Sorry fellas, but skinnier ties and shrinking lapels just aren’t going to cut it if you want to play the sustainable fashion game. It’s a bit like riding a bike to work just one day a week…you’re headed in the right direction, but that inch of saved fabric isn’t getting you nearly as far as the bicycle is. While menswear is often behind when it comes to new trends and developments – such as the availability of organic and ethical fabrics and materials – there are a few companies we’ve had our eye on that aren’t sacrificing style for sustainability.
Denim is the easiest place to start greening your wardrobe; even some of the biggest denim producers are incorporating organic cotton within major styles, such as Levi’s Eco. Check out Sling & Stones [above] and Finn Creations for purely organic, fairly traded denim in a variety of styles for men. Babygod creates ethical menswear, Loomstate offers casual organic for men and women, Splendid Always serves up pesticide-free cotton tees, while Earnest Sewn & Repetto teamed up to create Greencaste eco-friendly shoes.
If you still can’t find organic or fairly traded materials transformed into a style that suits your taste, at least the option to eliminate synthetics from your wardrobe is a fair beginning. Men’s fashion will catch up to the green movement that is well underway in womenswear eventually. Until then, we guess you can keep the skinny tie.
For The Men’s Book, published in Manchester UK by Ampers& Media Group
OK guys, we all know how the ladies love to pilfer through our wares and rock “the boyfriend” jeans and tees, but when you’re low on clean laundry or looking to put a little extra sass in your frass there are a few items you can pillage from the female wardrobe. But rest easy – you will likely recognize a few of the garments in your girlfriend’s closet, as so many current ladies’ fashions are directly inspired by menswear.
Scarves, the noose of the fashion industry – and just as difficult writhe free of. Lightweight and patterned is best for spring, paired with a simple tee, skinny jeans and a sharp blazer or vest.
A ladies’ oversized cardigan could be the perfect fit on you, worn unbuttoned with a graphic tee. Double-check the “oversized” bit, because if you stretch out her sweater with those ripped biceps of yours she’ll fit the punishment with the crime and lay you out hard.
Tailored vests are a persistent wardrobe staple this spring, so look for one with little emphasis on the bust darts (unless you want to accentuate your man-boobs) and styles borrowed from the classic men’s tailored vest – watch and kerchief pockets, for example.
Hats are easy… if the shoe fits, wear it! Generally male heads are bigger than females – we blame that thick skull – but if you luck out with a large brained lady, hats are a great accessory to swap.
And finally, if you’re really feeling adventurous there’s no shame in trying out those frilly skivvies you’ve so frequently adored on her bottom. Bonus points if you go string.
For The Men’s Book, published in Manchester UK by Ampers& Media Group
Here’s an antiquated fashion statement we’re ready to re-adopt and recycle: handmade footwear. Traditional cordwainers have largely been replaced by industrial manufacturers, but hand crafted shoes and boots are making a sure comeback and the results are fit for royalty.
Not only does the commission of a hand-crafted custom shoe allow you the freedom of input towards design and style, but the results are delicately tailored to your specific foot size to ensure a perfect fit.
Given the shifting cultural and political landscape towards ethical products and practices, opting for handmade footwear is a positive step towards achieving sustainability. Choosing a pair of handmade leather shoes allows the buyer knowledge of that product history – you could probably even find out what farm the leather originates from if you asked! Pounded and pressed leather soles eliminate the need for so much plastic (save for the heel, which can be replaced as you wear it down) and a well-made leather shoe should endure for decades. If leather isn’t your bag, many shoemakers can construct “vegan” footwear out of eco-friendly fabrics or other non-animal derived materials.
There’s nothing classier than personal tailoring from head to toe. Start from the bottom up and check out www.shoemakers.org.uk for a list of independent shoemakers, cordwainers and cobblers in the UK.
For The Men’s Book, published in Manchester UK by Ampers& Media Group
Dotted Loop‘s Loud N Love spring collection will launch with a bang tonight [Mar22] at 3rd ave. Gallery at Main. This jewelry line by Teresa Smed reworks local, vintage and antique materials into necklaces, bracelets, earrings that are both glamorous and eco-conscious. Also with Punk Love designs.
Party from 6pm-late.
Carleen and I had a blast scouring through Value Village for hours on end today, followed by a lovely lunch and beer in Steveston. Here’s what I scored…
Daniel Ray leather shoulder bag, Talbot black silk tee and this great striped button-up number:
Carleen spied this amazing black pencil skirt in the go-back-rack and luckily it fit me better than her, I love it. Silky scarf, shoe tank and these great colorful loafers:
This dress will be ideal for summer evenings, and I was in dire need of a white clutch:
Grand total = $60
This one is mainly for the boys (they have women’s tees only) – but it’s an online sale so it’s not restricted to Vancouver! Here’s the message from 3sixteen, a wickedly popular urban menswear line:
“As our Spring collection begins to hit our warehouse, we need to clear out some old product and make some much needed space.
In order to do that, we’re having our second ever Bucksworth sale to pass on huge discounts to you and allow you to grab some product that you may have missed out on. The few remaining Monsoon and Roxanne jackets, all of our fleece, fitted caps, shorts, and t-shirt graphics that you’ve come to love will be bundled in randomly assorted packages that are priced well under retail.
You can choose between Thirty, Sixty, One Hundred, One Hundred and Fifty, Two Hundred, and Two Hundred and Fifty Bucksworth packages.
Each product page will detail exactly how much you’ll receive in each box (it might even be more than that, no guarantees though!).
To buy, just hit http://www.3sixteenshop.com.
E-mail us at info@3sixteen.com with any questions or feel free to call our NYC or LA offices to bug us about it.”
I love the “bucksworth” concept, where you buy a box filled with goodies – and you can still let them know your size so you don’t get a box filled with XXL tees when you’re a size M.
**EDIT** the online store is only set up for US orders, but it’s still ‘unofficially’ open to Canadians. Just send an email to info@3sixteen.com and they’ll set you up.
Above: “Mortal” tee courtesy of 3sixteen website. Broken bones and all.
