think “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” meets “Cent Mille Dollars au Soleil“…

References:
* History of early CA settlers/homesteaders/prospectors/ranchers. Gold Rush, boomtowns, wildcatters, modern pioneers…
* Mojave Desert mythical lore, mostly compiled from “desert rat raconteur” Ken Layne’s Desert Oracle radio show/podcast/books/rants on the subject.
* Desert environmentalists and nature writers such as Minerva Hamilton Hoyt or John C. Van Dyke…
* The Mojave wilderness filmed history as Hollywood’s closest scenic background to the Sahara Desert landscape of North Africa: silents movies, “Sahara” (1943), some of the Star Trek chapters, Valkyrie (2008) etc…

Historical bits:
Following the Westward Expansion sparked by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803, Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act in 1862, a new law allowing US citizens in the Union to file a claim on unsettled acreage of public land. The filing “homesteader” party was to pay a small fee, commit to live on the land and improve it. More than 270 million acres — up to 160 acres per claim — were distributed that way. (1 square mile = 640 acres)
The American Desert was definitely not the destination of choice, as it was still an unwelcoming wilderness and isolated wasteland in the early 20th Century. No water, no roads, harsh weather, no agriculture, rattle snakes and scorpions for companionship, coyotes for the soundtrack, … , still considered the “Lands that God forgot.”

The Small Tract Act of 1938 — intended to dispose of smaller parcels of unimproved public land (specifically in the California Hi-Desert deemed worthless/useless at the time) — implemented a similar strategy: 5$ deposit on a claim, with the commitment to improve the land within 3 years (= build a camp, cabin, home, business etc.)
After 3 years, the homesteader who “proved up” was able to purchase the leased parcel, for about $10~$20/acre. Many homesteaders were WW2 veterans returning from the war. The Hi-Desert and its clean air had previously been a destination for WW1 vets recovering from mustard-gas poisoned lungs, specifically the Twentynine Palms area.
These small 5 acres leases were called “Jackrabbit Homesteads”, because the cabins provided the only shade available for local fauna, such as jackrabbits. Some still stand today in the California Mojave Desert.
Joshua Tree was designated National Monument in 1936 — greatly due to the convincing efforts of witty and wealthy environmentalist Minerva Hamilton Hoyt — to eventually becoming a National Park in 1994.
The area is a busy international tourist destination today, dragging some 3 million visitors yearly.
The famed US Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms was established in 1957, today one of the largest US military training areas, a very challenging deployment for Marines due to the climate and terrain.

Our Mister Freedom® x Sugar Cane Co SS2025 “Hi-DESERT” line-up:
Imagined wearables inspired by 1920s~1950s vintage workwear meets classic menswear styles, with a French twist.
Production emphasis on utilizing New Old Stock (NOS) fabrics, turning vintage left-over yardage into new garments, thus limiting textile waste and saving resources.
Not a greenwashing move but I do believe that perfectly fine unused textiles (aka NOS) do not belong in landfills, a little-known common practice by major players in the garment industry to “solve” over-production.

1) MF® “PLACER” Overalls (JP):
ETA: TBD
Pattern: Inspired by several pairs of 1930s~40s denim overalls, notably a rare vintage pair of the “Union Special” brand (Hawaiian clothing manufacturer founded in 1922.)
Fabric: 11 Oz. selvedge 2×1 denim, dark indigo warp x grey weft, milled in Japan.
Specs:
* Intricate pocketing pattern.
* Exposed fabric selvedge throughout.
* Multi slot bib pocket.
* Buckle-back cinch.
* Button fly, brass donut type.
* Contrast triple stitch construction.
* Red bartack accents.
* Brass mfsc-branded waist tack buttons.
* 1930s-style adjustment clasps.
* Ankle cinching snap tabs (for cycling etc)
* Rear pockets locked in side seams, “M” stitch.
Sizing: CL wear W30
Notes: The term “Placer” comes from a simple technique of extracting gold from river beds, popular during the 1848 California Gold Rush. Gold is heavier than rocks, so the precious metal was sifted twirling sand/gravels/water by a single individual (sometimes with one partner) in a rudimentary prospector’s pan. Unlike hard rock mining, placer mining required no machinery, just hard work and optimism.

2) MF® “HOMESTEADER” Shirt (USA):
ETA: End March 2025
Pattern: Modified band collar version of the Mister Freedom® “Sportsman Shirt” pattern, inspired by classic 1920s-50s workwear shirting and vintage menswear fashion. Our spin on 1920s~30s detachable collar shirts.
Fabric:
a) NOS Cone Mills indigo jacquard, 100% cotton, 6.5 Oz.
b) NOS “Turkey Red” calico, discharge print, 100% cotton.
Specs:
* Band collar w/ narrow chin strap.
* Inverted box-pleat chest pockets.
* Vintage 1920s French glass buttons.
* Shoulder yoke expansion pleats.
* Indigo poplin facing and side gussets.
* Chainstitch construction.
Sizing: CL wears Small.
Notes: name reference to California Mojave Desert “Jackrabbit Homestead”.

3) MF® “WILDCAT” Zip Jacket (USA):
ETA: Available NOW!
Pattern: Inspired by a vintage 1940s whipcord zip-front jacket, garage/gas/service station type.
Fabric: NOS “Cacao” chambray, brown warp x white weft, 9 Oz., 100% cotton, milled in Italy. (Same fabric as the FW2018 Berkeley Shirt.)
Specs:
* Fully unlined, clean flat-felled/caballo seam construction.
* Period waist length.
* Elbow patches.
* 1930s-style metal zipper.
* Waist cinch tabs.
* Corozo wood buttons.
Sizing: CL wears 36.
Notes: a “wildcatter” is a prospector drilling for oil in unlikely places (= high risks but potential high reward.)
“Wildcat territory” refers to an area that attracts drilling mavericks, whether individuals or corporations.
Oil was never found in San Bernardino County (Mojave High Desert), but early 1900s rumors from the field about a potential “Oil Boom” have attracted wildcatters, see “Kramer has struck oil!”
Our “Wildcat” carries the vibe of 1930s garage/gas/service station type jackets.
This is also a long-reached reference to my Dad who worked in Algeria for the CPA (Compagnie des Pétroles d’Afrique, an oil-extracting venture in North Africa) in the late 1950s, as a drilling scout in the Sahara Desert. He was then hired by Shell Oil in its Alger HQ, met my Mum who was a French Algeria-born Pieds-Noirs. They lived in Algeria until 1962, when the country won its independence from metropolitan France after a fierce and controversial period.

4) MF® SPORTSMAN “Midnight” Chinos (USA):
ETA: TBD
Pattern: Our classic Sportsman Chinos pattern, inspired by vintage 1940’s-50’s cotton twill work pants and classic mens trousers tailoring.
Fabric: NOS Cone Mills “Midnight” twill, indigo warp x black weft, 7 Oz., milled in USA. (Same fabric as the SS2023 Ranger Shirt.)
Specs:
* Classic mid-waist silhouette.
* Button fly, corozo wood.
* Buckle back cinch strap.
* NOS fabric pocketing, discharge print.
Sizing: CL wears W30
Notes: Our Sportsman Chinos and Continental Trousers feature similar design details, but differ fit-wise. While the top block is comparable on both models, the Sportsman Chinos are cut with a more generous 40s/50s-style leg, and the Continental Trousers have a slimmer leg profile. The choice is a matter of one’s personal style preferences and body type.

5) MF® “BRONSON” Tank Top (USA):
ETA: TBD
Pattern: Inspired by a vintage 1947 US Army OD undershirt.
Fabric: Our original “Stanley” T-Shirt tubular knit, slubby and lightweight, 100% cotton. Three colors: White/Navy Blue/“Jungle” Green.
Specs:
* Period fit and construction.
* Narrow old-school straps
* “Single needle” hem.
Sizing: CL wears Small
Notes: name is a reference to American actor Charles Bronson, sporting an OD specimen as the “Tunnel King” in “The Great Escape” (1963), a white one in Hard Times (1975), etc…

6) MF® “DJEBEL” Chinos (JP):
ETA: TBD
Pattern: inspired by a pair of vintage local-made French military M52 Khaki Chinos modified/cut in a “Sarouel” style (pleated front, cinched bottom leg) — probably tailor-made in North Africa in the mid 1950s for a Spahi or French Foreign legion NCO — combined with the construction of both early and late regulation M52 patterns.
Fabric: Khaki “Katsuragi” Twill, 11.5 Oz., 100% cotton, milled in Japan. “Katsuragi” is a fancy weave (7×7 twisted threads) with a distinct 3×1 denim-like warp/weft thick twill pattern — very close to that of vintage French military chinos — and completely different from the tightly-woven sheen of vintage US Mils-Specs chino twills.
Specs:
* Pleated front.
* Ankle cinch band.
* Trapezoid beltloops.
* Single rear pocket.
* Indigo pincheck pocket bags.
* Button fly, “cat-eye” corozo wood.
* Chainstitch construction.
Sizing: CL wears W30
Notes: another reference to the Sahara Desert of Algeria.
French troops (including French Foreign Legion) stationed in the Algerian French protectorate from 1830 to 1962 adopted the style of a local garment in their uniform: the Sarouel (spellings differ), featuring a heavily-pleated front, with a baggy silhouette drastically-cinched around the ankle.
Our more knickerbockers-influenced interpretation is based on a 1950s tailor-made pair of M52 khaki twill trousers, customized into a sarouel-type style. Probably made for a non-com officer at the time, considering the cost of custom tailoring. For the top block, our design combines early and late M52 patterns.
The Arabic term djebel refers to North Africa Kabylie mountain ranges, where my Dad spent his 12 month-military service duty in 1956.
Some family photos as previous blogpost illustration here and here.
Anecdotally, this style/cut is reminiscent of Nikka-Zubbon aka Tobi trousers worn by construction workers and steeplejacks in Japan, to this day.

7) MF® RANCH BLOUSE “Mojave” (USA):
ETA: Available NOW!
Pattern: Our classic Ranch Blouse, in a 1930s~40s style 2×1 denim, with all tonal stitching.
Fabric: NOS Kaihara selvedge denim, 2×1, 10 Oz., dark indigo warp x grey weft, milled in Japan.
Specs:
* The usual deets.
* Tonal black stitching.
* Black donut wreath tack buttons.
Sizing: CL wears 36.

8) MF® “WORKMAN” Shirt (USA):
ETA: End March 2025
Pattern: a staple from our Sportsman catalog, introduced in 2015, inspired by classic 1940s-50s workwear shirting.
Fabric: NOS selvedge indigo/white hickory stripe twill, about 6. Oz., USA.
Specs:
* The usual deets.
* Bone buttons.
Sizing: CL wears Medium.

9) MF® “TASKMASTER” Bib Apron (USA):
ETA: TBD
Pattern: Inspired by vintage 1940s~60s selvedge denim workwear bib aprons, featuring an all original bib construction — hem displaying the denim fabric reverse — and our Californian patched pocket.
Fabric: We will be mixing NOS selvedge denims with this pattern, body/pocket and beltloop straps, in an effort to fully utilize all remnants of vintage denim yardage and unused previous mfsc production denim fabrics from our stock.
Specs:
* Vintage utilitarian protective gear style.
* Original bib construction.
* Selvedge sides.
* MF® Californian bib pocket, “M” stitch + leather patch.
* Five-pocket beltloop strips from previous productions of Californians recycled as tie-up waist straps and D-ring neck strap.
* Brass eyelets and copper rivets.
Sizing: One size fits all. The widths of our left-over yardage of premium shuttle loom selvedge denims usually varies from 29’’~32’’, and will dictate the width of the apron.
Notes: The MF® Taskmaster will put you to work with chores and hobbies, gardening, cooking, pottery-making, etc… Guaranteed to age gracefully with repeat wear.

10) MF® CALIFORNIAN Lot64 “HANADA” (USA):
ETA: TBD
Pattern: our classic Californian Lot64 cut.
Fabric: “Hanada” indigo selvedge denim, 13 Oz., milled in Japan.
Specs:
* The usual deets.
* NOS hickory stripe pocket bags.
Sizing: CL wears W30.
Notes: The Japanese term “hanada-iro” refers to a specific lighter shade of indigo color.

11) MF® STANLEY T-Shirts, new colors! (USA):
ETA: Available now!
Pattern: Our classic Stanley cut.
Fabric: Our original “Stanley” T-Shirt tubular knit, slubby and lightweight, 100% cotton. Four new colors from the pastel palette: Desert Sand/Sky Blue/Coral Pink/Seafoam Green.
Specs:
* The usual deets.
Sizing: CL wears Small.

Ta-da… that’s a wrap, friends!

That’s a wrap, friends!

Our original SS2025 Hi-DESERT mfsc collection is designed in California by Mister Freedom® and exclusively manufactured in Japan and USA in collaboration with Sugar Cane Co, in limited quantities.
Please note that above SS2025 lookbook/preview features show samples, not necessarily reflecting the refined quality/fit/details/labeling of the upcoming production.

As always, besides the classic vintage style references, the common thread in all these original garments is the Mister Freedom® on-going commitment to ethical manufacturing, original designs, and resistance to fast fashion, with styles that will easily incorporate into one’s existing classic wardrobe.

Thank you very much for your renewed support.

Love from Sunny California,

c & Taskmaster Joe

Mister Freedom® CAMPUS “STUD” Jacket, Snap Fastener Edition, Veg-Tan Cowhide Leather, 2024. Made in USA.

Mister Freedom® CAMPUS “STUD” Jacket, Snap Fastener Edition, Veg-Tan Cowhide Leather.
Natural / Black Tea-core / “Bison” Tea-core.
Made in USA.

The following crackling announcement coming out of your old tube radio cabinet told no lies:

“If you have a penchant for the classics, the latest styles from Mister Freedom® will take your closet from Dullsville to Woahsville! The snappy dresser insists on the Mister Freedom® CAMPUS STUD!…”

Case in point, our latest drop, a subtle twist on the timeless 1930s-inspired MF® Campus Jacket refitted with easy-to-button vintage-style snap fasteners!
Trim wise, these original MF® branded brass snaps were introduced in 2020 with the western-wear style Maverick Jacket. They have since also been featured on the Roadeo Jacket, Sonny Puffer Vest, and Bronco Champ Type II. That’s how much we dig them.

From the early days — with patent origins in Germany dating back to the late 1800s — metal snap closures on garments and gear have been promoted as more practical, more reliable, and less maintenance than their sewn-on button predecessors. From utilitarian clothing providers to military outfitters to sportswear fashion brands, everyone took notice, and snaps are today ubiquitous.
These days, most First World Homo Sapiens know their way around Tik-Tok and Amazon more than they do around a needle and thread, so snap fasteners will definitely be a bonus. Although knowing how to sew a button back on is never a bad skill to have.

Some behind-the-scene manufacturing tidbits…
The idea about the front closure refit of our Campus Jacket came from how ridiculously fabulous (and vintage legit!) those brass snaps already looked on the veg-tan leather iterations of our Ranch Blouse. But the decision was mostly to address a production-related issue with the old Reece 101 keyhole machine needed to produce those classic buttonholes, machines known in the manufacturing world as temperamental work beasts usually intended and fine-tuned for woven material. Setting up the Reece 101 for button-fly blue jeans is one thing, for thick leather another.
In a nutshell, our leather jackets are produced in a local leather factory (in California, USA), and the buttonholes have to be out-sourced to a local denim factory (also in California, USA.) Lotsa logistics and QC involved there.

For the past few months, our on-going Campus Jacket production has been held back, garments all cut and sewn by the leather factory, but stuck at the buttonhole stage at the denim factory struggling to get its one machine properly adjusted for leather. And this is one stage you don’t want to mess up, as there is no second chance at making a proper keyhole buttonhole on a $1000 leather jacket. One round of lockstitch, one cut from the blade, one chance! Try that nine times on a single garment…

Today, the number of local Los Angeles technicians knowledgeable enough to even understand how a Reece 101 works is a single digit, a sad realization after this fine California city was — at its bygone clothing manufacturing heydays — a hub for sewing factories, cutting factories, sample-making ateliers, pattern makers, machinery experts, skilled operators, designers, etc… Off-shoring (discussed here), corporate greed and fast fashion unfortunately killed our thriving local garment industry, once as successful as the movie industry. In 2024, empty warehouses have replaced the bustling garment-producing factories, save for a few struggling survivors.

So, after a few cups of brain juice at MF® HQ, in good old “improvise, adapt, overcome” survival fashion, we decided to test on three unfinished CAMPUS prototypes, substituting sewn-on buttons with snap fasteners. It worked, both visually and practically!
For the new name, we simply ran out of puns and are calling this Campus Type II the CAMPUS “STUD” — stud fastener being another name for snap fastener —, having contemplated calling it the SNAPPY CAMPUS for a moment.
The brass snap fasteners blend in the 1930s “Cossack” jacket style remarkably well, subtly adding a mid-century twist, and contributing to the elegant vintage classic flair of a garment that never existed but could have, our design MO since 2006.

A run of the CAMPUS STUD is now available in our current grade of hefty (3-4 Oz.) veg-tan cowhide leather, in natural, black tea-core, and “Bison” tea-core.
The “Bison” option is a small limited run and a perfect choice if you fancy a brown leather jacket but find it challenging to commit to the patina journey of the natural model from pinkish-white-to-golden-brown. Introduced with the Ranch Blouse “Bison”, the leather will still age and develop an attractive patina with wear, but you just get a brown color head start!

The MF® CAMPUS STUD in veg-tan cowhide leather is designed and made in California by Mister Freedom®.

NOTE: Production of our OG sewn-on buttons Campus Jacket (in natural and black leather) will resume when we have the Reece 101 situation sorted out, ETA TBD.

SPECS:
PATTERN: An original pattern inspired by 1930’s sportswear ‘Cossack’ type unlined leather jackets.

LEATHER:
1) Natural vegetable-tanned full grain cow hide leather, milled and supple, about 3-4 Oz weight. Exclusively developed for MF®.
2) Black vegetable-tanned “Tea-Core” full grain cow hide leather, black topcoat with natural-color flesh side, milled and supple, about 3-4 Oz weight. Exclusively developed for MF®.
3) “Bison” vegetable-tanned “Tea-Core” full grain cow hide leather, russet brown topcoat with natural-color flesh side, milled and supple, about 3-4 Oz weight. Exclusively developed for MF®. (“Bison” is how the tannery refers to the specific brown color, this is not buffalo hide.)

NOTE: The Mister Freedom® CAMPUS STUD is made of genuine leather. We use full-grain, and not top-grain leather (aka corrected or buffed leather, sanded to level surface inconsistencies). No two hides are alike and each panel may feature variations in texture along with natural imperfections.

DETAILS:
* 1930’s sportswear jacket silhouette.
* Special stud fastener edition, original MF® branded brass snaps for front/cuffs closure.
* Fully unlined, clean seams inside & out.
* Natural and tea-core veg-tan leather guaranteed to develop an attractive ’vintage’ patina over time, with normal wear and routine conditioning.
* One piece back.
* Cotton corduroy collar and wrist cuff facing.
* Slash pockets with original arrowhead-shaped pocket stops.
* Side gussets with adjustable side straps (NOS metal slide buckles.)
* Underarm venting eyelets.
* Mister Freedom® ‘The Sportsman’ woven label behind the slash pocket, right front panel.
* Sturdy poly-cotton thread stitching.
* Made in California, USA.

SIZING/FIT:
The MF® Campus Jacket “STUD” edition does not require any type of pre-treatment or conditioning and is ready to wear as-is.
This garment is cut quite slim and we recommend referring to our sizing chart and comparing measurements with a similar style of jacket that fits you according to your own style/expectations.
The CAMPUS STUD features a classic old-school type cut with a shorter period silhouette that sits higher than most contemporary jackets, designed to compliment higher rise vintage-style trousers and jeans.
I consistently wear a size 38 in the Campus Jacket and — at 5’7 ~145 lbs lately — also opted for a size 38 in the STUD edition, with enough room for a thick corduroy shirt.
Please refer to product page measurements (click on “Size Chart”), and reach out to sales@misterfreedom.com for sizing advice if needed.

CARE:
Embrace the fact that the natural or “Tea-Core” leather is prone to get nicked and scratched, revealing the under-layer color, unavoidably showing signs of wear. Occasional conditioning when needed (according to actual frequency of wear and activities) will contribute to an attractive warm tone natural patina, and a healthy-looking leather.
For maintenance, we recommend Pecard Leather Dressing, following this method.
Do not use neatsfoot oil or leather conditioners specific to footwear.
Note: Due to the unlined nature of the CAMPUS STUD, some shedding of the leather ‘flesh’ side may occur temporarily and leave (brush-able) flecks visible on dark shirts. This light shedding will eventually subside with normal wear.

Mister Freedom® APPALOOSA Western Snap Shirt, NOS 2×1 “Liberty” Denim (milled in USA by Columbus Mills), mfsc Sportsman FW2024, made in USA.

Mister Freedom® APPALOOSA Western Snap Shirt.
NOS “Liberty” 2×1 Denim (Columbus Mills) Edition.
FW2024 mfsc Sportsman catalog.
Made in USA.

The Mister Freedom® APPALOOSA, introduced during Fall 2013, was our first traditional “western snap” shirt and has been released in a variety of denim-related fabrics.
Its fancier legacy is our Dude Rancher today, with more elaborate pattern work inspired by flashier vintage cowboy fashion. The OG design of the APPALOOSA — discussed here — blends humbler and more plebeian utilitarian roots, mostly lifted from a vintage 1950s Roebucks denim snap shirt (SEARS’ iconic workwear house brand rolled out in 1949.)

Our choice of painted metal snaps over the more obvious front closure option of pearl snap buttons — a detail inspired by 1950s Ranchcraft type shirts, JC Penneys’ own workwear house brand — helps separate our APPALOOSA from the average contemporary western shirt.

After the initial 2013 goat rodeo of releasing the first batch of the APPALOOSA in mixed yardages of NOS denims of unknown origins and specs, we re-cut the pattern in 2015 in an unassuming NOS HBT stripe denim fabric (with amazing patina potential), followed by a small batch of double indigo twill in 2016.

We decided to pull the pattern out of retirement this year, and sourced out a special NOS 2×1 “Liberty” denim fabric. Classic dark indigo blue warp, sturdy 10 Oz., slubby texture, dry hand, wide loom (i.e. no selvedge), produced by the legendary but now-defunct Columbus Mills, in Columbus, Georgia, USA.

Following the regrettable closing of Cone Mills’ White Oak plant in 2017, Columbus Mills terminated its traditional denim-producing activities in 2018.
Another sad story for American manufacturing. In the aftermath of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement, a US bi-partisan groundbreaking treaty from 1994 establishing a tariff-free three-country accord), it became hard to compete for our domestic Textile Industry, and even harder to survive with Chinese denim pouring in the US at $1.25 a yard…

Long-standing American brands like Wrangler® — after the takeover from fast fashion conglomerate KONTOOR who now owns Wrangler® and Lee® — seized the opportunity to relocate manufacturing in Mexico (where they could pay factory workers ~30% of what they were required domestically), enjoying as well the less stringent local Environmental and Labor Laws. Who doesn’t like a pair of “authentic” jeans retailing at $40? The home consumer was happy. The staff from the likes of Columbus Mills getting a corporate layoff notice because their CEO opted for shareholders’ profits and offshoring over long-time employees’ job security? Not so much.

On a lighter note, from the looks and feel of the raw “Liberty” denim yardage, the APPALOOSA is bound to deliver some impressive evo results with normal wear and wash routine. I have yet to break-in my new shirt, but will keep you posted!

The Mister Freedom® APPALOOSA Western Snap Shirt is designed and made in California, CA., in collaboration with Sugar Cane Co. Cut from NOS “Liberty” denim fabric milled in USA by now-defunct Columbus Mills in Georgia.

SPECS:
FABRIC:
NOS 2×1 “Liberty” denim fabric, 10 Oz., classic dark indigo blue warp, slubby texture, dry hand, wide loom (i.e. no selvedge), produced by the now-defunct Columbus Mills, in Columbus, Georgia, USA.

DETAILS:
* Classic utilitarian ‘western shirt’ type silhouette and fit.
* 1950s-style painted metal DOT snaps for front closure and cuffs.
* Vintage ‘Roebucks’ type slanted front yoke.
* Western style single arcuate back yoke.
* Two chest pockets, snap flaps, mounted into yoke construction.
* Double snap cuffs.
* One piece sleeve plackets.
* Orange and yellow combo contrast stitching, high count, 100% cotton.
* Double chainstitch construction with green color thread “Sportsman” inside signature.
* Chambray side gusset, chainstitch run offs.
* Original mfsc “The Sportsman” woven rayon label.
* Made in USA

SIZING/FIT:
The Mister Freedom® APPALOOSA Western Snap Shirt in “Liberty denim comes RAW/unwashed. The pattern is designed so that the measurements match the labeling AFTER an initial cold soak/line dry.
We recommend the usual protocol before wearing:

Cold soak in a tub for about 30-40mn, with occasional hand agitation.

Line dry, no heat dryer.

Sizing on previous versions of our APPALOOSA Shirt has been a bit erratic.
At 5.7’ ~145 lbs, I opted for a SMALL on this 2024 iteration, for a comfortable fit.

The tagged size that will work best for you depends on your body type and how you like your clothes to fit.
Please refer to our sizing chart and reach out to sales@misterfreedom.com for further sizing advice.

CARE:
When laundering is needed after repeat wear, machine wash on DELICATE, cold water, mild eco-friendly detergent. Line dry.
Do not use the washer’s heavy-duty cycle. Hot water and heat dryer are also not recommended and may result in excessive and irreversible shrinkage.