With summer eagerly beating down our door, we’re all ready for some much needed relaxation and hopefully a fun summer vacation.  If the trip you’re planning includes a visit to New York City there are plenty of fun family activities to take part in, however, it will be absolutely essential to make sure you have the right apparel to comfortably take you from place to place and site to site.

If you’ve never been to NYC before, you will undoubtedly want to get out and explore.  Depending on where you are staying, you can navigate from site to site rather easily (and cheaply) on foot.  That said however, it will also be essential to have comfortable footwear to do so.  A perfect option is the Vasque Mantra 2.0, a great hiking and walking sneaker.  The Vibram Nuasi bottom is comfortable and built to last when trekking over cement sidewalks.  Constant walking throughout the streets will leave some sneakers showing wear and tear, however this Vasque sneaker is built with 1.8 mm Nubuck leather and abrasion resistant mesh to wear well through the lifespan of the shoe.  Whether leisurely strolling, chasing your kids, or pushing a stroller, these shoes are a comfortable option to do so in.

No summer is complete without catching a ball game at Yankee Stadium!

If you’re family enjoys sports, New York City offers two great baseball teams to cheer for and diamonds to visit.  Take a trip to Citifield in Queens and watch the National League Mets, or head to the Bronx to see the iconic “Pinstripes” play at Yankee Stadium.  Whether you choose to see one team, or both, you of course need a great pair of jeans to watch in.  Wrangler jeans are good classic options to take you from all of your day activities to the ballpark at night.  Their traditional fits offer classic sizing in the waist, regular fit through the seat and thigh and a straight leg.  Wrangler also makes work pants that could also easily be worn to a ballgame as well.

Take the family to the legendary Bronx Zoo this summer!

Central Park and the Bronx Zoo also present fun family activities in New York City.  All the ladies out there will appreciate Carhartt for women apparel when visiting either of those locations.  Offering both comfortable, durable and nice looking jeans and cargo pants, these pieces make it easy to navigate throughout New York City in.  However, they do offer more than jeans and pants to help make the best of your vacation!  Their comfortable tees are great for walking through the park or snapping pictures of your kids at the zoo.  Not only that, their lightweight jackets have silhouettes right on trend that will keep you comfortable on cooler or breezy summer evenings.

There are so many fun summer activities to do while visiting New York City, but you need to make sure you’re dressed appropriately to take part in all of them.  Fortunately, even if you fail to pack these essentials, a quick trip to Dave’s New York will allow you to easily pick up whatever it is you need to help assure a fun trip.

While styles and silhouettes may have changed with time, many of the brands you or your fathers wore to work throughout the past few decades are still going strong.  Due to their high quality work wear, brands such as Dickies, Levi’s, Docker’s and more have kept up with the times, keeping men ready for work regardless of the occupations they hold.

Dickies 874 Traditional Fit Pants

The 1970’s encompassed a variety of occupations ranging from industrial professions to the emergence of electronics fields.  New electronic inventions were abounding – things like video cameras, cassette recorders and computers and the software that ran them.  Dress slacks, shirts and ties were popular in business type occupations, and in the industrial and mechanical fields, men were likely to don uniforms.  Even then, Dickies pants were likely the uniform of choice.  When they first started in 1922, they became widely known as a bib overall company that grew in popularity in the car industry with mechanics.  By the 1950’s their separate pieces were worn for numerous positions.  Today, even though matching uniforms aren’t prevalent in all industrial or mechanic positions, Dickies is still a favorite work wear brand.  Their garments are known for their durability and many of their pieces are equipped with stain resistant finishes and other easy-to-care-for attributes.

Levi's 501 Original Button Fly in Medium Stonewash

The 1980’s were a decade of ups and downs.  While things started slow in the beginning of the decade, a revival of sorts was taking place by the mid 80’s.  This brought consistency in both the building and industrial fields.  Work wear in these types of jobs demanded sturdy durable jeans and just like the men in the Gold Rush of the late 1880’s, Levi’s jeans had the essentials.  Even in the work place, acid washes were popular.  Today, Levi’s is still a leader in the menswear market, providing a plethora of styles and washes in an ever expanding line that provides garments for both work and socializing.

Bill Gates shows business casual with a casual button up and Dockers slacks.

By the 90’s technology was prevalent and “dot.com” became a new common term.  Instead of suits and ties, many of these businesses opted for a more business casual look, wearing knit polos and khaki pants, also known just as khakis.  Dockers, a brand-child of Levi’s, quickly became the leader in providing khakis, which evolved from just providing a khaki color to a particular style of pant that enveloped a variety of different colors.  Today, Dockers work pants are still going strong, providing their signature flat front khaki but also slim fit and pleated styles, as men wear these classics not just to work, but afterhours as well to movies, ballgames and barbecues.  Keeping up with a need for making life easy on the wearers of their garments, many of their pants have permanent creases, need no ironing and are easy wash-and-wear options.

Today, it’s refreshing to see brands that have grown with their customers, striving to provide apparel that works well in their industries and withstands their day-to-day rigors.  Dickies, Levi’s and Dockers may have first come on to the scene years ago, but due to their timeless, high quality garments they still have a dominant presence today.

One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is nearing completion as the final part of the “topper,” a 408-foot tall spire was lifted to the top of skyscraper on May 10^th of 2013.  That spire, and the 104 stories beneath it make the Freedom Tower, at 1,776 feet (commemorating the year of American independence), the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere!  One World Trade Center is, of course, the skyscraper which stands on the grounds of the former World Trade Center demolished during the September 11^th, 2001 terrorist attacks.  In construction since 2006, once complete, the complex on these grounds will also include three other high-rise office buildings and the National September 11^th Memorial & Museum.  One World Trade Center will be the new home to numerous offices, including Conde Naste, which has already leased 24 floors!

408-foot tall spire being hosted to the top of One World Trade

The workers constructing this massive building have no-doubt been hard at work building it and have had to make sure their work gear has been equipped for the job.  It wouldn’t have surprised us one bit if many of them wore Carhartt Footwear to help them complete their daily tasks.  Lightweight, waterproof, and equipped with slip resistant outsoles, Dave’s New York offers a full line of 6” comfortable work boots ready to tackle the work day.  Needing to bare the elements, from harsh winter conditions to slick summer ones, the construction workers building One World Trade Center have likely need it all in terms of footwear.

During the cold months, a Carhartt insulated and waterproof work boot could have kept these construction workers as warm as possible.  They possibly turned to the Carhartt 6139 which offers not just a waterproof membrane, but also 400 gram Reflexion Insulation to keep feet warm.  With direct welt construction and a dual density Polyurethane Outsole, these boots are also equipped with a molded TPU heel counter and Achilles flex joint for comfort purposes.

Carhartt Model 6239 6-Inch Steel Toe Work Boots

Of course, during the heat of summer, an insulated work boot isn’t needed.  Carhartt makes great work boots for this season as well.  The Carhartt 6239 is a waterproof steel toe work boot that once again offers the wearer comfort during long days with OrthoLite outsoles with padded collars, an OrthoLite Comfort Tongue and a molded TPU heel counter with Achilles flex joint.

Anyone working on the construction of One World Trade Center has likely needed durable yet comfortable clothing that easily allows for moving and is easy to care for.  An easy option for those tough conditions is Dickies workwear.  On the scene since the 1920’s as a top uniform and work wear supplier, their durable garments are offered in multiple colors and fits, most with a VISA treatment which helps keep stains at bay.

Highly durable, easy to care for working gear is likely needed by those involved in the building of One World Trade Center.  Offering a high quality selection of boots, shirts, pants and more, Dave’s New York can also easily prepare you for your toughest working conditions.  Regardless of the elements you’ll be well equipped with work wear from Dave’s.

Everyone anxiously awaits the start of May as it generally brings us much anticipated warmer weather, presenting opportunities to get outside and tackle DIY projects or enjoy cookouts with friends and family.  By the end of May, we’re all excited for a day off on Memorial Day, and eager to show off those completed DIY projects we’ve accomplished and of course, have a Memorial Day barbecue.

If you are the person hosting a BBQ for Memorial Day this year, you are likely starting to consider the large number of DIY projects to help prepare your yard for outdoor guests.  To grill all of your goodies, the DIY Network shows you how to construct your very own fire pit.  The basic setup of this DIY involves digging a foundation and laying gravel on top.  Using a combination of cinder block and concrete for footing, you layer bricks to create walls, add metal braces and your grill racks and you’re ready for a party!

For those of you not lucky enough to have ocean-front property, Sunset has a perfect DIY for building your own “backyard beach” which is relatively inexpensive and is complete with a fire pit for grilling all of your Memorial Day cuisine.  Using decomposed granite covered with “play-sand,” to create the beach surface, a fire pit is completed with flagstones and a kettle barbecue.  With some carefully selected and strategically placed plants along with wood planks for seating, you’ve got a backyard beach that can’t be beat!

Carhartt A551 Suede Work Gloves

Whatever DIY project you choose, it’s important to be well prepared with clothing that allows you to accomplish your tasks.  Whether shoveling away ground to prepare for your project, or loading and unloading brick and other material needed to complete your plan, a good pair of work gloves will be needed.  The Carhartt A551 Work Gloves have a knit wrist that keeps debris out and a suede cowhide palm and palm patch for easy gripping and carrying of heavy duty items.  They will also work great if you need to clear and carry brush or debris away from the area you are building on.  This heavy duty leather work glove is a perfect companion for your outdoor projects this summer.

Levi's 505 Misses Straight Leg Jeans - Worn In

For you ladies helping to complete these outdoor DIY projects, a comfortable sturdy jean will be essential.  The Levi’s 505 Straight Leg jean is a perfect option.  The Mid-rise fit will help keep all of you covered as you bend and squat, carry materials and shovel dirt and sand.  With a regular fit through the seat and thigh, the jeans are also comfortable as you work.  The darker wash, means that the dirt you will no-doubt get on your pants, will stay hidden, where-as a lighter wash would likely show that dirt even after washing.

Regardless of the DIY yard project you choose prior to your Memorial Day BBQ, Dave’s New York has both men’s and women’s apparel to help you complete the task.  Offering high-quality, comfortable yet durable work wear, these items help you easily accomplish all of your summer outdoor DIY projects.

If you’re in the plumbing profession, you know the rigors your work day puts on you.  From reading blueprints to inspecting both commercial buildings and homes to make sure their plumbing work is meeting standards, to of course the installation and repairing of pipes, many of which are in tight, crammed quarters, you certainly have to go through it all, both mental and physical tasks.

Many don’t realize the safety concerns held each day by plumbers.  However, being forced to drag yourself around on the ground can certainly lead to cuts and abrasions, even if you’re being careful.  As if that isn’t stressful enough, there is also always a worry of electrical currents that are likely to be surrounding you, which is never a good mix with water.  Since plumbing typically doesn’t involve electricity, people don’t think to turn off their electric as a courtesy to their plumbers.  There are however, ways to protect yourself from these potential hazards, including the clothing you choose to wear to work.

Red Wing Model # 405 Waterproof Boot

A flat sole work boot, such as this Red Wing Model 405, which also boasts an EH rating, is perfect for working around liquid and potential electric currents.  Composed of a full grain waterproof leather, with an RW Dry Layered Waterproofing System, even in the wettest conditions, you can be confident your feet will remain dry and comfortable.  Because the wedge outsole is composed of rubber and blown rubber Traction Tred, the boot is both durable and lightweight.  Since you will likely encounter many wet surfaces from leaks or even flooding, you’ll be taken care of wearing these Red Wing boots which offer excellent slip resistance and traction and are also excellent on concrete.

Levi's Men's Ace Cargo Pants - Harvest Gold

Levi’s cargo pants for men, like these Ace Cargo pants, make for a perfect durable work pant.  The long hard-wearing pants help protect you from abrasions and cuts when floor or ground work is required.  Comfortable, as they sit below the natural waist, they offer a more relaxed fit through the seat and thigh.  The tapered leg opening that narrows from the knee to ankle is still 16.5” wide, easily fitting over your work boots.  These pants don’t just offer comfort by allowing for ease of movement, but also from their composition which is a super soft cotton twill with a soft pre-wash, also known as Levi’s 60 Minute Wash.  With a Smartphone pocket as well as side and back pockets each with Arcuate Flaps, essential tools are easily kept nearby.    The right front pocket is equipped with a pocket divider and the left front pocket offers a patch pocket.

As a plumber, you know that regardless of how safely you approach each job, accidents can still easily happen.  Prepare ahead of time as best you can by wearing clothing such as the above items that also offer safety benefits.  You’ll thank yourself later after you are able to avoid electric shock or avoid any deep cuts that could require time out of your day to either tend to the wound or even get stitches.  Find the above work gear and more apparel great for plumbers at Dave’s New York!

Levis jeans are as American as apple pie and baseball. This iconic brand has been around since 1873 and they are responsible for creating the worlds first pair of blue jeans. From humble beginnings in the California gold rush to high fashion magazine ads, Levi’s continue to create and innovate the way Americans wear denim. They are a staple in every man’s closet- from your average Joe to a high fashion business man. Check out these 10 interesting facts about Levis jeans and share them with your friends:

1. The inventor of Levi jeans real name was Loeb not Levi Strauss.

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2. One out of 10 red Tabs on the back pocket of a pair of Levi’s jeans is a blank red Tab and does not include the name Levi’s.

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3. Strauss put a signature ‘V’ shaped stitch on the back pockets to identify his pants.

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4. The first pair of Levi’s cost only $1.25 in 1880. In fact, one of those original pairs actually sold for $46,532.

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5. The YKK on the zipper of Levi’s jeans stand for Yoshida Kogyo Kabushibibaish, the world’s largest zipper manufacturer.

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6. Bruce Willis actually appeared in the first series of Levi’s 501 Blues commercials around 1986.

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7. There are two types of fabrics: Denim and Jean. Denim: is made out of one white thread and one colored thread. Jean is made out of two threads of the same color.

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8. It takes about 1 3/4 yards of denim, 213 yards of thread, five buttons and six rivets to make a pair of Levi’s 501 jeans.

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9. The famous XX  Levi’s jeans were made in 1879 and were stored in a guarded fire-proof safe at the Levi Strauss & Co.Archives. The are now worth over $150,000.

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10. The Levi Strauss & Co. headquarters in San Francisco, has 25,500 pairs of jeans in the walls which acts like recycled-denim insulation.

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It’s hard to believe that a staple dating all the way back to the 1870’s is still popular today, but blue jeans are still going strong.  Jeans were first originally invented by Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss in 1873, by the 1950’s jeans became trendy, especially for teenagers and the “greaser” subculture.  The rest, as they say, is history.  With an array of fits and washes, there are styles for every guy, including Levi’s jeans for men, Wrangler jeans for men, and men’s Lee jeans.

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Early Denim

While jeans may have emerged in 1873, as with many novel ideas, their concept was formed from another major event that had already taken place, the California Gold Rush of 1848. The gold miners were looking for durable clothing to withstand the rigors of mining, with pockets that wouldn’t easily tear.  Several years after that, Leob Strauss (who later changed his name to Levi) left home for the lure of San Francisco where he began a wholesale clothing venture.  That same year, Jacob Davis had the idea of using metal rivets to hold pockets in place, preventing rips and tears.  While wanting to patent his idea, Davis didn’t have the funds to do so.

In 1872, Davis wrote to Strauss, offering a deal if Strauss would pay for the patent.  Strauss accepted and in 1873 the first riveted clothing was sold.  In 1891, Levi Strauss & Co.’s patent for riveted clothing went public and dozens of companies began using the idea.

1920’s

By the 1920’s, jeans were considered Western wear, not just worn by miners, but cowboys as well, and other workers needing durable clothing able to withstand heavy wear and tear.  The signature Levi Strauss red flag was added in 1936, the first piece of clothing to show off an outside label.

1940’s

The 1940’s brought World War II and as American soldiers donned their “waist overalls,” the world was introduced to denim.  When the war ended, Levi’s sold their clothes outside of the American West.  Rival companies, including Wrangler and Lee, also began manufacturing jeans, fighting for their share of the market.

1950’s

In the 1950’s there was a jeans craze, as teens saw the clothing as a rebellious fashion item of choice.   Emulating icons such as James Dean and Marlon Brando, who wore them in many of their movies, these popular fashion statements were even banned in some public schools.  Although women rarely wore jeans, men wore light washes, cuffed styles and black denim.

Designer Denim

Levi's 501 Liteweight Rigid Shrink to Fit

Men and women proudly wore their designer labels with a 15 year old Brook Shields, telling the world, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvin’s,” referring of course to Calvin Klein jeans.  Becoming a status symbol, Calvin Klein, Jordache and Gloria Vanderbilt all emerged as popular labels.

Jeans today have grown to encompass the best of all of the above.  From original rivets to designer labels there is certain to be a pair for everyone.  When you begin your search for new denim duds this spring, including the still popular Levi’s jeans for men, check out the great selection available at Dave’s New York.

There is no questioning the fact that military style clothing has gone from functioning in the heart of battles, to stylish street wear worn by men across the globe.  But how exactly did this transition take place?  It varies from piece to piece but ranges from pop culture films to functional durable garments built to withstand the elements of Mother Nature.

Flight & Bomber Jackets

Alpha CWU 45Flight Jacket in Sage Green

Take a look at the flight, or bomber jacket.  Its real purpose began in the early 1900’s during World War I.  The “flying jacket” was designed for fighter pilots in order for them to stay warm in the cockpit.  During that time, the cockpits were not enclosed making for, as you can imagine, frigid temperatures.  Flight jackets were eventually made of the utmost quality by Alpha Industries, and their Alpha military style jacket is extremely popular today.  When the movie, Top Gun, arrived in the mid-1980’s, Tom Cruise and friends proudly donned their aviator flight leather jackets, along with aviator sunglasses, and these two styles have been popular fashion pieces ever since.

Pea Coats

Other popular military style coats for men are classic Pea Coats, so popular in fact, some may not realize their origins in the military at all.  You may be surprised to find out the pea coat has been around for nearly 300 years!  These coats was originally made for Dutch sailors in the traditional warm wool fabric.  While variations of the style have been seen through U.S. and European military forces throughout history, the coat is still generally wool, with an oversized collar and two hand-warmer pockets.  Because of the tailoring and warmth, it’s no surprise this style is worn for both style and functionality on the street today.

Cargo Pants

Cargo pants are another military style design that today can be worn for work or casual wear.  These durable pants generally fit a bit loose allowing for movement when on the job.  The pants actually were first worn by British Armed Forces beginning in 1938.  The United States armed forces began wearing cargo pants in the mid 1940’s during World War II.  Not much has changed in terms of how these pants were and continue to be manufactured.  Typically constructed in tough cotton blends, as mentioned, these are generally meant to fit loose for ease of movement and are well equipped with pockets and drawstrings.

Camouflage

Rothco Military Style Army Tee Shirt

The most popular of all the military trends has to be Army fatigue patterns, or camouflage as it’s more widely known.  While first worn primarily in Vietnam, this color pattern helped soldiers stay hidden in the foliage of the dense woods and marshes.  The color pattern evolved from bright green and brown in the Vietnam War to more subdued browns and other earth tones to blend in with the surroundings of Iraq and Kuwait in the Desert Storm War.

Although military style clothing has and continues to serve functional purposes for our troops, these pieces offer stylish street wear options as well.  The high quality garments make for durable work options and keep you warm when needed as well.

There is no question men’s work wear has changed and evolved throughout the history of our country. While of course, this is in part due to the constant evolution of clothing and introduction of new styles and products, it has just as much to do with the changes in types of work our country has seen as well. From farming to manufacturing to more business oriented positions and finally back to manufacturing, there’s been an obvious change in work wear with each of those transitions.

What began as a primarily farming country, America truly began to thrive when it became a manufacturing nation. The Industrial Revolution took place from approximately 1760 to somewhere between 1820 to 1840. We saw vast changes in virtually all American industries. Hand production methods were replaced by machines and new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes were introduced. These changes led to revolutions in almost all aspects of daily life including the rise of the average income and overall population. With steam powering many of the machines, including the cotton spinning machine, work production increased nearly 1000 times. Wood made way for coal and thus, coal mining increased. The manufacturing of machine tools and parts also grew exponentially.

Wrangler Riggs Ripstop Ranger Work Pants

Even though the Industrial Revolution is said to have ended somewhere between the early to mid-1800’s, the United States was still heavily industrialized. With a slew of factories to new inventions including cars and airplanes to the rise of skyscrapers, blue collar workers were still widely employed in growing numbers throughout the 20th Century. This timeframe also saw clothing manufacturers and brands emerge into favored work wear choices. Levi’s for example, quickly become a favorite amongst gold miners. Their popular jeans were equipped with patented metal riveted pockets which kept them from tearing. On the other hand, the history of Wrangler jeans shows us not just that the brand endured various name changes but made popular overalls dating back to the early 1900’s. Introducing “sanforized” fabric in 1936, which reduced shrinkage to less than 1%, their overalls and eventually their jeans and other work wear, became popular amongst farmers and cowboys.

Slowly but surely however there was a shift in industry related positions to more technology and business based jobs. This of course was capped off with the dot-com era, the period of time roughly between 1997 and 2000 that saw the growth and explosion of the internet sector and related fields. While many “dot-com” companies failed miserably during this time, others like Amazon were able to survive. The shift from durable work clothing to business type clothing, like button-up shirts, ties and slacks, included the rise of new styles, like the popular Dockers khaki pants.

With the recent hit in the economy, we are once again seeing the growth of the manufacturing industries. Jobs in construction and car manufacturing have us once again seeing the rise of “blue collar” clothing with traditional brands like Levi’s and Wranglers leading the way, but other work wear brands, such as Carhartt equally popular. Work wear is ever changing, but these traditional brands continue to keep us outfitted as work essentials.

DIY projects for spring are abundant and if you’re thinking about doing some outdoor DIY projects of your own, Dave’s New York has the clothes to keep you properly outfitted while working. When you’re outdoors this season completing these projects, you will no doubt need durable easy to care for clothing allowing you to move, bend, and grip, along with the variety of other rigors certain to be put on your clothes during completion of these ventures. Dave’s New York clothing is perfect for these situations, with a huge variety of options just-right for all of your warm weather outdoor DIY projects.

Plant A Garden

This easy to install raised flower bed would look great in the front yard

One of the more common spring DIY projects involves planting a garden or flower bed. Lowe’s gives easy instructions on how to install a raised flower bed, along with a number of other spring do-it-yourself projects. While Lowe’s is the perfect place to find the materials needed to build or construct your new garden or flower bed, Dave’s New York is the venue to find the clothing needed to complete the project. Carhartt work gloves are durable options for lifting stone and brick, or while digging in the ground and working with soil. Leather work gloves for men keep your hands both free from soil and could-be abrasions when lifting and arranging rough brick and stone.

Touch Up Old Paint Jobs

Retouch chipping paint around the house for a fresh start this spring

Carhartt double front painters pants are great options for painting your fence, home or deck. Made of a 9.5-ounce, firm hand 100% cotton twill, the pants are both easy to care for and durable. Sitting at the natural waist, they are full through the seat and thigh allowing you to move with ease. These are a long-wearing, chaps-style double front pant and have double knees with clean-out openings to accommodate knee pads if necessary. They provide multiple tool and utility pockets, including a left leg hammer loop, so each of your needed tools will be kept close at hand. Carhartt work pants are absolute necessities for your outdoor jobs this season.

Install A Fire Pit

Red Wing 2234 Safety Toe Work Boot

If socializing while cooking out is a spring and summer priority, the DIY Network gives great step-by-step instructions to installing a fire pit. Since you’ll be dealing with heavy materials including concrete, stone and fire brick, it will be important to have clothing up to the task of working with said materials. These will likely include a durable pair of Wrangler work pants which will not easily rip, yet are comfortable enough to allow for movement. Foot safety will also be a vital concern and the pictured Red Wing safety toe work boots are up for the challenge. The non-metallic safety toe along with the King Toe toe box help provide comfort but also protect the foot just in case something is dropped on top of it.

Once the weather warms, we’re certain to be outside completing all of our necessary summer DIY projects and Dave’s New York is the place to find all necessary clothing, shoes and gloves needed to complete each task. Offering durable lines and brands that wear well and are easy to care for all while protecting you from potential injury, you’ll find everything you need at Dave’s.