For generations now, polo shirts have been the casual cornerstone of a classic warm weather wardrobe. While many, upon hearing “polo shirt” think of the brand “Polo ™,” in fact the first truly branded version was developed in 1927 for tennis legend Rene’ “The Alligator” Lacoste. Forerunners of what we now know as the modern…
Category: Dressing Well
The 30 Year Jacket from Tom Cridland
British designer Tom Cridland made his name with the 30 Year Sweatshirt, a tough-as-nails everyday staple built for comfort and durability. With a focus on sustainability and vertical brand and production control, Cridland is also known for his commitment to doing good while also doing well. Cridland creates wardrobe essentials that combine classic style, comfort, and…
Well-Suited with Boardroom Socks
Not all dress socks are equal. Boardroom Socks makes some the most comfortable, professional, and attractive dress socks we have reviewed. And, frankly, that’s saying something, because we have tried out some excellent business socks over the years. What makes this brand so special? Overall construction is top-notch and both the merino wool and mercerized…
The Art of Pulling it All Together: Getting Started
OTC always relishes the pleasure of working with our friend bespoke clothier Jon Green. Jon is a natural educator and ardent student of human nature. He also operates in the rarefied air of true bespoke and a has a pool of word-of-mouth clients who quite literally settle for nothing but the best the world has…
Building Modern Style & Finding Your Sartorial Voice
Do you remember the 1990s? It was a decade of serious social and sartorial change; paradigm shifting, to use a very ‘90s term. Back then, the rules which governed the very concept of business attire and professional decorum were being tossed out the window wholesale. Funny thing is that our rush to free the imposed…
In the Wardrobe: The Navy Blazer
We are happy to introduce a new occasional column here on OTC called, In the Wardrobe. OTC began as a resource for men seeking advice, ideas, and suggestions about how best to create their own look and make smart investments in their wardrobes. Ten years on, providing readers with useful advice and thoughtful suggestions about…
OTC Recommends: The George Boot from Cobbler Union
We recently introduced OTC readers to Cobbler Union, a new footwear brand that creates bespoke quality shoes at perfectly attainable prices. The company was founded by luxury footwear industry veterans who know what goes into shoes costing thousands of dollars. Using their powers for good, these fellows set about the goal of allowing any stylish…
Perfect: The HonourMark British Motorcycle Jacket
There are certain things in life that immediately speak to you. It’s the way you know with a single touch or glance that something is special, an example of craftsmanship set apart from others. A Frank Clegg leather bag stands alone in the world of daily portage. A Jon Green bespoke suit is a sartorial…
Khakis: Pants to Live By
For many of us, khakis are the real backbone of our wardrobe. Workplace to casual wear, they go with almost anything, can be dressed up or down, and travel well. In many ways, they are the perfect pants. Jeans have their place, no question, but khakis have that preppy, laid back good-with-a-sweatshirt-or-blazer thing that’s…
Paul Stuart Made to Order Footwear – The Fitting
“It all begins with the fit.” Peter Agati, Paul Stuart’s shoe buyer, is a shoe guy through and through. He knows shoes and he knows that what matters most is fit. If the fit is off, nothing else matters. If the fit is right, everything else falls into place. His first trip to a shoe…