As the leaves turn and the nights come sooner, that unmistakable crispness appears in the air. The thought of a comfortable sweater or a thick wool scarf seems right. It’s the Fall. Time to go shopping, gentlemen.
We begin at Italian hat crafters, Cappelleria Bertacchi. They have a few caps in store that look good with any fall wardrobe and are almost always an essential item. Their Cotton London Style Cap in check looks great with a done up scarf or a wool sweater.
The denim barons of Gastown – Dutil, are stocking some fine jeans right now. Check out their 7 For All Mankind Paxtyn Dark Clean jeans – Stretch Denim with Cotton and Spandex and made in the good old USA. We also recommend the APC Petit New Standard Raw indigo selvage denim, which comes in a slim straight leg with tapered ends. They say they’re the perfect skinny for guys with athletic thighs. Put that on a bumper sticker. And lastly, Rogue Territory SK 14.5oz Raw Indigo – a slim straight fit that comes in selvedge Nihon Menpu Mills denim from the Okayama Prefecture of Japan. Nice.
New and noteworthy at Frank & Oak is the Nomad Collection. Essentially anything from the Donegal line of sweaters and cardigans is appropriate and comfortable to the season. The Donegal Cardigan in Military Heather is indeed sharp and dapper. It’s composed of a wool/acrylic tweed knit blend, complete with elbow patches. A classic in all regards.
If you’re a lover of Wings & Horn and/or Adidas, you’ll find the best of both worlds together at Haven. Predominately inspired by Japanese shadow theory, this season’s collection has taken classic three stripe sportswear and created incredibly sharp, unified and comfortable clothing for men. Within a black and white palette and standing out from the collection, is the Sherpa Jacket in Off White – deep pile Sherpa polyester and water-resistant paneling with a Trefoil signoff that incorporates the MON, a Japanese symbol of belonging. The coat is also available in black. The Insulated Bomber Jacket (also an Adidas Original by Wings & Horn) is one of the collections best. This men’s bomber jacket takes the iconic Superstar track jacket shape and crafts it in quilted poplin with a soft cotton-like feel.
There are not many shoe stores like John Fluevog’s. In fact, Fluevog shoes are completely iconic and as such, could be regarded as the single most important item in your Autumnal fashion repertoire. And who could argue with The Rufus Magoo Quincy – a patent leather and wool balmoral boot. These boots are majestic and dapper; never flashy or clamoring for unnecessary attention. Modern meets vintage, the Fluevog way.
Continuing on with the theme of Japanese inspired cuts and fabrics, Livestock has a fine jacket in store – The GARBSTORE WREN COAT INDIGO DYED JAPANESE PRINT / WAVE – inspired by WRN’s WWII military wear and crafted from a Japanese designed indigo printed cotton cloth.
Over at Motherland, their in house label, National Standards has brought us warm, comforting clothing in the form of a Lux Flannel Green Shirt – A smooth flannel with a luxurious hand, and a natural drape. Motherland’s shirts fit very well and are perhaps a cut above other brands at similar price points.
Founded in London in 2012, English design ensemble Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty created Cottweiler – a label with a reverence for performance sport-wear backed by skills in Savile Row tailoring. Housed by Neighbour, this European luxury line is simple, soft, relaxed, homely and completely unpretentious. The Sheaf Blouson Beige – has a relaxed fit with this season’s sheaf motif embroidered tonally into the back of the garment. Perfect for harvest time.
Nifty Do is a fantastic little store with great clothing lines like Saint James, Knickerbocker MFG Co. and Merry Company. The DOUBLE DEER CHRISTMAS COWICHAN SWEATER – WHITE is made locally by Kanata in 100% hand knit virgin wool. The Cowichan Sweater is named after the Cowichan Valley where this particular technique of knitting was originated–developed by the Cowichan people of southeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Plan early and get this awesome warm, comfortable sweater before they sell out.
Nouvelle Nouvelle is stocking some quality items from the European Union. The Elka Morum Jacket in Racing Green is more than suitable for the rainy city. It’s a fully waterproof jacket by Elka from Denmark, styled classically with noticeable Scandinavian touches. From Italy comes Wood Wood’s Todd Scarf Camel Wool in 100% virgin wool.
Minimalist and neutral, Oak & Fort has brought us an everyday cardigan/sweater that is relaxed and calm. Sweater 7228 is made of a wool blend with an open front and two large pockets. Available in dark grey or black.
Roden Gray is supplying a number of highly desirable fall wear. Among them, those made by Thom Browne. The Thom Browne Unconstructed Double Woven Chino Khaki are a delight. Slim fit, zipper fly, raised hems and made in Japan. Sold.
Rowan Sky has chosen something special for the season– a collaboration between Wolverine and Filson in their Wolverine Rowan Brown Boot. Both companies make finely crafted products, and have outfitted outdoorswomen and men for over a hundred years. This is a well-made boot, crafted in the USA with American styling and long lasting quality.
Stussy has a healthy stock of hats, beanies and toques. Recommended is The Matthew Cable Beanie – in crème, black or grey heather. This is a warm toque that’s well made and can pair nicely with many other pieces.
The Block has a stylishly ruddy piece from Filson on its racks – The Filson Insulated Jac Shirt –perfect for layering, this well crafted shirt will keep you warm and dry.
