Handing down blue blazers, jeans and winter jackets, reusing sports gear, and viewing Christmas as the wonderful time of year when new socks and boxer shorts showed up was the rhythm of our sartorial life.

To be sure, we also had a fair amount of inherited everything around the house, from furniture to books and silver. We also had closets filled with interesting bits of old family garments. I still have my grandfather’s beautiful monogrammed top hat box – stunning thing. While in high school, I once found a heavy navy wool cardigan that had belonged to my great grandfather – amazing thing with toggle closures and a cool collar. I was in an “I’m cool because I’m sort of eclectic” phase, so I wore that sweater until it fell apart.

The shabbiness made that cardigan sort of cool, but in retrospect its demise was probably a good thing. Full of holes and beyond threadbare, that sweater was less vintage and more …….. ugly. Still, I loved it; both for the family connection and what I imagined it reflected in me: personal style, a bit of iconoclastic flair paired with academic vibes, sartorial rebelliousness, and a touch of Yankee stubbornness.

In terms of personal fashion, I’d say that description still holds for the most part. I’ve always had a pretty clear sense of style and never cared too much what was considered cool or “in.” I like what I like. If everyone else is wearing it, that doesn’t really influence me one way or the other. Equally important, if not more so, is that when I buy something, I expect to wear it to threads.

I like when my clothes get a little age in them. I could not wait for my Barbour jackets to get dirty and dull. I want things to look used and loved, worn and lived in. Not fake wear or aged, just not new looking.

While old isn’t always better than new, old typically has soul and personality that takes time and wear to develop. Learning from a young age that good clothes take time to pick out, often require a bit of thought and savings, and should last for a good long time, was invaluable. Good clothing does look and feel different and often, better.

By ‘good’ clothing I mean items that are thoughtfully designed, made well, and meant to last for a long time. We often associate dress clothing with these qualities – like a handmade suit or a long-loved topcoat – but it can be anything. Raleigh denim jeans. A pair of Ralph Lauren khakis. Rancourt camp moccasins. A great leather jacket with a story that you found a few years back on some trip. A favorite Frank Clegg bag that took 6 months to save for.

The key is to find things that move you, get stuck in your head or in your heart. Clothing you want to wear every day is special and different. And if you focus on finding those types of things, in time that will be most of what’s in your closet.

The post The Virtue of Wearing Out Your Favorite things appeared first on Off The Cuff .

Brooks Brothers.

If there is a single brand which at its core is a byword for ‘American,’ it’s Brooks Brothers. Around the world that name quite literally defines the ideal of classic American style. And, with nearly 200 years of Ivy League, East Coast establishment history under its belt, Brooks can lay claim to the rare title of being an authentic American legend.

This is the first in a series of deep dives into how a small family business became, improbably, one of the most famous and influential brands in the world.

For a more than a century, Brooks Brothers has conjured up images of a privileged, ivy covered and idyllic life. Perhaps summer lawn parties with elegant gents sporting blue blazers and white duck trousers comparing country clubs over a gin and tonic. Maybe it’s Brooks’ near iconic take on city life; dashing across Park Avenue in a pinstriped suit and cracked cordovan lace-ups, a thick leather briefcase and cashmere overcoat to ward off the wintery chill.

It’s master-of-the-universe with some Great Gatsby and a little university professor thrown in.

Yet to many, the Brooks Brothers of 2021 seems far more shopping mall fare than storied sartorial institution. Brooks Brothers allowed itself to become the Gap of Madison Avenue, falling down a hole of generic blandness; a self-created pale shadow of what once was. I mean, good grief, they even sold off what was perhaps the world’s most iconic flagship store – a literal cornerstone of what made Brooks “Brooks.”

However, efforts are afoot to bring some shine back to the Golden Fleece. Michael Bastien, who we had the pleasure of interviewing a few years ago, has been placed in charge of creative design for the brand.

Bastian, whose own eponymous label was essentially built around the idea of recreating iconic Brooks Brothers staples he could no longer find, is an excellent choice for this daunting task. If anyone can bring back the backyard-football-game-after-thanksgiving-dinner-Americanness that was Brooks Brothers, it’s Michael Bastian. He’s committed at a personal level to rebuild Brooks into a brand that deserves another shot at its own history.

That history, it turns out, is one of determination and the seizing of opportunities. Of creating the identity for a still-nascent nation, and of seeing how the power of clothing can define one’s place in the world. Brooks Brothers really did define how America looked and, in a way, how we still see ourselves.

Whatever glamorous, monied slice of life this storied name brings to mind, after generations of style, several stumbles and multiple new starts, Brooks Brothers is still very much a beloved brand.

And that affection – and admiration – is hard earned. What began as a small family business amidst New York City boat slips has grown into a global institution considered by many to be the very backbone of what defines American male fashion. Without hyperbole, it’s safe to say that virtually every notable element of classic Ivy League style was created by or introduced through Brooks Brothers.

Wardrobe staples like the two-button natural shoulder suit, the button-down polo collar oxford, madras, seersucker, the polo coat and repp tie all sprung to stylistic prominence because of Brooks. And behind the mahogany and leather façade is a remarkable story of determination and vision, channeled creativity, and the sheer ability to survive (more or less) in the cutthroat world of high-end retail.

Brooks Brothers is also one of those rare companies to have transcended its own history. While it is a long-lived haberdashery, celebrated as a maker and merchant of classic American style, it’s also a cultural brand; one that denotes taste, timeless fashion, classicism and heritage.

More to come, as we look deeper into the history and influence of Brooks Brothers…

The post The Original American Icon: Brooks Brothers appeared first on Off The Cuff .

Figuring out this new code of appropriate office wear is front and center in the minds of HR executives and worker bees alike. Nonetheless, many voices still weigh in on the vicissitudes of bespoke versus MTO, barrel or double cuffs, or the relative edginess of white bucks with denim after Labor Day. This makes sense. For many clothing aficionados, the last year has been insufferable and stylistically lonely. That said, It’s safe to say that group is a smaller subset to the overall population. Most men don’t even know where to start and the reality is that something like simply wearing shoes is now a debatable topic.

Regardless of your own thoughts on clothes – do they still fit, do I have the right ones, am I still cool, am I projecting my true self? – the fashion industrial complex is fast at work firing up the marketing machinery and brand influencers to make sure we all get back to buying clothes and accessories. They have businesses to run, craftspeople to pay and product to sell. But, let’s take a few minutes to think through what we really need, or don’t, and why.

Take Stock of What You Have

Generally speaking, you probably already have much of what you really need. For most people who work in an office setting – apart from C-suite and roles like client-facing investment bankers – a variation of business casual has solidified into the new norm. For some, a business attire is still the standard, and that’s fine. Dressing up and dressing well indeed shows respect to customers and client, and is for some wonderfully therapeutic. Truly, nothing beats a bespoke suit of clothes and custom made shoes, nothing. At the same time, people have come to appreciate comfort, personal choice, individual style, and the comfort that comes from simply being comfortable.

Also on many men’s radar is the topic of provenance. More an more, awareness of fashion’s impact on our world is driving a change in how people shop and what they purchase. Fast fashion is powerful as ever, but even for global brands like H&M, demands for evidence-based sustainability platforms are gaining traction. The reality is that fashion and clothing are monstrously wasteful industries and damaging to the environment. Our personal choices and how we spend our money contributes to the problem one way or the other. Where was that shirt made? What was the source of that leather and how were the cows who provided treated – and how was the leather itself processed? Did that denim travel all over the world just to be turned into a pair of jeans?

Invest for the Long Term

When you do choose to update, add to, or overhaul your wardrobe, treat it like any other investment. Buy quality, be smart, focus on the long term, and take care of your stuff. Over the post few months, I’ve been busy stocking up on what could be seen as boring basics; polo shirts, chinos, J. Press oxfords, and some sweaters and jackets from Private White VC. I also bought several pair of shoes from Maine based Rancourt &Co. While it may seem at odds with the preceding paragraph, my reasoning is pretty simple. I expect to wear this stuff until it falls apart or I shuffle off the mortal coil first. I’m investing in clothing and accessories that I want to use and will use, a lot.

In helming OTC for the past 15 years, I have received a lot of free and discounted stuff. I continue to treasure my work with some of the world’s leading brands. Without question, my Frank Clegg bags are some of the most cherished items I own. However, I’ve also accumulated a fair amount of stuff that never fit right, wasn’t really my style, or I simply did not need. The pandemic provided me with the time to really take a hard look at the various items of clothing, shoes, tote bags, ties, shirts, hats, and other ephemera gifted to me (and purchased by me) over the years. I tried on every single thing and picked through pretty much every bag, hat, scarf, and knick-knack. I kept what I truly wanted and donated or gifted the rest. A few things still live in limbo, but are separated from my day-to-day wear.

This philosophy extends to non-clothing items too. At some point I plan to get a really nice hand made English umbrella, maybe from James Smith & Sons. I’ll work my way through the cheap ones we’ve accumulated over time, but when it comes to getting a replacement, I will buy one that’s made well, means something to me and which I’ll use for decades. The same goes for watches, pens and notebooks, and my piles of various bags. I’ve been parceling these items out to family and friends, not because I don’t appreciate what I have but because I want to keep what I really use and share with others the opportunity to do so as well.

Know Who You Are and Own It

As I’m no longer a cool 25 year-old, I have the luxury of not really caring what anyone thinks about how I dress. Truly, the mid-point in life is a wonderful time to embrace what you really like, not worry about the opinions of others, and just get on with. Stylistically, I’ve moved beyond trends in general, especially ‘fitted’ everything. What a torturous idea; I want to wear stuff in which I’m comfortable and can move around in naturally. Well-made and well-fitting is a far better philosophy going forward. It worked in lockdown and it is even truer as I go back out into the world.

Personally, I want to look good in that way men do who don’t really stand out for the sake of standing out, yet look memorable and distinctive. It’s hard to pin down exactly why – they just look cool and comfortable in their own skin Usually it’s because they have a simple but thoughtful collection of clothes and bags, watches, pens, notebooks – whatever – that has over time been pared down to reflect the things that matter and interest them. They don’t particularly care if you like it, because it’s not about you or your judgement.

A Few Useful Rules of Thumb

Since day one all those years ago, OTC has been interested in figuring out what works for real people in the real world. As one of my personal North Stars David Coggins, recently noted, there is comfort and deep style in garments that are worn over and over – a sort of uniform that defines personality and philosophy. And to be sure, at this particular moment in time your personal sense of what you like, what you value, and what matters to you is more meaningful and relevant than ever. So, here are a few helpful rules of thumb as you take a hard look at your wardrobe and decide how you want to step back out into the world:

• How you dress matters when you go out in public. Understand that even as you are true to yourself.
  
• Dress for what you do, with whom you are meeting, and for that which makes you happy.

• Buy and wear what you really like and make sure it really fits.

• When you should look professional, do so. Show respect to others with whom you work. It’s not always about you.

• How you dress when you walk out the door is how you want the world to see you. Even if you don’t care what the world thinks, that’s still a message you’re sending.

• Don’t be wasteful or buy clothes you don’t love and want to wear over and over. Invest in your own style and look, not someone else’s.

The post Heading Back to the Office – or Not appeared first on Off The Cuff .

A few years ago, we had a chance to sit down with award-winning fashion designer Michael Bastian and discuss his belief that what we know as classic American style was in fact born from the confluence of three disparate societal trends. In this article we revisit that conversation and Bastian’s insightful observations of American men’s style.

If there’s one thing you need to know about Michael Bastian, it’s that when it comes to American menswear and its various influences, he is a student of history. Growing up on the East Coast and attending Babson College in the 1980s, Bastian was surrounded by a unique set of cultural forces that shaped his philosophy of and appreciation for all-American Ivy League style.

America’s Style Roots: Battlefield to Campus Quad

For Michael, the origin of classic American style (which encompasses such descriptions as Ivy League, East Coast, Preppy, and the ‘college professor’ look) can be pegged to the winding down of World War II. In the mid-1940s, young American soldiers began to flood back into the country at an unprecedented rate. Because of the newly created GI Bill, many found their way to college campuses across the country. These young men brought home with them a completely different perspective of fashion, borne of military necessity and focused on comfort.

Imbued with a more free-wheeling (for the time) sense of life, the daily wardrobe for these men was looser, tougher, more casual, and in many ways, more adaptable.

Comfortable khakis and cargo pants – literally everyday wear on the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific – were paired with more traditional oxford cloth shirts and blazers. Once seen only in the field, rucksacks appeared in classrooms hauling books instead of bullets. Sturdy military jackets, like the now-iconic M65, became standard wear.

Military gear has always had a place in the menswear space; it is after all the most masculine form of dress. But this was different. A fundamental change to the core elements of today’s American style, is directly traceable to this post-war cultural shift.

The Birth of Sportswear

Another growing influence at the time was sports. Collegiate athletics was fast becoming the new glue that bonded student to college and college to collegiate rivalries. Sportswear, inherently casual, began to work its way into everyday life, blending and melding with other active wear influences.

Today, we see polo shirts, sport coats, crewneck sweaters, and boat shoes as dressy casual office-wear. However, at the time, adoption of these preppy staples into everyday use was a fashion and cultural sea-change. Where there had previously been clear lines of demarcation between work and backyard clothing, a grey area was beginning to spread. Sportswear as an identifiable form of dress allowed for a degree of creativity and experimentation that would also lead to the more defined subset of American Preppy style.

The influence of sports and sportswear in American style continues to this day. And, with consumers continuing to blend dress and casual, formal and informal, the focus shows no sign of waning.

The Ivy League Aesthetic

Lastly, there is what Bastian calls the “Brooks Brothers” influence, which solidified these nascent fashion shifts into a new societal standard. A main stream, white-shoe influencer like Brooks adopting Harris Tweed odd jackets and Weejuns was the stamp of a new accepted menswear standard.

As the collegiate clothiers of the time, stores like Brooks Brothers, J. Press, Chip, and the Andover Shop where the foreword guard in this movement. They codified, as it were, these three disparate influences and reshaped what the world now accepts without question as the very definition of ‘American Fashion.’

Of course, American style is popular the world over. When we asked him what makes the American man’s look so classic and influential, whether in Japan or France, Michael had a simple answer.

“Two things – an appreciation of a little humor and personal style.”

Americans by nature are imperfect, and we like it that way. Go to Italy, says Bastian, and you will see sartorial perfection. Indeed, the Italian man seeks perfection; his clothing fits just so, his hair is perfect, his shoes are shined. Imperfection is a sin.

In America, we celebrate the irony of imperfection and see it as an attribute of honesty and realness.

We also like to inject our style with some humor. We like frayed edges and scuff marks. We wear lobster print shorts and embroidered belts. We want things to show age and wear, and we value the personality earned by longevity (or just being manufactured to look that way).

Today’s Take: Quality Imperfection and Heritage

With the influence of social media and online influencers, the consumer now drives what’s cool and classic. We are a nation – a planet, really – of self-styled style auteurs with instant access to trends and brands, idea-shapers, and even designers like Michael Bastian himself.

No surprise then that our wardrobes’ naturally occurring scars of life have evolved into a style goal of perfect imperfection, a sort of meta-sprezzatura.

However, notes Bastian – and we wholeheartedly agree – imperfection is not the same thing as shoddiness or being of poor quality. American style is more or less founded on the premise of New England thriftiness; the idea that you pay good money for something of high quality and then wear it to death, patch it up and wear it some more.

Quality is paramount, and for those who truly appreciate it, there is no substitute. Don’t forget, all those great preppy classics were quite expensive back in the day. They were made well and meant to last. That’s why the style cognoscenti go gaga over vintage Shaggy Dog Sweaters, WWII-era chinos, and original Yale Co-Op GANT locker-loop oxfords.

The modern reflection of this value proposition is the current trend in “heritage brands.” Numerous makers that had faded from the menswear consciousness – like Alden, Filson, J. Press – have seen a resurgence over the past several years. Many consumers again value the history of brands that communicate, and deliver, quality and meaning.

Even well-financed and smartly marketed brands with no actual history are seeking to sell their imagined roots and quality-driven aesthetic.

While Michael feels that the heritage thing has hit a bit of an apogee and is starting to trend out, true heritage brands – the ones that never placed trend ahead of quality in the first place – will continue to benefit from the renewed appreciation of value, quality, and craftsmanship.

The post Michael Bastian’s take on classic American style appeared first on Off The Cuff .

Whether one works in a casual office or from home, or simply operating out of other’s sight, many of us often struggle with what to wear. Too formal and we feel dressed up with nowhere to go. Too casual, and it can quickly descend into 24/7 workout wear – minus the exercise part.

One gentleman we know sees donning a suit as a specific obligation based on his audience for the day, otherwise, he is a shorts and ball cap kind of guy. His issue is that he doesn’t know how to “modulate” his work wardrobe to allow for other degrees of dress that let him express personal creativity and style while still looking casually polished.

For quite some time, men have viewed dressing well as a chore, something to avoid or something against which to fight. Frequently a latent fear of dandyism, it was also – and for many men still is – a misguided sense of self-righteousness; a feeling that you’re battling conformity, not buying into the “suit” thing – you know, being more “real.”

Of course, in picking up that mantle of sartorial pseudo-independence one simply conforms to a different model of conformity. Dressing like a perpetual college student in order to make a statement just locks you into another set of constraints to meet someone else’s definition of what being a nonconformist should look like. Our view has always been that personal style should blend the classics with modern fit and materials.

On some days a suit is indeed the right choice, while jeans, docksiders, and an a favorite oxford are appropriate on others. And a well-fitting navy blazer and some sharp, tailored khakis can pretty much get you through anything mildly dressy, short of a funeral or job interview at an investment bank.

Dressing for Yourself & Others
There is a world of style and personality between flip flops and a three piece suit. Rolling out of bed and shuffling down the hall to check the email is not the point here. However, when you step out of your house or log onto a video conference, there is a certain social contract into which we enter. What you have on now matters. Once you start interacting with other people out in public, you ought to show them the same level social and sartorial respect you yourself would expect in return.

You should make an effort to dress well because you want to. That said, the first rule in dressing well is that you should always be comfortable and true to yourself.

The second rule is that whether you like it or not, people judge you by how you dress, how you carry yourself and treat others, your social skills, how you speak, etc. Research has repeatedly shown that on average, it takes about eight seconds for an individual to decide what kind of person you are and it can take years to alter that initial perception. How you react to this universal truth is your choice. This means creating appropriate wardrobes that reflect your sense of self, but which are appropriate for the situation in which you find yourself.

Clothing is one our most obvious and influential social markers. How you choose to dress directly impacts what people think about you and, often what you think about yourself. Radical changes are not always necessary; getting new jeans in a darker wash that fit well or buying some new dress shirts that work with or without a tie take make a huge difference in how the world sees you.

Fit & Quality
If you choose or are obligated to wear a suit every day than take the time to learn what makes a great suit. Pay for quality, fit, and construction. It’s often more than you might prefer, but these things are the sartorial equivalent of a capital investment. And a word out blogs and influencers who constantly tout the unmatched virtues of bespoke and made-to-measure (MTM) suits. Don’t feel you are a lesser human being if you’re not wearing something hand crafted exclusively for your by a master tailor. We get access and deals you likely cannot. Often we get these garments for free or at a deeply discounted price.

Many off-the-rack (OTR) suits are perfectly good investments for those who need a few but are not being judged or evaluated on pedigree; sometimes you just need to wear a suit, end of story. There are also numerous MTM labels, online and through physical showrooms, that make great suits that will indeed fit you better than OTR. Regardless, you still need to take the time to find something that fits you well and looks good on you, not a fit model or blogger.

What does “fits well mean? Here are some handy pointers:

• For suit coats, sport jackets, or blazers, this means shoulders. A properly fitted shoulder is the foundation of a jacket that fits its wearer. After that, the overall proportions will vary by individual body type and preference. Learn what you like: fitted and trim or loose and flowing? Shorter or longer jacket skirts? One or two vents? Two or three buttons on a single-breasted jacket, or, do you prefer double-breasted? Do you prefer a more European armhole that sits tighter to the shoulder or something less fitted?  Natural or structured shoulders?

• The same type of rule holds true for trousers. If the fit is wrong, nothing else really matters. Do you prefer pleats or flat fronted? Full break, moderate, or no break for your pant legs? Cuffs or plain hems? What kind of rise? Perhaps most importantly, you r trousers should always be comfortable whether sitting, standing, or moving.

• Dress shirts should flatter your physique, not envelope it with yards of fabric. Conversely, your shirt should not appear painted on, particularly if you’re not in the modelling profession. Buttons should not pull or strain, standing or seated. The neck should allow for two fingers to comfortably slip inside the collar when buttoned. Shoulder seams should sit on your shoulders as would your jacket’s , and sleeves generally should end at or just below your wrist bone. Take into account how much shirt cuff you want to show under your like your jacket’s sleeve – some should be visible.

Take time to try different fits and styles of clothing that flatter and are comfortable to and on you. If you wear business casual all the time, make the effort to expand your wardrobe. Instead of polos and khakis five days a week, add in some nice tailored pants and dressier casual shirts. Pick up a variety of sport coats and have them properly tailored. Making even these simple changes help to create a more flexible, natty, and comfortable wardrobe.

If you work from home and have client or co-worker meetings less often, keep abreast of general style trends. Update your wardrobe selectively and make sure to have someone else give you an honest assessment about color, fit, and style.

Pay attention to how you look when others aren’t around so that when they are, you always present your best self. It’s not fair, but it’s a truth: if you dress well, people often won’t notice at all. If you dress poorly, they may not notice anything else.

The post Why Great Style is Personal appeared first on Off The Cuff .

Here at OTC, we are lamenting the loss of one of our favorite bags – the No. 43 Mailbag – made by American leather goods brand Colonel Littleton. The design for the No. 43 was based on the iconic U.S. Postal Service mail carrier bag, once a ubiquitous sight on America’s tree-lined streets.

This roomy and distinctive leather bag is beautifully crafted and exceptionally durable, ensuring that the more it’s used, abused, and put to work, the better it will age. The company sent us a No. 43, which we first reviewed in 2016 – loved it. So, we were quite saddened to recently learn that the Colonel decided to discontinue it.

To answer your next question, yes, there is indeed a real Colonel Littleton (he’s a genuine Kentucky Colonel). And while he may have a folksy demeanor and move with the gait of a relaxed country doctor, don’t be mislead. He’s is a sharp businessman who has turned what could have been a novelty idea into a rustic luxury brand that holds a deep respect from the cognoscenti of American craftsmen.

Based in the town of Lynneville, Tennessee, about an hour’s drive south from Nashville, Colonel Littleton the man, has created a company that reflects his values, sense of quality, and deep appreciation for history.

While they have a certain degree of theater about them, his bags stand toe-to-toe with any other brand we have reviewed when it comes to quality and construction. Colonel Littleton products have a distinctive, heritage-meets-steam-punk look that can speak to both Americana traditionalists and urban aesthetes; both key demographics in the high-end leather goods market.

In contrast to the clean and streamlined briefcases and bags we often see today, these have a decidedly functional and vintage look. Constructed with straps, brass fittings, military snaps, and engraved badges, Colonel Littleton bags are both beautiful and unmistakable.

Thick, full cut, naturally tanned leather hides are hand assembled, literally, under the Colonel’s watch. From product design to packing orders, his fixation on ensuring top quality and customer service are readily apparent.

To our mind, the No. 43 Mailbag embodied every aspect of what makes the Colonel Littleton brand so exceptional. While it captures the classic, form-follows-function elements of the original postman’s bag, it is very much a distinctively elegant heirloom.

For one thing, it’s made to last and last and last. It’s also just the right mix of practical and whimsy. The body of the bag is comprised of a single large section and a full-length front pocket. Both are secured under a large flap by a single strap, secured by a very cool, and strong, military button snap.

Typically, this style of bag is prone to becoming a bit unwieldy and floppy when worn, but the entire structure of the No. 43 Mailbag is suspended from a cleverly placed copper tube. This unique, functional element adds some rustic elegance but also creates the support system for the detachable shoulder strap and handle and prevent the bag from buckling when place down.

The shoulder strap is beautifully crafted and reminiscent of an old leather military belt. It can be adjusted to varying lengths by way of a solid brass double claw hook. While it is possible to wear this bag cross-body, we find it best suited for either shoulder or hand carrying – by way of a very comfortable layered leather handle.

As a briefcase, its capacity is enormous and can hold all manner of gear, from laptops to books to your gym clothes. The large, dry-milled leather flap is protective and also a defining feature of the bag. As this outer flap is not secured, it can be a little problematic on windy days. The addition of the secure strap with a snap closure underneath helps keep everything in its place.

While we hope he someday brings back the No. 43, every item offered by Colonel Littleton is worthy of consideration. The folks there are perfectionists and follow the lead of their boss.

Each aspect of the company’s interaction with a customer is built around Littleton’s stated awareness that he is in the “wants” business, not the “needs” business. As a result, the company views their goods showing up on your doorstep as a privilege. You don’t need to buy their products, you want to buy them because you like what Colonel Littleton has to offer – and they in turn deeply value that trust.

Shipping boxes and even the packing tape are branded. Each box is carefully packed and each bag is lovingly protected in what we think is possibly the coolest dust bag we’ve ever seen. It’s a work of art in its own right. Lastly, they add in a locally made Moon Pie – that iconic Tennessee treat – and leather coaster embossed with the company’s motto, “Strive to be stellar.”

If you are looking for unique, rustically elegant, handmade American craftsmanship, Colonel Littleton is a brand about which you should learn more.

See below to take a look at how our No. 43 Mailbag originally arrived and how it’s been tested on the road.

The post Revisiting The Colonel Littleton No. 43 Mailbag appeared first on Off The Cuff .

In 2016, the UK Office for National Statistics determined that 3.7 million workers traveled for two hours or more every weekday as part of their commute. This might involve walking, driving, cycling, taking public transport, or any combination of those modes of transportation. On top of this, many men – particularly in city environments – choose to wear a formal suit to the office to look smart; not particularly ideal attire for such a lengthy travel time!

Read on as we look at some smart solutions to avoid everyday commuter damage to your tailoring.

A suit made for the commute

While we often espouse the virtues of bespoke or Made To Measure tailoring, the reality is that many of us shop off the peg and are looking for a great suit or two that fits well, is comfortable, and looks sharp. Luckily, many good makers are adding modern touches for their real world comfort-seeking customers. Look for the signs that a suit is suitable for your commute – comfort, fabric recovery and quality, and fit.

Added elastane will increase the flexibility of the suit’s fabric and allow it to ‘bounce’ back to its shape after repeated wear and folding. Modern fabric technology means that if we didn’t just tell you it’s in there, you would have never noticed anything different apart form the fact that the suit remained looking pretty great.

An waistband with some elastic built in will give you comfort during your commute, and the rest of your day, by helping your trouser waist fit closely, but not uncomfortably so. Your suit trousers will look just fine, but they will feel much more comfortable sitting, standing, and on the move.

Choosing a lightweight, three-season wool will keep you feeling more comfortable and cool when you’re rushing to and from work. For the most part, you’re wearing your suit indoors and in climate controlled settings, so there is no need for a country weight suit. Be smart and think about how you actually wear your clothing; you can always get that double breasted corduroy number later on.

How to protect your suit

Your journey to and from work can cause damage to your threads in a few ways, depending on how you travel.

…From creasing

If you cycle or walk to the office, it’s likely that you’ll work up quite a sweat. Not only can this be damaging to the material of your shirt and jacket, as the day wears on, you might not smell that great.

Getting caught in the rain can also have negative effects on your suiting as often it doesn’t have a chance to completely dry out before you start your meetings. Consider commuting in workout or casual clothes and freshening up when you get to work.

A smart workwear investment would be a suit that is crease-resistant; this way you can fold it up in a backpack and your suit will be good to wear when you arrive at the office. Charles Tyrwhitt offers a range of ‘performance suits’ made with merino wool, which has natural crease recovery qualities. Their suits also have 2% added elastane which results in a crease-resistant cloth.

…From the weather

Harsh weather conditions can also be harmful to your wardrobe. One of the easiest ways to keep your suit in good shape is to invest in a well made overcoat or lined mac. Longer-length coats are still a bit out of vogue, but they will keep you warmer, drier, and cleaner if you’re out on the street. Knee-length coats are often more comfortable when commuting by public transport.

During the winter, road salt can be damaging to your shoes and the slush and snow can have long lasting effects if they aren’t treated or dried out properly.

There are some simple preventative measures that you can take. Keep your shoes polished and treated with conditioners to protect the leather. For suede shoes, invest in some spray-on suede protector – but test a spot before you proceed and make sure thee is no discoloration. Better yet, get a sturdy pair of rubber shoe covers like your granddad had – your shoes, and billfold, will thank you.

…From dirt

Over time, you will likely find that spending time on public transport, out on the street, in airplanes or meeting rooms will results in dirt and dust dulling your suit’s fabric. We are not referring to stains or spills, which require immediate and professional attention, but to the daily atmospheric impact of life on your clothing.

Treat your wardrobe with love and respect and it will serve you well. In this case, it means brushing down your suit jacket after every wearing to loosen debris and dust and prevent it from becoming embedded in the fabric. Brushing – using a proper suit brush – will also keep your suit’s fabric springy and soft.

While it is very important to find a good clearer, the general rule of thumb is to avoid dry cleaning your suit too frequently. Bring in your suit for spot cleaning stains that are hard to remove or an occasional pressing. If you are a habitual suit or jacket wearer, investing in your own steamer isn’t a bad idea either.

Note: We are actual fans of Charles Tyrwhitt and buy and wear their clothing. OTC received no compensation for this partnered article.

The post Don’t Let Your Commute Ruin Your Suit appeared first on Off The Cuff .

While technology may make irrelevant the traditional wallet’s function of carrying cash, its ability to also hold one’s scraps of meaningful ephemera, or that parking garage ticket that needs to be validated, makes it an unusually personal object. Still, casting a fresh eye over the average billfold, essentially unchanged from 100 years ago, is not a bad idea. Men today have different demands, carry their things in different ways, and are more open to adaptation and evolution when it comes to personal accessories.

One of our favorite options when reconsidering the wallet comes to us by way of Los Angeles-based One Star Leather. Part notebook, part wallet, this compact leather companion considers the wallet from an entirely new perspective. At the same time, it feels like an accessory some worldly, academic adventurer might have carried on his person in the 1920s.

The Park Sloper Senior is a pared-down leather notebook married to a minimalist billfold. It’s all-in-one design aesthetic creates a tightly compact contraption that’s both elegant and thoroughly  functional. With an interior sleeve into which fits a small notebook (each one comes pre-stocked with a trusty Field Notes notebook), two credit slots, and a fully enclosed pen sleeve, the Park Sloper Senior a self contained, well-designed, portable companion that takes the place of multiple items.

One Star Leather – literally housed in a garage and family-and-friends run – produces a variety of models, from coin cases to wallets to notebook covers to belts. What makes the Park Sloper Senior so uniquely purposeful is it’s ability to be the one thing you grab when you don’t need your other stuff, or don’t want to carry around a bag. Comfortably holding several credit cards and driver’s license, some cash, a notebook and pen, and you are free to move.

The fully enclosed pen sleeve fits a full-sized pen (about 11mm maximum), yet it still carries comfortably even in a back pocket. Our Mont Blanc Classique ballpoint  is a perfect match.

One Star’s products are completely handmade one at a time from a variety of beautiful and hardy leathers. Our model is crafted from Horween chromexcel leather and already is aging to a careworn patina.

The post One Star Leather’s Park Sloper Senior appeared first on Off The Cuff .

All that being said, sneakers, especially purpose-built ones, have a job to do beyond simply looking good. And, as runners, the OTC crew know from good performance footwear. The Adidas Terrex line is one brand that we really like, and it’s a label that not everyone knows much about.

Designed for trail running and non-stable surfaces (e.g., remote ranges, desert wastelands, knife-edge mountain ridges), this ever evolving collection is a great mix of lightweight materials and robust stability. The brand’s Boost technology provides excellent cushioning and comfort, while still letting your feet “feel” the surface. They also happen to be quite sharp looking and distinctive enough to stand apart from the athletic shoe-niverse.

Adidas sent along these Agravic 330 trail runners for us to test out and we have a little secret to share: we use them on pavement. And they’re great. this is actually the second time we’ve tested Terrex trail shoes on pavement and found them to be (in our case) just fine for hard surface running.

With limited but well positioned padding and a flatter foot bed, when used for traditional road running, the 330s are reminiscent of lower drop running shoes. The enhanced stability, Continental tread, Boost system, and lightweight materials keep your feet comfortable and springy.

Aesthetically, the black/grey palette of our shoes make them pretty sharp, so maybe they might work for a casually athletic look. but to us, these are sharp looking tools for driving down our next 5K time…which is only another week away. Back to training.

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The label partners with classic makers on great product collaborations and has it’s own branded collection of timeless staples that can live in – or carry – your wardrobe for decades.

We are excited to partner with the Ball and Buck team to promote their latest project; a go-anywhere active jacket that perfectly blends form, function, and style. The Active Anorak Jacket is crafted in the USA of lightweight and durable 3.4oz, 4-ply 100% nylon taslan with Vapor Dry Technology and its design includes an integrated storage sack, fully adjustable paracord drawstrings, velcro storm cuffs, and robust YKK zippers.

Learn more about ordering your own Ultimate Active Anorak Jacket HERE.

And, keep an eye on OTC, because we will be testing and reviewing our own jacket once production on this instant classic piece of outerware is up and running.

The post Coming Soon: Ball and Buck’s New Active Anorak Jacket appeared first on Off The Cuff .