The Last Summer of Our Twenties

And so sets the summer sun for the last time in my twenties.

This summer, I’ve been busier than ever. Much like the surplus market, the temperature seems to be heating up year on year, and it looks like we’ve sent summer off to slumber on a fairly big high.

This week, Sam and I ventured across the sea on a recce trip that would honestly blow my mind. We headed to Italy to see the biggest collection of surplus I’ve ever laid eyes on, with kit from all over the globe, ranging from the Second World War right through to current issue. This means we could have some amazing things arriving in the store over the coming months — which, in turn, means I get to make some really special videos about some genuine rarities.

But while enjoying the fresh pull of a Marlboro Red on a Tuscan balcony, watching the sun go down, I found myself reflecting on the words of a wise Merchant Navy officer who was only two weeks my junior.

“You know this is the last summer of our twenties. Scary, no?”

At the time, I thought, shit, yeah, it is scary.

But as my cigarette burned down, getting inexorably closer to that trademarked firm filter, I took a moment to reflect on the summer and what I’ve accomplished.

I’ve hit seven countries this year, been on two international work trips, had some great collaborations and made some amazing videos. I’ve also met some wonderfully interesting people in the store, along with people who’ve recognised me out on the street.

Having started my own militaria collection at around five years old, I’ve now been collecting for the best part of a quarter of a century. And with my collection brimming to the point where I might need to move house again, it really hit me just how amazing it is to go from collector, to expert, to purveyor.

I’m immensely blessed to have a job that lets me channel my creative and academic passions into one place. And for that reason, I’m genuinely stoked to bring these items to you.

One fella on the trip was an old surplus head. And I mean old. Perhaps one of the original surplus men in the UK, he was well into his eighties. Yet he told me that even at his age, he still gets excited by the smell of surplus, the opening of a box, and the anticipation of whatever goodies might be hiding inside.

I’d never really considered that surplus could be a lifelong vocation. But after meeting him, I’m certainly hoping it can be mine.

So, as we move into the colder months, it’s time for us “surpies”, as the old timer would say, to dig out the warm kit, empty the mothballs from our greatcoat pockets and cosy in for the shorter days, longer nights and more elaborate outfits that our increasingly hot summers simply won’t permit.

Autumn Picks

My top picks for autumn would naturally be knitwear. We’ve got so much of it that you’re practically spoiled for choice.

The Royal Navy Commando jumpers are a particular treat. I actually spotted an old friend on the subway today wearing one so well that it made me jealous I hadn’t brought mine along.

We’ve also got the Czech V-neck — one that hasn’t sold particularly well, if I’m honest, but which I’ll always stand by as a lovely bit of vintage kit. You can wear it casually or dress it up, and it works a treat with just about any earth-toned outfit.

Greatcoats will also be making their way back into wardrobes over the coming months. With a potentially massive restock on the way, all I can say is: watch this space.

Something New Is Coming

We’ve also got some amazing design work in the pipeline as we begin producing our own garments. I’ve had some samples arrive recently, with some really exciting shipments on the way.

We’ve also been hard at work on a super-secret project that’s been a real dream of mine ever since I started here at GoArmy. With the finish line now tantalisingly close, I’m absolutely brimming with excitement to share it with you.

Unfortunately, I can’t make you all sign an NDA.

Well, not yet anyway.

So, as we push into autumn, stay cosy, get your earth tones out and remember: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

Don’t be a fair-weather outdoorsman.

Until next time.