The Pantalones
May 6, 2013

Product Review: Hemp & Recycled Poly “Chambray” Shirt from Glasshouse Shirtmakers

I had recently been talking to Daniel Bernando, founder of Glasshouse Shirtmakers, and he was gracious enough to send me a shirt for review. If you haven’t heard of Glasshouse Shirtmakers, let me fill you in real quick; Glasshouse Shirtmakers is based in Chicago and offers ready to wear shirts that are all made in the U.S.A. with the good of environment in mind. They offer shirts in distinctive fabrics, good for work or the weekend. The first thing that really struck me about this company was the environmental conscience  That’s something that really important to me, and after speaking with Daniel and receiving my shirt, it was clear that this issue was at the top of his agenda.

I decided to go with the hemp “chambray”, because my chambray shirt suffered somewhat of a fatality last fall. Now I’ve never had a hemp shirt before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with the fabric. When it arrived, the fabric was a little scratchy (as Daniel had told me), but after a wash and a few wears, the hemp became extremely soft. It really does feel great on the skin. The fabric itself is a great weave, creating a deep texture when examined closely. In terms of weight, the hemp is perfect for the transitional months and cool summer nights. 

As far as the fit goes, this shirt is more than on point. I’ve worn it both tucked in and untucked, and the body fits my torso almost perfectly, not too slim but without any extra/unwanted fabric. The sleeve openings are nice and fitted, and the sleeve length was great for me too. The collar is a point collar (which I admittedly do not wear that often), but I was absolutely fine with this one. 

If you’re like me, you care where and how your products are made. Not only does Glasshouse Shirtmakers make all of their products withion our borders, but they do so responsibly. That means a lot to me. Also, they make a damn nice shirt. 

(Source: mypantalones)

12:08pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEykN7vxD
(Notes: 24)
  
Filed under: Menswear Glasshouse Shirtmakers Product Reviews Articles 
May 2, 2013

WIWT - 5/2/13 - New MTM Linen Cutaway from Cottonwork

If someone financed ten made to measure white linen shirts for me to wear every single day of the summer, I would really appreciate that. I’ve worn this new linen cutaway from Cottonwork three times, and the fabric is so soft and breezy. I’ve always appreciated linen, but I really want to snag a few more shirts for this summer.

The cut and collar of Cottonwork’s linen shirt is fantastic. The collar is a perfect cutaway, and along with the cuffs, is incredibly soft and comfortable. The shirt fits beautifully, leaving a little room for ventilation. I look for a shirt that fits a tiny bit looser for the summer months, and this one achieves that while still flattering the contours of my upper body. As I do with all my MTM shirts, I opted for a pocket and double button cuffs here. 

If you’re looking for a solid MTM linen shirt for the summer, I’d recommend this one. It’s a fantastic cut, and it’s under a hundred bucks.

(Source: mypantalones)

9:23pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyk5ArCL
(Notes: 95)
  
Filed under: Menswear Cottonwork WIWT TCNJ Spring/Summer 2013 Made to Measure Articles Product Reviews 
March 14, 2013
Clothing Does Not Demand Respect:

I don’t respect people because they dress well. I don’t. Quite frankly, I think respecting someone because he or she is wearing clothing in a certain manner is moronic. Respecting someone for dressing well is like respecting someone for drinking a good beer. Sure, you can admire the fact that they are drinking a fine beer, but that gives you no reason to respect them as a person. The thing about dressing well and drinking a good beer is that they are both easy things to do; all you have to do is research the product and buy the right thing. Most people that dress well don’t like to think that being stylish is an easy thing to do, but honestly, it is. 

The internet has objectified style as a determinant of coolness, a determinant of individuality and respectability. The funny thing is that the same means of spreading the inspiration of originality has taken it away. You have people striving to be as stylish as the internet influencers, simultaneously sacrificing their own originality. The respect that people attain for dressing well is undeserved, an illusion. This culture has made style attainable to anyone. It has made style easy, and the easier it becomes, the easier it is to appear like someone who oozes creativity, someone who demands your fucking respect and appreciation. The easier it becomes, the more shallow and insincere that respect gets. Now we’re here, and it means almost nothing.

There used to be a time when style was a secondary in judging the identity of a person. I don’t know if I was ever conscious for it, but it existed. Style was a hint that a person had something more to them than the average being, not a declaration of creative superiority. Instead of being the end all be all for determining creativity, style used to be something that made you want to ask questions about a person’s life. However, that notion was lost somewhere down the line, once menswear culture and style became a public internet circle jerk. I’ll be honest, a lot of the people in that circle jerk are not interesting. A lot of them are boring boring as shit, but this culture has painted them as something of value, before personal character or accomplishment even comes into play.

What it comes down to is that style has become a determinant of originality and creativity, as opposed to a byproduct. It used to be that style came as a result of originality, but now, style dictates it. Paul Newman got your respect for being an incredible actor. Rene Lacoste got your respect for his play on the tennis court, and JFK got your respect for his politics and leadership. Ralph Lauren got your respect because he imagined and created the clothes he wears. Updike got your respect for his writing, and Warhol got your respect for his art and philosophy. In all those cases, style comes after the identity. Clothes are a part of my life, no doubt, but their role is insignificant in the grand scheme of my identity. I am not a menswear blogger; I am a design student. Don’t hold me to a higher level because I wear a blazer. Don’t tear me down because I wear one either. Respect me for what I say, create, and think. Without substance behind them, clothes are just clothes. It’s the same shit on another fucking person.

 I respect people for their work ethic and the passion that they instill in their lives. I respect people for ingenuity, genuine creativity, diligence, commitment, and the voicing of their opinions. I respect people for the way they carry themselves, the way they treat others, and the effect that they have on this world. The people that I admire may or not dress well, but they are dedicated to something, instead of things. That’s what I look at before I respect someone, before I hand them a title. The way a person dresses does not earn or lose any significant portion of respect from yours truly, and that is because anyone can do it. Yes, I fucking said it; anyone can do it. Anyone can dress like you dress. Anyone can dress like he or she dresses. Fuck it, anyone can dress like I dress. Buttoning up your ISAIA and knotting up with Drake’s doesn’t earn you my respect. Two hundred other dudes wore that same thing today. Putting on that cashmere robe and draping a blanket over your shoulders doesn’t make you a trend-setter or taste maker. You’re not forming nations and gathering loyal followers. You’re not a creative mogul. You’re just a dude wearing a cashmere robe with a blanket draped on your back. 

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be drawn to someone because of what he or she is wearing or what his or her style displays. I’m not saying that people with style are demons, because that would be downright hypocritical. I’m saying that style can’t be the only card in play; in this age, style or clothing cannot demand respect. It should come from somewhere else. I’m saying that that Cucinelli vest is not bulletproof. It does not radiate creative authority. It does not give you power. It does not give you significance.

What you do gives you power and significance.

Respect should come from that.

(Source: mypantalones)

10:43am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEygEmu6J
(Notes: 108)
  
Filed under: Menswear Articles Originality Style Creativity Clothes Fashion 
March 11, 2013

The Elite Club just rolled out with a new tee to be sold to help raise money for our inner-city kids in Trenton. A percentage of profits goes to improving the quality of education for Trenton middle schoolers at Hedgepeth Williams. In 1944 Hedgepeth Williams was the first school in America to desegregate and allow black students in a white middle school, desegregating before Brown vs. Board of Ed. and eventually facilitating that case. That’s pretty awesome.

This is the toughest t-shirt that I own.

9:33pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyg3UCfj
(Notes: 16)
  
Filed under: Menswear History Trenton The Elite Club TCNJ Articles 
March 1, 2013
Product Review: Neronote, Canclini Poplin Made To Measure Shirt

I had been talking to a marketing representative from Neronote around the holiday season, and she offered to send me a made to measure shirt to review. Before doing some research, I had never heard of Neronote. If you have explored the world of online MTM shirting, you know that there are numerous options all claiming to produce a superior product in terms of price and quality. You never really know how your shirt will turn out until you receive it. Honestly, it’s a bit of a risk. 

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That being said, Neronote looked like they made beautiful shirts. The styles looked on point, and they are made in Italy. Neronote offers about 2,000 fabrics, a variety of high quality fabrics from mills like Thomas Mason, Monti, Albini, and Canclini. I’ve been wanting a brown striped shirt, so I went with a brown striped cotton poplin from Canclini. The design process was straight forward and easy to understand, as online MTM should be. Fast forward four weeks and a package from Neronote arrives on my doorstep. Inside was, quite honestly, one of the most beautiful shirts that I own, and the best online MTM shirt in my closet.

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There were an impressive amount of collars from which to choose, including a few variations on the spread (my personal go to). I went with the Neronote standard spread collar, and was very much pleased with it. It sits nicely under the lapels of a buttoned blazer, and is not so drastically spread as to be confused with a cut-away collar. It compliments a four-in-hand knot very nicely, and looks great unbuttoned too. 

The softness of the fabric makes this collar very comfortable, but Neronote also allows for the choice of “soft”, “normal”, and “stiff” collar options, all with the choice of removable collar stays. I never wear collar stays, so I chose the soft option with removable stays. Another nice addition is the ability to choose the placement of the stitching from the edge of the collar. 

More after the jump. 

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(Source: mypantalones)

10:43am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyfGJG5w
(Notes: 10)
  
Filed under: Menswear Product Review Articles Neronote Italy Shirts Made to Measure MTM 
February 12, 2013
Product Review: Modern Tailor Made To Measure Flannel Shirt

If you’ve investigated or asked about any of the online made to measure shirting brands, it is pretty likely that Modern Tailor has come up at some point. Modern Tailor’s “trial shirt” deal offers a MTM shirt in white or blue for $30 shipped, and it is essentially a broke college student’s best friend. I have ordered the trial shirt (twice), and I still wear them quite often. However, I decided to try a shirt of a more substantial fabric when Modern Tailor asked me for a review. 

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One of Modern Tailor’s best qualities is the sheer number of fabrics that you vcan choose from. The selection is impressive to say the least. I wanted a shirt that would keep me warm in the coming months, and I was looking for something soft to the touch. I ended up selecting a black watch-esque flannel fabric with a killer grey windowpane layered on top. I wasn’t sure what the weight of the flannel would be like, but upon arrival, it was a very fine flannel. It’s awesome. I can easily wear this fabric into spring without sweating as one would in a heavy flannel.

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I went with Modern Tailor’s cut away collar, as I tend to prefer for shirts that I will be wearing primarily sans tie. I am extremely impressed with this collar. I chose the extra-soft collar option, as well as no collar stays, and I have to say that this is one of the most comfortable collars I have. The spread isn’t insanely wide, and it fits well. 

More after the jump.

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(Source: mypantalones)

10:30am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyd_gH7u
(Notes: 20)
  
Filed under: Menswear Modern Tailor Product Reviews Articles Shirts 
February 11, 2013

Product Review: Henry Carter Silk Knit Tie

I’ve had the pleasure of talking with Jason Segrott, director of Henry Carter Neckwear and Accessories, over the past month, and  after some discussion he graciously sent me a silk knit tie for review. If you aren’t familiar with Henry Carter, they are based in Australia and ship worldwide. Their main line of 7 fold ties (absolutely beautiful ones I may add) are hand made by a small family owned firm in Naples. All ties, knit ties, shirts and bow-ties are made in Italy, and their socks are made in England, while cashmere scarves come from Scotland.

As you know, I am a silk knit fiend. I’m always looking to augment my collection, so when I received this olive silk knit, I was more than happy. For starters, the tie is three inches wide at it’s bottom, my preferred width. The proportions of the tie lend themselves perfectly for a very nice four-in-hand knot and lies nicely on the shirt as well.

Like I said previously, the tie is made in Italy, constructed from 100% seta-silk. When it comes to knit ties, silk can feel one of two ways; It can be soft or stiff. Neither is a sign of quality more than the other. Henry Carter’s silk knit ties are in fact soft. They are very soft. This lets them dimple and lie beautifully when knotted. The classic casual nature of the silk knit is absolutely brought out with this soft silk body.

I went with an olive, that is extremely attractive, but Henry Carter makes silk knits in a variety of color ways, including some embroidered dots. The silk knits retail for about $70, and can be caught on sale for $50. Both price points are more than fair for the quality neckwear received. 

(Source: mypantalones)

12:50pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEydwCesk
(Notes: 5)
  
Filed under: Menswear Articles Product Reviews Henry Carter Accessories Knit Tie 
February 7, 2013

This is my room.

I had a couple people ask about it, so I figured I take some very amateur photographs of my room in my college house and post them. 

Huge desk, vintage Playboy lined liquor cabinet, limited edition prints, a bed that’s comfortable as hell, a stocked closet, a solid book collection, and clean furniture.

I think it’s pretty cool.

(Source: mypantalones)

9:00pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyde3boB
(Notes: 107)
  
Filed under: Articles Design Interior Design My Room Menswear TCNJ 
January 28, 2013
Details of Personal Style, Monogramming, Intention, and James Bond’s Martini:

A few weeks ago there was a quote bouncing around Tumblr, posted by Jake of Wax Wane, examining and calling out James Bond’s choice to have his martinis shaken instead of stirred. The quote came from the television show The West Wing, said by character President Jed Bartlett, and is as follows: “Shaken, not stirred, will get you cold water with a dash of gin and dry vermouth. The reason you stir it with a special spoon is so not to chip the ice. James is ordering a weak martini and being snooty about it.” Being a James Bond fan (read obsessive James Bond fan), I took a little offense to this quote. After brooding in moderate disgust for a while and mentally telling Aaron Sorkin to eat shit, I realized that this says something about me and about Mr. Bond, and (wait for it) it can be related to the way we dress.

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Let’s get back to the martini first: You know why James Bond drinks his martini shaken, not stirred? It’s because he’s that kind of guy; he’s a shaken guy. He’s not a stirred guy. When the girl, a ten to be sure, sitting next to him at the bar hears his order, she thinks, “Damn, he’s a shaker. That’s baller as hell. Fuck all these stir guys,” and then proceeds to engage in a conversation with Mr. Bond before following him upstairs. If someone, including Mr. Bond, does something with intention, then it’s not anything you can or should fuck with. I generally don’t like people who analyze every decision (I am sometimes guilty of this) without taking personal intention into account. Sometimes a thing is the way it is because that’s how it was meant to be. I especially don’t like people who fuck with James Bond like that. That being said, shame on you fake President Bartlett for saying that and shame on you Aaron Sorkin for writing that. James Bond just drank a martini that I am pretty sure was not particularly watery and bed that dime sitting next to him; all you did was make an ass of a judgement call.

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Intention is something that is quite common, but it is intention that is both understood and regimented that is the valuable kind. This is where the details of personal style enter the conversation. Of late, it is quite often that people focus on the smaller details of personal style. I myself have such aspects of my style that are present not necessarily because they are functional or practical (although most are) but because they achieve a purpose, and I intend them to be there. I’ve had a few shirts made for me, and when the option is there, I always have my shirts monogrammed on the left side of my abdomen, between the fourth and fifth button. You could look at this and say that it’s a stupid place for a monogram, because the placement is exposed and awkward when you’re not wearing a blazer. I’d agree, but there are two reasons why I choose to ignore this fact and continue with my regularly scheduled programming. Firstly from a historical aspect, this is the traditional placement for a monogram (originally in block font for easy identification at the cleaner or tailor). Personally, this is a bit of a nod to the old world of tailored clothing.

More after the jump.

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(Source: mypantalones)

10:41am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEycrjtPo
(Notes: 41)
  
Filed under: Menswear James Bond 007 Alcohol Articles Style 
January 14, 2013
Why Everyone Talking About Style Should Just Shut the Fuck Up and Listen to Paul Rand:

I am a graphic design student, and I like graphic design and design theory very much. If you didn’t know, now you know. That being said, we can proceed with this article.

I have always observed parallels between design and non-design aspects of life, whether they be music, writing, acting, or style. The last one there, style, is the one that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Once you see these parallels and realize that design principle and theory can apply to style, it’s really kind of hard to not think about it. I could go the obvious route here and draw the lines between issues of balance, proportion, space, and emphasis in design and style, but honestly, that’s probably been done nine times in the last month and is boring as shit. I’d like to draw another line, a line leading from the world of style to the design theories and principles of Paul Rand. In case you are not one of the enlightened, Paul Rand is considered to be one of the greatest graphic designers of all time, a major source of inspiration for many designers today, including myself. I could go on, but basically, he is a pioneer of modern graphic design.

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I am not bringing Paul Rand into this conversation because he was necessarily stylish; I am brining Paul Rand into this conversation because of what he believed and preached. Rand once said, “Don’t try and be original; just try and be good.” Alongside being one of my favorite things ever uttered by a human being, this is something that I think people developing a personal style need to hear. Innovation for the sake of innovation leads to a world of shitty outcomes. There is nothing genuine that can come from originality created for the sole purpose of being original. In both menswear product and personal style today, originality has become some sort of goal, a validation of some ultimate creative understanding. A pocket square with a chain on it? A shoe with three straps? A bandana around your ankle? Seven bracelets on your wrist? Jordan 1s with a suit? All of those things are original, as well as tiresome, ugly, and generally tasteless. Just because something has been done before doesn’t mean it’s boring, and just because something hasn’t been done, doesn’t mean it should. The thing about striving to be original is that it can make you lose sight of the honest portrayal of your style. Originality can take you away from the image you wish to create, because you’re worried about the relevance of your next ground-breaking style invention. On the other hand, striving to be good can lead to true originality, and that is how you know it’s genuine. If you worry about being good, the originality will follow. It is my belief that, in style, those who dress honestly, as opposed to originally, look better almost every fucking time. 

Continued after the jump.

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(Source: mypantalones)

10:42am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyblIIK0
(Notes: 47)
  
Filed under: Design Menswear Paul Rand Style Articles 
January 7, 2013
The Contents of My Shoe Cabinet, A Substantially Underwhelming Guide:

Someone recently asked me to break down the collection of shoes that I wear. I thought that was a pretty good idea, giving you a glimpse of what I own and how I’ve made purchases. I guess I’ll give you the shoes (excluding those used for athletics), how much I bought them for, when I bought them, and maybe some general stuff about them. I don’t know; we’ll see how it goes.

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Air Jefferson Cap Toe Oxford by Cole Haan:

These were the first shoes on which I spent a decent amount of money. I bought them for about $200 in the beginning of my freshman year of college. Over the two and a half years that I’ve had them, I’ve worn them less and less each year, but I still find myself wearing these every once and a while. They used to be a workhorse shoe in my wardrobe, but they have a rubber sole, so their appeal has diminished to me. Definitely the most comfortable leather shoes I have ever worn though.

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Antelope Suede Brogue by Herring Shoes - 

I got these for $150 dollars at the end of last summer, so I’ve been wearing them for about five months. I can definitely say that these are my favorite shoes that I own, goodyear welted, great color and last, and comfortable as hell. They are also made by Loake. I always recommend Herring for guys looking for a quality shoe at a responsible price.

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Two-Tone Suede Lo Pro Eras by Vans:

I’m going to just come out and say it: Vans are the ultimate sneaker. I don’t care; take your Tretorns or your NBs or your Jack Purcells or your limited edition CDG shits. Vans are, and always will be, my favorite sneaker in existence. I’ve been wearing Vans since third grade. They are still as cool as they were then. At the beginning of this school year, I snagged these Eras for fifty dollars, the steady selling point for Vans since forever. The best thing about vans, besides the iconic simplicity, is that you can skate in them. If you see me wearing another pair of casual sneakers, please, slap me.

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(Source: mypantalones)

10:41am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEybC8vcv
(Notes: 22)
  
Filed under: Menswear Shoes Articles Mine Herring Loake Vans L.L. Bean Clarks 
January 3, 2013
The Problem With “Quality Over Quantity” and “Buy Better, Buy Less” From a Young Man’s Perspective:

If you’ve been reading any menswear blog for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard or been told that buying something that is of higher quality is worth the price tag. Someone has said that bespoke GJ Cleverly’s are worth the couple grand because they last a long time with the right care. Someone has said that the Cucinelli cashmere blazer is worth the couple grand because the fabric is soft, and the construction is unparalleled, and the lapel stitching is fucking gnarly, and Cucinelli is a generally great guy, and bullshit, and no one really knows. After reading the musings of menswear bloggers and magazines for a few years, I subscribed to this belief. I used it to justify some expensive purchases and spread “wisdom” to anonymous question askers. I’m just going to get right to it and say that I was, for the most part, wrong. 

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This belief system might not be wrong for everyone, but it sure as hell is wrong for me. In fact, I’d be willing to say that this belief system is wrong for about 93% of the people that read this blog. Most of my audience is comprised of undergrads and recently graduated young professionals. There are also those younger and older, but the majority are people +/- five years from twenty-one. As a college student, the “Buy better, buy less” and “Quality over quantity” methods of purchase just aren’t practical. They don’t make sense for someone who has to pay for school, or books, or rent, or at least a twelve of Yuengling once or twice a week. 

I’ve been looking at my wardrobe lately, at the things that I have bought, and tried to find the best purchases that I’ve ever made. I contemplated every variable, and I came up with five non-thrifted items. They are not the goodyear welted or the fully canvassed. They are not the single-needle constructed or the hand-rolled. They are the things that made sense for a college student to buy. The list includes a Timex Classic ($25 plus $10 NATO strap), a black watch L.L. Bean Lambswool Scarf ($35), a light brown pair of J.Crew Slim-Fit Chinos ($69), Clarks Suede Desert Boots ($90), and a Lands’ End Canvas Navy Chino Blazer ($35). I wear my Timex almost every single day; with a navy strap, it matches everything. I wore those chinos for two years, before the crotch blew out. They’re retired on the top shelf of my closet right now (I’ll have them repaired when I get the cash). That scarf has been worn on almost every cold night for the past two and a half years, and the Clarks have probably been worm more than any item in my entire wardrobe (two years later, they look like shit, so I just wear them to parties and when I’m late to class).

The greatest purchase I have ever made is that navy chino blazer from Lands’ End Canvas. It was on sale for $35 dollars at the beginning of last school year, before LEC prices went up, and I snagged one of the last ones. The style is perfect, compliments on the patch pockets included. The fit is slim and youthful, and it was 35 dollars. It was 35 fucking dollars. Are there nicer blazers? Hell yes there are. There are way nicer blazers. However, in the history of my wardrobe has there ever been a more appropriate blazer for me? Never. I can wear that with literally every pair of pants I own, and I’ve worn it at least a hundred times. It’s not the greatest blazer, but it’s the right blazer.

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These are the purchases that college students should be making. These are the purchases that make sense. If you’re a successful businessman or you own your own menswear outfitter, go ahead and wear the bespoke. Wear the Rolex or the Omega. I’ll be admiring them from afar while I realize I should have been in class ten minutes ago courtesy of my Timex. You know what the difference is between my Tie Bar pocket square and a Drake’s tiger print pocket square? Two handles of Gordon’s, two thirties of Keystone, a six pack of Victory Golden Monkey, two cheeseburgers from Five Guys, and a bunch of extremely solid nights. You know what the difference in construction is? There isn’t one. It’s a fucking pocket square. Save that stuff for when you’re making six figures.

It’s about your position in life, and it’s about your budget. There are times when I’m broke as shit, and I literally cannot “buy better”. I don’t. There are also times when I can. Neither cheap nor expensive is the answer. Now, regardless of the situation, I buy what I can afford. Don’t think that “Quality over quantity” and “Buy better, buy less” are always the ways to go; they aren’t. The saying and the advice should not be “Buy better, buy less”, it should be “Buy appropriately”. 

(Source: mypantalones)

10:47am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyasYq9M
(Notes: 314)
  
Filed under: Clothes College Menswear Articles 
December 26, 2012

Product Review: Commonwealth Proper Gray Flannel Tie

I think it’s highly looked down upon by the menswear community to not have something made of gray flannel in your wardrobe. I was losing street (read internet) cred quickly because of my lack of gray flannel, but thankfully, Craig just threw one of Commonwealth Proper’s new flannel ties my way.

The tie is made of 100% wool flannel, sourced from an Italian mill, constructed in the traditional five-fold technique. The flannel is very nice. It has a nice bit of depth in texture, but it is definitely still a solid tie. The gray is nice and versatile, and it also comes in a lighter shade as well. At three inches, it hits my ideal tie width perfectly.

The coolest thing about this tie, however, is the lining. Craig has this crazy ability to find the gnarliest stuff when sourcing fabrics. He found this vintage printed silk with renaissance style angels on it, and it ended up lining the tie. It’s a detail that only you know is there, and it’s a killer detail at that.

The silk is the coolest thing about the tie, but the fact that it is made in the U.S.A. is the best thing about it. Just like all of CMMP’s goods, this tie was made within the borders of our country. Basically, this tie supports American craftsmanship and our economy, and that’s what it’s really all about.

Basically, this is an extremely solid flannel tie that only gets better with an awesome lining and American manufacturing. You can check it out in action here.

(Source: mypantalones)

11:18am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyaC-NdM
(Notes: 33)
  
Filed under: Menswear Commonwealth Proper Accessories Articles Product Reviews Philadelphia 
December 10, 2012

Product Review: Cravatta Peliano Silk Knit Tie

Last week I got the Gordon Gekko 2.0 silk knit tie in the mail from Pelliano. If you’re not familiar with Pelliano, they are a dutch company that produces knit ties, pocket squares, scarves, and just recently started making blazers (that actually look pretty  damn intriguing). I’d been looking for a striped navy knit for a while, and this one seemed to fit the bill perfectly. After recieving the tie, I can confirm that it does fit the bill perfectly.

The first thing that you’ll notice about this knit is the pointed tip. All of my knit ties have flat bottoms, but too much of anything ends in monotony, so I really like the way this tie mixes up my knit collection. It’s a great change of pace. 

The silk that makes up this knit is incredible. it has an ultra fine gauge that gives the tie a beautiful feel. It’s smooth to say the least. The fine gauge does give the tie a slight sheen upon close inspection, so if you’re a matte kind of person, take that into account. Also, the color of the silk is different on the skinny end of the tie, a gray/silver color that gives the tie another dimension.

This is a beautiful piece of neckwear to look at and feel, but the neck padding is what really made me love this tie. on the strip of silk that rests on the neck. You’ll find the Pelliano logo, along with the origin and claim of the worlds best silk. However, you’ll also find the words “Gianni would be proud,” a nod to the Italian style legend. I thought this was a great little detail and something that makes a this piece of neckwear unique.

I’m extremely satisfied with the tie, and at three inches in width, it falls perfectly into my neckwear collection. They retail for around a hundred dollars, so if you don’t feel strongly about your neckwear, they may not be for you. However, I will say that the tie is beautiful and worth the price tag. 

You can check out the Pelliano in action here.


(Source: mypantalones)

12:53pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyZ3wwV7
(Notes: 29)
  
Filed under: Menswear Pelliano Accessories Articles product Reviews Silk Knit 
November 30, 2012
Product Review: Hucklebury Slim-Fit Green Stripe Shirt

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to chat with the founders of Hucklebury, Parag and Dhawal, about their brand of ready to wear shirts. Hucklebury offers a variety of classic patterned shirts in two cuts, a slim and regular, made from Egyptian cotton. Parag sent me a shirt, so I could get a chance to inspect the offerings a bit more closely. If you read this blog frequently, you’ll know I’m partial (read obsessed with) emerald green, so I grabbed their slim fit with green stripes. Here are my thoughts:

I’m going to start with the fit of the shirt. I got one of the slim fits, tapered in the waist, with smaller arm openings; Hucklebury sizes by neck, so I ordered the 16. I wear a size 40 suit, and the shoulders of the 16 fit me nicely, room to move with no gratuitous amounts of fabric hanging off the shoulder. The waist was tapered and did not puff when tucked, but I have a rather slim torso, so it was not particularly slim on me. Don’t get me wrong, this is a moderately slim shirt, but I would not go as far as to say that this is an extra slim shirt.  If you’re an extra slim guy, I’d stay away from Hucklebury. Overall, the silhouette follows the natural lines of the body, but leaves some room for breathing.

Hucklebury has two collar styles, and each style is exclusive to a fit. The regular fit has a spread collar, and the slim fit has a button down. The button-down collar is beautiful, with a healthy thickness. It has a very slight roll, giving it the ability to be worn closed and open with the same appeal. I like to wear my shirts with two buttons undone, and this shirt makes a nice v when I do. Hucklebury’s collars are fused from the outside in, resulting in a softer and livelier collar. 

Like I said earlier, this shirt is made from two ply Egyptian cotton that was woven in Italy. The weight, ideal for an all-season shirt, is mid-range. It has a nice smoothness to it, but it is by no means shiny or slippery. With this shirt in particular, the green is a perfect shade, and it’s almost as versatile as a blue stripe.

The curved cuffs, as is the collar, are fused rom the outside in. They’re nice and soft, and extremely comfortable on the wrist. They close snugly, not tightly, on my wrist (8in), using a one button closure. I personally prefer a sewn curved cuff, so these were right up my alley. The sleeves of this shirt actually fit me very well. They are slim enough, and the 36 length hits my long arms right at the bottom of my hand.

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(Source: mypantalones)

11:06am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZDbwEyYMRQJ5
(Notes: 23)
  
Filed under: Menswear Hucklebury Shirts Product Reviews Articles 
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