Podcast · Arts & Books

Heddels Blowout

Clothing history...and more! We dive into one clothing item, from Bucket hats to Huarache sandals, and explore: Why it’s important, where it came from, how it’s made, who’s making them today, how to take care of it, and, the real reason people listen to podcasts, at least three fun facts you can sha

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 22 min
Latest: 11 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Sep 2026 · 22 min

Sashiko - Reinforcing Japanese Stitches

Sashiko is the age old Japanese technique of repairing and reinforcing fabric with rows of decorative running stitches. This little piece of reinforcing thread began over a thousand years ago and has been a mainstay of Japanese peasants, martial artists, and even firefighters. So if you’ve ever seen some of those awe-inspiring pics of people who have put dozens of hours into customizing their denim and wondered what that was all about, so spool up as we wind back on the past millennium of sashiko including how you can do it yourself on today’s Blowout.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

2 Sep 2026 · 21 min
The Bell Bottom Tolls for Thee - A History of Flared Jeans
Today we are talking about that oft-derided denim style that was relegated to the disco era. This type of cut can go by many names: bell-bottoms, boot cuts, flares, darts. However you slice it, these inverse-tapered fits usually have a tight fitting top block but are flowing and breezy at the ankle. As bell-bottoms begin to ring again, let’s take a look at some of the backstory behind these flared jeans. Thanks again to our sponsor Meermin and thank you for listening and until next time keep it real and keep it raw.
26 Aug 2026 · 21 min
Anyone for Tennis? A History of Serving in Style
We are currently in the midst of the US Tennis Open being held at the Arthur Ashe arena in Queens, New York, named after one of the most stylish tennis stars of the 20th century, and believe me, there were a lot of them. It’s also supposedly the end of summer, but it is still 99 degrees where I am in Los Angeles and tennis wear, it’s very nice when it’s hot out! But it wasn’t always that way. So stick around as we dive into tennis shoes, sweatbands, and everything in between on today’s Blowout. Today’s episode featured writing from the article “Serving in Style” by Kadeem Roper on Heddels.com
19 Aug 2026 · 21 min
What the Shell? All About Shell Cordovan
We spend an awful lot of time and a lot of digital ink discussing the finer qualities of leather and there is arguably no finer cut than shell cordovan. You may have seen it on a pair of loafers, a wallet, or a watch strap and immediately recoiled that it was over double the price of the calfskin or chromexcel equivalent. And there’s still a label stamped on the inside of the thing! Get ready to come out of your shell as we get under the skin of the near mythical shell cordovan on today’s Blowout. Featuring writing from John Bobey’s article “Shell Cordovan - The King of Leathers” Meermin…
11 Aug 2026 · 25 min
Robin's Egg Blue - The Ancient Appeal of Turquoise
You’ve seen it inlaid in rings, pendants, bolo ties, squash blossom necklaces, conchos, studs, and more. It dots the hands and necks of those devoted to Southwestern Americana aesthetics. But its story reaches far beyond our corner of the world. Though this beautifully teal-hued gemstone often feels synonymous with vintage and heritage-inspired fashion, its history stretches much further. So stick around as we explore this colorful rock and why you may want to rock it on your next cuff, necklace, pin, or ring. Shiprock Santa Fe Four Winds First Arrow's Legend Munqa Join our Discord and email…
6 Aug 2026 · 29 min
Running Shoes - Millennia of Trying to Not Injure Ourselves
Today we’re talking about running! Not away from your problems, but the shoes you’d wear while you’re doing it. We’re putting aside the goodyear welts and chunky vibram soles to discuss the evolution of footwear options designed for that oh so human activity. And whether you’re someone who’s run marathon distances or sucked wind while running The Mile in gym class (trust me, I've been both at different points in my 25 years of running), you will definitely appreciate the advances we have available to us today as we stride towards running shoes.
27 Jul 2026 · 15 min
Guayabera Shirts - Beat the Heat like a Guava
Today we’re talking about guayaberas. No, not guavas my Spanish speaking friends, but rather the shirt named after them. Also known as the cigar shirt or the camisa de Yucatan It’s been a staple of Latin American and Caribbean clothing spanning three centuries now and, yeah, it’s really nice to wear when it’s hot outside. So if you could please grin and bear it as we dive into the guayabera. eBay Cubavera Ramon Puig Dos Carolinas Soundman The Real McCoy's Gitman Bros. Email us at [email protected]!
20 Jul 2026 · 18 min
The Bandana - Never Leave Home Without One
Today we’re talking bandanas. Not banned books, bandoliers, or watch bands, we’re discussing the classic square of fabric you might find on the forehead of a biker or in the back pocket of someone who just likes leather. It may seem like a simple thing, but this paisley handkerchief has been in the making for nearly three thousand years and has played a significant part in the silk road, the American Revolution, the labor rights movement, and LGBT culture. And I pretty much never leave the house without one! So allow me to bend your ears as we get into the bandana.
9 Jul 2026 · 22 min
Tis The Seasoning - All About Cast Iron
Today we’re putting down the iron fist. The cast iron one, that is! As you know, raw denim is our first love, and if there’s one item that’s most spiritually attuned to the raw denim lifestyle, it’s not another piece of clothing, it’s a piece of cookware. They both have ancient origins but became more commonplace in the 1800s, they both get better the more you use them, there are practically cults about how you should or shouldn’t clean them, and a well worn example probably has an equal amount of food caked into it.
30 Apr 2026 · 46 min
Mount Vernon Mills CEO Bill Rogers gives White Oak's Looms a New Life
For the past decade or so, there has been one white whale (or rather a pod of white whales) among raw denim fanatics, whose course has been followed with great interest since they left their home in North Carolina to move to Louisiana and now they have relocated again to Georgia. I am of course referring to the Draper X-3 shuttle looms, the forebearers of American selvedge denim from the late great Cone Mills White Oak plant in Greensboro. I got to speak with Bill Rogers, the president and CEO of their new home at Mount Vernon Mills, where the mills are again operational and expected to ship…
10 Mar 2026 · 24 min
On the Lookout for Watch Caps
Welcome to Heddels Blowout. The show where we explore one thing, from watch caps to flip flops, and tell you all about: Why it’s important Where it came from How it’s made Who’s making them today How to take care of it And, the real reason you’re here, your ears were cold because your hat is rolled up and you needed to put on some headphones. That’s right, we’re talking about watch caps today. The knit cap. The skullcap. The beanie. The toque. Whatever the name you choose, tracking down the history of this now-ubiquitous piece of headgear may prove frustrating. Every cold part of the world…
2 Mar 2026 · 22 min
The Gory Details of GORE-TEX
That’s right, today we’re talking about arguably the most well known name in performance fabrics - GORE-TEX. Most of the time, consumers aren’t aware of the upstream material manufacturers behind the clothes they wear but Gore-Tex is one of the few that’s broken through to wide recognition. You see that black and yellow tag on a parka, pair of boots, or a hat and you know it means business. But what kind of business is that exactly? Gore-Tex purports to be both breathable and waterproof at the same time but how does it do that? Is it successful? And did the company behind it knowingly poison…
24 Feb 2026 · 23 min
Tariffied Denim and Boots
That’s right, today is a little bit different. I’m not here to talk about an item but a concept, tariffs! The big T-word that has been taking up so much airtime over the last year as the returning American president has made it a cornerstone of his new administration and it’s probably having an impact on how you get your sweet fix of denim and leather. I kinda didn’t want to do this one, but we just got a ruling that these tariffs are indeed illegal by our completely legitimate supreme court and in response, Trump announced that they’re staying and the global rate just got bumped up to ten…
3 Feb 2026 · 20 min
Cardigans Again and Again
Most of us can’t even hear the word “cardigan” without picturing Mr. Rogers coming home to exchange his suit jacket and dress shoes for one of his zip-up cardigans and a pair of sneakers. Most authors that write histories of this favorite casual sweater act stunned that Mr. Rogers favorite item of clothing was invented by the military. But for those of us better-versed in menswear history, it’s no surprise that the cardigan was a military invention, because… well, most pieces of men’s clothing wouldn’t exist today if not for their military application. The far more interesting angle in the…
S1 · 16 Jan 2026 · 19 min
Why the USAF Brought Back the A-2 Bomber Jacket
When you imagine an Air Force pilot, the first image that probably comes to mind is the dashing World War II-era captain in impossibly high-waisted khakis and a brown leather bomber jacket. But you might be surprised to learn then that the first time the U.S. Air Force issued a leather jacket was in 1987. So this is a technicality I’m exploiting, but the U.S. Air Force didn’t exist as a separate branch of the military until 1947. Before then, it was a part of the U.S. Army Air Corps and then U.S. Army Air Forces, which issued its last leather jacket in 1943. But the legacy of this jacket…
3 Nov 2025 · 1 hr
We Made the World's Strongest Denim Sneaker with Crown Northampton's Chris Woodford
It’s been a long time since our last collaborative product, but we’re back with a bang. We’ve joined forces with Crown Northampton to launch the Grand Union Wholecut Sneaker, a denim & leather sneaker built to last for years and earn unique fades along the way. But there is much more to this Union than denim and leather – there’s a laundry list of world-class materials, shoemaking expertise, and Northamptonshire heritage in each pair. We visited Crown Northampton to finalize the design and the Grand Union Wholecut turn from a concept into what is arguably the world’s strongest denim sneaker.…
S3 · E5 · 29 Sep 2025 · 21 min
Loafers - Lazing in Leather Since 1920
Today we’re talking about loafers. Those do-nothing idlers who just sit around all day and the leisurely leather shoe that’s come to be named after them. Yes, the penny, the tassel, even the horsebit. These footwear icons might seem like timeless classics, but they are the result of a relatively recent cross-cultural exchange of mutually beneficial cultural appropriation. So slide in, slip on, and get ready for a relaxing ride along Loafer Lane. Brands mentioned: Aurlands Meermin Rancourt Alden Grant Stone So this is the end piece of our loaf on loafers and the end piece of this first…
S3 · E4 · 20 Sep 2025 · 26 min
Raw Denim - Back to the Indigo Well
That’s right, this is a denim episode! Longtime listeners will remember our 13-part, 7-hour audio epic about the history of denim where we covered 500 years of history of our favorite fabric. Relax, we’re not doing that again. That was a graduate level seminar, instead, this is denim 101 and by the end of it you should have all the tools and info needed to make an informed purchase and join the wonderful fraternity of people who talk about their jeans way too much. If you only know whispers of the discomfort associated with raw denim, the supposed high cost, or even about people putting…
S3 · E3 · 12 Sep 2025 · 21 min
Polarized Sunglasses - Women Love Them, Fish Fear Them
Today we’re talking polarization. I’m not talking about the bears, Santa Claus, or the state of global politics. Rather something a bit more anodyne, and seasonally appropriate, cool shades! You may have heard of the many benefits of polarized sunglasses, how they reduce glare, let you see through the surface of water, or make it easier to drive. But why? How? Where to find? There isn’t that much technical information for consumers explaining how they work or the very different quality of materials they can be made from. But listen on and you’ll soon be an expert on all things polarized!…
S3 · E2 · 5 Sep 2025 · 22 min
Graphic Tees - Fashion Gets Explicit
They say all clothing is a type of language. Even refusing to participate in the conversation is a way to say something. Whether you’re in a top hat and tails or Canadian tuxedo or naked, it’s all saying something about you and how you chose to present yourself. But some clothes speak a little louder than others. Today we’re talking about arguably the loudest and most explicit of them all. That’s right, it’s graphic tee time, the shirt that literally spells out its message for you right across your chest for anyone who cares to read it. They may feel like the most ubiquitous item in the…
S3 · E1 · 29 Aug 2025 · 21 min
Madras - Bleeding Out a Colonial Fabric
Hi, I’m Heddels publisher David Shuck. You may remember me from previous Heddels podcasts like our History of Denim series, the Rise and Fall of Made in USA, and the one where Reed, Albert, and I just shot the breeze for an hour every week. I’ve been writing about owning things you want to use forever for well over a decade now. I’ve been everywhere from downtown Los Angeles to the deserts of Pakistan to understand where and how to find quality goods and the history of the people that make them. I’ve written and edited thousands of articles on jeans, boots, backpacks, bandanas, and nearly…
S2 · E111 · 23 Nov 2022 · 59 min
111 - Mule Talk
On this week’s Blowout… REED’S CORNER IS OFFICIALLY COOKED. Or at least the corner of Birkenstock Boston’s and Able to Buy Whenever. (Spoiler: He blames TikTok.) But because discovery is often generated out of necessity and Bostons are officially Pop Music now, that also means mules are Mainstream™, which has forced — yes, forced — us to investigate some alternative options in the Big Comfort footwear category. And guess what? Alongside oversized everything and a near-extinction event for hard-bottoms, the Mule Market is thriving my guys. Also: We answer some listener questions from the…
S2 · E110 · 12 Oct 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
110 - I Chase, I Don't Attract (Shoes)
Now that Ye is getting himself canceled, what would it take for Pitbull to take over the fashion zeitgeist. We don't think it would be that hard. Albert reviews Don't Worry Darling and the cool sneakers he saw in the crowd. Reed continues to deprive Albert of his sneaker connections. Albert begs a stranger at a party for shoes. Reed gets every sneaker he ever wants without even trying. We embed a message to Andrew about Johan's free shoe life. SWEATER TALK - Reed knows a ton about sweaters and owns too many. We discuss the models, details, and fits that we love most. Albert chimes in with…
S2 · E109 · 4 Oct 2022 · 47 min
109 - From Tbilisi With Love
Our rock in this ever-changing world, David Shuck, is back for an episode from the road. Our brave traveler (and co-host on hiatus) calls in about Georgian nightlife, bootleg wine, and big news from Patagonia. Enjoy a joyous reunion of all three of the Blowout boys and learn a little bit about what the hipsters in Tbilisi are wearing right now. David admits we were right about our packing suggestions and tells us how he's keeping his grody clothes clean on the road. Everything you wanted to know about cleaning your three pairs of underwear in an Eastern European hotel sink but were afraid to…
S2 · E108 · 26 Sep 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
108 - What To Rock on Your First Date!
Albert trauma-dumps, his sister is totally fine now, by the way! Reed and Albert try and figure out how to have fun dressing even during the height of a heat-wave. How to find a good tee - buy from an establishment you like, rob your dad, etc. The main event - what to wear on a first date! Reed and Albert attempt to set down some ground rules on what to wear on your first dates. How to look comfy and at ease and yet show your date-partner that you actually care. Don't stray too far from the things you normally wear. We run down a few situations that should hopefully help you all in all your…
S2 · E107 · 7 Sep 2022 · 8 min
107 - Embrace the Heatwave, Embrace the Inner Slut (Preview)
We discuss the difference between slutty (good) and pervert (bad) fashion behavior. What are the sluttiest sartorial choices you can make? After all, you want people to know you can put it down. Are we allowed to talk about sex? Who knows - we move on to safer territory, namely camp collar shirts. Are they on their way out and if so, why? Will they go the way of the fedora? We urge prudence before you get rid of anything in your rotation. But isn't this the natural impulse to put camp collars in the closet before layering season comes? We talk failed trips to J. Crew, generally bad retail…
S2 · E106 · 30 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 3 min
106 - Never Go To A Public Jort Meetup
Albert bullies a Love Island-lookin' influencer so bad his wife asks him to stop. Jugglalos are actually sweet people, as sweet as their soda of choice. This week we put our heads together and think about the pieces that have stood the test of time - those well-made classics that transcend trends. Some of these pieces are: The BUZZ RICKSON Chambray workshirt. Orslow Chambray shirt (not workshirt) Vintage Lee Storm Rider TS(S) Reversible Jacket Good Art Curb Chain #1 Necklace Chuck 70s Birk Boston Blundstone's Orslow 105 Sugar Cane 66 and 47 Orslow Regular Fit Fatigue Barena Elastic Waist…
S105 · E2 · 22 Aug 2022 · 42 min
Episode 105 - We're Not That Much Better Than You
Vogue reports that "-core" has gone the way of "-chic." We try to recall the history of the whole "-core" thing from Normcore in the 20-teens to blokecore this year. But.... It's done! Passé! No more! It's not cool to just tack on "core" to shit anymore! Reed was a genius and anticipated this change a mile off - so we use his mind and Albert's less-genius mind to anticipate what's coming up this Fall. We bemoan the weirdness of Merz B. Schwanen tees and get stoked for things to come.
S2 · E104 · 9 Aug 2022 · 6 min
104 - Everything That's Old Is Still Old (Preview)
David updates us from the road and lets us know he had to abandon pretty much all his cold weather gear in the face of a record-breaking heatwave. Albert and "the Lovely Reed" discuss the science of uniform dressing and whether or not we have our own uniforms. Because after all, isn't finding a uniform an art in and of itself? As long, of course, as you're not doing it for "grind-set" reasons. Many stylish people spend their lives in search of that perfect outfit and some of them actually find it! We talk about the Nike Cortez and wonder if innovation is still possible in an era when so much…
S2 · E103 · 1 Aug 2022 · 50 min
103 - All My Homies Wear Giant Fit
David chimes in from the road, which we don't quite respond to. Albert and Reed spend their morning hashing through the new J. Crew and how best to market a new brand to someone. Here is a link to the J.Crew Fall 2022 lookbook , the first collection spearheaded by Brendon Babenzien. We've been waiting for it and here it is. If you want to see what the old, old J.Crew looked like, we'd recommend @lostjcrew on Instagram. We discuss Mall fashions, democratizing style, and how to stand out when everyone you know is wearing the Giant Fit chinos .

About Heddels Blowout

Heddels Blowout is a English arts & books podcast from Heddels. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Heddels
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 22 min
Latest episode: 11 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id939981255
Rights: Heddels

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