Outerknown Just Launched a Fantastic Women’s Collection
In a few short years, Los Angeles-based clothing brand Outerknown has established itself as a powerful voice in the clothing industry. Its offering of tasteful, well-made men’s wardrobe essentials are ethically produced using earth-friendly materials, proving sustainability and style are not mutually exclusive. While the brand has made major steps forward since its inception in 2015 including an ongoing collaboration with Levi’s Wellthread program, a partnership with regenerated nylon brand Econyl and a partnership with circular manufacturing specialist the Renewal Workshop, it just announced its most exciting endeavor yet: a complete line of women’s clothing.
Comprising 17 unique styles, the collection is made entirely of benefit fibers — those that are organic, recycled or regenerated — and ranges in price from $48 to $268. As with the men’s collection, these pieces are casual, everyday wardrobe staples that are easily incorporated into existing wardrobes. In the debut campaign photos, a selection of tops, dresses, bottoms and coveralls are worn by Lauren Singer (Trash is for Tossers writer), Candace Reels (founder of Female Collective) and Raychel Roberts (founder of Chasseresse).
Before the collection dropped, we caught up with Outerknown’s creative director John Moore to learn more about the ideas behind the line, how it became a reality and what the future has in store for the brand.
Q: When did the idea for a women’s line first arise? Is there a significance to launching it now?
A: Creating clothing for women was always part of the Outerknown vision. When we launched in 2015, we were actually working on the women’s pieces, but we decided to focus on men’s, so we could get the right suppliers in place and work out what it truly means to build clothing sustainably. We’ve obviously learned a lot over the last few years and had some wins and losses that have taught us many lessons.
Over this time, our supply network has matured and our understanding of how to build products with the utmost respect for people and planet has grown exponentially. I can say with a lot of confidence that we’re all pretty happy we waited until now. It’s worth mentioning that we were mostly men in the business when we launched Outerknown, so it made sense to focus on what we knew best. Now we’re almost 40 people (a majority of women) and they all played a role in bringing Outerknown Women’s to life.
Q: Did the past few years of men’s products help inform the first women’s line or is it a different situation?
A: Absolutely, we have a much greater comfort level with our makers, a much larger materials archive, and we’re constantly seeking out new responsible innovation and partnerships. Mostly we know what gets our audience excited on our men’s side, and we’ve been able to bring this understanding over to women’s.
For example, when you think about Outerknown today, you probably think about our Blanket Shirts, so we took all of our patterns and built Outerknown’s Blanket Shirts in a fit specific for women. We also had so many women tell us how hard it is to find the perfect t-shirt, and even harder to find one made sustainably. We know a few things about making great t-shirts for men, so we made two different fits for women in an array of colors, all Fair Trade Certified.
We’re connecting the dots with men’s and doing what we do best, but some of my favorite items are pieces we designed unique to Outerknown women’s such as a versatile assortment of knit and woven dresses and a pair of organic cotton coveralls we call the S.E.A. Suit.
Q: How does the Outerknown DNA shape women’s products?
A: Just like in Men’s, our mission of making the decisions with the highest regard for people and planet was woven throughout every decision while creating women’s. The best part is every single item is made in a planet-friendly, preferred fiber. We’re currently working with around 90 percent preferred fibers in men’s line so this feels great that 100 percent of Outerknown women’s is made in organic, recycled or regenerated fibers.
In 2015, we launched men’s with a partnership with Econyl, bringing recycled fishing nets and other nylon waste into trunks and jackets. As we launch women’s, we’re developing relationships with organizations like Piece and Co. who help us make textiles and prints with smaller artisanal makers in regions where we weren’t able to work previously — mostly because these regions have less formal infrastructure making it harder to ensure that our sustainable standards are met.
By working with Piece and Co., we are promoting women’s empowerment, environmental responsibility, and fair employment in these underdeveloped regions. This partnership allows us to make hand-printed woodblock florals in small runs for our Canyon Dress among other beautiful woven textiles like ikats and stripes across tops, dresses and pants.
Q: What was most difficult in creating this first collection of women’s pieces?
A: When you build expansive collections, details and everything of the sort can tend to blend into one another. But we’re not doing that. We’re focused on creating great items that will last, items without an expiration date, so each piece needs to really shine and have a reason for existing on its own.
Bringing anything to life in the fashion industry is challenging because there are so many variables to consider. Doing it sustainably adds another layer of complexity, so each material selection was a passionate conversation, every color selection was deliberately made to last beyond a season, and every fitting was a new brainstorm. We have an incredibly passionate team with lots of experience, all of whom really believe in everything we make. There were many passionate debates, plenty of wear-testing amongst friends and family, and a few key pivots along the way to bring our vision for women into the world.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece from this collection? What is special about it?
A: The Solstice Sweatshirt is my personal favorite piece! It checks all the boxes for Outerknown. An everyday staple in eight sun-faded colors that goes with everything. And the best part — the Solstice is Fair Trade Certified in the most amazing and soft organic cotton french-terry fleece with a slight slub texture.
Q: Obviously, this is huge. Outerknown is reaching two times the audience now. What are the opportunities and what does the future look like for the brand?
A: In 2017 we brought in a CEO named Mark Walker, and under his guidance, Outerknown has grown a lot over the last two years! It goes without saying that this women’s launch has the potential to take us to the next level, but we remain focused on the long term goals we’ve set out to achieve since the beginning.
Women’s is just one of the many initiatives we’ll be rolling out over the next 18 months; which includes rolling out more unexpected collaborations, bringing our first retail concepts into the world, introducing new sustainable partnerships in 2020 and getting involved with some exciting events around the world. I’m glad we’ll be able to dress women in Outerknown through these important next growth stages of our brand.
Shopping the Huckberry Spring Clearance for up to 55% Off
Huckberry is, has been, and always will be one of our favorite all around everyday carry outfitters of essential gear, clothing, accessories. There’s just something about their consistently rotating collection of quality wares that keeps…
8 New Boots We Can’t Wait to Wear This Spring
While many boot styles are essentially codified, brands still create seasonal variations to keep a fresh offering. Leathers and soles are frequently updated, along with hardware and detailing. Some brands also modify traditional silhouettes, shortening the shaft or switching up the toe box. Either way, there are plenty of new boots on the market this spring. Below, check out eight styles we can’t wait to wear.
Maine Mountain Moccasin 7 Eyelet Field Boot
For spring, Maine Mountain Moccasin updated its rugged 7 Eyelet Field Boot with a Tazman Cumberland Palm roughout leather upper and a Vibram ripple sole. The waterproof upper features a double vamp mudguard and true moccasin construction and the boot is available in sizes 7 to 13.
Rancourt and Co. Brighton Boot
This sleek dress boot is cut from Mimosa calfskin leather (French hides tanned in Italy) and lined with tan cowhide. The semi-brogue cap-toe style — made with Blake stitch construction — includes a Vibram 430 mini-lug outsole to match the slim silhouette and antique brass eyelets.
Nicks Handmade Boots Charley Boot
Spokane-based Nicks Handmade Boots made a lower-profile version of its everyday Robert boot. The Charley style is the brand’s first 5″ boot with a single-piece heel and backstay and no pull loop. Made with McKay lockstitch construction, the boot features a Dainite sole and comes in half-sizes from 6 to 15 and widths AA to FFF. It’s recommended that first time customers fill out a Fit-sheet to get the best fit.
White’s MP Service Boot
Based on a classic military police silhouette, this Spokane-made style is hand sewn, hand lasted, hand welted and hand bottomed. The 6″ style features all-leather construction (including a leather shank and midsole) and is completely customizable and rebuidable. Available in sizes 5 to 13 and widths B to EE, the MP Service boot comes in nine different leather options.
Wesco x Ship John Brown Boss Boots
Heritage Oregon bootmaker Wesco teamed up with cult-favorite brand Ship John on the new Brown Boss Boots. Based on the Wesco 7400 Boss engineer boot, the style features a 1930s stitch pattern, an MP toe copper buckle and a Vibram 700 sole and heel. It’s comes in sizes 6 to 13 and widths C through E.
John Lofgren Combat Boots
Made in Japan, these 6″ combat boots feature a Olive Chromexcel leather from Horween in Chicago. The Goodyear-welted cap-toe style features speedhooks, American-made brass eyelets and a Vibram 705 sole and 700 heel combination. Currently available for pre-order, these will ship in July.
Lucchese John Boots
Made in Texas, these boots 12″ cowboy boots feature a black goat-leather shaft and an oxblood goat-leather vamp. The style has a leather sole, pull tabs and contrasting embroidery around the top of the shaft. It comes in sizes 5.5 to 16 and is available exclusively online.
Viberg Service Boot Armagnac Shell Cordovan
This spring, Viberg is offering its iconic Service Boot style in American shell cordovan. Based on a Canadian military boot, the Service Boot features nine blind eyelets, a Dainite sole, a leather lining and a natural leather midsole. These are a limited-production model and are available in sizes 6 through 13.
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
Your Spring Essential: The Suede Jacket
Suede jackets aren’t exactly an impulse buy. Of the countless tasteful options available online, few sit below the $1K mark. It’s not totally unsurprising though, as suede jackets, like their full-grain counterparts, require a certain degree of specialized manufacturing. But if you’re expecting extra funds in the form of a tax return, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to invest in a well-made style.
For transitional spring temperatures, suede jackets are ideal. The non-insulated style is often unlined and is ideal an outer layer over a light sweater or shirt. This season, an array of brands are offering versions of the jacket in a wide range of colors. Check out some of our favorite options from Todd Snyder, RRL, Visvim and more below.
Schott Suede M-51 Jacket
Made in America from olive goat suede, this jacket features four pocket front, zip closure, leather collar and blue twill lining. Usually $770, it’s now 38 percent off on the brand’s website.
Mr P. Suede Trucker Jacket
This trucker jacket is cut from black suede and features metal shank buttons, two chest pockets and welted hand pockets. This understated style includes buttoned cuffs and side adjusters which allow for a closer fit.
Todd Snyder Italian Suede Dylan Jacket
Made in Italy, this suede jacket is crafted from light pink Italian calf suede. It has a snap-front closure, two chest flap pockets, two welted hand pockets and a modern slim fit.
Our Legacy Suede Trucker Jacket
This rugged jacket is cut from thick, brushed suede. The Western-inspired design features a point collar, snap pockets and a snap-front closure. The style fits small to size so size up when ordering.
A.P.C. Bryan Suede Jacket
Parisian label A.P.C. elevates the traditional bomber jacket with midnight navy Italian calfskin suede. The style features a zip closure, welted side pockets and a ribbed collar, hem and cuffs.
RRL Roughout Suede Jacket
This hard-wearing take on a Levi’s Type II style is made from lightweight Italian suede. It includes a full-grain calfskin collar, a buttoned placket, two front bottoned pockets and a pleated back yoke.
De Bonne Facture Suede Bomber Jacket
This luxe suede bomber is made in France from buttery soft brown suede. The style is fully lined with satin and features a zip closure, welted hand pockets and ribbed trims.
Visvim Suede Trucker Jacket
This Italian-made jacket riffs on the pleated-front Type II jacket style. Cut from supple goat suede, it features contrasting stitching, two front pockets and a button-front closure.
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
Bentley Teamed up with Breitling for a Pair of Limited Edition Centenary Watches
In 1919, W.O. Bentley built his first car, which means his eponymous car company is celebrating a 100 year anniversary this year. We’ve seen plenty of brands celebrate anniversaries in interesting ways, but Bentley is…
This Brand Makes One of the Most Sought-After Waxed Canvas Jackets
Michael Elias didn’t initially set out to design clothing. But after releasing a heavy-duty waxed canvas jacket, named after a Country music legend, he became an underground success. In recent years, Elias’s brand Ship John has garnered a loyal following of customers hoping to purchases a Wills Jacket, and he has, in turn, ramped up production and expanded his offering to include shirts, vest and boots, among other things.
Born in New Jersey, Elias made his way west to Portland, Oregon via Philadelphia. At the time, he was making his own cycling hats, devoid of the branding typical on commercially made styles. These pieces caught the eye of Sacha White from Vanilla Bicycles which resulted in collaboration and permanent job in bicycle fabrication for Elias. Though he wasn’t producing hats full-time, his job at Vanilla, doing machine work and executing the brand’s distinct design aesthetic provided a necessary education. “That’s what really trained my mind and hands,” Elias said.
During his four-year tenure at Vanilla, Elias started producing small leather goods and waxed canvas bags. He eventually changed jobs and worked as a stonemason for a few years. “As a stonemason, I was just tearing through clothes because you’re down on your knees, rubbing your elbows on rock all the time,” he said.
Wax canvas was particularly bad because it had a tendency to crease. The high points of the creases got more abrasion and would wear out quickly. One day, Elias was struck with a novel concept upon examining his latest custom-designed waxed canvas Waylon bag. “I wondered if I could make a jacket out of the 24-ounce waxed twill I was making bags out of.”
With no formal training in pattern making, Elias examined the faults of numerous jackets he’d worn out and designed the Wills jacket. He avoided chain stitching where he’d seen it fail before and “beefed up” seams that had a tendency to wear out. The design featured a solid-brass zipper and brass snaps, two chest pockets and two hand pockets. It retained the beauty of waxed fabric but also lasted much longer than commercially available options thanks to its hefty weight.
After sharing photos of the jacket online, Elias quickly developed a following. Instead of creating a wait list for his one-man operation, he opted to set-up a mailing list. Potential customers — now upward of 4,000 — are “on the list to be notified for one.”
For the sake of quality, only 20 jackets are produced at a time. Customers pay a $200 deposit and receive a keychain with their jacket number on it. The rest of the $475 list price is due when the jacket is ready.
“This is 100 percent intended to be a working man or woman’s jacket.”
With the success of the Wills jacket, Elias hired veteran San Francisco pattern maker Steven Heard. Though Elias initially relied on Heard’s three decades of experience to fine-tune the Wills pattern, Ship John now employs Heard full time, along with four other employees.
Ship John offers small leather goods and bags along with shirts and vests. “A lot of the stuff I design is basically just stuff I can’t find anymore,” Elias said. The brand’s Townes shirt is even based on an old Western shirt Elias had that is no longer in production. “We’re not necessarily reinventing the wheel with all this stuff,” he said. “Just nudging it into the place we like to see it.”
Along with its in-house products, Ship John also offers a few collaboration pieces with brands like Langlitz, Wesco and Good Art Hlwyd. “They’re the heroes to me,” Elias said. And it’s a win-win situation. He can utilize their expertise while introducing his followers to “tried-and-true, well-crafted American stuff.”
Most Ship John products are named after iconic country musicians. It’s something close to Elias’s heart — his own country band, Denver, has been playing shows in Portland for 10 years. He even opens the Ship John shop for intimate live shows of up to 100 people, a prospect he’s just beginning to explore.
And while the brand has grown in recent years and the product line continues to expand, Elias’s original no-nonsense jacket is a distillation of his continued outlook. “Even though I think what we make looks good, we’re not a fashion company,” he said. “This is 100 percent intended to be a working man or woman’s jacket. I want a welder working in Minnesota to be able to buy one.”
Save an Extra 20% on over 1,000 Sale Items at Nike
If you’re still waiting to update your spring wardrobe, now’s the time. Nike just kicked off an extra 20% off sale that runs until 3/6. All you have to do to capitalize on the sale…
The Levi’s x Outerknown Collab Has a Revolutionary Disguise
The ongoing Levi’s x Outerknown Wellthread collaboration features a revolutionary disguise in its spring collection. The denim garments — a trucker, a Western shirt and jeans — aren’t solely made with cotton and feature a large percentage of cottonized hemp.
The Wellthread program partnered with fiber specialists to create a process to “cottonize” hemp. Using little energy or chemical processing, the substantial fibers are transformed to look and feel nearly indistinguishable from cotton. In the Outerknown collection, the garments include 30 percent of this under-the-radar sustainable material.
The use of hemp is incredibly important with regards to sustainability. The plant is resistant to pests, requires little water and has a very short growth cycle. In fact, it’s so easy to grow that it doesn’t even have an organic certification process. And the hemp used in the Levi’s x Outerknown Wellthread collection is rain-fed, utilizing no conventional irrigation.
What’s more, each of the garments from the new collection is fully recyclable. The trucker and jeans have easily removable metal hardware so after they’ve been worn out, they can be processed into new usable materials.
So if you’re looking to give your wardrobe some new life this spring, consider picking up one of these pieces — they not only look great, they’re also revolutionary.
Wellthread 511 Slim Fit Jeans by Levi’s x Outerknown $128
Wellthread Western Stitched Yoke Shirt by Levi’s x Outerknown $168
Wellthread Embroidered Trucker by Levi’s x Outerknown $198
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Levi’s x Outerknown Pocket Tee (Recycled Denim) ($40)
Levi’s x Outerknown Pocket Tee (White) ($40)
Levi’s x Outerknown Boardshort ($98)
The Reese Backpack Doesn’t Make You Look Like A Dork
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Backpacks aren’t a popular option for stylish men. Although functional and utilitarian, they’re a make it or break it fashion choice. Most options on the market are bulky, unseemly, or worse yet — both.
Here’s one that says, “Screw it. You can definitely wear a bag and get away with it.” The stylish Reese Backpack fronts the aesthetic sensibilities of a knapsack and pairs it with the functionalism of conventional backpacks. The result is a backpack that doesn’t make you look like a dork.
The sturdy construction of canvas and leather means it can carry all your essentials without bucking easily. The design is an evolution from the school-style backpacks still endemic to adult men today. Proving that when it comes to backpacks, you don’t have to skimp on style.
The interior features plenty of pockets, including a laptop holder and compartments for your documents. You can even store toiletries and clothes in there if you don’t have access to a duffel bag. Perfect for day trips or on-the-spot office stays.
Colorways include navy or black. Other features include a nylon catcher, a front-zip pocket for easy access to your phone, keys, or other stuff you want to fish out in a jiffy. Also included is a water bottle compartment, plus other interior sleeves. Exact dimensions are 10.5”L x 5”W x 18.5”H.
If you want a backpack you can wear to work without feeling ashamed of your fashion choices, this one’s for you.
Photos courtesy of Moral Code
5 Emerging Menswear Brands to Watch in 2019
If you’re interested in building out your wardrobe this year, consider investing in some emerging brands. Though they may not have the size or reach of larger companies or heritage brands, they often offer interesting points of view and top-tier constructions. Your dollars will have a great impact on the future of that brand than, say, a publically traded company that has its shareholders to answer to.
Numerous independent retailers stock fledgling brands alongside old standards and are a great resource for staying privy to up-and-coming designers. But if you’re looking for a cheat-sheet to get you started, we rounded up five emerging brands worth keeping an eye on.
Beaugan
Tokyo-based Christopher Hancy founded Beaugan in 2017. The Australian national draws upon his education at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and traditional Japanese techniques like dorozome (a type of mud dyeing) to create a range of elevated “normal” clothing. Garments include lightweight jackets made from handwoven cotton, breezy natural-dyed button ups and handwoven jeans dyed with gunpowder. Check out the brand’s site for more information and shop a few select pieces at Pancho and Lefty.
Dr. Collectors
Dr. Collectors has been flying under the radar for much of the last decade, but seems to be hitting its stride in recent seasons. The brand, which is stocked at Trading Post L.A., is designed by Frenchman Olivier Grasset. Though the brand’s Califoria-made collections initally blended French and American workwear, recent years see the brand in a more exploratory phase — think of it like a Southern California’s answer to Kapital. Indigo-dyed handpainted tees and dropcrotch drawstring trousers complement remade Hawaiian shirts pieced together from multiple vintage Aloha styles.
Alex Mill
Alex Mill, the brand headed by the son of former J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler, was initially founded in 2013. Not surprisingly, the small label put out refined wardrobe basics, the kind of tasteful button-ups that placed extra emphasis on great fits and fabrics. But after some recent shake-ups at J.Crew, Alex Mill is also getting a revamp and relaunch with help from Drexler Ventures and former J.Crew chief design officer Somsack Sikhounmuong. The brand now offers both men’s and women’s wardrobe essentials at a very accessible price point. For the family Drexler, this seems very familiar, but as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke…”
Alanui
Siblings Nicolò and Carlotta Oddi founded Alanui in 2016 with a collection built around one item: a buttonless, unisex, oversized, jacquard-cashmere cardigan. While other luxury cashmere brands like The Elder Statesman and Brunello Cucinelli showcase the incredibly soft fiber in a range of traditional knits designs, Alanui opts for a jacquard technique that showcases different patterns and designs. The brand uses between four and seven yarns to create each cardigan. It takes between five and seven hours to knit each one and another six for it to be assembled.
General Admission
Though L.A.-retailer General Admission has had a line of clothing for a few years, it recently stepped things up a notch by handing the creative reins to Kyle Ng, the designer behind the wildly popular streetwear brand Brain Dead. The brand released the updated collection in late May 2018 and has continued to drop a range of seasonal garments in the following months. The casual pants and shirts are made in L.A. from American and Japanese fabrics — best of all, they’re very fairly priced and won’t break the bank.
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
7 Tie Dye Garments to Add to Your Wardrobe and How to Pull Them Off
This spring, countless designers are embracing the free nature of tie-dye patterns in a range of garments and accessories. Though the style is often first associated with the hippie culture of the ‘60s and jam bands like the Grateful Dead, tie-dying was practiced across the world centuries before “Shakedown Street” was recorded.
And contemporary designers are embracing the technique’s rich heritage. From complex shibori patterns to amorphous space-dyed designs, tie-dye clothing adds a casual element to a wardrobe that traditional patterns like checks, plaids and stripes simply cannot. Here are the seven best tie-dyed garments to add to your wardrobe this season along with some tips on how to pull them off.
Anonymous Ism Uneven Tie Dye Socks
These Japanese socks are made from a cotton-poly blend and feature understated aqua hues. Pair them with minimal canvas or leather sneakers and jeans with an inseam hit at the ankle (either cuffed or hemmed). While you’ve got more freedom to wear shirts or jackets in differnt colors and patters, if you choose to wear something more neutral, the socks will garner more interest.
Mollusk Hemp Pocket Tee
Made from a hemp-cotton blend, this t-shirt has a washed-out purple tie-dye pattern. Wear it alone with chinos on a warmer day or pair it with a denim jacket during more temperate stretches. If you choose to wear it with an overshirt, pick something that is a solid color as opposed to plaids or patterns.
Todd Snyder x Champion Tie Dye Pullover Hoodie
Made in L.A. from 16-ounce French terry, this hoodie is the more laid-back version of an athletic classic. The one-of-a-kind black tie-dye pattern won’t seem out of place at the gym or at your favorite brunch spot. Wear as you would a normal hoodie, and pair with jeans or chinos. The lighter your trousers, the more the tie-dye pattern will be accented.
Vince Shibori Tie Dye Sweater
Instead of an atheletic-inspired chest stripe, Vince opts to use a shibori pattern in the same place. This subtle juxtaposition on a dark blue sweater means you can wear this in a number of scenarios. Keep it casual with washed-out jeans and sneakers or dress it up with dark slacks and dress shoes.
Borsalino Quito Tie Dyed Panama Hat
This handmade hat features an all-over blue tie dye pattern. If you’re planning a tropical vacation and want to add something unique to your wardrobe, this will pair well with warm-weather linen and cotton neutrals (think: white shirts, tan pants, et al).
John Elliott Camp Collar Tie Dyed Shirt
For more casual situations, pair this camp-collar shirt with light jeans. For a dressy night out, consider black jeans or slacks. Made in Japan, this cotton-poplin shirt is a breathable and versatile style for spring.
The Elder Statesman Tie Dyed Fleece Jacket
This piece of outerwear makes a statement. To keep the statement straightforward, wear it with a black tee, washed-out jeans and casual sneakers. Feel comfortable accessorizing with other more fashion-forward sunglasses or necklaces.
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 $300 on Italian-Made Tom Ford Sunglasses
Save up to 68 Percent
Save up to $300 on Italian-Made Tom Ford Sunglasses
Tom Ford makes some of the most tasteful luxury clothing and accessories available. As you’d expect with a reputation like that, the price point on everything from his shirts to sweaters to suits is sky high. Unsurprisingly, the brand’s sunglasses are something of a cult favorite and feature elegant curves and distinctive hinge detailing. Right now at Nordstrom Rack, you can save up to 68 percent on a few different Italian-made styles. Normally priced at over $400, these frames won’t cost more than a pair of traditional Ray-Bans while supplies last.
Harry 53mm Clubmaster Sunglasses by Tom Ford $460 $160
Ace 55mm Aviator Sunglasses by Tom Ford $405 $160
Carlo 58mm Aviator Sunglasses by Tom Ford $405 $160
Andrew 54mm Retro Sunglasses by Tom Ford $455 $160
Cameron 53mm Round Sunglasses by Tom Ford $395 $160
Palmer 51mm Round Sunglasses by Tom Ford $395 $160
Andrew 54mm Retro Sunglasses by Tom Ford $455 $160
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
This Supple Leather Jacket Costs $2,600. Here’s Why
Vintage reproduction specialist The Real McCoys created an amazing version of a Depression-era deerskin sports jacket. The style retails for $2,582, but as the saying goes, God (and in this case, the price) is in the details.
Made in Japan, the Joe McCoy Disfarmer Jacket features a 1930s pin-lock front zipper, a cotton twill lining, a ball-chain pocket zipper and period-appropriate urea buttons. Because calf leather was hard to come by during the Depression, deerskin was often used as a substitute. The supple, durable nature of deerskin proved effective for both work and sport outerwear.
Available in sizes 40, 42 and 44, this jacket is designed to fit comfortably over a button-up or tee. And while the $2,600 price tag is substantial, you’re paying for quality manufacturing and details that can’t be topped.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Vanson Oxford Jacket ($629)
Eastman Leather Clothing Californian Jacket ($1,250)
Fine Creek Leathers Virginia Beach Jacket ($1,650)
This World-Class Work-Boot Brand Just Made a Dress Boot
Legendary Spokane-based work boot maker Nicks Handmade Boots just released its dressiest style to date. Called the Charley, it’s a 5″ style with a single-piece heel and backstay and no pull loop. Made with McKay Lockstitch construction, this boot is rebuildable, resole-able and available in a swath of sizes (6 to 15 and widths AA to FFF). For first-time customers, Nicks recommends its Fit-sheet to guarantee a perfect fit.
Nicks Handmade Boots was founded in 1964 by Nick Blahcuzyn, an immigrant who escaped Stalin’s army during WWII. After learning his craft from another notable Spokane boot maker and setting out on his own, his footwear became the go-to for hotshot crews, loggers and upland hunters.
While the Charley boot has a much lower profile than the brand’s serious work boots, it still features the same legendary all-leather arch support that the brand is known for. The style features a full-grain leather upper, Dainite sole and Dogger heel profile. And while it’s definitely expensive at $485, it’s still one of the best values for a boot of this caliber.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
White’s Semi-Dress 1/2 Comp Sole Boot ($530)
Viberg Service Boot Mocha Harness ($670)
John Lofgren Combat Boots ($820)
3 Northwestern Boot Makers You Should Know
Boots crafted in the American Northwest, by makers like Nicks Custom Boots, Wesco, and White’s Boots, were created to survive flames and rough terrain. Read the Story
At The Oscars With Alex Honnold Talking Free Solo, Accidental Movie Stardom, and His Custom North Face Tuxedo
“Can you button this?” Alex Honnold, one of the best rock climbers in the world, is holding his wrist out to me, so I can help him with the cuffs of his tuxedo shirt. “I can’t do buttons,” he says.
Video by Brenden Clarke and Adam Grabarnick
This is hard to comprehend given that Honnold’s fingertips have their own lexicon of dexterity: he uses them on a daily basis to wedge, grip, pinch, crimp and palm odd patterns in rock faces, sometimes thousands of feet up a cliff face without a rope. This skill is why climbing geeks — and now movie buffs — know his name.
Honnold is famous for his climbing, but he’s also the star of the 2018 film “Free Solo,” a documentary of Honnold tackling the famed 3,000-foot El Cap route in Yosemite National Park, completely un-roped. El Cap is usually conquered over the course of several days by climbers laced to the mountain with ropes and harnesses; Honnold completed it in just under four hours with little more than a chalk bag. The movie is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. Tonight, the night of the Oscars, Honnold is standing in my hotel room at the Beverly Wilshire — he spent the morning in a climbing gym — as the Gear Patrol team gets set up to film a video with him.
Normally, you wouldn’t find Honnold in anything but shorts and a technical tee, with chalk in the creases of his fingers. “I wear approach shoes unless someone tells me not to,” Honnold says. Today, someone told him not to. Honnold is hours from walking the red carpet at the 91st Academy Awards. He’s traded them for shiny black lace-ups from Barney’s, and traditional black tie. If Honnold is stopped on the red carpet and asked the standard, “Who are you wearing?” he’ll have an interesting answer: The North Face, the legendary American outdoor company and Honnold’s apparel sponsor, made the tux. Look closely and you’ll see his pocket square is full of tiny little black-on-black North Face logos.
The North Face, who this year is promoting its modern, minimalist lifestyle collection The Black Series, designed a custom tuxedo — slim fit, wool, one-button single-breasted — just for this occasion, and for the first time ever. The suit was tailored for Honnold’s unique build in a collaboration between Devon Scott, a New York City-based designer specializing in made-to-measure menswear, and The Black Series’s manager, Mona Al-Shaalan, who came to the brand by way of Alexander McQueen, Versace and Givenchy. Al-Shaalan and Scott rounded out the look with a custom cotton poplin white button-down shirt (with a touch of stretch for performance) and a black jacquard bow tie and pocket square.
“I’m honored they decided to rise to the occasion,” Honnold says of The North Face’s participation in his film success, “They made something nice for me. It’s classy.” It took three fittings across three states to get this suit to the finish line; the two designers would fly in on a day’s notice when an opening in Honnold’s whirlwind travel schedule appeared.
“He has really broad shoulders, like a swimmer,” Scott said to The North Face about the project. “A great canvas to drop cloth on.”
Al-Shaalan first presented six suit designs to Honnold, one of which mimicked his climbing apparel, which he shortens at the ankles and wrists for better performance. Honnold wanted something more classic: “I want to look totally normal,” he said. Of the six CAD drawings showing the same image of Honnold dressed in six different looks, he chose the most traditional silhouette, saying “I don’t want to be the one weird dude wearing the loud thing.”
The loudest option wasn’t actually the Thom Browne-esque cropped suit; one variation called for Honnold to wear a T-shirt under his suit, one that read “Walls are Meant for Climbing,” a political statement North Face has been printing on apparel recently. The look went against Honnold’s goal of blending in — but he’s still carrying the message onto the red carpet: at the hotel, he has me insert a pin onto his lapel emblazoned the same phrase.
The guy who lives in approach shoes knows more about wearing a tux than you’d expect. He shoots the cuffs of his shirt past the sleeve, so they show. “My girlfriend said that’s the way,” he says. “Just the tip.” It’s probably a joke, but it’s hard to tell. Honnold delivers everything in the same matter-of-fact tone.
In the end it’s climbing, not award shows, that Honnold wants to be thinking about. With the six-month film tour culminating tonight, in what would be the biggest award for the film yet (they recently won a British Academy Film Award for Best Documentary), Honnold is ready to ditch red carpets for foot holds.
“Everybody asks what’s next,” he says. “It’s just back to normal life. Continue to improve at climbing, maintain my relationship with my girlfriend, going on expeditions and climbing again.”