This blog features Orvis products that our associates or our customers particularly enjoy or appreciate for their quality, utility, and comfort.
Fatwood is a non-toxic, natural firestarter made of softwood, like pine, and its resin. It’s prized for its ability to light easily and burn very hot, even in damp conditions. Whether used for lighting up a cozy fireplace at the family during dinner, a woodstove that will heat the house all day, or in a ring of…
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Crisp autumn breezes, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the rich, oaky scent of wood smoke wafting through the air—these are telltale signs it’s time to trade those lightweight T-shirts for the embrace of warm, woolen sweaters and comfortable sweatshirts. When you’re spending your days cheering on your favorite college football team, in the orchard picking apples, chopping wood for the coming winter, or tucked inside your office, autumn summons a sense of warmth and coziness. Whether your tastes run to a thick lambswool pullover, or a soft cotton sweatshirt, each offers warmth and comfort in chilly weather; let’s take a look at these two cherished fall favorites.
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Wool and cotton are natural fibers with four-season versatility—whether they’re used in sweaters, performance wear, pants, or tops. In wool versus cotton comparisons, each emerges a champ, with winning qualities perfect for different articles of clothing, weather conditions, and activities. Our ancestors understood their benefits, as the use of both cotton and wool in clothing dates back thousands of years. Let’s compare them at a glance, explore the standout properties of each, and find out…
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Should you wear a fleece or a wool layer when you head out on your next cool-weather adventure? As you’re pondering which sweater or sweatshirt to grab in preparation, you may well wonder whether fleece or wool will work best for your activity. Which will be most comfortable while providing the best protection from the elements? The answer depends on what the weather’s like and what you’re planning on doing. Is it windy and/or likely to rain or snow? What is your anticipated level of exertion? For example, are you going shopping, or taking a long hike with the dog? All these variables will…
Read MoreWe’ve all heard both terms—“khakis” and “chinos”—used interchangeably to describe the same pants. But there are actually distinct characteristics that make each pant a style of its own—even if the differences are subtle. This made us wonder, do most folks know the difference between chino pants and khaki pants? And does it matter? Let’s see.
Read MoreThe Orvis Signature Polo. A new fly rod. A leather travel kit. These are some of the best gifts for men from Orvis in 2021. How do we know? We’ve given them to the dads, brothers, sons, and friends in our lives…
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The use of wool in textiles dates back as far as 3000 B.C., having been used for garments in some of the earliest civilizations. Naturally insulating, water-repellent, durable, and often anti-microbial, wool has long served as a go-to textile for garments. That history is what makes the wool sweater such a classic style for men. From fishermen in Ireland’s northern villages to shepherds in the highlands of the Middle East, the wool sweater has stood the test of time and should…
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As perennial wardrobe staples, khakis and chinos are among the fashion industry’s greatest inventions. Comfortable, versatile, and good looking, they can be dressed up or down and are appropriate for work and any number of occasions. But not if they’re wrinkled. And that has always been a major drawback to old-style cotton khakis: you can wear them only once or twice and then they’re likely to become a crumpled mess. And who wants…
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There’s no single reason clothing shrinks, but the simplest answer may be as close as the label in your favorite top. What causes your Henley’s sleeves to shrink or your jeans to feel a little tight in the waistband and thighs, when they fit just fine a few weeks ago? The culprit may be your washer and dryer—or your washing and drying habits. Shrinkage is caused by fibers changing structure; washing and drying methods can affect the structure of the fibers. Fabrics react in different ways to washing and drying methods, so each type of fabric in your wardrobe requires proper care to prevent shrinkage.
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