Seth’s Selects ~ June 17
In the world of capital-F fashion, “inspiration” tends to be a very ethereal term, linked to moodboards and Reddit albums showcasing editorial snapshots, candids from fashion weeks, and images which don’t even feature clothes, merely for the “vibe.” I’d like to do something a little differently, I’d like to let the clothes speak for themselves.
This weekly roundup of new and second-hand clothing is focused on New England summer inspiration -- something that wouldn’t seem out of place on a moped, sail boat, or just a chair on the sidewalk (living in the Northeast not required).
Beams Plus / MIL Smock Green Ripstop
Even in our sunny New England Neverland, it’s going to rain at some point. If you don’t want to get drenched, you best be prepared. Harkening to Take Ivy, Beams gives us a plain and simple rain smock. I am partial to the green one, since it just feels right, but they offer it in other colors as well. Baggy, light, cinch-able, and large pocket to boot, you and your items will be safe from the rain.
Other rain smocks exist, like this rubberized one used by the military and anoraks, often embellished with colleges & university logos, so head to the local book store and grab one if you wish.
Birthday Suit / Reversible Towel Sweat
Compared to most of my picks, this is rather contemporary. However, the color pairs nicely with everything in here, as well as most summer colors and patterns. Plus the reverse is white with a contrasting brown ribbing. Overcast, breezy, or nighttime, the texture of the terry cloth adds a depth to this sweatshirt that brings it a step above a regular sweatshirt. The relaxed cut and drop shoulders, with distressing, makes this feel like it was birthed on a sailboat and has spent its whole life being blasted with salty waves and put away wet.
Want a more traditional terry cloth sweater? Check out this option from La Paz.
Vintage / Pig Dynamite
There isn’t much to say about vintage shirts other than the fact that they are (sometimes) cheap, offer great graphics, and come to you already soft and broken in. The ringer tee is a favorite of mine, since it offers a more dynamic appearance than a plain t-shirt, while adding a youthful, laid-back feel.
There are too many vintage t-shirts to even link one here, so I will just provide the Etsy search.
Merz b. Schwanen / 1950s Loopwheel Tee, 5.5oz
In the world of t-shirts, nothing is better than one that came off of a loopwheel machine. They are low tension knitting machines where the needles move instead of the fabric, creating a soft, airy, and surprisingly breathable shirt. I chose to include a 1950s cut of a white shirt because it’s timeless and features a shorter length, allowing a nice breeze to hit everywhere. They come in a few colors, and weights, though most options are earth-toned.
If you are looking for something cheaper, something with a different shape, or in a different color, here are a few different shirts that are in the same league -- Warehouse, Velva-Sheen, and the more budget-friendly Comfort Colors
OrSlow / Duck Camo Fatigue Pants
When it comes to camo, I’m a huge fan. However, it’s easy to overdo it and look like you’re one conversation with an undercover federal agent away from making it onto the front page. This pair of pants from OrSlow is classic fatigue style and, due to the lack of cargo pockets and a straight silhouette, you can avoid association with crust punks and conspiracy schizos. The fabric itself is a “reverse sateen,” which is woven the same way as satin, but with short staple cotton fibers instead of long, and the “reverse” comes from the fact that it’s quite literally sewn with the wrong way on the outside to show the horizontal threads instead of the smoother, diagonal side regularly seen with satin weaves.
Not in your size? Want a herringbone version? Take a look at these Pherrow’s Utility Pants in duck camo.
La Paz / Pestana Sahara Canvas Short
Don’t be fooled by the word “canvas,” these shorts are constructed from a very fine weave that is dying to be worn and broken in. Hitting right at mid-thigh, these shorts are a perfect way to graduate from nylon trunks to a more refined look. The color is perfect for summer, as it is a subtle, almost sun-faded yellow — staying far away from the khaki that reminds me of an under-the-bleachers high school hand-job. While they may be JFK-esque, the family wealth is not required.
Want something other than canvas for a different kind of casual? La Paz offers these shorts in a softer style made of a fine wale corduroy with patch pockets, and they come in other colors too. Take me to the cords!
Levi’s / LVC 1966 Selvedge 501 Jeans
As far as jeans go, nothing works better for everybody than a pair of 501s. This pair of vintage reproductions from Levi’s Vintage Clothing checks the denim nerd boxes: raw denim and that delicious selvedge stripe. With a straight but not baggy leg, they are timeless and their praises have been sung a million times by those before me.
If you don’t want to fade them yourself, Etsy and eBay are a great place to get worn pairs of 501s, without the high price. Other denim houses, such as Denime, Resolute, and Warehouse make 501 repro’s with a craftsmanship above & beyond anything Levi’s has ever done.
See you next time!
