Back in brown! Mister Freedom® ROAD CHAMP Engineer Boots, NOS Nitrene rubber sole edition, Spring 2017, Made in USA.

 

 

Mister Freedom® ROAD CHAMP Engineer Boots, brown.
NOS Nitrene rubber sole edition, Spring 2017
Made in USA.

The Mister Freedom® “Road Champ” engineer boots are the result of  2½ years of research & development that started sometime in 2006. By the end of 2009, after a painstaking process of designing, last carving, sourcing, custom leather tanning, color testing, hide selecting… the first batch of RC was finally released.
Followed many more batches throughout the years, in a wide range of brown hues. Our hides are vegetable tanned and individually hand-dyed at the factory. Fluctuation in color came with the territory, adding quite an interesting uniqueness to each pair.

After an appearance in jet black hand-dyed leather in 2015, the classic Mister Freedom® Road Champ engineer boots are now back in the original brown cowhide leather of the initial release. We added the New Old Stock Nitrene rubber sole and heel of the BRC issue for good measure.
These vintage Nitrene half soles (a limited stock introduced with the MF® Trooper Boots) have proved to be longer-lasting on asphalt than Cat’s Paws. They boast a “Non Marking – Oil Resistant – Long Wearing” quality. Rubber soles are definitely less slippery than the full leather soles of the original RC.
The last, pattern, MF® signature green top, sizing, price of these 2017 brown Road Champs all remain identical to our first 2009-released RC.

The production is still a slow process, but it appears that we are mostly caught-up with the wait list now! The Mister Freedom® Road Champs are still made in very small batches, so size availability will continue to be limited and stock status quite erratic. Again, this is not a marketing strategy on our part, nor a way to aggravate customers with an artificial hype, but rather the result of us striving to keep quality standards.
We never claimed to do it best, just try to do it right.
On a broader scale, and in this golden age of disposable wares, cheap imports and reckless consumerism, we’re just happy there still is footwear manufacturing activity in the USA.

Vintage engineer boots enthusiasts will make sure to check out our friend USMC John “VEB” V.’s blog for valuable info, historical references, brand reviews and pertinent updates related to this iconic footwear category.

NOTE: The worn pair of Road Champs featured in the photos in about three years old. If the leather color and grade is the same, the soles of that old specimen were originally full leather, and feature a non-slip thin rubber pad that was added during a later custom resole.

SPECS:
* The Mister Freedom® Road Champ boots are the result of 2 1/2 years of R&D in California, and were originally released in 2009.
* Featuring an original Mister Freedom® panel pattern and original hand carved last.
* Inspired by 1930′s to 1950s American engineer and work boots, popular amongst motor-cyclists/servicemen/workers/engineers.
* Old school low-toe profile, à-la Johnny “Wacha got” Strabler.
* Vegetable tan cow hides, carefully selected from a reputable American tannery.
* Custom leather treatment and coloring process. Hides are not dip-dyed but individually hand-dyed. Flesh side is natural, skin side treated with 3 layers of colors for a dark chocolate brown appearance. Guaranteed to beautify with wear. The leather will develop a ‘vintage’ patina with a range of reddish brown/chocolate/olive/black tones… according to use and personal choice of oil treatment and conditioning. When conditioning is needed, we recommend Pecard Leather Dressing.
* Original MF® olive-color top roll band and shaft strap gusset, aka “green tops”.
* Vintage style steel roller buckles.
* Curve pattern instep strap, adjustable to cinch ankle and heel. Un-cinch to pull boots on.
* Vintage limited supply of USA-made NOS ‘NITRENE’ rubber half sole and heel combo, boasting a “Non Marking, Oil Resistant, Long Wearing” quality.
* Mid rise welt (approx. 10½ inches)
* Approx. 1¾ inch heel height
* Made in USA

SIZING:
The general consensus is to size down ½ a size from your usual sneaker size. From customers feedback, if you are a size 10 in sneakers, a size 9½ Road Champ is likely to work for you.
Fit also depends on one’s foot profile and proportions, and obviously sock thickness. Wearing a thin insole with thin cotton socks for summer, and no insole with thick wool sock for winter is an option for some.

Available Sizes (according to stock):
US 7
US 7½
US 8
US 8½
US 9
US 9½
US 10
US 10½
US 11
US 11½
US 12
US 13

Retail $ 949.95

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

Christophe Loiron
Mister Freedom®
©2017

 

Mister Freedom mfsc SPORTSMAN Catalog Spring 2017, Made in USA

“The Sportsman” Catalog
Mister Freedom® x Sugar Cane mfsc Spring 2017
Made in USA

These few items will be added to our Made in USA “The Sportsman” catalog this Spring 2017.
Introducing a brand new original pattern, the MF® “Conductor Jacket”, in 11 Oz. ‘Malibu’ selvedge denim, with a ‘matching’ bottom, an updated version of the Sportsman Slacks.
Our Californian Blue Jeans take on a new twist with the Lot. 674 edition, featuring a slimmer leg and all time favorite “Okinawa 301” sugar cane fiber denim. The rest of the line-up, the Workman shirt, Sportsman shirt and Sportsman chinos are cut from recently-dug-up vintage NOS fabrics.

Available sometime in Spring 2017…

Email sales@misterfreedom.com or call 323-653-2014 with any questions.
Thank you for your support.

Christophe Loiron
Mister Freedom®
©2017

Mister Freedom CALIFORNIAN blue jeans family LOT recap 2010-2016

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Mister Freedom® “CALIFORNIAN” Blue Jeans Family, 2010-2016
Made in USA

Introduced sometime during 2010, the Mister Freedom® Californian Blue Jeans is our interpretation of the classic five pocket denim jeans. In the past six years, we have introduced several versions of the pattern and fit. Here is a brief recap:

* Californian Lot.54 (yellow paper flasher, 2010): The original issue, straight leg, classic 1950’s silhouette. Issued in 12.5 Oz. NOS Cone indigo denim.
* Californian Lot.44 (box package, 2011): Similar pattern, buckle back added, straight leg, classic 40’s-1950’s silhouette. Issued in about 37 types of NOS denim twills.
* Californian Lot.64 (red paper flasher, 2013): Straight leg, slightly tapered, classic 1960’s vibe. Originally issued in 13 3/4 Oz. indigo denim (SC1966).
* Californian Lot.64US (Army green paper flasher, 2014): “Uncle Sam” edition. Straight leg, slightly tapered, classic 1960’s vibe. Issued in 13 3/4 Oz. indigo denim (SC1966).
* Californian Lot.64OK (Orange paper flasher, 2014): “Okinawa Advisor” edition. Straight leg, slightly tapered, classic 1960’s vibe. Issued in 14 Oz. “Okinawa 301” indigo denim.
* Californian Lot.74 (Aqua green paper flasher, 2015): Tapered, our slimmest leg, classic “1960’s youth” vibe. Originally issued in 12.5 Oz. NOS Cone indigo denim, then in NOS 12.5 Oz. wheat denim
* Californian Lot.654 (yellow paper flasher, 2015): Pattern and fit of our classic Lot.64, with the bells and whistles of our original Lot.54. Issued in NOS 12 Oz. Cone indigo denim.
* Californian Lot.64E (red/white stripe paper flasher, 2016): Special “US Presidential Election” Edition. Straight leg, slightly tapered, classic 1960’s vibe. Issued in 16.5 Oz. NOS Cone indigo denim.

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 stock status questions.
Thank you for your support.

Christophe Loiron
Mister Freedom®
©2016

Mister Freedom® WORKMAN Shirt, NOS Gunpowder Tea HBT, mfsc Sportsman catalog, made in USA.

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The “Workman Shirt”, New Old Stock ‘gunpowder tea’ HBT cotton.
Sportsman catalog, FALL 2016
Made in USA

The popular Mister Freedom® “Workman” Shirt from our Sportsman catalog gets a new skin this Fall 2016.
Originally released for Spring 2015 in NOS Indigo Pincheck and NOS HBT Denim, a Fall 2015 version was also issued in NOS 2×1 Denim, followed by a Spring 2016 indigo Wabash edition.

The shirt’s classic pattern stays unchanged, a simple, clean cut 40’s-50’s style work shirt.

This season’s Gunpowder Tea HBT fabric is another New Old Stock find we scored, a nice haul of 100% cotton herringbone twill, 8.5 Oz., milled in Italy.
The dark greenish grey color is very similar to an old mfsc favorite introduced when we played Cowboys ’n Indians, during our “Men of the Frontier” days of 2012. Inspired by 1900’s vintage textiles from the Old World, that HBT cotton-linen fabric had been milled in Japan, and was featured on the Faro sack coat, waistcoat and britches. It was also later used on the Sportsman Slacks.
Our Fall 2016 Workman shirt features a color very close to its handsome predecessor. It differs in weight and fiber content, however, much lighter and 100% cotton. 
The reverse displays a very slubby surface, with somewhat of a ‘brushed’ texture. The yarn appears to be sulfur-dyed, as the core is left natural.

NOTE: We tested a sample Workman Shirt (featured in the photos) with a full wash cycle (cold water + eco detergent), followed by heat drying, and were quite surprised to see the dark greenish color age so quickly. Colorfastness pretty low. After just one wash, and although still 100% solid and strong, the new Workman Shirt had the patina of a garment that had built the Transcontinental Railroad. Instant gratification for some, unfortunate flaw for others…
As a vintage clothing-inspired brand, we’re not exactly into ‘rugged’ faux-vintage artificial patina, but really dig the fading properties of this fabric nonetheless.

Our Sportsman “Workman” shirt is designed and manufactured in California by Mister Freedom®, in collaboration with Sugar Cane Co.

SPECS:

PATTERN: Original MFSC pattern, inspired by classic 1940’s-50’s workwear shirting.
FABRIC:
New Old Stock 100% cotton herringbone twill, gunpowder tea color, 8.5 Oz., low colorfastness, milled in Italy.

DETAILS:
* Classic vintage workwear style.
* Contrast amber color corozo wood cat-eye buttons.
* White cotton popeline button placket facing.
* Traditional double chest pocketing, button closure.
* Tonal stitching, 100% cotton
* Side gussets.
* Chainstich construction, “Sportsman” green color on the inside.
* Made in USA.

SIZING/FIT:
This explains how we size our garments.
The Workman Shirt HBT ‘gunpowder tea’ comes raw/un-rinsed and will shrink to tagged size after a rinse/dry process. We recommend an initial cold soak, spin dry and line dry. The “Workman” shirts are true-to-size with a fairly trim ‘uniform’ silhouette. If you are generally a Medium in mfsc shirts, you are a Medium in the Workman.
Please note that the shirt worn inside as a layer on the fit picture is one of the MF@ RANGER Shirts, in a light-weight and very thin madras check fabric option.


workman-shirt-hbt-fit

Please refer to sizing chart for measurements.

CHART

CARE:
Launder when hygiene dictates and common sense prevails, like after shoveling coal for 9 hours.
Machine wash. Cold water, gentle cycle, eco-friendly mild detergent and line dry.
DISCLAIMER: This specific HBT fabric is not colorfast and its appearance will ‘age’ and look ‘worn-in’ after the first full cycle machine wash. Delicately hand washing might minimize the fading of the fabric.

Available RAW/unwashed.
SIZES:
14½ (Small)
15½ (Medium)
16½ (Large)
17½ (X-Large)
18½ (XX-Large)

RETAIL $279.95

Soon 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® 2016

Do the Hustle, Do the Ska, Do the Continental! Mister Freedom CONTINENTAL suiting madness continues! Made in USA.

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“Do the Hustle, Do the Ska, Do the Continental!”

Mister Freedom® Continental Sportcoat, Vest and Trousers
NOS Cacao Chambray, NOS Indigo Cross Hatch Twill
mfsc Sportsman Fall 2016
Made in USA

Immediately following the release of the limited edition Continental “Player” three-piece leisure suit, here is more Continental goodness from our Made in USA Mister Freedom® Sportsman catalog this Fall 2016.
To show the Continental’s versatility, and for elegant mix ‘n match options, we took the Continental from doing the Hustle in Las Vegas to doing the Ska in Kingston. Our original suiting patterns get a late 50’s – early 60’s textile treatment this time. The result is old school yet timeless, you get the flavor.
Style tip: To amuse the children, compliment the Continental with a hat that’s too small and a walking stick. Endless laughter and tears of joy guaranteed.

continental-brush-denim-fit

The Mister Freedom® Continental is versatile.

Back to the dancehall.
To enhance your ability to shake-a-tush rock steady-style, we are bringing on two handsome fabrics recently dug out. These vintage New Old Stock textiles are another lucky score, courtesy of our MF® team of relentless savvy treasure hunters.
So, besides the snazzy “Player” denim, the new fabric options for our Fall 2016 Continental triad are:

A) Cacao Chambray (brown warp & white weft), 100% cotton plain weave fabric, about 9 Oz., milled in Italy.
Only the Continental Trousers and Vest are released in Cacao Chambray.
B) Indigo Cross Hatch Twill (dark indigo warp and black melange weft), 100% cotton twill, about 11 Oz., milled in EU.
Only the Continental Sportcoat is released in Indigo Cross Hatch Twill.

The Continental Sportcoat, Vest and Trousers are designed in California by Mister Freedom® and manufactured in California, USA, by Mister Freedom® in collaboration with Sugar Cane Co.

SPECS:

PATTERNS:
Original sportcoat, vest and trousers Mister Freedom® mfsc patterns, in an original MF® classic blend of 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s vibes and silhouettes, mixing European and American styles.

FABRICS:
A) Cacao Chambray (brown warp & white weft), 100% cotton plain weave fabric, about 9 Oz., milled in Italy.
Lining: NOS fancy woven stripe 100% cotton twill (ivory white with brown stripes), milled in Europe.

B) Indigo Cross Hatch Twill (dark indigo warp and black melange weft), 100% cotton twill, about 11 Oz., milled in EU.
Lining: NOS fancy woven stripe 100% cotton plain weave (ivory white with blue & grey stripes), milled in Europe.

“INDIGO CROSS HATCH TWILL” Continental SPORTCOAT:
* Unstructured silhouette.
* Lightweight and soft, perfect traveling companion.
* High button front.
* Navy blue corrozo wood butons.
* Half shoulder floating lining, 100% cotton NOS fancy woven stripe twill.
* Side hip pockets with flaps.
* Pocket openings reinforced on the inside.
* Tonal 100% cotton stitching, clean caballo flat-felled seam construction, green color “Sportsman” signature chainstitch on the inside. No open edges or overlock.
* Made in USA.

“CACAO CHAMBRAY” Continental VEST:
* Six-button front.
* Two slanted box-pleat patch pockets with buttoned flaps.
* Full matching back with cinch strap, European-style metal buckle.
* Dark amber color corozo wood buttons.
* Full lining, 100% cotton NOS fancy woven stripe twill, no open seams.
* Tonal 100% cotton stitching.
* Made in USA.

“CACAO CHAMBRAY” Continental TROUSERS:
* Elegant late 1950′s early 1960’s type silhouette and fit, straight leg.
* Dark amber color corozo wood fly and waist buttons.
* Flat-felled side seam “caballo” all around construction.
* Rear welt pockets.
* Trousers-style belt loops.
* Crotch gusset pattern.
* Adjustable back cinch strap, with vintage NOS metal slide buckles.
* 100% cotton NOS fancy woven stripe twill pocket bags, waist band and fly facing.
* Watch pocket.
* Tonal stitching, 100% cotton thread construction, with inside green chainstich MF® signature.
* Original “The SPORTSMAN” woven rayon label on rear waistband, concealed when wearing a belt.
* ‘Open’ overlocked leg bottom, to suit your cuffing preferences.
* Made in USA.

SIZING/FIT:

This explains how we size our garments.
The Continental Sportcoat, Vest and trousers come raw/unwashed. We recommend the usual initial 30mn cold soak/occasional hand agitation/spin dry/hang dry process. The tagged size reflects the size of the garment after going through this process. The subtle variation of shrinkage between body fabric/lining fabric/cotton thread will result in puckering and roping, slightly altering the fit and drape.

I personally opted for a Size 38 in the Continental sportcoat and vest, and Waist 32 trousers. These are my usual sizes in mfsc garments.

Trousers sizing: The Continental Trousers are true to size. If you are a measured-waist 32 inches, you are a stamped W32 in the Continental Trouser. Do not size down on these. Please note that the Continental Trousers pattern might not be a good option for all body types. Proportion-wise, those with very muscular legs will probably look better in our regular Sportsman Chino models.

Trousers hemming: After the initial soak/hang dry process, we recommend settling down on the final length of the bottom hem after gently wearing the trousers around the house a bit. The cotton fabric tends to naturally bunch/wrinkle and pull the leg up slightly. Letting this specific fabric react to your own body for an hour or so will allow you to decide on a proper classic leg break that works for you.

Please refer to sizing chart for approximate raw/soaked measurements. Soaked = 30mn cold soak, spin dry and line dry.
Full wash cycle and heat dryer are not recommended.

CHART

CARE:
Hand wash or machine wash unbuttoned on delicate, cold water with minimal environmentally friendly detergent. Line dry.
NOTE: Full washing cycle and machine dry might result in excessive shrinkage, color fading, marbling or damage, to be experimented with care and at owner’s risk.

NOTE on the INDIGO sportcoat: hand wash separately as indigo croaking is expected. Indigo color may rub on light color garments.

Each piece of the Continental suiting series is sold individually and available RAW/unwashed

“INDIGO CROSS HATCH TWILL” Continental SPORTCOAT
Retail $329.95
SIZES:
Small (36)
Medium (38)
Large (40)
X-Large (42)
XX-Large (44)

“CACAO CHAMBRAY” Continental VEST
Retail $249.95
SIZES:
Small (36)
Medium (38)
Large (40)
X-Large (42)
XX-Large (44)

“CACAO CHAMBRAY” Continental TROUSERS
Retail $289.95
Sizes
(W stands for Waist… Leg length about 36’’, left un-cuffed)
W 28
W 30
W 32
W 34
W 36
W 38

Soon 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® 2016