Five Years Old Converse Jack Purcell
Unlikely luxury.
Last year, I’ve already told the story of my trusty Converse Jack Purcell which is my favorite plimsolls silhouette (sorry, Chucks!). This year, they turned five, and I caught myself worrying about them.
Again, I was too lazy to clean them at the end of the previous season, so the first thing this summer was to freshen them up. I use laundry soap bar and plastic brush from a household bodega, and I am always amazed by the results I am able to achieve with this simple combo:
Last time, I have already mentioned the unusual construction of this particular pair. Unlike most plimsolls, including the original Jack Purcell, my sneakers feature soles stitched to the uppers. To be honest, I believe this is the sole reason (pun intended) my pair is still holding. You can see in the photographs that the sole unglued from the uppers in the toe and heel areas. Stitching is the only thing that prevents them from falling apart.
This brought me to the realization that maybe there is not so much life left in them. I’m not the one who cares to keep clothes in its pristine form. Quite the contrary, I often look forward to seeing how gracefully quality things age. Not to the extent that I would beat my clothes up intentionally because that would be artificial. But living in it, going on trips, getting it dirty, collecting memories, cleaning it up. Quality clothes allow for this. And then, multiplied by time and experiences, it becomes a true luxury.
I remember I thought this pair’s best days were gone. It was two years ago. Since I was about to retire the sneakers, I thought I might as well skate in them. But the hardwearing canvas almost tore through by rubbing against the grip tape after the very first session. It was just too fast. I felt sorry for my Jack Purcells. So I cleaned them and continued wearing them on an everyday basis.
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Now, at the five-year mark, my Jack Purcells reached their peak. Maybe, made the first steps toward decay. They lived their best life that every pair of white plimsolls dreams about. White soles turned yellow. The canvas ripped in several places. Inside heels are destroyed. They look like a legend.
A surprising thing happened. As I figured out the days of my Jack Purcells were numbered, I started appreciating them more. They became that precious luxury item I want to protect. They used to be that pair that I choose without looking. Now, I want to think twice before putting them on. To the point that I might reach out for another pair of sneakers to save my Jack Purcells for a better occasion.
As my Jack Purcells’ life started its decay, I realized they quite literally became a true luxury to me.
Do you have clothing you have worn that to the point they are now precious to you? Or is that point a time to let go and move forward?
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