Reader John recently wrote:
“Underwear? That’s probably tricky to write about in an informed way, since most of us just choose one style of underpants and go with it. However, have you given any thought to posting about ethical/sturdy underwear?”
I hadn’t thought about it. But for you John, anything. Some suggestions after the jump.
The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
While there are a number of waxed jackets that rival Barbour’s in looks, the Hill Climber Jacket from Taylor Supply Co. is one of the few that rivals in quality as well. Handcrafted in New York City from water and tear resistant 8 oz. waxed canvas, the jacket is a burly and protective outer layer, ready to handle winter at its worst. Details include a wool lined shawl collar, heavy weight 8 oz. cotton flannel lining in the body, and a whole big mess of pockets (inside and out). Read More
How do you make a great product even better? Well, if you’re Outlier, you slap some cozy on it. The brand’s new Woolback OG Pants offer all the durability and functionality of the label’s much-loved 4Season OGs, but, have the added bonus of a super-soft brushed merino wool liner. So, not only will the pants look great on and off the bike, they’ll keep you nice and toasty too. Read More
A sizable assortment of jackets from bloggerati favorite L.B.M. 1911 are on sale at Chicago’s Haberdash. Lauded for their casual fit, and impeccable construction, the Italian-made jackets feature enzyme-washed fabrics, working buttons on the cuffs, and padding-free shoulders and chest. Well over a dozen styles are available (I wasn’t kidding about sizeable), and all are now a full third off. Read More
It’s a good week to get your feet into some Maine-made footwear, thanks to London’s End Clothing. The store has marked down its entire collections of Quoddy and Yuketen shoes. Between the two brands, there are almost 30 different styles to choose from, all of which are painstakingly handcrafted by expert shoe-makers from top quality American leathers. Discounts range from 25% – 35% off, and lots of sizes are still available. Read More
The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
I’m not usually one to post on a $40 pair of socks, but these are pretty incredible. The 100% cotton CHUP by Glen Clyde Socks are woven in Japan on vintage stocking frame machines. Because of the intricacy of their patterns (which are based on various indigenous designs), and the limitations of the machinery, only 20 – 25 pairs of the socks can be produced in a day – about a third of what other facilities turn out. Read More
At this rate, Epaulet may very well negate the need for other men’s stores before the year’s through. Between how varied their in-house collection has become, and how well done the items are, there’s virtually no reason to shop anywhere else. Their latest offering, the Slim Walt Light Grey Flannel Cargo Trousers, are cut and sewn in NYC from medium-weight wool. Read More
I have an uncharacteristic soft spot for Japan’s Sunny Sports: they’re one of a very small number of brands that I don’t spite for having super high prices. That could be because of how well made their stuff is. Or, maybe it’s because it fits so good. Whatever the reason, I just can’t stay mad at them for charging what they do. But holy crap, they do charge a lot. Read More
The Hill-Side Blanket Lining Scarves have been around for long enough that you probably already know a little something about them. Like that they’re made in NYC out of wool fabrics from Japan, and that their patterns are based on old jean jacket linings. But, did you know that today, and today only, you can get them for 15% off at Hickorees? See, that’s why they say you should never stop learning. Read More
Perfection is a relative term – what’s perfect to me, might not be so to you. So, when I say that the Brookline Quilted Jacket from Engineered Garments is perfection effing personified, know that I mean for me. But, probably for you too. One side is charcoal striped 85% wool / 15% nylon. The other side is 100% nylon with polyester quilting. The whole thing is put together in New York. And the fit and features are tops. Read More
So yeah, this is totally out of my price range. But, I’m still happy to drool over it for a sentence or two. The USN Deck Clip Jacket from English brand Heritage Research is made from a heavy-weight marled cotton blend. Based on US naval outwear from the 1940s, the jacket features a shawl collar, metal clip fastenings, “fluted bluff” pockets on the hip, and an updated-for-modern-audiences slim fit. Read More
I have a lot of bags. Probably more than I actually need. However, I always argue that each bag I own serves a different purpose. Beach bag for the beach. Weekender for the weekend. Rucksack for the, um, rucking? Anyway, the one thing I’ve been missing, at least, according to my logic, is a basic every day bag. Something that’s comfortable, always looks good, and that I can use all year long. Well, thanks to the kind folks at newly launched Japanese bag brand Southern Field Industries, and their absolutely stunning Waxed Tote, I am missing no more.
The moderately and (very) immoderately priced goods that I’d rather spend it on this month.
The Quilted Duffle Coat from British brand Lavenham is cut and sewn in the UK from English-made wool. Combining the insulated warmth of a quilted jacket, with the shape and design features of a toggle coat, the QDC is a best of both worlds outer-layer, that’s as unique as it is attractive (ie, lots and lots). Two colors are available, and New York’s C.H.C.M. has them both. Read More
It’s not often that a piece of outerwear can be described as both hi-tech and artisanal. But, both words definitely apply to the MJ412 Jacket from M Tokyo Japan. Painstakingly crafted in a small workshop in Japan, the jacket is made from naturally-dyed rayon / cotton ripstop, that’s been hand-washed in a river near the facility (seriously). Details include an attached hood, two deep zippered pockets in the front, adjustable tabs on the cuffs, leather reinforcements at key stress areas, and a camo mesh liner. Read More
I’m happy to report that this year’s NorthernGRADE was a rousing success. And to keep the magic alive just a little bit longer, I’ve decided to use this week’s blog posts to spotlight some of my favorite products from the event.
Not only is the Shawl Collar Cardigan from veteran Portland, OR knitwear-maker Dehen 1920 beautiful, it’s also one of the heaviest sweaters I’ve ever come across (seriously, the thing weighs multiple pounds). Another nice feature is that it’s almost entirely water repellent, thanks to the natural lanolin coating of the worsted wool used in its construction. Unfortunately, these won’t be available for purchase for another month or so, but, based on the samples they had at the show, I can assure you they’ll be well worth the wait. Read More
