Recent Rohan revelations

It’s been a while since I wrote about the Project 333 capsule wardrobe which was, after all, the catalyst of my venture into minimalism. With my current lifestyle the capsule wardrobe system works so well that I barely have think about it. I didn’t actually note down a winter capsule but if I had then I’m sure that I would have had no problem staying within its boundaries. For the last couple of months I’ve tended to rotate the same two pairs of Rohan trousers (troggings – of which more later), a pair of Quechua soft-shell trousers reserved for my sessions at Twilight and a pair of Rohan jeans. I replaced two Quechua fleeces that were too tight with one that actually fits, plus I’ve been wearing a couple of Rohan zip-up fleeces, long-sleeved t-shirts, vests and thermals. About twenty items in total. I’m tending to favour zip-up fleeces at the moment, and lots of layering.

Fortunately I didn’t put ‘no clothes shopping’ on my list of New Year resolutions, although I was tempted. So when the email announcing the Rohan sale arrived we did have a quick peek to see if there were any bargains. The Rohan sale always coincides with the darkest, greyest part of winter here and we were in need of cheering up. OH had taken to wearing some Quechua cotton jogging bottoms that took an age to dry (not to mention that after a few washes they’d lost all shape). Previously, I’d noticed troggings on the Rohan website but dismissed them as a step too far. Then I chanced on a blog post extolling the virtues of these technical joggers – walking, cycling, hiking, even lounging, their uses were infinite. Before I’d read to the end (it was quite long) I had decided to order a pair each from the sale. We were not disappointed, they were so good that within a week I had ordered some more.

Troggings have now become the winter trouser of choice in the household. Best described as a cross between Rohan Striders and traditional jogging bottoms, they are made of stretchy, soft-shell, showerproof fabric with a warm brushed lining, elasticated waistband and the usual handy zipped pockets. They dry in a few hours, keep their shape, and are so comfortable that on the few occasions I have put on a pair of jeans they seemed strange. We wear them in the house for lounging around, doing outside jobs, walking the dog and going to the local shops.

After the revelation of the troggings I didn’t think Rohan had anything left to surprise me with. I was of half a mind not to look at the new Spring collection, to avoid temptation. Then, one day I idly clicked on ‘new season women’s’ and there was something I had been searching for, for over ten years – technical pyjamas.

Serene trousers: Photo from http://www.rohan.co.uk/

 

When it comes to sleepwear I’m in the jimmy-jams camp. I was surprised that a recent informal survey of the ‘women of a certain age’ in one of my FB groups revealed that the majority of ladies sleep à la poil! I’m afraid I’ll never forget a story told to me by a lady who had to be given a (PJ-less) fireman’s lift from the first floor bedroom of her burning house in full view of her neighbours. She never moved back in!

The problem with most ‘normal’ PJs is that they’re made of cotton and take forever to dry. For summer I’ve got some Stormlite light-weight shorts that I bought quite a few years ago. Designed as a summer weight base layer for mountaineering, unfortunately I’ve not seen them for sale since. They are great with a Rohan short-sleeved t-shirt (I‘ve got several ‘old’ Cool Ts that are just a bit too clingy for daywear). In deepest winter I’ll wear a set of long-sleeved thermals, although these are very warm so usually reserved for cold season camper-vanning. The problem is what to wear in normal, average temperatures.

I’ll be the first to admit that the two sets of grey sweatshirt-fabric Ikea Family loungewear were long overdue for the ragbag. I was over the moon when I noticed the new Rohan Serene trousers. Last year I bought a couple of Serene underwear sets. The vests are a vast improvement on the Cool Ts as the fabric, whilst technical, is not clingy and feels almost like cotton, but it’s light, soft and fantastically quick drying. Now Rohan has introduced Serene trousers in the same soft fabric with a drawstring waist for lounging or sleepwear. I decided to take a punt and ordered two pairs.

But what to wear on top? I really wanted to keep my two Serene vests – dark and light blue – in the daywear category; they go so well under shirts. I know that stance may not fit with the 333 ethos and hints at ‘saving it for best’. The Serene vests are also a bit expensive at £29 each, nor were they available in a matching colour. However, a quick look in The Souk reductions area and I found a Serene cap-sleeved t-shirt in umber red (matches the bedroom) at only £16.50. So, two new sets of sleepwear ordered and delivered with five days!

In accordance with my replacement policy it was two in–three out. I’ve only worn my Serene PJs for a couple of nights but I can honestly say they are the best PJs I have ever had. The Ikea PJs had lasted since 2007 (not all year round, I hasten to add, and rotated with others long since worn out) but they were pretty good value even so at £12 each. Given that the Rohan sets were almost five times that, it will be interesting to monitor the cost-per-wear.