Rugged, outdoor clothing is becoming a theme, at least this week. My new favourite site/e-newsletter the fabulously-named Urban Daddy has turned up perhaps the ultimate in outdoor clothing: trousers made from old tents. Military WWII tents to be precise, so as well as protecting you from the elements you'll be wearing a piece of history.
With a relaxed fit, the trousers are cut long so you can roll them to fit and each pair comes with unique marks, flaws and patched holes as evidence of their authenticity. They also come as shorts! The waxed cagoules are rather gorgeous too, modeled on a real fisherman and all.
Order yours now from Stabo's quirky Norfolk-based site.
Chinos have in recent times experienced something of a role change - from bland slacks favoured by American tourists to fashion item, worn high on the ankle as a foil for brave colours and occasional irony. In a recent twist, the quality of the garment itself is changing. I'm seeing a lot of high-end chinos out there, suggesting that £20 Uniqlo, utilitarian numbers are being replaced by the high thread count, near-sateen of the designer chino. As the summer sales commence and prices are slashed, there's every opportunity to find the perfect pair. Here are two of the best to measure your sales finds against.
ACNE Van Straight chinos, ASOS, Sateen beige trousers by YMC at Liberty`
Additional image source: Mister Mort
As shorts continue to be major fashion news for men, the search is on for something that bit different. Oak NYC can usually be depended on to turn up something surprising, and with these leather-look shorts by Petar Petrov they're definitely in the game for wildest shorts of the summer. Actually 100% cotton but in a glossy, leather-like finish, the combination of shiny, fetishistic fabric and the pleated, tailored style is genuinely fresh. Perfectly paired here with gladiator sandals, I'm just hoping the model has appropriate facial hair - this look is all about Roman centurion at a Berlin leather bar.
Shorts by Petar Petrov from Oak NYC
Cycling through Bloomsbury last night, I was struck by the sheer number of other cyclists on the roads. Seriously, it's like the bicycle M1 there in rush hour. When budgets tighten and the weather brightens (sorry), cyclists come out to play, so it looks like summer is definitely set to be based around 2 wheels. And for that, you need the right outfit.
While it's a little too warm for full-length jeans, rolling up an old pair can work pretty well. Technical cycling trousers can be fairly awful (dayglo lycra with reflective patches is not a Brandish-endorsed look), but this pair from US brand Outlier fill a gap for neatly tailored, slim trousers that are also fast-wicking and breathable. If you can't stretch to the required $220 (plus international shipping), ASOS's £25 slimfit chinos come in a pretty array of colours (we rate the teal ones most). Somewhere between the two sit Acne's lovely peppermint chinos for £135. If you really want to impress the traffic, try matching your trouser colour to your bike frame.
Main Image Source: The Sartorialist
Summer is most definitely here, at least for today and if you're sweltering under the heat of some office trousers we feel your pain. Actually we've got our legs out, sorry.
Take a look at our guide to this summer's shorts, we've trawled the internet for the best in short trousers to keep your legs cool and your outfit stylish without a toggle, cargo pocket or zip in sight. There's something for everyone from denim to tailored and also floral pair you'll love, honest!
Click image to start gallery
Summer is definitely fashion's silliest season, when you can throw (some) caution to the wind and don styles you wouldn't normally be seen dead in. With this in mind, how about some white jeans? Instantly reminiscent of Club Tropicana-era Wham, act up the Euro playboy with a strong-coloured V-neck T-shirt from American Apparel (lavender, pink, mint) and a floral print. These jeans from Acne break the pristine mold by adding horizontal rips at the thigh, whilst with these hibiscus-print espadrilles who needs a Hawaiian shirt? With a liberal splash of Kouros you will be ready to tear up the dancefloors of Europe .. just don't forget to pack the Vanish stick.
Mic White Trashed Jeans: Acne, Hibiscus print espadrilles, ASOS
Here at Brandish we love a bit of versatility, which is why these jeans by Swedish brand Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair are so perfect. At the top the fit is like a pair of oh-so-current roomy pleated pants, the anti-fit of these jeans also allows for a bit of drop-crotchness, whilst the legs actually taper down to the ankle. The interesting cut lends itself to many styling possibilities, but the genius touch is that the stretchy fabric (a quality, soft, stretch twill) allows the hem to be pulled up the leg to wear them as a slouchy cropped pant. At least three looks in one! The lovely detailing - like the 'whiskering' at back of knees also adds value. So, despite a hefty $279 pricetag (plus shipping), they're still a choice item.
For the budget conscious, with some imagination and a trip to the tailor, I think you could achieve something similar by adapting a pair of vintage pleated trousers in a suitably flexible fabric.
Source: Blackbird blog
Seen in Old Stone, also available in Black
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