Menswear "grails"
if you are over 30, keep reading
There are pieces in menswear that most people have on their bucket lists. They get parrotted by each and everyone as being the best-in-class products. Most of them go on sale rarely, if ever, and thus strengthening their resale value. A few of them are true one and done items that will last you a lifetime - when cared for appropriately.
So here is a non-definitive list for everyone who is getting into menswear and has a few bucks to spare, because none of these are budget-friendly.
RM Williams - Chelsea boots
The Australian bootmaker has gone through a lot of changes, from Hugh Jackman being an investor to outcries over a decline in quality. And yet, there is hardly an alternative to the workman boot from Down Under.
William Lockie - shawl collar cardigan
Whether you want it in wool or cashmere, the Scottish knitwear maker has perfected the construction of the versatile knitwear piece. Made from Todd & Duncan yarns and reasonably priced, this is a piece that, when cared for, will be passed on to the next generation.
Crockett & Jones - Boston Loafer
Made on the 314 last that the Northampton shoemaker introduced in 1993, the Boston remains a neutral interpretation of the Penny loafer, backed by Crockett & Jones’ expertise.
JM Weston - 180 loafer
The split-toe loafer feels most at home during a summer in the Carolinas, at your own house in the SoF, and Sunday lunches with the in-laws.
Drake’s - OCBD shirt
The beloved staple of the menswear community.
Alden - Indy boots
Herrenschnürboot aus vollnarbigem Fettrindleder (Horween® Black Chromexel®) als Workboot (Indy Boot) des amerikanischen Schuhherstellers ALDEN aus ...
Schott NYC - Perfecto leather jacket
While leather jackets are a choice, I don’t believe they look good on everyone. The Schott NYC perfecto is the epitome of a full-grain leather jacket.
Paraboot - Michael shoe
The go-to off-duty shoe for rainy days.
John Lobb - Lopez loafer
This loafer is perfection - inside and out.
Henry Poole - double-breasted suit
The double-breasted jacket is a rare sight these days. You won’t spot one in the wild as often as the Instagram distortion would make you believe, but that does not mean that there is not a time and place for wearing what is arguably the best proportioned DB suit on the market.
Anderson & Sheppard - dinner jacket
Again, it should speak for itself.
Huntsman - single-breasted suit
It’s slick, it drapes, and it’s well-made.
E. Marinella - 7-fold silk tie
The world is spoiled for choice when it comes to tie makers, and E. Marinella has managed to stand out by associating itself with celebrities and heads of state for decades. Everyone who is someone and has been to Naples has been welcomed at the tiemaker
Montblanc - Meisterstück pen
Gotta sign those cheques, procuras, and contracts. While I don’t think you need to go for the fountain pen version, because it is rather impractical, the rollerball offers a superb writing experience far beyond anything you will have ever used to scribble with.
Burberry - trench coat
It’s a trench, it’s made in the UK, and it’s a versatile staple that will never go out of style.
Frank Clegg - leather briefcase
Even if you did not know that Obama made this his briefcase of choice while being US president, the history and reputation of Frank Clegg’s leather goods precede that of then head of state, and its bags will likely outlast most of them too.
Loro Piana - Traveller field jacket
The pinnacle of field jackets. You may not like the price, but you should like the materials. Whether in its proprietary stretch synthetic, wool, or cashmere, all are treated with its (Green) Storm System, which makes this jacket pretty robust despite its delicate fibers.
Valstar Milano - Valstarino suede jacket
There is only one suede jacket anyone “should” buy, and it’s Valstar’s Valstarino. Modeled after the bomber jacket, made from some of the softest Italian suede on the market, and a fit that has been refined for decades.
Shop here - Follow on IG - Valstarino in wool
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