adidas 4D Parley Sneakers
adidas is going all-in on their latest 4D collaboration with conservation effort Parley for the Oceans and the adidas 4D Parley Sneakers you see here. It starts with an adidas 4D midsole crafted from light,…
Find The Perfect Wedding Band With Couple
A wedding band is one of few essential daily accessories for men — and given the general idea that once you put one on you’re kinda not supposed to take it off, it’s especially important to choose the right fit, metal and style. That’s where Couple comes into play. With options like the modern 4.5mm 18k Yellow Gold Men’s Round Band, the classic 1.8mm Pavé Band or the bold 3mm Eternity Band, Couple has a variety of timeless styles for you and your partner. If you’re not sure where to start, they’ll mail you a complimentary ring sizer or provide advice and guidance over a video call; and if you’re thinking of something unique, you can customize your design at no additional cost. If you’re still waiting to pop the question, book a consultation with Couple’s expert Diamond Concierge to get the perfect ring and avoid making mistakes when choosing a diamond and a ring style. Plus, Gear Patrol readers can take 10% off when you buy two wedding bands — just enter the code COUPLE10 at checkout.
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Filson’s New Smokey Bear Collection Is Its Best Yet
Smokey Bear, the now ubiquitous icon of forest fire prevention and preservation of our National Forests, was first conceived in 1944 in an effort to reduce the man-made fires that were ravaging forests across the US. It was an important initiative because at that time man-made fires were burning 22 million acres of forest each year. By 2011, Smokey’s influence — as well as his famous tagline, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires” — had reduced that number down to just six million.
To commemorate Smokey, Filson has worked with the USFS and USDA to produce a Smokey Bear collection for the past five years, with a portion of the proceeds going to the USDA. The collection features everything from Smokey Bear hats, to water bottles, to lounge shorts.
Filson
1.
Highlighting An Icon: Since the creation of the character, Smokey Bear has been an important figurehead in the USFS messaging. To celebrate the importance of Smokey and his messaging, Filson’s Smokey Bear Collection is bigger than ever — and while we’re particularly fond of the Smokey Bear Pullover Hoodie, there’s something in there for everyone, including shorts, tees, patches, mugs, hats, bandanas and even boxer shorts.
2.
A Natural Partnership: Over the years, Filson has continued to support the USFS. In the early days of the partnership, Filson outfitted Forest Service Rangers with proper durable gear to get the job done. Today, Filson makes both cash donations to the USDA and has restored a number of fire tower look-outs.
3.
Archival Graphics: Perhaps the best part of the Smokey Bear Collection is that it makes use of archival graphics that have adorned posters and pamphlets from various Smokey Bear advertising campaigns. And if you look closely, you can see the evolution of the Smokey Bear artwork throughout the pieces.
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These EDC Essentials Are Made With an Aerospace Material
Drop frequently collaborates with lauded brands in hi-fi audio, tech and EDC to bring customers enviable products at members-only prices. Its latest partner is Brooklyn-based Craighill, an accessories brand that produces everyday objects with meticulous designs that are at once simple and cerebral. Craighill’s designs strip away any fluff and explore mathematical concepts and material nerdery. It’s a hell of a way to go about designing something as quotidian as a ruler, but that’s what makes Craighill fascinating.
For the collaboration, Drop looked to two of Craighill’s most popular designs, the Helix Key Ring and the Square Money Clip. Rather than reinventing the Craighill classics, the brands are offering the two popular items in titanium. Known for it’s extreme strength-to-weight ratio, titanium is as strong as steel, but about 40 percent lighter. It’s also resistant to corrosion. You’ll find it in aerospace applications, certainly, but in this case, it also excels at holding keys and cash.
Courtesy Drop
The Helix TI Key Ring is an elegant solution to the conventional key ring. The simple wire threads through any set of keys with ease and the end cap design makes swapping keys frustration-free. Perhaps it’s just the cards that I’m dealt, but I rarely have to swap keys. However, whenever I do, it always seems to be right after having trimmed my nails. Even if you have a helpful amount of nail to pry open a conventional spiral keyring, it’s not a pleasant user experience. But, the Helix TI Key Ring is painless.
Courtesy Drop
The Square TI Money Clip is incredibly lightweight but holds its own compared to brass and steel. If you prefer a slim card wallet and find yourself with paper bank notes wadded together in your pocket, a money clip is the perfect solution. Because of the titanium, it doesn’t feel like it’s anchoring down your pants. And, that’s great if you’re skeptical about adding yet another piece of gear to your EDC.
The key ring retails for $35 and the money clip for $45 and come with free shipping.
Buy Now: Key Ring Buy Now: Money Clip
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Enter to Win $1,000 in Adventure Apparel from AETHER
AETHER has partnered with Gear Patrol to offer readers a chance to win a $1,000 gift card towards the brand’s technical apparel and accessories.
The giveaway, which will run from July 31st until August 14th, aims to outfit one lucky winner with a Summer-Adventure Prize Package — including a $1,000 gift card for use towards all AETHER apparel and accessories. The brand’s full range of design-forward technical apparel and accessories is built to last and backed by a Lifetime Manufacturing Guarantee, so that prize money is sure to have you kitted out for all your summer adventures in the years to come.
While the $1,000 Gift Card can be used towards any AETHER product, make sure to check out the new Dalton Sneaker, the super-versatile Endeavor Jacket, or the breezy, garment-washed Santo Pullover. All you have to do is enter before August 14th, and you could be rocking a whole new wardrobe come fall.
Terms: No purchase necessary. Enter from July 30, 2020-August 14, 2020 for your chance to win. Sweepstakes is open to residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are lawful U.S. residents, and are 18 years of age or older, as of the start date of the sweepstakes. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor: Gear Patrol. See official rules for details and Sponsor’s privacy policy.
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Stylish Summer Outfits That Cost Less Than $100
Keeping it cool in the summer months can be a challenge. Making sure you’re bringing the heat without overheating is a delicate balance, even more so if you’re trying to keep it to a strict budget. But with the wide range of deals online at any given moment, it’s a challenge you can conquer. To get you there, we put together three stylish outfits to keep you from melting, all under a single Benjamin.
Slightly Prep
The first summer fit you’re thinking about probably involves shorts. Dockers are ubiquitous in this regard and are often on sale — the brand’s khaki-colored Perfect Shorts are a great base to build a warm-weather getup. It’s hard to get a look wrong with a pair of white sneakers, especially if it’s the Superga Cotu Classics, which are on a significant discount right now. And to top it all off, a striped shirt Uniqlo gives it some pattern without getting too close to looking like you came out of a prep school.
Courtesy Zappos
Courtesy Zappos
Courtesy Uniqlo
Keep It Simple
When in sartorial doubt, throw on a plane white t-shirt. Hanes is a good option with a classic fit and small price tag. If you’re not really a shorts kinda person, a pair of lightweight linen chinos can keep you cool. For this, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pair better than Gap’s Linen Khakis. The linen fabric in combination with the looser straight fit allows for max breathability. And while you’re keeping it simple, toss on a pair of lightweight, waterproof Birkenstock sandals to give your toes some air.
Courtesy Gap
Courtesy Amazon
Courtesy Amazon
The White Pants Fit
White pants can be hard to pull off (unless you follow this handy guide). You might have to be a bit careful about where you take a seat or how much ketchup to put on your burger, but it can keep your legs cool. A pair of Dickies Painter Pants is a classic and costs just under twenty bucks. It pairs well with anything, but looks especially slick with a light olive polo like this one from J.Crew. For the feet, we love a pair of Converse 70s. Luckily, they can be had on sale if you know where to look.
Courtesy Amazon
Courtesy J.Crew
Alt-Baggies
Oh, you wanna mix things up, you say? While we’re down with a pair of classic Patagonia Baggies, there are cheaper alternatives on the market like Uniqlo’s Active Swim shorts. They come in a range of colors, without the cheesy prints that you’d find on the original. A chambray shirt on top blends workwear with swim (something the Beach Boys did). And for something out of left-field, a pair of Realtree Camo Crocs (something the Beach Boys did not do).
Courtesy Uniqlo
Courtesy Amazon
Courtesy Madewell
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The 11 Best Antiperspirants for Men
The conversation around deodorant has largely steered itself towards natural products. It’s great to see consumers being so conscious of the ingredients in their grooming regimen, especially since the long-term effects of aluminum — the key ingredient used in antiperspirants — are still somewhat nebulous.
Currently, the various studies on aluminum all contradict and negate one another. Some say excessive exposure causes Alzheimer’s, while others claim this is hullabaloo when considering the light-dose application of deodorants. Without conclusive evidence on the matter, aluminum antiperspirants are still widely sold. And like many products on the market, they are effective at the job they set out to do.
That’s why we still find value in touting antiperspirants. Until there is conclusive evidence that sways us one way or the other, we say this: Buy antiperspirants if you absolutely need them. They work. Some people who experience non-stop sweating (diagnosed as hyperhidrosis) will swear by antiperspirants since they allow these individuals to go about their day without swimming in their own body’s soup.
Here are 11 antiperspirants we love, some of which offer 72-hour protection against odor and sweat, and others that are intentionally milder. See which one suits your sweat-stopping needs.
Kiehl’s Body Fuel Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Like the rest of Kiehl’s Body Fuel line, this glide-on antiperspirant and deodorant invigorates thanks to the inclusion of caffeine. It further nourishes and purifies the skin with zinc and vitamin C, and provides a full 48 hours of coverage against both smells and sweats.
Recipe for Men Antiperspirant Deodorant
A 24-hour formula that celebrates its mildness, this antiperspirant neutralizes wetness without stopping the body’s natural sweat cycles. In other words, it works by minimizing bacterial growth, but it doesn’t unnaturally transform your pits into an bone-dry Atacaman abyss.
Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant Deodorant
In addition to all-day coverage against odor and sweat, Jack Black’s roll-on antiperspirant utilizes Vitamin E and aloe juice to keep skin soft, calm and shielded against environmental toxins. You may have to apply this one twice as often as the competition (an extra application in the evening, if you’re hitting the gym or the dance floor), but that doesn’t make it inferior; in fact, it’s a matter of preference for how potent you want your antiperspirant to be.
Anthony Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Aloe and sunflower seed oil combat inflammation and dryness in Anthony’s deodorant and antiperspirant roll-on. Like Jack Black’s formula, it’s less clinical and lasting than the low-cost competition. However, it’s every bit as effective when used daily, sometimes twice. Plus, it ensures a double-down on the deodorizing effects of these products. Don’t forget that an antiperspirant isn’t always a deodorant, and the ones you have to reapply more frequently will do a better job at neutralizing both odor and sweat, as opposed to just sweat.
Sweat Block Antiperspirant Lotion for Hands and Feet
With active ingredient aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, this lotion stops palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis (that is, on hands and feet). This prevents you from soaking in your own sweat all day, or from swapping soggy handshakes at work or over drinks. It’s not a days-long fix like lots of the other antiperspirants on this list; but it’s great to apply as needed, and should last a few hours, assuming you don’t thoroughly wash your hands. It’s also a good way to prevent excessive foot odor if that’s something you’re eager to nix.
Certain Dri Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
If your sweaty situation is exactly that — a full-on situation — then you should talk to your doctor about using clinical-strength antiperspirants. Typically they will recommend one with aluminum chloride, as opposed to the traditional aluminum zirconium. That’s what Certain Dri’s formula includes, and it promises 72-hour sweat coverage for even the most hyperactive hyperhidrosis.
Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport Antiperspirant Deodorant
Though its branding has been updated, this is probably the antiperspirant you used when you went through puberty. And it works just as well today as it did during your awkward years. It gives you 24-hour odor and sweat protection with a light lemon-lime freshness, which pairs well with Old Spice’s similarly scented body wash.
Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Dry Spray Antiperspirant
With 48-hour sweat and deodorizing coverage, this spray-on deodorant also touts Dove’s signature moisturizing powers. A quarter of the formula is designated for keeping skin hydrated and cool, which is reassuring given the sensitivity of the under-arms. The clean scent is subtle enough for that just-showered freshness, but not so overwhelming that it competes with your fragrance of choice. Of the aerosol options and drugstore brands, this is one of your best bets.
Helmm Antiperspirant & Deodorant
Helmm
This two-in-one antiperspirant and deodorant combats excessive sweating and major funk for a combined protection of 24 hours. Thanks to Helmm’s award-winning perfumer, each available scent smells as upgraded as it looks and uses premium essential oils. And, the refillable packaging is made to cut down on plastic.
ZeroSweat Antiperspirant with Aloe
Walmart
ZeroSweat’s unique aluminum solution has been lauded by above-average sweaters thanks to its strong aluminum chlorate formula which absorbs into the sweat glands themselves to stop sweating. It’s so effective that just one application will stop sweating for seven days. While the original formula remains its most popular, its other, gentler version contains aloe and chamomile to reduce skin irritation.
Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion
Amazon
This clinical-strength formula comes in the form of a skin-absorbing lotion that goes on smooth without a greasy feel. It’s packed with skin-moisturizing ingredients as well as eucalyptus which not only helps produce ceramides which keep your skin from drying out, but also add a fresh scent.
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Premium and Stylish Japan-Made Eyewear Without the Price Tag
BRAVE Vision launched its selection of performance eyewear on the premise that premium eyewear doesn’t have to be boring. The Canadian eyewear brand, which makes its line of sunglasses in Japan, releases each model in limited quantities (450 units each). BRAVE currently offers two models, the SUNSEEKER and the TRAILBLAZER — each is made with Zeiss lenses, durable hinges and Italian acetate frames. You’d be forgiven for thinking you have to pay a premium for that, but that’s the best part. Each one of BRAVE’s frames available for just $93. And right now, you can score them for even cheaper (15 percent off) when you use the code BRAVEgearpatrol at checkout.
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How to Keep Your White T-Shirts White
A plain white t-shirt is a closet staple. Whether you’re using it like it was originally intended — as an undergarment — or rocking it out for everyone to see, a white tee can transition into an off-white tee quickly. Since maintaining your t-shirt’s original factory-fresh luster can be confounding, we’ll break it down from the beginning.
Avoid Aluminum in Your Deodorant
Prevention a mess is better than having to clean it up, so let’s start with before you even have a less-than-white tee. A common issue with dingy white tees is yellow pit stains. Yellow pit stains aren’t caused by your sweat. Rather, they’re caused by the aluminum found in many deodorants. Aluminum is great for preventing sweaty pits, but not for keeping your tee clean and pristine. A reaction occurs when the aluminum mixes with the salts of your sweat, which causes the yellow stain.
Wash Your Neck
Dirty collars can be prevented even before you get dressed. Dirt, sweat and even hair products can transfer from your neck to the collars of your shirts. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly scrub your neck in the shower and rinse it completely of hair products.
Don’t Wait on a Stains
When a rogue spot of ketchup bursts from your burger and lands on your tee, it’s best to take care of it ASAP. The longer you let a stain sit, the harder it is to get out. Using a clean towel, remove the debris, being careful not to spread the mess further.
Pre-treat
Before you toss your tee in the laundry, it helps to pre-treat and presoak your tees. This allows any stains to break down more before the wash, making it easier to clean once it’s actually in there.
For sweat stains, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide (the 3% kind you find at most drug stores), baking soda and water together. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, apply the mixture to the stain and gently scrub. Let it sit for about a half hour before laundering.
For soiled collars and cuffs, you can apply detergent directly or use a pretreatment solution like Spray ‘n’ Wash. Work the pretreatment into the soiled areas using a soft-bristled toothbrush and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before laundering.
Amazon
Separate White Clothes
This should be a no-brainer, but we’d be remiss to skip over it. Dyes from colored clothing leech out in the wash cycle and can lightly dye your white clothes. All that pre-treating will have gone to waste, only to see you fumble at the five yard line, pulling out a pink t-shirt from the wash.
Don’t Overload the Washer
Now that you’ve gotten to the washing machine, make sure to give your clothes enough space. Part of the job of the washing machine is to cause agitation in order to release dirt from the fibers of your clothes. That requires room. If you stuff the washer with too many soiled tees, you’ll come out with a bunch of tees that are just wet and dirty.
Be Careful with Bleach
Bleach makes sense intuitively. However, it’s only effective on certain materials and stains. For instance, bleach isn’t effective in getting pit stains out and can actually make them even more noticeable since it whitens every other part of the garment.
Bleach can also damage synthetic materials, especially when overused. If you’re going to use it, use it sparingly. Many experts will also recommend avoiding it altogether and instead using a non-chlorine bleach alternative like OxiClean.
Use Detergent with Optical Brighteners
Courtesy Amazon
Some detergents are made specifically for white clothes. Rather than using bleach, these detergents use what’s called optical brighteners, chemicals that work to visually brighten the look of fabrics. Normally, clean white fabrics are tinted slightly yellow. While we don’t necessarily perceive this as dirty, we do perceive it as a less-striking, duller white.
Optical brighteners take in light in the ultraviolet and violet wavelengths and actually re-emit those wavelengths via fluorescence into blue light. This lessens the effect of yellow tints, causing the fabric appear whiter and brighter.
Add Borax or Baking Soda to Your Laundry
Courtesy Amazon
For an extra clean kick, you can add some common household ingredients to your laundry. Hard water can hamper bleach and detergent’s overall effectiveness, so simply adding more bleach or detergent may not help get your whites to the angelic glow you’re after. Baking soda and borax can help increase the overall effectiveness of detergents and bleach.
Use the Hottest Recommended Water Temperature
While cold water is gentler on your clothes and prevents them from shrinking, it’s not as helpful for getting rid of stains. Hotter temps are better at loosening debris and breaking up oils. But, some materials can’t take hotter temperatures and will get damaged. Basically, follow the label’s recommended wash instructions.
Dry Your Clothes Outside
Courtesy Amazon
Hanging your sopping clean clothes on a clothes line is an old school way to dry your laundry. But it can also keep your whites looking bright. Ultraviolet waves emitted from the sun can cause bleach the dyes from garments, fading them over time. That’s not great news if you want to keep a black tee dark, but it’s great for your white tees.
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Why Do These Jeans Cost $700?
Welcome to Worth the Price, a recurring series exploring some of menswear’s most covetable and expensive products. This week: bespoke jeans.
For many people, the perfect pair of jeans are seemingly elusive. Countless brands offer a myriad of silhouettes in an endless variety of denim. The perfect pair might be the first ones you pick up at the store — but the odds are stacked against you. It’s for this reason that there are now more custom jeansmakers and bespoke denim programs than ever. From the big players like Levi’s and 3×1 to local denim obsessives, a pair of jeans cut and sewn just for you promises to take the guesswork out of denim shopping.
But with price tags that can go into four figures, does it make sense to spring for a pair of custom jeans? With the help of Glenn’s Denim, I went through the process and here’s what you need to know when considering a pair for yourself.
Why You Should
Off-the-rack jeans just don’t fit. We’ve rapped about tailoring your jeans and how you can get off-the-rack pairs to fit like they were bespoke. But there are just some things you cannot fix. By now, if you haven’t found a pair that hits all the right notes, you might want to consider bespoke blue jeans.
You’d rather not take your jeans to a tailor. Jeans from the store might require a second outing to get them tailored. Though the point of ready-to-wear garments is to fit the masses, the added burden of tailoring can be time-consuming. For bespoke jeans, the initial time investment allows the tailor to lock down the fit, so they’ll have your patterns on file for future pairs you want to have made.
You’re very particular. Most people looking for a pair of custom-made jeans tend to know what they want and they aren’t satisfied by what’s served to them on store shelves. The level of control in the custom jean process can vary, but a range of fabrics, hardware and even pocket styles are par for the course. Beyond that, a custom jean service may offer hand-stitched details, nerdy denim production methods and more. If you’re a lover of denim and you want your hands all over the process, especially the minute details, go for it.
Why You Shouldn’t
It’s expensive. Bespoke jeans ain’t cheap. Depending on where you go, tailor-made five-pockets can run you upwards of $800. With custom details, they can get you up into a rack. If you’re able to find jeans that fit you well enough, you can have them tailored for much less.
You already have jeans that fit well. The biggest reason to go bespoke is to get jeans that fit perfectly. Jeans aren’t traditionally a tailored garment like a suit or a pair of dress trousers which are highly scrutinized in formal meetings. The casual essence of the blue jean makes it easy to get away with a pair that fits closely enough. Taking the humble workwear garment to tailoring heights like this has potential to be incongruous.
You’re not super particular. The bespoke jean process involves a lot of details that you choose yourself. The level of customization varies between makers but if you’re not detail-oriented when it comes to clothing, then bespoke jeans are likely not for you.
It’s inconvenient. Annoying as it is to peruse shop after shop, donning and doffing one jean after another in cramped fitting rooms, bespoke jeansmakers are fewer and further between. Levi’s has its own bespoke program, called Lot 501, but you’ll only find those at certain locations.
What to Consider If You Do
Fabric. Fit is the number one objective with bespoke jeans. Achieving that becomes more complicated if you opt for raw denim which will shrink after its washed. Unless you plan on never washing your jeans — please don’t do that — or you’re a denim purist who knows their way around shrinkage, save yourself the headache and go for pre-washed fabric.
Lead time. Jeans aren’t built in a day, unless you want to pay extra. Bespoke jeans can take weeks to make, so if you’re in a time crunch, it’s best to avoid getting custom jeans for a deadline. If you’re a patient consumer, willing to wait six-to-eight weeks, then go for it. Really, you’ve been waiting your whole life for the perfect pair, so what’re another few weeks?
Is it your first time? If it’s your first time buying a pair of bespoke jeans, you might be tempted to go with a crazy fabric or, putting it nicely, “unique” details. But it’s a safer bet to get a pair that’s straightforward so you don’t end up regretting your decision a few months down the road. Sure, your bespoke jeans fit you great, but maybe turmeric denim with buttoned pockets was a bad move. At Glenn’s Denim, Daniel Lewis stresses, “The main point is to get a perfect fit. Keep it simple.” If you’ve successfully navigated your first pair of bespoke jeans and you’re on to a second pair, maybe get the same thing in a different fabric. Or, the same fabric in a slightly different fit.
Why I Love Mine
For my custom jeans, I went to Brooklyn Tailors. Among British dress shoes, Japanese socks and locally-made button-ups, they’re adept at custom suiting and recently launched an in-house denim brand called Glenn’s Denim. With over 30 years of experience behind the sewing machine, crafting jeans for the world’s biggest blue jeans brands, Glenn Liburd’s namesake label is worth investing in for the off-the-rack garments alone. But the artisanal brand can also make fully custom jeans.
I’d call myself a denim nerd, as lame as that sounds. But it makes me just the sort of guy who’d consider getting a pair of jeans made just for my body.
Collaborating with Liburd and business partner Lewis on the jeans was both enjoyable and educational. I’d come into the initial fitting with a clear idea in mind — a high-rise wide-fitting jean reminiscent of a 1930s silhouette, but with 1950s details. What I had in mind, thankfully, would ultimately be scrapped. I wasn’t so much talked out of my dream jean as I was thoroughly and gently convinced that there was a better option for my first pair.
Glenn and Daniel know exactly what they’re talking about and are as much consultants as they are artisans. In the end, we decided on a straight fit, mid-rise jean. Basically, a 501 that actually fits my tree trunk calves and knock knees. We waffled between a few readymade pairs on the first consultation and made notes and adjustments where necessary. The toile fitting (a first draft of the jeans) was 80 percent there.
By the end, we’d nailed the perfect pair and I’m ecstatic. It’s difficult for me to find jeans that have a straight fit without it buckling at my concave knees before tapering at my calves, but Liburd solved those issues. It’s hard for me to imagine finding a better-fitting jean straight from the store. Plus, the personal touches and attention to detail make this pair even more special.
If you’re considering a pair of custom jeans and you’re able to go through the process, there’s almost no reason not to.
Glenn’s Denim provided this product for review.
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Look No Further — Your Favorite Summer Tee Is Right Here
Mr Porter just launched a sizable range of t-shirts from some of the most sought-after menswear designers, including Blue Blue Japan, Bode, Come Tees and Reese Cooper. Prices range from a relatively-accessible $30 up to $770 — these are designer tees, after all — ensuring you can cover up with style, whether you plan to stick to a budget or cop something from the top tier of t-shirts.
We like the options below, but if you want to check out the entire collection you can shop the full range at Mr Porter’s site.
Courtesy Mr Porter
Courtesy Mr Porter
Courtesy Mr Porter
Courtesy Mr Porter
Courtesy Mr Porter
Courtesy Mr Porter
Courtesy Mr Porter
Courtesy Mr Porter
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The Reverie Diver is one of the slimmest dive watches you can own right now
For those who seek a stunning mechanical accessory to accompany their outfit, there is no shortage of high-end watches out there. Unfortunately, the craftsmanship and performance come at a prohibitive cost for most of us. Meanwhile, those who possess a soul for adventure require something more robust. Nevertheless, if the activity involves a lot of time being underwater, a timepiece such as the Reverie Diver should meet your needs.
Don’t worry, because it’s not going to break the bank. It is deceiving how this elegant diver’s watch manages to deliver a stunning design and yet remain accessible for most folk. We’re not kidding as the watchmaker is currently offering the Diver for only $360 for a limited time only. Even without the discount, its original retail price is at $500, which is not bad for the quality it promises.
For those who are not familiar with the brand, Reverie is a Singapore-based company established in 2014. Despite being fairly new to the watchmaking industry, it has been producing remarkable watches over the years. The latest one – the Diver – is currently on Kickstarter and appears to be ready for production. It is the 4th collection from Reverie and claims to be one of the slimmest dive watches out there.
The Diver sports a 40 mm stainless steel case with a uni-directional rotating bezel. Its main attraction – according to Reverie – is the guilloché etchings of its dial. For low-light visibility, the hands use a blue Super LumiNova coating, which sets it apart from the coating on the hour markers which glow green. Powering the complications is a self-winding Miyota movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Owners can even marvel at the rotor through the open case back as it boasts intricate Seigaiha pattern engravings.
Images courtesy of Reverie
Perrelet give its Weekend GMT catalog a much-needed refresh
Even with all the craze surrounding smartwatches, it’s clear that traditional timepieces are here to stay. In fact, you will notice that these wearables always ship with watch faces that try to emulate classic dials. As such, fans of actual watches should be happy to know that the industry is not going away soon. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the Perrelet Weekend GMT.
For those who are constantly traveling, keeping track of time can occasionally become confusing. Thus, watchmakers have long created a solution that allows users to set a second time zone based on their destination. While many might argue that a smartphone can do it better, a digital device cannot replace the reliability of an actual wristwatch.
Hence, we’re going to take an up-close tour of what the Weekend GMT brings to the table. In fact, it’s just one of the many variants of the elegant collection that is getting a refresh in 2020. This speaks a lot about Perrelet’s intent to give us stunning options that would match our formal or casual attire.
Revisiting the Weekend
Looking back at when this luxurious lineup made its debut, Perrelet introduced the Weekend collection in 2019. The catalog featured sleek timepieces that all shared a 39 mm case as well as a slim profile. Given the popularity of these among collectors and the brand’s discerning clientele, it is expanding it once more this year.
As Perrelet describes it, “Blue and black are colours that are intimately associated with elegance. Whether it is an important meeting, a gala event, or simply for men who favour a classic look, blue and black are the perfect colours for a smart suit or a more relaxed sporty blazer.
It then added: “The care gone into selecting your outfit should be matched by the accessories complementing your look, especially when it comes to choosing a wristwatch.” We can’t help but agree, as the additional versions of the Weekend GMT cater to what buyers always want – choices.
Outstanding craftsmanship and quality
The brand successfully presents a vintage aesthetic paired to modern elements with this dress watch. However, what makes the Weekend GMT even more special is the sophistication of the automatic movement that it runs on.
With a renowned watchmaking pedigree dating back to 1777, everything about the timepiece just speaks of remarkable accuracy and reliability. After all, the namesake of the label – Abraham-Louis Perrelet – will tell you that its self-winding calibre will easily outperform that of the competition.
The Perrelet Weekend GMT
Case – What we have here is stainless steel, which is a popular choice. On the other hand, there’s also an option to get it with a rose gold PVD 4N coating. Similar to the 2019 Weekend GMT, the case measures 39 mm at only 9.56 mm thick, while the crown is embossed with the Perrelet emblem.
The robust construction of its case gives it a 5 ATM water-resistance rating. Finally, it touts a sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating in addition to the exhibition case back covered by mineral glass.
Dial – Moving on the highlight of the Weekend GMT is the dial which is now available in blue or black. We love the mesmerizing effect produced by the sunray finish that gives a stylish contrast against the applied indices. Meanwhile, the hour, minute, and second hands are in silver.
As for the GMT hand, the tip gets a bold red triangle. This sets it apart along with the two-tone inner ring. Furthermore, the 24-hour time zone sports square markers and Arabic numerals. Rounding out the features of the dial is a date window set at the 3 o’clock position.
Movement – next up is the crux that gives the Weekend GMT its signature performance. Aside from the exquisite presentation its design delivers, what matters the most in every high-end wristwatch is the intricate mechanisms that bring everything to life.
Within the timepiece — beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour — is the watchmaker’s in-house calibre Perrelet P-401. As long as it has been on your wrist throughout the day, the 25-jewel automatic movement boasts a 42-hour power reserve. A glimpse inside through the mineral glass of the open case back also shows a reworked rotor.
Strap – To complete the old-school ensemble, the Weekend GMT receives a black alligator-finish leather strap with an engraving of the Perrelet branding on its pin buckle. A stainless-steel bracelet is likewise available if you prefer the feel of metal on your skin instead.
If you would like your product reviewed and featured on Men’s Gear as well as its vast social media channels, e-mail Joe@mensgear.net
The Timeless Timepiece Brands for Men
Rolex – Since 1905
Since its formation in 1905 by the Bavarian entrepreneur Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis, the brand that would later become Rolex first started out in London’s Hatton Garden and has since grown into the worlds most renowned luxury watch brand.
Over the decades, Rolex has countless features in classical movies that have solidified the brand’s timeless watch designs on the market. Some of the most influential celebrities like Roger Federer, Phil Mickelsen, and Jordan Spieth are proudly endorsed by Rolex. Moreover, the brand is globally recognised from sponsoring a number of luxury events on an annual basis like Wimbledon, F1’s Grand Prix, and PGA Tour.
Rolex also leads the rankings for some of the most expensive watches ever sold like Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona which was sold at an auction for the staggering 17,752,500 US dollars in late 2017 to an anonymous buyer who paid 13 times the asking price.
Today, Rolex produces over 2,000 handmade watches per day and continues to be one of the leading timeless watch brands for men.
Patek Philippe – Since 1839
Founded in 1839, the Geneva-based Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers renowned for their uninterrupted watchmaking history as well as designing and crafting of timeless timepieces with some of the most complicated mechanisms to date.
With multi-million dollar celebrity endorsement deals and increased risk of scandals that could harm a company’s magnificent reputation, not all luxury watch brands associate themselves with famous individuals.
Unlike Rolex and Hublot, Patek Philippe is one of the very few luxury watch brands that have never associated themselves with any celebrity endorsements. Instead, the Stem family solely relies on the magnificent reputation that they have established for the brand over the last 181 years.
Considered as one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world today, it is no surprise that Patek Philippe currently holds the record for 7 out of the 10 most expensive watches ever sold. At first place being the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime which sold for over 31 million US dollars in Geneva in 2019 and in second place, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication which sold short of 24 million US dollars in 2014.
Today, Patek Philippe remains at the forefront of luxury watches for men.
Hublot – 1980
Founded in 1980 by the Italian Carlo Crocco, the Swiss luxury watchmaker that is now part of the LVMH group rose to prominence with the release of the Big Bang Red Gold watch and has since become a favourite among men in the field of sport.
In fact, the brand is so famous that some of their masculine pieces were seen on the music’s famous Jay Z, and one of NBA’s biggest stars, the late Kobe Bryant. Furthermore, just 30 years after their establishment, in 2010 Hublot was officially appointed as the official watchmaker of Formula 1.
With a brand as young as Hublot, you wouldn’t think that they are capable of competing with watchmakers that have been in the craft for centuries, however, Hublot sold their most expensive watch ever named ‘The Hublot’ for the staggering 5 million US dollars, making it one of the most expensive watches ever sold.
Today, statement watches by Hublot continue to lead the men’s luxury watch market and are set to soon overtake the largest competitors in the world.
Rotate Watches lets you build your own stylish timepiece
Looking back, the evolution of how people tell the time is astounding. Centuries of staring at the sky finally inspired someone to figure out that the length of a day can be counted. What started out with a stick that was mounted perpendicular to the ground turned into a complex mechanism that boasts incredible accuracy. Only the best craftsmen with an understanding of timekeeping and its nuances were able to earn the distinction of being the first horologists. Now, Rotate Watches gives us the opportunity to build our own mechanical watch.
We admit that the art of watchmaking takes years of to completely master. However, the idea of being involved in some form along the way has been a fascination for many. This is where Rotate Watches shines as it gives us a platform to flex our skills and love for the intricacies of the process. Ultimately, the satisfaction that one gets after successfully assembling their own timepiece is an experience of a lifetime.
What you have here are not your run-of-the-mill wristwatches that ship with quartz movements. Instead, Rotate watches delivers a reliable timekeeper with a robust manual movement. Moreover, given that the user had a hand in its completion, makes it even more special. Thus, take off those smartwatches/fitness trackers and break free from your smartphone and check out all the cool stuff Rotate Watches brings to the table.
Getting to know Rotate Watches
The company behind this brilliant project was founded by Jennifer Zhang and Rebecca Lee. With a team of passionate people who promote the finer points of watchmaking. Zhang describes Rotate as a “woman-owned, minority-owned business based in Los Angeles, California.” This is certainly an impressive aspect that sets it apart from the more established brands out there.
After the Kickstarter campaign launched in November 2019, it was successfully crowdfunded beyond its target of $15,000. Ending at $91,840, it goes to show that this unique approach has captured the interest of enthusiasts and collectors alike. In contrast to even the most premium timepieces in the market, there’s nothing like it that allows an individual to learn, appreciate, and respect the work that goes into each wristwatch.
What’s in the box
As most of you have already seen, it arrives in a minimalist yet attractive package. The Rotate Watches All-In-One Watchmaking Kit is clearly labeled with an image of the model inside. All the items within the box are set secured by two foam layers. The top holds all the parts you need to assemble the watch, while the bottom has all the tools. To get started, just follow the comprehensive guide and enjoy the sophisticated fun along the way. Nevertheless, you can always reach out to them to get some help when in a pinch.
Details about the timepiece
For those who want to know more about the watch, there are three models available to suit different tastes. Each one shares some common features with some aesthetic alterations to set them apart. The case measures 44 mm and the straps are 22 mm. Protecting the dial is a sapphire lens that provides high visibility and resistance to bumps and bruises from everyday use.
Meanwhile, the exhibition case back gives owners a glimpse of the ETA 6497-1 model 17 jewel mechanical movement. Additionally, it touts a power reserve indicator to let you know when it needs winding. As for the dial, sub-dial, and indices, it varies depending on the variant of your choosing. The minute hand is in silver, while the hour hand is in gold.
The Wright – This version is great for people who want a stealthy dark dial with a stylish brown PU leather strap. The indices are in silver which matches the case and contrasts the black background.
The Edison – The second one to sport a silver case, but comes with a white dial. The indices are in gold and these pair nicely with a black suede leather strap. Overall, a subtle yet elegant choice.
The Galileo – As the name already hints, what sets it apart from the other two is the mesmerizing blue dial. Its gold case allows the color to draw attention even more and is further enhanced by its blue PU leather band.
Truly one-of-a-kind
Rotate watches evidently appeals to those who love DIY projects that they can do in their free time. It does not matter which version you get because each offers the same delightful experience. This is a concept that is somehow without equal right now.
We believe that this will make a classy gift for friends and loved ones who love to tinker around. Not only are they getting an enjoyable activity, but the completed item will also quickly become one of their favorites among their collection. For a small fee, you can even customize the strap for a more personal touch.
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If you would like your product reviewed and featured on Men’s Gear as well as its vast social media channels, e-mail Joe@mensgear.net
10 Great Hand Sanitizers That Smell Better Than Purell
The world’s been turned upside down. And, tumbling from our pockets and tote bags is a new EDC for the new normal — keys, wallet, phone, mask, sanitizer. Hygiene is more imperative now, especially when you’re headed out the door. Proper hygiene can help protect not only you, but those around you from contracting a gamut of diseases from the common cold to the novel coronavirus.
It’s clear that face masks help to reduce the spread of coronavirus, but you can’t forget to wash your hands. While soap and water are effective at ridding your hands of debris while killing harmful bacteria and other pathogens, it’s a moot point if you’re out and about, away from a sink. That’s what hand sanitizer is for.
Hand sanitizers are portable and an effective way to kill pathogens when you don’t have immediate access to soap and water. They won’t remove grease or debris like soap and water do, but they are a handy solution that will still keep your paws virus-free. The CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer made with at least 60 percent alcohol. Purell is the most popular choice, but there are plenty of options we prefer to tote with us.
These hand sanitizers are a step above the staid drug store fare and upgrade the very sterile experience. They’re infused with skin-nourishing ingredients to keep your hands feeling soft and blended with essential oils and fragrances that don’t smell like you’re having the alcohol sweats.
Dr Bronner’s Peppermint Hand Sanitizer
Dr Bronner’s fair trade and organic sanitizer features glycerin, a humectant which draws moisture to the skin, as well as soothing peppermint oil.
100 Percent Pure Hand Sanitizer Spray
This completely vegan spray soothes hands as it sanitizes thanks to aloe vera and glycerin. Plus, the invigorating tea tree oil smells amazing.
Cabinet Instant Hand Cleanser
It makes sense to have a bottle in each bag, just in case you switch up your daily carry. This two-pack is a great value and offers a citrusy blend of lemongrass oil, lemon, pine, orange peel and cypress leaves that smell super fresh.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash
Aesop’s luxurious Rinse-Free Hand Wash is a gel formula made with a blend of mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas. The intoxicating aroma palette is citrusy, woody and herbaceous — a far cry from the sterile solutions at the local drug store.
Happy Place Symbiosis Hand Sanitizer
Made in NYC, this sanitizer features skin-nourishing aloe vera as well as all-natural ingredients like honeysuckle essential oil and grapefruit.
Humankind Hand Sanitizer
Humankind offers a tight range of hand sanitizers that are large enough to refill on-the-go bottles, making them an economical choice. Available in eucalyptus, grapefruit and unscented options, each one features hyaluronic acid, a water-retaining ingredient that occurs naturally in your skin.
Vegamour Hand Sanitizer Spray
Vegamour’s vegan hand sanitizer spray is made with all-natural ingredients like organic aloe vera and marula oil, which is known for containing antioxidants and for soothing dry skin. It’s balanced blend of orange peel and lavender make it a treat to smell.
Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray
More potent and portable than any other six-pack, Everyone’s sanitizer spray is derived from GMO-free sugar cane. It’s paired with a sensual blend of lemon essential oil and coconut essence for an instant aromatherapy session in a bottle.
EiR NYC Pure Eir
EiR NYC’s premium hand sanitizer features a rich blend of calendula-infused olive oil, cypress oil, sweet orange oil, eucalyptus and witch hazel which combat microbes and bacteria while leaving your skin nourished and smelling fantastic.
DS & Durga Big Sur After Rain Hand Sanitizer
If you prefer your hand sanitizer to come with a short story, DS & Durga’s Big Sur After Rain is for you. Inspired by the famed mountainous central coast of California, this hanacd sanitizer spray features a thick scent of eucalyptus, notes of magnolia and wet wood. It also contains glycerin to keep your hands moisturized.
Which Cheap T-Shirt Is Worth Your Money?
Any sport requires good fundamentals. If you’re good, you have them mastered. If you’re great, you know that you never will. Dressing well isn’t exactly a world-class sport, some would argue, but there are some basics you should have locked down — underwear, your socks, your basic blue jeans and, of course, your basic white T-shirt.
The world’s not short on basic T-shirts, especially at the cheaper end of the price spectrum. While we could spend lifetimes sifting through the countless options on the market, it’s probably a better use of everyone’s time to get two of the best tees on the court, 1v1.
The Hanes Beefy-T was first introduced in 1975 as a heavier and roomier alternative to other tees on the market. Meanwhile, Uniqlo’s renowned designer Christophe Lemaire has his Uniqlo U Crew Neck Tee that has developed a reputation as one of the best basics on the market, taking attention away from Uniqlo’s main line of plain tees.
Both have been touted as great options, with many a staunch fan for either side. But which team should you be rooting for?
Hanes Beefy-T
Price: $7
Fabric: The Beefy-T uses a reasonably thick jersey fabric made from 100 percent ring-spun cotton. It has a dry, but peachy and soft feel that sits comfortably against the skin. At 6.1 ounces per square yard (~188 GSM), it’s got some heft that doesn’t feel flimsy or sheer.
Construction: The collar uses an inset “layflat” collar with seam-binding at the neck for comfort against the skin. Hanes is known for its line of tagless tees but this is not one of them. The sleeves and hem are finished using double-needle construction and the body is tube-knit, meaning that aren’t any side seams to cause irritation.
Fit: Though the fit is marketed as more of a relaxed or even boxy fit, I’d peg this more as a regular fit. It’s not what most people think of as boxy, but also is certainly not a slim fit.
Price: At just $7, the Beefy-T costs about as much as a quarter pounder with cheese meal with some change left over. If you opt for multi-packs, the cost per unit gets even better.
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Price: $15
Fabric: Though Uniqlo doesn’t have as much product copy to describe its fabric, it is made of 100 percent cotton. It does feel smoother and a touch heavier than the Beefy-T, with a slightly less dry hand.
Construction: Uniqlo U’s tee uses double-needle construction to finish the hem and sleeves, just like the Beefy-T. However, the two main differences are the bound rib-knit collar and the sewn side seams. The bound rib-knit collar feels more substantial, which some will like, while the side seams might annoy T-shirt enthusiasts (a real thing, and a thing that I am). Unlike the Beefy-T, Uniqlo’s offering is tagless.
Fit: The measurements for between Uniqlo U and Hanes are quite similar, for the shoulders and length. But the width of the body on Uniqlo U’s Tee is wider by 2.5 inches, firmly setting it into the “boxy” category. The collar also sits wider on the neck compared to the Beefy-T, fitting the proportions of the Uniqlo U tee.
Price: The Uniqlo U tee is more than twice the cost of Hanes’ Beefy-T. While that puts some people off, the fit and fabric make a compelling case for others.
Which One Is Right for You?
Hanes Beefy-T: The Beefy-T has been tried and tested for 45 years and is the go-to for countless people. It’s a good T-shirt.
Its substantial feel speaks to the quality of the knit, just as the soft hand speaks to the quality of the cotton. Some surprising construction details like the tube-knit body are a delight for the self-prescribed snob and the fit is classic and democratic. The fabric tag seems like such an easy fix that would garner even more fans, but at $7, you’d still be getting your money’s worth and even a bit more. Plus, if you’re one of its current fans, you know this already and you know what you’re getting.
If you care about value, Hanes’ Beefy-T is what you should go with. It’s hard to beat, especially at that price.
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt: The official product name of Uniqlo U’s competing tee isn’t as marketable, but that’s just one surface-level gripe. The fabric is smoother and denser than the Beefy-T, so you’d theoretically be replacing it less often. And though the fit might be different than the Hanes classic, that’s really where Lemaire’s design sensibilities pull ahead. You could certainly wear this under a shirt or sweater, but this tee is well-suited to be the star player.
Sure, the side seams might frustrate people, but it’s boxy enough that it shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, when it comes to any garment, the silhouette is paramount. If you like everything about the Hanes Beefy-T but it just doesn’t fit, well that’s a tee you’re simply not going to wear.
If $15 is still within the realm of acceptability and you want something with better fabric and a more contemporary silhouette, Uniqlo U is your t-shirt.
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
Save up to 90% off over 7,500 Sale Items at Nordstrom Rack
It’s no secret that Nordstrom Rack is just one big collection of items that didn’t sell at, or were returned to, Nordstrom. You love the clothing, shoes, bags, watches and everything else that Nordstrom expertly…
Total Luxury Spa Is Healing Its Community Through Streetwear
When designer Daniel Desure and artist Hassan Rahim founded Total Luxury Spa, it was a way for them to create more freely. Their design company, Commonwealth Projects, creates large-scale art projects based on a variety of disciplines, from architecture to graphic design. Creative as the work was, each project involved many different people, restricting Desure and Rahim’s ideas and impulses.
So, in 2012, the duo began Total Luxury Spa as a creative outlet to publish zines and collaborate more intimately with artists. They’d set up booths at art events like the LA Book Fair with Printed Matter, a non-profit organization with a mission to spread artist books to the public.
Desure spoke with Teen Vogue regarding the company’s name, saying that he and Rahim “wanted to work on something a bit more fun, with a free feeling. And the idea of a spa or a bathhouse is a space for rejuvenation; the space where you go to relax and regroup. It’s good for the mind, good for the body, and good for the soul. We liked the idea of creating a space where, instead of a steam room or a bathhouse, it’s the culture that rejuvenates you. So we started building the brand around that.”
Though the zines did well, TLS would soon pivot its focus. TLS zine releases were coupled with original merchandise, and that’s when the brand jumped from the zine’s pages onto t-shirts.
The duo actively avoids labeling themselves. “I think it’s everyone else’s job to label us,” Rahim says. But they are quick to note their inspirations. Los Angeles plays a significant role in the brand’s aesthetics, but even more so in its message. “Our references are never going to be made by an aesthetic decision,” Rahim said to i-D, “there’s always going to be a story behind it and when people connect with that, that’s who we want to rock our brand.”
Each release isn’t merely the result of the brand’s deft graphic design chops, but rather begins with the community. Its Crenshaw Wellness collection took influence from a local vegan restaurant and used 50 percent of the proceeds to pay the restaurant’s chef, Mr. Wisdom. The act of giving back to the community isn’t just a one-off stunt related to a t-shirt release, however — it’s essential to the way the brand operates. Each product description highlights a local community member, sharing their story and pointing fans to their place of business.
While other companies crib from subcultures, TLS actively engages with those subcultures and contributes back to them. Tropics LA, for instance, is another project of Rahim and Desure’s which started because of an encounter with the local youth, who wanted to open a juice shop. TLS helped Tropics LA get its start and continues to use it as an avenue to serve the community through healthy food and weekly meditation sessions. “As a business owner, when we’re developing projects, it doesn’t just mean that we’re infusing ideas into other people’s projects,” Desure says. “It also means that we need to practice what we preach, and we need to create opportunities for the community.”
TLS is clearly inspired by the past, but they also look to the future. Like the spiritual jazz movement born from pioneers like Alice Coltrane and Sun Ra, TLS’s major themes include wellness, healing, meditation, space, community and Afrofuturism. “There were a lot of incredible groups that came out of Los Angeles, that were doing really interesting, progressive things back in the ’60s and ’70s,” Desure said to Teen Vogue “and that’s definitely where we pull inspiration from. Some of it is forward-facing and some of it is a nod to the past.” The graphics are psychedelic, vintage-tinged and colorful. Whether by some cosmic force, Desure and Rahim’s willing it into existence, inception, or all three, the collection is indeed infused with a sense of relaxation.
Their ideas have caught on beyond the locals, too. Not only is TLS stocked at some of the world’s best streetwear stores like Union and Slam Jam, but it’s been seen on celebs like Daniel Kaluuya, Kyrie Irving and Kelsey Lu. They’ve even caught the eye of it-designer Telfar Clemens.
Total Luxury Spa occupies an area of streetwear that few others do. They know that the community is the birth of local culture and they pay their respects, feeding a cyclical ecosystem that is at once part of the culture that it begets. By shedding light on the community and not the design of its products, Total Luxury Spa stays connected and plugs more people in. If you like the design, great.
If you like the ideas — even better.
These Two Iconic Brands Just Made Your New Beach Outfit
New York streetwear outfit Noah and long-time board short legends Birdwell Beach Britches just released their summer collaboration, a coast-to-coast capsule collection ready for the sand and surf.
An icon in the surf scene, Birdwell has roots dating back to 1961 when the brand’s founder, Carrie Birdwell Mann, converted her Southern California home into a family sewing studio, crafting hardy swim trunks for the local surfers. The trunks were a smash and caught on with surfers and beach-goers alike. The brand has kept pace with the surf community through every wave of fashion and still makes all of its goods in SoCal.
For Noah, founded by former Supreme creative director Brendon Babenzien, surf and skate culture are essential to the brand’s identity. In the five short years since its founding in 2015, Noah’s seen an explosion in popularity thanks to its deep-cut subcultural references mixed with east coast prep and downtown New York attitude.
The 11-piece capsule includes a matching set of Birdwell’s iconic swim trunks, a jacket and a tote bag, as well as graphic tees and an embroidered rugby shirt. It’s a capsule that balances both brands’ inimitable style and unique perspective on surf culture. To learn more about the summery collab, we talked with Brett Reynolds, President and Head of Product for Birdwell and Brendon Babenzien, founder of Noah (noted in the interview as “Birdwell” and “Noah,” respectively).
Birdwell’s been around for a long time but has only collaborated with a handful of brands. How do you choose who to collaborate with and how did you land one with Noah?
Birdwell: It all starts with brands that inspire us and in most cases where we are already their customers. We are familiar with their product and believe in what the brand stands for, enough to buy their products. It’s also important for us to connect with and enjoy collaborating with the people running the brand. Life is too short not to work with people you really like. In the case of Noah, we’ve been fans since they opened their doors in 2015. More than that, we deeply appreciate the stand they are taking against the worst practice of the fashion industry — it’s an approach we share.
Brendon, you already make your own swim trunks, tote bags and jackets. What was the impetus for wanting to do a collab with Birdwell?
Noah: They’re the best. Plain and simple.
There are a ton of surf brands out there, so what drew you to Birdwell over other brands?
Noah: Surf as a business has really lost its way in my opinion. I know thinking about the business side of surfing is a bit weird, but I grew up and learned a lot from the business of surf/skate. I’ve seen the demise of the businesses that were super progressive.
It makes me sad to think that the businesses that were surfer-owned and were a true extension of the lifestyle and culture are now being run by non-surfers and accountants. It sucked the life right out of the business side and, in my opinion, has made surfing as a culture a little less {sic}. The businesses were vehicles for new ideas and some truly fun stuff. Birdwell is still surfer-owned and making things here in the US. We’re really only interested in working with companies that are the real thing and Birdwell is the real thing. The best partnerships are ones where you actually enjoy the process and the Bird guys are lovely, so it made the whole thing just that much better.
What was the collaboration process like?
Birdwell: From the moment we connected, we have enjoyed every interaction with their team. There’s a mutual admiration and they were stoked to do something cool and to do it the right way. We quickly locked on the idea of having them take the lead on designing the pieces, most of which are Birdwell legacy styles. When they shared the paisley design, we were completely committed to the fiendishly complicated task of executing the 9-color print on SurfNyl. We think our respective customers will dig the results of that labor of love.
Noah: The collaboration process was super simple and fun. They make a great product and we are very proud of our products. For that reason, it felt like a true exchange. We could benefit from their expertise on manufacturing their items and we could produce a few things they were looking for. They’re also open-minded people so they were OK with us playing a bit more with graphics and colors. It was fun for us to try and capture the spirit of Birdwell with a slightly different attitude. Its always a good time when you get to show your respect for a brand but also do something different for them.
Though Birdwell’s done polo shirts, you chose to go with Noah’s rugby shirt. How did the two brands come to that decision?
Birdwell: We thought it would be interesting to select the essential pieces that celebrate each brand’s heritage as well as our shared commitment to building things the right way. In the case of Noah, the rugby has been a mainstay of their collection every season. It’s pure east coast prep, which we thought would be a cool counter to the California lifestyle pieces that have been part of Birdwell’s offering since 1961.
Few other modern brands are using paisley quite like Noah. And in the streetwear scene, it’s not something I see much at all. How is it significant to you?
Noah: We just love paisley and context matters. Paisley can be awful, really. But if used in the right way, it is such a classic pattern, that we find ourselves returning to it time and time again. It’s funny because when you hear the word, you tend to think “conservative culture.” But visually, it’s quite aggressive, especially for clothing. It takes real personality to wear paisley well. So for that reason, paisley is incredibly significant to us.
Long board or short board?
Noah: Short board. My whole life. As a matter of fact, I’m actually pretty down on myself for never longboarding. I’ve just mastered the art of small wave surfing on short boards so I’ve never needed a long board. I need to incorporate more board lengths into my life though so I can have a different form of expression in the water.