The Obsessive Details of My Custom Uniform

[@vanneistat]

Go to my sponsor tryclickup.co/van to organize all of your big projects and goals for free!

[@chadbaxter5578]

This dude is so freaking fascinating. And he’s just telling us about his day and what he does but the way he can tell a story is just captivating.

[@goatpepperherbaltea7895]

He painstakingly worked to make you believe this

[@fabricio.ferrari]

​But he did. And it is awesome

[@stirfryjedi]

@@goatpepperherbaltea7895 I go back and forth about this. On the one hand, he's trained as an artist. Therefore, your comment is the highest compliment the artist might receive: "he painstakingly worked hard to make you believe this." On the other hand, the Patreons are paying him 15k a month so he can basically do whatever he wants with that money and he doesn't have to clock in to a normal 9-5 job. I'm not on Van's Patreon any more, but I too had a cynical phase like you and now I'm just like, whatever, the man's trying to support his family. His routine is fraught with the fingerprints of Tom Sachs, and Tom's a cool artist, even if it's not my favorite kind of art.

[@happyrobot6396]

@@goatpepperherbaltea7895I really do like this channel, but something about how van portrays himself/his decisions irks me sometimes. Pretentious NYC hipster vibes? Like how is bro actually trying to convince me that there is any merit to wearing carhart double knees everyday? We get it man, you’re a mega genius artist guy who is so cultured and experienced that we should all listen to your every word as weird electronic music plays in the background

[@goatpepperherbaltea7895]

@@happyrobot6396 idk I just kind of meant he put a lot of intention and effort into his kitschy video “just telling us about his day”

[@tlcrf80mins73]

I'm down with a 'work uniform'. Long time ago, I used to work with a guy who wore black t-shirt, black jeans, black Doc-Martins every day. He said doing that saved time thinking about what to wear - and it put him in the 'work zone' when he wore it. So I wear dark denim jeans, black t-shirt and black canvas walking boots every day - and it works! The same guy also told me 'dress down and wear an expensive watch - on a nylon NATO strap. It shows you have taste, but you're not showing off'. I'm also a sucker for 'activity gear'. Great film, this. Thank you.

[@kampungdusun]

Man, who is this guy? Want to learn more!

[@kg4gav]

I do similar, but with more color variety. My take on the capsule wardrobe, if you will. Every item mixes and matches with everything else. I don't have to think about what I am going to wear. I don't have my own custom labels, though...maybe I should look into that. Wrangler 5 star denim, some blue, some brown, some dark tan. Shirts are long or short sleeve T shirts depending on the season. Black, dark grey, olive green, washed denim blue. I do own a red one for some flair. I have contemplated merino wool t shirts, but I just can't justify dropping that much coin when these are holding up well. I do drop the $25/pair on the Darn Tough micro crew in charcoal grey. With the lifetime warranty (which I have used) they seem a good deal, and they are comfortable year round. Shoes are black Hoka Bondis. Belt is a Carhartt brown leather with brass buckle, solid leather strap, not that glued together reversible crap. If I ever find the need for a black belt, I'll get the same version in black. In the winter I usually wear a Kuhl Europa 1/4 zip over the T shirt, the weave of the fabric is really warm and wind resistant. I have on in an olive/brown color, a dark blue and a burnt orange.Top layer that with a thrift store find vintage Eddie Bauer down vest in a black cotton duck fabric, or if its really cold, I have an LL Bean all weather parka like the one the Weather Channel guys used to wear. It came from a TV station, I added a patch to cover their logo. I do have a pair of Wolverine leather boots with wool liners if it is wet and snowy. And I agree about the watch. I have a Bulova Lunar Pilot that I got for a steal, and usually on a Nato Black with 2 grey stripes. I do have a leather band and a stainless bracelet, but those rarely get used. My beater watch is a vintage Seiko automatic dive watch and I have a selection of Nato straps that get swapped out regularly. The watch and titanium wedding ring are my only jewelry. Unless you count my first generation Leatherman Wave in its brown leather sheath with brass button. And my Zebra 701 Pen. It looks fancy, but I won't cry if it gets lost. Everything is simple, and does not look out of place in most places I go.

[@TSCBroken]

it's funny when I think about Van's channel. He's kind of a meditative calm, there's no high energy jump cutting adrenalin fix, just a guy sitting at his desk sewing. Somehow people enjoy it the same way people enjoy 3 hr podcasts. Keep keepin' on Van.

[@SokaRome]

Finally not a better help sponsorship , love you van

[@goatpepperherbaltea7895]

You should be happy when the adman shills you a blatant scam instead of just a shitty product they don’t care about. It’s more honest I don’t get when people get mad about certain companies these freaks push as if it’s not all garbage.

[@Unistarguy]

Those buttons are called schaeffertec loxx, and they are excellent

[@P-Mouse]

+

[@jadynjc]

Ooh what a rabbit hole. So pretty

[@simhaari]

I came here looking for this. Danke

[@Ash_Fritsch]

Man every time i watch one of your videos it reassures me that im not the only person who is like me. I have a personal uniform too, and i customise my clothes with loops and pockets and stuff. Ive never met anyone who is like that, but i watch your videos and it reminds me that im not by myself. Its just pretty damn cool to feel a relation to someone you look up too, i had to cancel my patreon subscription because i dont have any money unfortunately. But i appreciate the content you put out Van. Some real influenctial stuff.

[@rarra]

Hey, me too. You’re even less on your own now

[@skillsthebarber]

This video was extremely moving in a way that I can not explain.

[@thedangerisreal]

Episode on Cutting Tools would be sweet. Scissors. Knives. Pizza cutter. Etc.

[@RachaelPadilla]

I love this movie! It showcases an excellent example of the importance of repair. Thank you again for your fantastic work!

[@5_C_G]

This is awesome. I have been thinking about this lately. I buy the same pants, same shoes, and same shirt but in different colors. You are taking it to another level by customizing your uniform and also incorporating a maintenance schedule on your gear. We'll done.

[@TSGEnt]

I'm guilty of taking those large iron on patches and folding them in half sticky side out, then sliding them in to my pockets. I iron them in place, extending the life of all my denim pants pockets. Great video. Thanks for making me feel normal for wanting to save my close. I too am a uniform wearer.

[@samspargo]

That's a really great tip! Nice one.

[@TSGEnt]

@@samspargo If you wear your cell phone in your back pocket, it'll keep it from wearing a hole in your pocket.

[@MsMesem]

@@TSGEnt Don't WEAR your phone! Keep it off your body in your tool kit.

[@TSGEnt]

@@MsMesem Agreed. I may only temporarly put in a pocket to free my hands for the moment, but generally, it's not close to my body. I do see others with that tell tale hole in the back pocket where the phone has worn through. Radiation that close to your body for long periods of time is NOT good.

[@TheChivasRegal]

@@MsMesemwhy?

[@JeffRAllenCH]

Wear a uniform. Choose it once, choose wisely. Save your decision power for things that matter. My son recently started wearing a uniform, and not only is it smart, it looks smart on him. He's a good kid.

[@impulsesystems]

Very relaxing video about how we can love our clothes and have favorites, like old friends. Comforting to hear how long your Carhartts last. I was wondering if mine wear out too quickly in México but they have similar lives to yours; maybe longer. Mine wear out round the pockets, with carrying lots of keys. Sewing gets more painful on the eyes as you age! I stated making clothes as a teenager before using thrift stores. I have short legs so hemming pants has always been a thing I have done! Now I'll cut them still a bit long, sew a rough seam and fold them over. This allows for shrinkage and avoids obsessing over getting them equal and even!

[@Selftaughtthought]

This I feel deeply. As a man who was a VW mechanic and now is in an office environment, I try to look like a worker every day. I will say though that shoes was a point not captured enough. And footwear can make you.

[@couscous7ar]

he made an episode about his boots

[@animal355]

We have the same aesthetic Van, Carharrt, Dickies, I struggle to get hold of Round House gear (UK) and I also have a group of amazing ladies that can repair my gear rather than replace. Levi GEAR was so much better in the 90s like most brands. Great video

[@chadconnolly1138]

Cosplaying as a working class schlub, but make it inoffensive

[@polarnap]

Thought I'd pop this here , a FB post from a local repair group. On Saturday, the volunteers successfully repaired 38 items in three hours; that’s more than one broken thing saved from landfill every five minutes. But it’s a stat that doesn’t quite tell the story. As Repair Café Hobart secretary and sewist Roz puts it, time works a little differently in the repair cafe. Repairs take time, and we encourage visitors to bring a book or to just sit and have a conversation with a stranger while they wait their turn. A repair cafe can be about living life differently, getting away from the mouse wheel of acquisition and notions of 'wasted time'. Roz points out that when we take the time to repair rather than buy new, we have time to create communities.

[@yakymua]

Tailoring is a skill every self-respecting rational man (and woman) should understand.

[@bertoldgerrychannel]

I love how Van sync his old footages with his voice over. This is value content.

[@ckhicks]

“I’m here to serve and keep things working” 👏

[@CheveeDodd]

I have Red Kap cotton uniform coats that I wear in the winter. They are the best coats I've ever had and they last forever. The last time I bought one it was $35

[@mr_mr]

Those snaps, so nice

[@adamgriss2025]

I had no idea snap envy existed, but here I am experiencing it.

[@OliReu]

love it - i love being able to do a repair on work clothes / kids clothes etc - either a patch or some stitching and things are like new again - so easy to be wasteful, a few stitches here and there and you can make things stronger than original.

[@jameshaver]

Amazing the creativity in these videos, I hope I am surrounded by people like yourself for the rest of my life.

[@williamcarlson3527]

That background music really hit this episode. Need the surround sound speakers to really appreciate it.

[@SDSBBQs]

I too have a default uniform of sorts that revolves around Black Duluth Trading Co Fireflex pants and then a shirt that has my business information on it. I have t-shirts and what my subs call my bowling shirts which have 2 colors and a collar. I too also put the things in my pockets in the same places and such.

[@dannysantos1266]

All this time, Van, I barely noticed. Because I was focused on what you were making, saying, doing, presenting, message you were giving to us!

[@virtualworker7241]

I am amazed with Van and Casey! Their creative minds are inspiring!

[@frosticocoon]

So inspiring. A well thought through uniform removes one more variable in life. An aside: Sashiko stitching would work so well with your repairs!

[@Man_Toast]

Is it true that some Casey Neistat viewers who are way WAY nerdier than he, eventually mature into Van Neistat viewers? I realised watching this vid how pretty particular and nerdy it is and there aren't any drone shots of someone in shorts jumping off of rocks, just a dude talking about sowing up workshirts and I was completely enthralled and I'm not even sure why

[@HustleSenseiMikey]

My nerdiness skipped Casey’s & went right to to Van

[@julikuss110]

there are drone shots (3:24)

[@MsMesem]

It's called self-discipline and planning.

[@Man_Toast]

@@MsMesem what liking workshirts?

[@SectionElevenOutdoors]

I’m surprised you don’t have a sewing machine. I bought an old industrial sewing machine a couple years ago and taught myself to sew and I use it more than I ever would have imagined. Fixing carhartts, boat covers, etc. Old sewing machines are surprisingly cheap.

[@MsMesem]

Good solid 60's or 70's cast iron machines with straight and zigzag plus buttonholes. Singer, Pfaff.

[@sayroto]

he explains why he doesnt have one in his video on sewing :)

[@kmmk292929]

Van makes art with such structure

[@WHBJr]

I would love to meet your dad! You & Casey are such well rounded, interesting people!

[@Lauriieton]

you actually dress really well, a lot of psuedo-fashion-lovers will disagree, but you dress better than 99% of people you see on the explore page. form follows function. beauty follows utility. the uniform sits at the bottom of the fashion iceberg. phenomenal video.

[@ManningKent]

Patagonia will repair lots of their stuff, it's awesome.

[@RideBonesSwiss]

this guy is so cool, I wanna be like him. the originally and personalization feels special

[@youngnope4664]

blue collar cosplay

[@NoNo-uy2bq]

Cry more

[@SpealingMisteak]

Excellent comment.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

tHanks for the video......the calm delivery was like good medicine for the day.

[@PaulDMeiss]

Looking sharp!

[@prakashexe]

One of Van's great videos! I have 3 blue jeans and 10 dark blue t-shirts and 10 gray t-shirts. That's it! I rotate them.

[@digital-alchemist]

Those German snaps are so cool! Love it

[@SillyVintageWatches]

Whoever picked the watch you are wearing now knows their watches. I smiled when I recognized it. A perfect fit for you. Good stuff!

[@Dan-Chrssy]

What is it a seiko tuna? I can’t tell

[@holasoyjuansm]

I am starting to design my uniform. I am a designer so I value aesthetics and functionality the same way. I am considering my taste (obviously influenced by people I admire and those who surround me), functionality (it can’t be too cold, hot, tight or loose on any given day), and I’d like for it to modular (just adding or removing or swapping one or two elements it should be able to be appropriate for any occasion). I just 29 so I’m just finding the first pieces.

[@robertdouble559]

Click Up! I thought I was one of the only people in the universe that used it! It is really cool, hopefully Van can give them the push they deserve.

[@lairdmikeywood]

Thanks for the tip on the German snap buttons. Will be implemented ASAP.

[@valarya]

"I look forward to motorcycle rides so I can wear this jacket AND SNAP THESE SNAPS." - I relate to this so hard 😅- the wanting to snap the snaps part; I don't own a motorcycle 🤩

[@chilidog73]

Brilliant storyteller with a 1950s mindset. Love it.

[@toph8068]

This is amazing. Scratches the right itch for me... thank you!

[@ChrisBrogan]

I dress like a worker, too! I tend to look like someone you call if something is broken. Where we differ is that I can't fix shit.

[@donaldwells5429]

*Amazing video, you work for 40yrs to have $1M in your retirement, meanwhile some people are putting just $10K into trading from just few months ago and now they are multimillionaires*

[@AlejandroSteve-o8d]

Waking up every 14th of each month to $210,000 it’s a blessing to I and my family… Big gratitude to Lisa Annette Robinson 🙌

[@RemmieAiles]

Same, I operate a wide- range of Investments with help from My Financial Adviser. My advice is to get a professional who will help you, plan and enhance your management skills. For the record, working with Lisa Annette Robinson, has been an amazing experience.

[@emilyalves1002]

Hello how do you make such monthly?? I'm a born Christian and sometimes I feel so down 🤦‍♀️ of myself because of low finance but I still believe in God

[@stephaniejosh831]

I'm favoured, $90K every week! I can now give back to the locals in my community and also support God's work and the church. God bless America,, all thanks to Lisa Annette Robinson 😊🎉

[@kevinbrian4232]

Good day all👍🏻 from Australia 🇦🇺. I have read a lot of posts that people are very happy with the financial guidance she is giving them ! What way can I get to her exactly ?

[@MikeDancy]

That Tuna Canyon road near there looks like a great place to ride.

[@DirkStinson]

Old all metal 50-60s era sewing machines are cheap and usually work well. It would save you a ton of time.

[@MsMesem]

Up until end 70's some.

[@itsbattlebusdad]

still rate that playground repair video one of the best pieces of content I've ever watched

[@ChristopherCampNYC]

Fantastic as always

[@bubblesculptor]

The basic uniform is very helpful for making videos too. Most of my projects span weeks/months of building, and I realized it was distracting seeing my clothes change color/style throughout the video. Much easier to watch when outfit is consistent all the way thru.

[@entreadapt]

Activity gear is a must though especially like snowboarding and motorcycling

[@cals.9269]

One of the best video yet !!! I LOVE this and the attention to detail. Well done Van THE Man :O)

[@airmattj]

That was awesome Van

[@TristWallace]

Hell yeah, I was hoping this one would get made!

[@sebastianHG__]

you are an abosulte genius of storytelling.

[@aloofbit338]

hi van, thanks for making fun videos. i like how you learn / improve through experience

[@redmond9653]

Stock up on those Carhartt B01 made in USA before they get discontinued. They've dwindled down to being available online only, and the next step will be getting cut altogether in favor of the stretchy pants.

[@tannerevans3056]

Van, I carry is a Swiss Army knife every day, and I have sewn a little Swiss Army knife pocket into the backside of all my right pants pockets. You should add this nice little modification. Keeps the pocket knife from falling to the bottom of the pocket and riding flat. Also if you’re interested in good quality, domestically made, sourced, and sewn clothing, check out American Giant.

[@TheJPCFilms]

2 days of tree planting and my cork boots ripped the leg of my double knees!! Time to learn how to sew 🪡

[@MrMeattball]

No godly idea what I’d even use those beuatiful German snap buttons on, but you’re damn sure I’m still gonna buy 8 of them.

[@RichardTomasini]

My favorite KZbin channel.

[@HitenderThejaswi]

Wonderful video... this is three hits in a row !!! Way to go Van ! :D

[@LunaMail]

Those snaps just blew my mind.

[@davislineberger2427]

That spirited man’s swagged tf out

[@biophiliac9]

Great idea to put the lock on the fabric scissors!

[@theintentionalist]

I’m a big fan of my old pair of carthart pants I got at Orchard Supply that hammer loop is so usefull for hanging stuff like id access badges

[@mtmccornack]

I bought my carhart jacket on clearance at a gas station feed store in rural Montana almost a decade ago... I have abused that jacket almost every day since and have no plans to replace although we are almost getting to the repair phase of its existence... I often dawn this jacket if walking around the city after midnight. I don't feel like a mark when i do this as everyone knows a working man doesn't have much to steal and wouldn't part with it easily anyway!

[@andrewmortonphoto]

It's great to see Red Kap in this video! I work for the company that owns Red Kap.

[@simonszoke1479]

Do you know the model of shirt? It doesn't seem like they have an 100% cotton long sleeves.

[@devonrumpel]

unreal, Van. Another classic

[@s0methingn0thing53]

“practice mending not ending”

[@markclaypole1573]

Filson may repair the shirt free of charge but you will need to ship it out. A Filson shop just opened up in the LA area as well.

[@halfsourlizard9319]

How the heck did I end up in the 'KZbinr larping as working class' corner of the internet?

[@Twink5]

This man does not miss

[@TylerY410]

i’m here to serve others! , love that!

[@everettdeweese3531]

WE LOVE YOU VAN

[@kellinpatler]

My uniform is cotton or canvas Taylor Stitch chinos or APC selvedge denim, Oxford button down shirts, long sleeve or v neck short sleeve American Giant slub cotton T-shirts, Gustin Italian leather sneakers or Alden boots. Rain jacket from Relwen, warm stuff from Patagonia (repair and replace for free for life). Persol sunglasses with glass lenses so they are almost impossible to scratch. Buy stuff that is designed to last your lifetime. Take care of it. Almost all of the above has lifetime warranty/can be repaired. Glad to know I’m not alone in customizing and repairing my clothes.

[@c0mputer]

Look for a place that does darning. Better than patching since it can bright worn out areas. A hole can be darned closed and it’s stronger than a patch since there are many contact points opposed to relying on a few perimeter stitches. I used to have my selvedge jeans darned in Brooklyn like a complete hipster.

[@Epic_Venture]

This video ended too soon! Fantastic stuff

[@perrytferrell]

Thread! Need a thread recap. Organic, synthetic? I've been repairing things from thrift stores for years. Items that no one would take the time bc we live in a throwaway society (which catch 22 I guess I do take advantage of) but I use the same old sewing box from my mother and it's full of embroidery thread. Yours is pretty beefy.

[@Alex-eo9of]

I need those snaps on my Woolrich Parka, some of the buttons have fallen off, perfect replacement

[@laserdummy]

Absolutely loved this video.

[@caloggero5502]

the story is the man, the man is the story

[@malekk12]

Love the vid! Can’t believe you didn’t get into the shoes/boots

[@WonderAboutUs]

I repair, stitch and patch everything. The act of sewing by hand is, for me, relaxing, but I prefer clothes that are worn, repaired and worn, they show their life.

[@BryanKirch]

I can only imagine what their parents did to them to make them believe everyone found everything they did interesting. They’re so confident that people care that other people think they’re supposed to care

[@infinitelabyrinth6204]

I care, I find it interesting

[@BryanKirch]

@@infinitelabyrinth6204 I believe you

[@navjotbadwal179]

This is Therapy!!

[@skierjack]

I have a couple pairs of old Arc’teryx climbing pants that I’ve had for around 7 years after getting them at a thrift store , I have blown the crotch out of them at least a dozen times and sew in new fabric every time. I can’t seem to let them go even though I have spent way to many hours fixing them. Best way to go about it is 1. Buy a damn sewing machine, you are an animal for hand sewing all of this. 2. Keep a pile of blown out articles of clothing. 3. Every once in a while a night comes along that you just don’t have much going on, and setting up the sewing machine and blasting through a dozen pieces while watching oceans 11 for the 30th time.

[@jonas90.]

I have never ever dropped a single piece of clothes away. I always give to charity (except underwear ofc) upon finish sewing or reparing, thanks to my grandma!

[@TheMotoShaman]

Wow... I wear the same shirts, but in short sleeve. I live in the south so heat is always an issue. It also started as a thrift store find.

[@JCRoShow]

anytime I wear workwear, I say out loud “I’m on my Van shit!” 💪🏻 ❤️

[@fern9234]

Don't forget the bistro model crocs with socs. Wide toebox, grippy, washable, waterproof, close toed, and all day comfort. Albeit, ugly as sin. I wish there was an alternative that was as good at all these things that looked more presentable but I've learned to embraced the dilligaf look.

[@orificium]

The snaps are cool, but I mostly learned that you need a sewing machine. Though I'm sure you prefer the aesthetic and ritual of hand-sewing.

[@scottjarvie3487]

Great video Van! You need a sewing machine man! My recommendation is a Singer 201K. You can thank me later!

[@chrishoesing5455]

Van, we are very similar. Except I have less free time, and am still unfortunately poor. But as far as uniforms, I have concluded RedKap is the best. You should try out their cargo/mechanics pants. They are somehow more comfortable and more durable than other pants. They also make great shirts, that have dual front pockets, with pencil slots.