Calvin Klein’s New Collection Celebrates 40 Years of Making Denim

It’s been 40 years since Calvin Klein introduced the world to the concept of designer denim, so it makes sense that the clothing brand’s current creative director Raf Simons would want to commemorate such an important milestone. His newest collection, Calvin Klein Jeans Est. 1978, does just that — and fits in well with the steady stream of Americana-inspired clothes Simons has been delivering since he took the helm about two years ago. It includes everything from key-chains to t-shirts, hoodies, jeans, denim jackets and a backpack, all printed or embroidered with a black-and-white image from Brooke Shields’ now iconic 1980s ad campaign for the jeans. (If your personal aesthetic doesn’t allow for pictures of a teenage supermodel to be splashed somewhat liberally on your clothing, there are also more straightforward, indigo-dyed versions of the denim jacket, jeans, and a western shirt available for pre-order.)

Prices range from $30 for the keychains to $450 for a solid puffer jacket. It’s all worth exploring, but you can take a look at a few of our favorites below.

Icon Printed Crewneck T-Shirt by Calvin Klein Est. 1978 $70

Icon Padded Nylon Backpack by Calvin Klein Est. 1978 $200

Icon Printed Crewneck T-Shirt by Calvin Klein Est. 1978 $70

Western Denim Shirt by Calvin Klein Est. 1978 $220

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The 6 Best Beard Trimmers You Can Buy in 2018

An electric beard trimmer is a necessity for maintaining facial hair. The best ones are intuitive and offer a range of settings for general hair trimming and precision touch-ups.

In recent years, advances in rechargeable batteries have allowed for cordless trimmers to run up to an hour or more. Many beard trimmers on the market also utilize blades that require very little upkeep — as a general rule: look for self-sharpening steel blades that don’t require oil before each use.

You’ll also want to consider how, and where, you’ll be using it. Have you maintained the same beard for years and just need a one-trick pony? Do you alternate between short and long styles and need a trimmer that offers a lot of variety? Will you take your trimmer on business trips or are you leaving it in a bathroom cabinet? Finally, what’s your budget?

No matter how you answered any of these questions, our picks have you covered.

Wahl Model 9818

Best All-Around Beard Trimmer: Made in the America, this beard trimmer is housed in a durable stainless steel housing and utilizes rechargable Lithium Ion 2.0 technology that can provide hours of trimming on one charge. The Model 9818 comes with four attachments and 12 T-Blade guide combs to achieve different length trims.

The self-sharpening blades stay sharp over years of use and the warranty is one of the longest you’ll find in the world of beard trimmers. The best feature, though? A one-minute charge will give you three minutes of trimming time — perfect for procrastinators everywhere.

Attachments: 3
Runtime: 4 hours
Warranty: 5 years

Panasonic ER-GB80-S

Best Washable Beard Trimmer: This trimmer has 39 adjustable settings to fine-tune your grooming routine — a rubberized dial controls the settings in .5mm increments from .5mm to 20mm. The stainless steel blades are washable and a convenient water-drain allows quick cleaning after each use.

While the battery will last just shy of an hour, a LED charge indicator on the handle indicates the power level as to not leave you stranded in the middle of a trim. The attachments that come with the ER-GB80-S are designed for closer facial hair trimming, longer beard styles and precision body hair grooming. Panasonic also outfitted the trimmer with a rubberized handle that fits comfortably in bigger hands.

Attachments: 3
Runtime: 50 minutes
Warranty: 2 years

Philips Norelco Multigroom MG3750

Best Affordable Beard Trimmer: This beard trimmer offers a lot of features for just $20. It comes with nine attachements, including hair guards, beard guards and precision trimmers for ear and nose hair. It utilizes a lithium-ion battery that delivers a respectable hour-long runtime, and the trimmer’s steel blades are self-sharpening and washable.

For those who like trimmers that are relatively easy to care for, this one doesn’t require users oil the blades. But, if money’s not an option, spring for the Multigroom 9000 (pictured). While $70 more than the MG3750, it comes with a lithium-ion battery that delivers an industry-leading six-hour runtime and an almost unheard of 10-year warranty.

Attachments: 9
Runtime: 60 minutes
Warranty: 2 years

Braun Multi Grooming Kit MGK3045

Best Beard Trimmer for Travel: This compact trimmer can keep up with the best. It comes with five attachments and can trim beards from .5mm to 21 mm (in 2mm increments). The battery delivers one hour of runtime and a LED indicator on the handle displays the battery life. Thankfully, this trimmer is fully washable, making on-the-go cleanup a breeze. It’s also small enough to be packed into a Dopp kit without distrubing your current grooming products.

Attachments: 5
Runtime: 60 minutes
Warranty: 2 years

Andis T-Outliner

Best Corded Beard Trimmer: If you need a precision trimmer to touch-up your neck, beard and moustache, this is a solid option. Inside the heavy-duty housing, a quiet magnetic motor powers carbon-steel blades designed for years of use. Weighing in at 11.5 ounces, this trimmer is easy on the hands for extended use. The T-Outliner is ideal for dry shaving, but make sure to oil the blade before each use to insure a good trim.

Attachments: 0
Runtime: Continuous
Warranty: 1 year

Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer BT7215/49

Best Beard Trimmer with a Vacuum: Sometimes, convenience is a good thing; such is the case of the Philips Norelco BT7215/49. It has an integrated vacuum that catches the majority of your beard hairs, making post-trim cleanup incredibly fast.

Choose from 20 length settings ranging from .5mm to 10mm (in .5mm increments) and use four different attachments to get your ideal trim. It utilizes self-sharpening steel blades that are removable and washable. A lithium-ion battery delivers 80 minutes of runtime on a one-hour charge. The brand’s five-year warranty should do away with any buyer’s remorse — this is a close contender for the best all-around trimmer.

Attachments: 4
Runtime: 80 minutes
Warranty: 5 years

How to Trim a Beard, According to an Expert

Trimming and maintaining a beard is an essential grooming skill men learn to master. But unlike shaving, it blends technique and aesthetics. While everyone’s facial hair grows in differently, there are some general rules to follow when trying to achieve certain beard types. We asked the founder of the Grooming Lounge, Mike Gilman, to share his advice for taming your follicles.

How to Trim a Short Beard

Step 1: Use an electric clipper.

“To keep the beard the desired length, trimming with an electric clipper and a guard is definitely the way to go. As with any beard trimming, it’s best to start with a longer guard and move toward a shorter guard — you can’t put hair back on if too much is removed. We’d recommend starting with a #1 guard and moving down to a .5 guard if the hair isn’t trimmed enough the first go around.”

Step 2: Clean up the edges.

“Once completed with the trimming of the length, the bearded one can remove the guards and use the point of the bare clipper to outline and carve out spots around the neck, cheeks and mustache.”

Step 3: Maintain your whiskers.

“Ideal products to use with this length of beard include a targeted face wash to keep the whiskers and the skin below the whiskers clean. A light beard lotion or moisturizer should then be applied to hydrate both beard and skin, soften whiskers and point them in the right direction. This will also help with itching, which is the main reason beard missions are aborted early on.”

How to Trim a Normal-Length Beard

Step 1: Start with clippers.

“Like with the shorter beard above, start with clippers and use a higher setting, like a #3 and move down to a 2.5 or 2, as desired. Similarly use the clipper with no attachment to do detail and line work on the neck, cheeks and ‘stache.

“When trimming a beard of this type, it’s usually best to have the trimmer follow the grain of hair growth — which is usually downward to a degree. Going against the grain and pushing too hard can leave bald patches.”

Step 2: Fine tune with scissors.

“After [clippers], scissors are essential to tame fly-away hairs or the ones clippers just didn’t take care of.”

Step 3: Clean daily.

“These longer beards need a real cleansing, daily, with a targeted beard and face wash. From there, a beard lotion is essential to keep strands soft and styled — and of course, to hydrate the vulnerable skin below the beard. A beard brush or comb can also be helpful.”

How to Trim a Long Beard

Step 1: Use clippers on the cheeks.

“For more intense facial foliage formations, it usually works best to separate the way the beard is handled on the cheeks versus the goatee, chin and upper neck area. Most men look best when the sides or cheeks are tapered a bit more and they can grow out the length below. To that end, using a clipper with a longer #3 or #4 guard on the cheek area is a good bet.”

Step 2: Use scissors for the rest.

“Down below, on the chin and goatee area, it’s more of a comb and scissor situation. Comb the beard down and cut across in small sections, sometimes point cutting into the beard diagonally. If [you] cut straight across at the bottom, it’ll look like the equivalent of a bowl cut for the beard.”

Step 3: Keep it healthy and hydrated.

“Ideal products for longer beards include a beard and face wash, a beard oil for hair health and softness and a beard lotion for styling and skin hydration. A beard brush or comb can also be helpful.”

5 Pairs of Vintage Sunglasses We’d Buy Right Now

A pair of sunglasses not only protects your eyes, it has the power to instantly elevate your style. While there are countless modern options to choose from, there are numerous vintage styles available on secondhand sites that offer a certain something that contemporary frames lack. If you’re into iconic style, attention to detail or rarity, consider scouring eBay for a pair of NOS shades before opting for a newer style. To give you an idea of what’s out there, here are five pairs of vintage shades we’d buy now.

Faosa Sunglasses

Made in Mexico, the chunky angular style of Faosa frames became synonymous with people like Ray Orbison and Buddy Holly. This pair from the ’50s has non-prescription yellow lenses, seven-barrel hinges and very light wear throughout.

Serengeti Strata by Corning Optics

These ‘80s sunglasses feature incredible lenses from Corning Optics. They are polarized, photochromic spectral control lenses, meaning they’re essentially the height of sunglasses technology. What’s more, the frame has a matte black anti-reflective coating that resists chipping and wear.

B&L Ray-Ban Outdoorsman

These aviator-style sunglasses feature 62mm Ambermatic lenses. The frame dates to the mid-‘70s and shows very little wear for the age with a clean brow bar and nose-pads.

Persol Ratti 69202/52

This pair of Persols from the ‘80s still has the brand’s sticker on the left lens. The substantial tortoise-colored acetate frame features iconic hinge inlays and seven-barrel hinges.

B&L Ray-Ban Wayfarers

It doesn’t get much more iconic than a pair of pre-Luxottica Wayfarers. This black pair is in relatively clean vintage condition and includes durable seven-barrel hinges.

7 Awesome Money Clips to Minimize Your EDC

Money clips are an integral part of EDC culture. For guys who prefer minimalist wallets, they offer a discreet way to carry bills without trying to cram them into a tight cardholder; they’re also ideal for people who wear suits as bulky wallets can be noticeable in a pair of tailored trousers. Unlike certain pieces of EDC, however, the barrier to entry for money clips is relatively low, meaning you don’t need to cash out to cash in.

HONB Stainless Steel Money Clip

This money clip is made out of durable stainless steel that has a brushed finish. It’s dead-simple, good looking and very affordable.

CL Carbonlife Money CLip

Made from carbon fiber, this money clip is durable and incredibly light. It’s available in three different sizes and comes in either a matte finish (scratch-resistant) or a high-profile finish (smooth and translucent).

Boarding Pass Brass Money Clip

This brass money clip is made in the USA and has a brushed finish that is polished to a bright luster. To more securely hold your bills, the design incorporates an interior clip.

Rinouma Brass Money Clip

Made in Tokyo, this money clip is press molded and finished by a small company that’s been in business since 1953. The simple design has a natural finish.

M&U Co. Money Clip

M&U Co. bends this unique money clip by hand. Made in the America from solid brass, it has a unique open-back design that reduces weight and a either a black or natural tumbled finish.

Minimalux Sterling Silver Money Clip

This simple sterling silver money clip is as thin as a tie bar. Minimalux — a nine-year-old brand based in England — adds a ripple design to the clip, along with a laser-engraved hallmark.

Good Art Cream Dream Money Clip

Made in LA, this money clip is crafted from 925 sterling silver and features a money lock hinge to secure your bills. The design includes unique filigree detailing, all done by hand.

6 Fourth-of-July Sales You Don’t Want to Miss

Many of our favorite brands are running Fourth-of-July sales, so it’s a good time to take advantage of deals on a range of well-made clothing. Save on a range of clothes and accessories from brands like Taylor Stitch, Saturdays and Corridor, among others. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your warm-weather garb or give your wardrobe a complete makeover, these sales will save you a substantial amount of cash.

Taylor Stitch

Save 20% off Sitewide: From June 30 to July 5, take 20 percent off sitewide and save up to 40 percent on already marked down items.

Shockoe Atelier

Save up to 30%: Take advantage of lifetime repairs on any of the garments you pick up from Shockoe Atelier’s Summer Sale.

Saturdays

Save 40%: Currently, SS18 and PS18 collections are reduced and you can pick from tees, sweatshirts, shorts and more.

eBay

Save 20%: Until July 3, take 20 percent off top brands with the code PARTYINUSA. The minimum purchase amount is $25 and the maximum discount is $50.

American Trench

Save 20%: With the code 4thofjuly, save 20 percent off site-wide through July 8.

Corridor

Save 30%: With the code July4th2018, save 30 percent off site-wide through July 4.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The 8 Best Belts for Casual Summer Style

If you’re looking for a decidedly more casual belt for summer outfits, consider a woven or braided style. Braided leather belts more expensive, but they add an element of texture to your wardrobe that traditional smooth leather belts lack; they also come with different types of buckles — like D-rings and sliders — adding to a more laid-back look. Here are some of our favorites.

BC Belts Canvas Web Belt

This canvas web belt is inspired by standard-issue military belts of the 20th century and has a brass sliding buckle. Available in 12 colors, it is 50 inches long and can be cut to your ideal size.

Uniqlo Leather Wide Mesh Belt

This affordable belt is braided from South American leather and has a traditional buckle. It comes in black and brown colorways, the latter of which will be more versatile for casual wear.

Filson Togiak Belt

This understated American-made belt features a low-profile aluminum hook buckle. The fit is fully customizable and the ends of the belt are reinforced with box stitching.

L.L. Bean Signataure D-Ring Webbed Belt

Made from nylong webbing, this belt features leather trim and a metal D-ring buckle. More preppy than the military in its design, it’s a versatile option that can be worn in both casual and formal settings.

Orvis Guatemalan Buffalo Nickel Belt

Made in the USA, this belt features natural toned Guatemalan patterning and buffalo nickel accents. The textile is accented with bison leather and lined with waxed vegetable-tanned leather for longevity.

Anderson’s Leather Stretch Woven Belt

This Italian-made leather belt features a solid steel buckle with a metal roller. The multi-strand weave can be paired with trousers for business or chino shorts for a relaxed weekend.

Nicholas Daley Knitted Belt

Knit from wide-guage jute yarn, this belt features a classic brass buck and a knit loop. It’s made in England and has one of the richest textures on the casual-belt market.

Brunello Cucinelli Woven Leather Belt

Woven by a artisan in Solomeo, Italy, this belt showcases a unique texture of wide and thin strips of leather. The luxury belt fastens with a burnished-gold buckle and is appropriate for both casual and formal settings.

The Bags Our Staff Actually Uses to Commute to Work

At Gear Patrol, our staff is always on the move, testing gear of all sizes in the office and in the field. So naturally, we’re pretty discerning when it comes to the bags we use on our daily commutes. While some of us have cars, other rely on public transportation in the greater New York City area, so we’re able to gauge the size and functionality of a bag on an everyday basis. While the favorite design of commuter bags ranges widely between staff members — backpacks, messenger bags, totes — the functional end game is the same. Here are the bags we actually use to commute to work.

Waterfield Designs Vitesse Messenger Bag

“For the longest time, I commuted to work with a backpack. A cool backpack, but still a backpack. On the streets of Manhattan, I assumed that most people thought by my boyish charm and lack of arm hair that I was going to high-school. Maybe college. In my late 20s, I decided to shake that perception… and I did, by purchasing this beautiful, sophisticated messenger bag.” — Tucker Bowe, Staff Writer

The North Face Yavapai Backpack

“My mom bought me this backpack in the fall of 2004, just in time for my sophomore year of high school. I’ve used it ever since. It’s been to Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, North America, the Caribbean and more, and it still hasn’t fallen apart (though the internal lining is beginning to finally crumble and get all over my stuff). I keep telling myself I’ll replace it, but at that the end of the day, this one just has too many years’ worth of memories associated with it.” — Oren Hartov, Assistant Editor

Douglas Rose Stockton Black Bag

“I have tons of backpacks. They work great when I’ve got jiujitsu practice after work, or when I have errands to run. On the days when things are less complicated, I try to dress like an adult that has his life together. This bag is sleek, sharp and holds a laptop and a few odds and ends comfortably.” — Andrew Haynes, Senior Art Director

Evergoods CPL 24

“This bag is simple, durable and understated. It’s got GoRuck vibes, without screaming mil-spec intensity. There’s a side-access laptop pocket that’s invaluable, one big accessory pocket on the front, some internal pockets and a large panel-loading opening that makes it easy to access what’s inside. Plus, my girlfriend spilled a milkshake all over it and it survived the washing machine — it doesn’t get better than that.” — AJ Powell, Assistant Editor

Côte and Ciel RISS Coated Canvas Laptop Bag

“Having not seen me, this bag may make me look like a techwear person — this is far from the truth. I don’t know how to wear techwear; it looks very cool, but anything with the word “tech” attached to it is typically not in my own product zeitgeist (hence, Home & Design writer). But because I appreciate the look, and this bag weighs very little, makes me look like I might know what I’m doing (I don’t) and water matters fuck-all to it, I adore it and have made it my daily bag. I find it dresses up or down fairly easily in the city, and it receives compliments from urban ninjas and stockbrokers alike.” — Will Price, Associate Staff Writer

Topo Designs Backpack Tote

“Though no longer offered, Topo Designs’ Backpack Tote is either a vertical-loading handbag or a thin-profile backpack. I love being able to simply toss the tote handles over my shoulder in the morning (completely avoiding sweaty back syndrome). In the evening, I’ll throw it on my back for a more compact fit as I hustle to catch the train. In either configuration, it’s been a complete trooper. Whether I’m chugging up 5th Ave or sitting down in a client’s boardroom, it almost always gets compliments. Best of all, the more I’ve used it, the better it seems to look!” — Kyle Snarr, Head of Marketing

Cotopaxi Volta 35L

“Sometimes my work commute includes an airplane. When that’s the case, I turn to Cotopaxi’s Volta 35L to carry the load—it’s roomy with a handful of pockets dedicated to keeping my smaller doodads organized. The laptop sleeve has an exterior zipper making it easy to move through security fluidly and, if I’m traveling with my kids, it moonlights as a well-disguised diaper bag; the front pocket is roomy enough to stash wipes, diapers, teething toys, and pacifiers, and, most importantly, in a handy, quick-grab location. Rolltops aren’t for everyone — my husband laments the possibility of things spilling out — but I like that I can cinch the bag down to a more compact size when it’s not full for everyday use” — Ali Carr Troxell, Managing Editor, Editorial Operations

Aether x Mystery Ranch Backpack

“I’m a big fan of Mystery Ranch backpacks and have a couple that I use when traveling. This collaboration with California-based Aether is perfect for the city, though. It’s a convenient 21L size that can be cinched down when it’s not packed full. The outer is made from water-resistant nylon and inner has organizing sleeves for a laptop and tablet along with a water bottle and other accessories. It’s functional and durable, and importantly, the right size.” — John Zientek, Staff Writer

The 10 Best Board Shorts to Wear This Summer

If catching warm-water waves is your MO, then a pair of board shorts is all but necessary. The warm-water staple short provides coverage and protection in the water without adding unnecessary warmth or bulk.

In 2018, classic nylon designs are still popular, but many of today’s brands offer more performance-oriented options as well. Look for quick-drying fabric with four-way stretch, laser-cut details and stitch-free seams. But before you head to the nearest break, make sure you’ve got a suitable pair of board shorts that’ll stand up to late-season swells.

Needessentials Premium Straight Leg Boardshort

The technical dobby weave in this four-way stretch fabric minimizes rashing by creating an air barrier between your skin and the fabric when wet. The design has a classic double-lace closure and includes a self-draining zippered side pocket.

O’Neill Hyperfreak S-Seam Boardshort

These shorts have a unique S side seam and utilize Anti-Rash Hyperthread, a soft and flexible thread that eliminates chafing. The four-way stretch fabric features 11 percent elastane and O’Neill Hyperdry water resistant treatment.

Billabong Tribon Airlite Boardshort

These board shorts include 12 percent elastane for comfort and easy of movement. The polyester fabric has a water-repellent Micro Repel coating, and the design includes a silicone-locked drawcord that won’t come undone when you wipeout.

Vissla Solid Sets Boardshort

The fabric used in these board shorts is a blend of coconut, recycled polyester, cotton and spandex. The design is relatively straightforward comparatively and features a drawcord waist, a scalloped hemline and single back pocket.

Patagonia Wavefarer Boardshort

These nylon board shorts include 4 percent spandex for added comfort and mobility. They have a quick-drying DWR finish, a contoured wastband and a self-draining back pocket. For ease of packing, these shorts pack into a zippered hip pocket.

Taylor Stitch Boardshort

The 4.5-ounce recycled poly-spandex fabric in these board shorts has comfortable four-way stretch with a DWR finish. The shorts include a two-button fly, draw-cord closure and hidden side-zip rear pocket.

Pilgrim Surf Supply Dorry Boardshort

Made in Japan from nylon taslan, these board shorts include a button fly and double-lace closure. The design features a button flap interior mesh pocket and a key loop inside the back pocket as well.

Hurley Phantom JJF 4 Elite

Utilizing Hurley’s Phantom 60% fabric (a recycled poly-spandex blend), these board shorts and flexible and quick-drying. The shorts include a Hyperfuse waistband made from rigid fabric to keep your shorts in place and a laser-cut fly to reduce bulk and increase overall comfort.

Birdwell 311 Boardshort

Cut and sewn in Santa Ana, the boarshorts features a triple-lace closure with nickel-plated grommets. Utilizing the iconic SURFNYL material developed by Birdwell, these trunks will stand up to decades of use with double- and triple-stitched seams.

Outerknown Apex Trunk by Kelly Slater

The Apex Trunk is cut from a 4.9-ounce recycled-polyester fabric that features four-way stretch (14 percent Spandex) for movement and PFOA-free water-repellency for minimal water absorption. The design includes bonded, stitch-free seams to lessen chafing and laser-cut details at the side seam for ventilation. As with the seams, the back pocket is stitch-free and includes and Aquaguard zipper and internal key ring. And for ease of packing when traveling, the Apex Trunk packs into its back pocket.

6 Fourth of July Sales You Won’t Want to Miss This Weekend

Many brands are starting Fourth of July sales this weekend, so it’s a good time to take advantage of deals on a range of well-made clothing. Save on a range of clothes and accessories from brands like Taylor Stitch, Saturdays and Corridor, among others. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your warm-weather garb or give your wardrobe a complete makeover, these sales will save you a substantial amount of cash.

Taylor Stitch

Save 20% off Sitewide: From June 30 to July 5, take 20 percent off sitewide and save up to 40 percent on already marked down items.

Shockoe Atelier

Save up to 30%: Take advantage of lifetime repairs on any of the garments you pick up from Shockoe Atelier’s Summer Sale.

Saturdays

Save 40%: Currently, SS18 and PS18 collections are reduced and you can pick from tees, sweatshirts, shorts and more.

eBay

Save 20%: Until July 3, take 20 percent off top brands with the code PARTYINUSA. The minimum purchase amount is $25 and the maximum discount is $50.

American Trench

Save 20%: With the code 4thofjuly, save 20 percent off site-wide through July 8.

Corridor

Save 30%: With the code July4th2018, save 30 percent off site-wide through July 4.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

The 5 Best Sandals for Men, According to Style Experts

Whether you’re going to the beach, having a relaxed weekend in town or vacationing on the other side of the world, sandals are essential to your summer footwear rotation. They’re not a part of a business outfit and that’s just the point. They provide a well-ventilated, comfortable experience for your feet during the hottest months of the year. We asked five style experts to share their favorites.

Rainbow Sandals Single Layer Leather Flip-Flop

“My favorite summer sandal is the classic single layer leather Rainbow flip-flop. I’ve been wearing them since I worked in a surf shop at the age of 13. I love that they’ve been a surfer’s flip-flop for almost 45 years and the company is still owned and operated by the founder, Jay Longley. They’re timeless, easy, inexpensive, made well and they wear in beautifully. I think they’re best at around two years old.” — Chris Gentile, Founder of Pilgrim Surf Supply

Faherty x Waltzing Matilda Sandals

“John Eaves has a similar story to mine, leaving a corporate design job to follow his lifelong passion of creating the ultimate sandal. I consider myself kind of a flip-flop snob so I jumped at the opportunity to work with John and leather craftsman Mike Balitsaris of Waltzing Matilda to design and manufacture a sandal that we’re pretty proud of and that’s made in the USA. We use pre-treated leather to give that worn-in feel from the moment you first put these flip flops on.” — Mike Faherty, Cofounder of Faherty

Birkenstock EVA Arizona Sandals

“I’m generally not a big sandal guy but I wear the Birkenstock EVA Arizonas to ride my mini skateboard to yoga. When you get out of hot yoga, you don’t want anything on your feet, and these are the closest things to that. The straps secure the feet enough for the board or the need to break into a light jog for any reason. They also serve as great house slippers for the summer months.” — Michael Maher, Cofounder and CEO Taylor Stitch

Malibu Latigo Sandals

“When my family and I moved to LA last year, I started spending a lot of time in flip-flops — at the beach, in our garden, taking the kids around the block. But it was hard on my back, and sometimes I feel like I look a little too California in them. I really like this pair of Malibu Sandals because they feel relaxed, but look great with anything and are comfortable. They were inspired by the Baja-style Mexican huarache sandals and have a 1960s vibe but with a very nice, contemporary-feeling spin. I also like that they’re not leather because it makes them easy to wash. You can just give them a scrub and put them to dry in the sun. ” — Shinya Hasegawa, Cofounder of Battenwear

Yuketen Cruz Huaraches

“I love the Yuketen Huaraches. The hand-woven vegetable-tanned leather upper feels very comfortable on skin and it ventilates very well so I can keep my feet fresh even in a very hot weather condition like when I go to Havana. The USA-made, lightweight Vibram Morflex sole also helps me walk around comfortably all day. These are handcrafted by a real Huaracheria in a mountain region in Mexico, and it is very special for me to wear something made by real artisans.” — Yuki Matsuda, Founder of Monitaly, Yuketen and Chamula