Why Mary Maxim Sweaters Deserve More Hype, Gorpcore, and American 250 | S14E09

Why are vintage Mary Maxim sweaters so underrated? What happens when gorpcore actually goes camping? Did American fashion fumble America 250? Sol and Michael of Pair of Kings Podcast reunite to talk vintage knitwear, outdoor style, Americana and the 2016 fashion revival. From Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains to Grailed grails, this September 2026 conversation asks how the things we do become the clothes we want. Pair of Kings Podcast explains the appeal of Mary Maxim sweaters through graphic knitting patterns, wolf motifs, the No. 415 Totem Pole cardigan and the individuality of hand-knit clothes. The boys discuss Cowichan-style knitwear, Undercover, Yohji Yamamoto, a custom Newcastle football-kit sweater and the relationship "sweater curse." How much does a handmade gift really say about you? Sol's camping trip brings gorpcore into the wilderness: tents, tarp shelters, thunderstorms, overpacking and how experienced hikers travel with less. He thanks The North Face for providing gear. Then comes America 250: did fashion miss a chance to explore America's 250th anniversary, or did politics make it complicated? Ralph Lauren, Levi's and L.L.Bean anchor the debate about American heritage and brand identity. Plus: Logjam Vintage's lighthouse restoration, M.L. Leddy's versus Lucchese cowboy boots, Balenciaga Santiago repairs, Levi's 501s, vintage Filson, Crocs cowboy boots, a 1999 Slipknot T-shirt, and movies that make you want to shop. The Lighthouse, The Lost Boys, No Country for O