I’m guessing this is a form of shrinkflation. I have noticed the quality of the old Kiwi staple, the Canterbury (CCC) Two tone (two colour) Harlequin rugby stubbies are nolonger what they were with them being made of comparatively thinner cotton material. I seem to either rip or wear right through at least 2-3 pairs of them every year. They’re no longer durable nor hardy anymore. Ordered a few more during the boxing day specials, but feel the cotton they’re using now is definitely a lot less durable versus the thicker more ruggered cotton drill material they used to be made of.

I’m thinking it may be time to graudally let that brand go. The quality probably figures as the Harlequin shorts have been at the same RRP $40 NZD mark for years, even with the recent bout of inflation that has taken hold.

Speaking of which as a side note / different track, same appears to go for a lot of bush, farming, rural, outdoor and hunting apparel these days. Remembered I previously had issues with gear from more respected and renowned outdoor brands falling to bits (both stitching and the material itself) for a period – That said, hopefully some of those brands have since improved the quality of their clothing with the noticeable price jumps recently but will see once I test my more recent “Fieldays” purchases out.