Worn Wear: a Film About the Stories We Wear

Released as a commentary on the shopping frenzy that will hit many stores later this week on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the short documentary Worn Wear, directed by Keith, Lauren, Chris, and Dan Malloy, invites us to celebrate the stuff we already own.

Sponsored by Patagonia — which famously took out a Black Friday ad in the New York Times a few years ago, telling us not to buy that jacket — the film explores introduces us to a group of people who tells us about their long-term relationship with a well-worn piece of (Patagonia) clothing. To these people — from surfers and mountain climbers to an organic farmer who I buy many of my vegetables from at the farmers market every week — the pieces have become part of their lives and carry special meaning because of the memories they embody.

In a culture that is all about new-ness, it’s refreshing to see old things being celebrated. Durability and quality is an important part of sustainability — things should last a lifetime, or maybe even long enough to be passed down through generations.

Worn Wear: a Film About the Stories We Wear: Christo Grayling's board shorts

It is with mixed emotions that I return these boardies to you after 15 years of outstanding service. I purchased them from your retail store in Ventura and since then they have had a busy and productive life.

They paddled rivers throughout Canada, Chile, Sri Lanka and the States, surf trips to India, Sri Lanka, Indo, Aussie, Peru, Ecuador, all over Mexico and have spent way in excess of 60 months accumulated in Southern Baja, where we live 1/2 time. It took years before they required any maintenance, well, and as you can see, they have a new ass end. A recycled beach umbrella has done the job well.

Christo Grayling, Alberta Canada & Baja, Mexico

The film takes us to an off-the-grid surf camp in Baja, Mexico; a family’s maple syrup harvest in Contoocook, New Hampshire; an organic farm in Ojai, California; and into the lives of a champion skier, a National Geographic photographer, and a legendary alpinist. It also features exclusive interviews with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard.

Worn Wear: a Film About the Stories We Wear: Kristin Gates' striped hat

After joining me for 10,000+ miles of hiking, my hat is getting a little bit thread-bare. But my friend, my companion, is still with me on every journey.

Kristin Gates, Willow, Alaska
Long-distance Hiker

Worn Wear: a Film About the Stories We Wear: the hand-me-down fleece jacket

I don’t actually know the original owner of this little red and purple fleece jacket. I do not know several names scrawled on the tag, but I know some of them …  Kids, as is their job, grow fast. And it seems items made for kids these days reflect a similar characteristic―wear fast. But this little fleece jacket is still going strong after 12 kids (maybe more).

Shari Williamson, Bozeman, Montana

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Watch the trailer, above, then see the full half-hour film, learn more about Worn Wear events and share your story at wornwear.patagonia.com

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Join Patagonia for a Black Friday Worn Wear Party, at select retail stores.
Friday, November 29, 2013 @ 4pm

– Worn Wear movie screenings at 5pm & 5:30pm
– Patagonia repair clinic with guides from iFixit (bring your old gear)
– Super-secret limited edition beer
– Good food & live music

Let’s take back Black Friday!

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About author
A designer by trade, Johanna has always had a passion for storytelling. Born and raised in Sweden, she's lived and worked in Miami, Brooklyn and, currently, Ojai, CA. She started Goodlifer in 2008 to offer a positive outlook for the future and share great stories, discoveries, thoughts, tips and reflections around her idea of the Good Life. Johanna loves kale, wishes she had a greener thumb, and thinks everything is just a tad bit better with champagne (or green juice).
1 comment on this postSubmit yours
  1. Well said. It is one of the reasons I prefer Vintage to new. (Except for shoes and underwear….)

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