Monday, June 7, 2010

Volunteer Traditions

You may remember my post back in December about the Southern state flag belts being sold Traditional State/Volunteer Traditions. While I recommended the products back then, I hadn't actually put my hands on any of them. Well, a couple of weeks ago, Mason, the founder of the company, offered to send me a few of their products to check out for myself. While they had previously been selling their products under both the names "Volunteer Traditions" and "Traditional State," they recently decided to consolidate things and sell them all under the (original) name "Volunteer Traditions." While there is always the threat of isolating potential non-Tennessee SEC, as I told Mason, I think that it was wise move and that "Volunteer Traditions" is a solid name. The products for states other than Tennessee are sold under their new "Heritage Line."

Mason sent me one of their new Georgia flag hats, an Alabama belt (I went to school in Alabama), as well as a pair of Croakies and a koozie (that's a whole nother post, though). I know that Daryl from Southern Gent and Jay from Red Clay Soul recently talked about how good their products are, but really, once I got my hands on them, I was impressed.

The belts are made by Leather Man Ltd., who, in my opinion, make the best emblematic belts on the market, and these are certainly no exception. The backing is khaki-colored, and looks really good with khakis. Also, the flags are slightly bigger than the flags on another flag belt I have, and I think this makes them look even better. The hat is probably where I was most impressed. While I am not a big "hat guy," I do own my fair share and wear them from time to time. While Jay noted on his post that the hats are not too shallow, I would like to point out, that the hat is not too deep either (that being my number one complaint about a lot of hats). In fact, I would say that the hat is the Goldilocks of hats, and is basically just right. The koozie and Croakies are both solid as well, and I've got to say that I really like the dog logo on the koozie.

If you haven't looked at the Volunteer Tradition website in a while, be sure to pay it a visit. They have expanded their offerings, and from what I have tried out, they are solid. Also, their prices are still very good. While Mason didn't indicate whether they have any other states in the works, here's to hoping.

10 comments:

DAM said...

I've been wearing my Volunteer Traditions TN belt (in honor of my high school days)quite often and can speak at more depth to what a quality product Mason and his team is turning out

That hat, btw, with the state flags filling the outline of the state's borders is spot on.

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore said...

GREAT loot! The bowties are very cute. I didn't see the koozies on the website. xx

CDA said...

Hey man, you say the hats aren't too shallow, but not too deep. Would you compare them to any kind of hat like a Polo hat or a hat by The Game as far as fit? I have a pretty big head and hats are hard for me to find that I really like. I would like to buy one of their Alabama hats, but I've got so many hats that I don't want to waste money on one that I won't wear. I appreciate any help you could offer man.

AlanC said...

I can't take them seriously as there are no Kentucky offerings.

Anonymous said...

I've been following Volunteer Traditions and pressed Mason to make a NC belt (my homestate) and he finally came out with one just recently. The belt+ocbd+seersucker is now my all time favorite summer suit.

Mason said...

Thanks for the post Trip and thanks for the comments guys (and girls)! We've had great feedback on the NC design so far. Sorry Alan on the fact we don't have KY Products...getting the intricate design looking good on a belt hasn't worked out yet, I couldn't had taken myself seriously if I put what we came up with on the market.
CDA, I understand where you're coming from...If the cap doesn't fit you, we'll refund your money.
Also, email us and we'll throw in a free koozie with any order.

Anonymous said...

I am outraged by the fact that the Old Dominion is not represented. Seriously. (okay, fine, it may present the same problems as Kentucky. sigh.)

Anonymous said...

Where do you think he gets his ties and hats from? The quality of both are great. Also from wearing a lot of different brands where do most of the other companies as far as Southern Marsh and Southern Tide get theres. Are they all from the same place?

Anonymous said...

They're all made in Vietnam or something. Southern Tide, Southern Marsh, Southern Proper, Southern this, Southern that...all try to be "southern" but are all made overseas. It's a joke. If you want to be truly Southern, make your products in the south. They're trying to show pride for the south, but really, they're undercutting the south by sending jobs overseas. It's not admirable.

trip said...

Anonymous-
That is not entirely true. While I don't know where all of Volunteer Traditions' products are made, I do know that their belts are by Leather Man Belt Company, which are made in Connecticut.