Many will tell you that the key to dressing well is a basic yet versatile wardrobe, but what exactly comprises one?
Well, different people have different thoughts on what the basic men's closet holds, and that's totally fine. This is by no means an authoritative guide for what you must have to be a stylish guy. Style varies, so this guide aims to encompass a solid foundation for casual wardrobe essentials that also encourages you to build upon it and please do. This post assumes you already have items like t-shirts, underwear, etc... and it does not include formal items such as suits or dress shoes.
Button Front Shirts
Left to right: Woven cloth, Gray Chambray, Oxford cloth, Gingham, Flannel
Ah, the button down.. The sheer variety and adaptability of the button down family is nothing short of impressive with shirts being made from virtually limitless patterns, colors, and fabrics. Perhaps the best part about the button down is its variety of applications; they're wearable year-round in tons of different outfits. For Spring/Summer, lighter fabrics like chambray and linen are solid choices as they're light and breathable while you may want to switch to heavier flannel or oxford cloth (though oxford can usually be worn S/S as well).
Chambray: A type of plain weave cloth (usually cotton) with a colored warp and white weft, giving it a speckled-like appearance. Chambray comes in a bunch of colors, but the most common for men are light blue, dark blue, and gray. The best way to think of it is like a light and clothy denim. For a basic wardrobe, you can't really go wrong with any shades of blue or gray.
Oxford: A basketweave cloth that's not too light yet not too heavy. It's a reliable fabric that finds its way into all sorts of styles. The oxford cloth button down (or OCBDs as us hip, young people call them) are made by countless manufacturers and come in all sorts of colors and patterns. There's a reason this type of shirt is an MFA favorite. Colors you should have at your disposal include: light blue, white (can never have too many white button downs), and light green - aim for neutral, plain colors as they're easiest to wear with other clothes and busier patterns.
Linen: Made from the fibers of the flax plant and laborious (and therefore expensive) to manufacture, linen is the ideal fabric for hot weather. In fact, mummies were usually wrapped in linen as a sign of purity and wealth (and do you know how hot it is in Egypt?). Linen constitutes a large portion of Spring/Summer clothes, including shirts, blazers, pants, bags, etc... After buying my first linen button down this past Spring, I definitely have plans to have more as the fabric is substantially more breathable than my OCBDs. Since linen is usually associated with the warmer months, it's advisable to buy linen shirts in more vibrant colors like light blue, lime green, and orange; however, you can never go wrong with neutrals either. This speckled navy one deserves a mention as well. For a truly versatile wardrobe, a man must be prepared for whatever elements nature can throw at him, so linen is a key fabric to combat the summer heat.
Gingham: This is a mid-weight pattern woven from cotton or blended yarn, and is always checkered in white plus another bold color. Usually worn in S/S, gingham is often mistaken with plaid, though the patterns differ; Gingham is white with another color and has equally spaced lines, while plaid can be any combination of colors any varying line spacing. Gingham is a very "busy" pattern, so it's not the easiest to pair into fits. I'd recommend either a blue or red one, but if you really like the pattern, they're also available in pink, lime, green, or purple. Don't go overboard with distracting patterns like this as the key to a solid basic wardrobe is simplicity and cohesion.
Flannel: A soft woven material made from wool or cotton, a flannel is the time-tested choice for a reliable casual look. Though far too casual for any sort of tie, flannels offer considerable comfort without sacrificing style. They come in essentially every color combination imaginable, so you're sure to find one that fits your style. You can never go wrong with a classic red flannel, but again you should pick a color that will contribute something to your wardrobe. Be warned though, as some flannels are made in very large, boxy fits so be sure to check the size measurements before buying one online.
Left to right: classic pullover, cableknit, wool, henley*
Not much needs to be said about sweaters besides that they keep you warm and they can be utilized in both casual and more formal attire. For a basic wardrobe, stick to safer neutral colors (heather gray, dark gray, navy, black, beige) as they're easiest to create cooporative outfits with. There are several different types of styles and materials, so we'll go over a few:
Cable knit: Though more a method of knitting than just a category of sweater, cableknit sweaters are great for giving off a chunky look. This makes them an excellent choice for the colder months. Cable knit sweaters are a wardrobe essential because their texture alone defeats the need for any sort of pattern, which sets them apart from your other pullovers. I'd recommend at least one cable knit just so your sweater lineup has some texture variety. Go for gray or navy.
Wool: Obviously not just used for sweaters, but wool is probably the second most common material for sweaters next to cotton. Wool comes in several different varieties such as merino, lambswool, and shetland. Wool sweaters are very warm, but can sometimes be itchy so it may be a good move to layer a t-shirt underneath a wool sweater (make sure the shirt's color doesn't peek through the sweater)
Henley: Okay, so this isn't even a type of sweater, but I figured it was similar enough to include in the same category. Popularized by Dexter (not really but also maybe), henleys are a must-have in a basic wardrobe as they look stylsh standalone or while layered underneath something else. It wouldn't be a poor choice to pick up one or two henleys (I'd say white plus gray or navy).
Outerwear
Left to right: denim trucker, field jacket, cotton parka, bomber, peacoat
Perhaps my own favorite category of apparel, outerwear is comprised of tons of different kinds of coats and jackets from vest to flight jackets to top coats. Check out this awesome visual to look at all the types and their weather application. As you can see, the spectrum of outerwear is quite big, which made choosing wardrobe essentials tedious. Now because layering is a considerable component to dressing well in the colder months, the selection I've chosen isn't overly warm or suitable for low temperatures on its own. Wear them over a sweater or henley to maximize your body temp. As I've said previously, it's important to comprehend your own personal style and see if these pieces fit into it:
Denim Trucker: Though not everyone's cup o' tea, the denim trucker is a staple in the wardrobe of the Americana enthusiast. A great choice for a casual setting allows the trucker to go with a number of different outfits. For a beginner's wardrobe, I'd recommend the Levi's model, but those who like selvedge and raw denim may want to take a look at the Naked & Famous one.
Field Jacket: Modeled after the M-65 jacket manufactured for soldiers during the Vietnam War, the modern field jacket can come in all sorts of types. It's a great piece to pair with denim and boots to complete that rugged aesthetic. I personally love the J Crew field mechanic jacket though it's a pricier option for a basic wardrobe. Gap and Old Navy have some solid field jackets for the sub ~$60 range. If you're in the market for a warmer/wool field jacket, this Timberland one might be something to take a look at. I chose the field jacket because green is generally an underused color and it can add a lot of variety to your looks.
Cotton Parka: Parka is an umbrella term for a hooded coat, so they can range from something like thick and heavy like this to something lighter like the cotton parka. Parkas/anoraks are a large part of Scandinavian fashion. If you're not familiar, check out this Norse Projects inspiration album. This type of jacket was included because it serves as an exceptional layering piece that goes great over a knit sweater with a pair of chinos and boots.
Bomber: Bombers can come in a range of materials including nylon, leather, cotton, wool etc... Giving off more of a streetwear-esque look, this category of jacket is easy to make "work" and like the denim jacket, is great for casual settings. For starters, I'd recommend a black nylon jacket. If you plan to get a leather one, don't cheap out on faux leather; the real deal is always worth the extra cash.
Peacoat: The classic peacoat is a personal favorite of mine. They were originally created for sailors dating back to the 18th century, peacoats are characterized by broad lapels and double-breasted fronts. The best material for a peacoat is a wool blend because 100% wool models often lack structural integrity. Common colors include navy, black, and gray, but recently camel/tan peacoats (and other outerwear) have become increasingly popular. I included the peacoat because it's a timeless jacket that not only does a superb job at keeping one warm, but is eternally stylish as well.
Bottoms
Left to right: black jeans, dark rigid jeans, assorted colored chinos
This post is directed more towards Fall/Winter styles, so this category will only include pants (look out for an updated Spring/Summer guide in the future). The main two categories of pants in a the casual wardrobe are jeans and chinos and honestly, they're pretty much all you need.
Jeans: I think it's safe to assume that if you're reading this, you have a pair of jeans; however, it's important to know that the decrepit boot-cut pair you may have lying around isn't what you want to be wearing to be stylish. The current trend for jeans is a modern slim fit. For the basic wardrobe, the best bang for the buck is the Levi's 511 without a doubt. I would recommend a pair of Rigid Dragons as well as one in black.
Chinos: Man, I love chinos. They're completely effortless, yet everyone thinks you dress well if you wear them (win-win). Like jeans, aim for more of a slim fit with these, though not too skinny. Levi's makes chinos in the 511 fit as well. Recommended colors include khaki, olive, navy, and gray. Recently, I've been seeing a lot of this color around, and I personally like it a lot.
Footwear
Left to right: Clarks Desert Boot, Adidas Stan Smith, Vans SK8 HI, Chippewa Apache, Vans Era
Possibly the most enjoyable part of selecting wardrobe basics, the footwear category is one that can't be skimped out on. I personally own each of these pairs of shoes and boots, and they're all very popular in the men's fashion industry. Each choice is relatively affordable <$150 and it's more than possible to swap them out depending on your own style. These are just some common staples:
Clarks Desert Boots: I go in-depth on these in my boot guide, but basically they're a super versatile chukka and go particularly well with both chinos and jeans. I'd recommend the Beeswax color with the original crepe sole. Stay away from the Bushacre model.
Adidas Stan Smith: These have definitely caused a buzz this past year, largely because they're an affordable, minimalist sneaker that has a nice silhouette - not too chunky though not too small. They come in a ton's of different colors, but I'd recommend getting a pair that's mostly white.
Vans SK8 HI - A hate it or love it kind of sneaker, the Vans SK8 HI is ideal for a casual look. Some may think it's a bit too casual of a sneaker and I can't necessarily disagree, but if you like the look, they're very easy to incorporate into your normal looks.
Chippewa Apache - Like the CDBS, these are also went into more in the boot guide, so check that out if you're interested. This was my first pair of boots and they were worth every penny. Similarly to chinos, wearing boots is one of those things that isn't necessarily difficult, but gives substantial style factor.
Vans Era - A perfect answer to a budget canvas shoe, the classic Vans Era sneaker should be in every man's footwear lineup. They come in nearly any color imaginable, but I'd stick to neutral colors like white, black, and gray because some of the other colors look a bit juvenile.
Bass Oxford - Though technically a derby, the Bass line of shoes isn't the best quality, but they're an affordable option for a dressier shoe. I own a pair in the Mexi-rust color and it's held up very well so far.
Jose Real Berlina Oxford - Sporting a smooth leather vamp, this Italian-made oxford pairs well with a suit or blazer. The toebox is burnished, meaning the leather is buffed to achieve variation in shade from the rest of the shoe. Those looking for a more expensive, yet higher quality option should check out this Allen Edmonds model. I'd recommend a pair of oxfords in either black or dark brown (whatever color your dress belt is).
Accessories
Left to right: Timex Weekender, Timex T2E581, Orion leather belts, Florsheim shoe trees
Timex Weekender: The Weekender is a great watch for the money. It has a clear, simplistic face and uses easily interchangeable NATO straps in case you want to switch up the look a bit. I own a pair of these, and their biggest drawback is the loud ticking. Though barely noticeable during the day, you'll be able to hear the ticking in a quiet room when you're trying to sleep - definitely keep this in mind if you're considering one.
Leather belts: If your pants have belt loops, wear a belt. It's as simple as that. You'll wear a belt almost every day, so it's definitely worth the extra money to get one that's made of sturdy, durable leather. I've been wearing my Orion belt every single day for over a year now and it's still going strong. It's expensive, so some cheaper alternatives are Dockers and Levis. I'd recommend having at least two; one in brown and one in black.
Shoe Trees: These help keep your footwear (mainly leather boots) from losing their shape, developing creases, and they also eliminate odor. Though not absolutely necessary to own, they're a good investment if you own or plan on owning an expensive pair of shoes or boots.
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A Fundamental Guide to Boots
Photo courtesy of thepacman82 on Instagram
So, you wanna buy a pair of boots ...
I can think of plenty of reasons why a man striving to dress better should own a quality set of leather boots. Whether it's their longevity, fit, warmth, or simply their appearance, boots are a staple in the realm of style. From chelseas to moc toes to chukkas, the selection of boots in this day and age is essentially limitless, meaning it's that much easier for you to find your perfect pair!
Though I'm certain you've heard it countless times before, let's get something out of the way first; you get what you pay for, and that goes double for boots. The difference in caliber, durability, and appearance of a well-made, American pair of boots compared to something you find at Target is substantial. Think of a pair of boots as an investment. From the minute you try them on, they'll conform to your feet, age as you age, walk you through the elements, be there when Stacy from accounting doesn't text back (but whatever - she wasn't that cute anyway), and they will become an extension of your own character. In short, a set of solid boots will last a long time and if you treat them well, they'll return the favor.
Before we get into styles and types, let's get some basic terminology out of the way. I've made a quick diagram to do so:
Original photo courtesy of modernwidwest.com
1. The outsole is the bottom part of the boot that directly touches the ground. It's important for this part of your footwear to be sturdy, as it'll be taking the most beating. This part can be made of various materials including leather, crepe, and Vibram, which all have their own separate applications.
2. The toebox provides space and protection for your toes, and is often lined in workboots (hence, steel-toed boots). Your foot's interaction with the toebox is crucial to fit and comfort. This part can come rounded or square, though rounded seems to be much more stylish.
3. The eyelets secure your laces to the boot itself. Pretty self-explanatory part of any footwear.
4. The vamp AKA upper surrounds and protects your foot from the sole upward. This is the part that creates the shape of your boot using a last.
5. For higher-rise boots, speedhooks are often implemented to let you tie/untie your laces quicker. Essentially, it allows one to swiftly insert and remove his foot from the boot.
6. The tongue prevents the laces from rubbing against your ankle.
7. The Goodyear welt runs along the outsole. This part is only found on quality boots as it signifies that the boot-maker used a specific process that's generally believed the be the best way to craft boots.
things to Note:
- The sole of the boot comes in several different styles which are used for different purposes: flat (similar to photo above), wedge (insulating) , Dainite, lugged (anti-slip).
- The toebox, like the sole, also comes in a few different looks: plain, moc-toe, wingtip, and cap-toe. Unlike the sole, the toebox's appearance is generally ornamental; pick one that you like.
- You can add water-resistance to your boots by coating them with some mink oil, though it'll usually darken the leather.
- Looking into some leather conditioner could also be a good move, as it'll protect and rejuvenate your boots.
Now that we have a general understanding of the anatomical components of a boot, let's dwell further into the aesthetics:
Chippewa Apache 6" Lace-up boot
Work boots:
Perhaps the original branch of boots, this category employs a range of footwear ready to take a beating, but that doesn't mean they can't look good while doing it. Work boots are generally made of more rugged leather and often employ Dainite or lugged soles. These are the things your granddad wore. Here are a few brands and models:
- Chippewa Apache 6" Rugged Handcrafted Lace-Up Boot - these were actually my very first pair of boots as well as the purchase that got me interested in men's fashion. They're an excellent pair of boots for the price and the burnished leather is soft and nice. Not to mention, they're handmade in the United States. Also available in a lugged sole. Make sure to size down! Chippewa's collection
- Red Wing Heritage Iron Rangers - The Iron Rangers are near the top of the workboot echelon. The Minnesota-made boots are a staple for the Americana enthusiast. The only problem I see with these is that they might be too nice to use like regular workboots. They also come in a huge range of different leathers and colors. Red Wing's collection
- Alden Indy Boots - (Not to be confused with Aldo) Okay, so I might be a little bit obsessed with these, but can you blame me? First of all, they were made famous by Indiana Jones (hence the Indy). And if you don't think that's awesome, each pair is handmade in Massachusetts. As with the Allen Edmonds, this is by no means an entry-level pair of boots. Just remember, you don't need to spend an absurd amount of money on boots to look good; there are plenty of budget alternatives available that look just like the expensive boots.
- Wolverine 1000 Mile - An excellent contender for an upper mid-tier boot, the 1Ks are another US made boot. The leather is sourced from Horween, a great tannery that actually provides leather for MLB baseball gloves (kind of interesting, right?). I personally have a pair of the Centennial version, which has pebbled leather as opposed to smooth. The boot fits like a glove (heh) and they can fit into a range of outfits. I'd recommend a pair of these for sure. They also go on sale a few times a year, so look out for that.
Clarks Original Desert Boot in Beeswax
Chukkas:
Gaining considerate popularity in the past few years, chukkas are here to stay. Likely the lowest rise of and boot, they're characterized by simplistic design and usually two or three eyelets. A definitive must-have for the modern gentleman's arsenal of footwear.
- Clarks Original Desert Boot - Ah, the CDB. It's practically a meme in the men's fashion community along with *ahem* Uniqlo, but there's a reason why these are so unbelievably popular. First, they're only about $100 and go on sale regularly. Second, a lot of people love the look of the crepe sole (CDBs are inspired by British WWII officers which is kind of cool). Third, they come in essentially every color and pattern imaginable (like what...?). To keep things short, these are a staple piece that wont break the bank. I'd recommend the Beeswax colorway if they're your first boot. Check the sizing before you order
- Red Wing Heritage Chukka - These look a bit different than the CDBs and have a couple of other features as well. To begin, they're US-made (I know I keep stressing the importance of this, but you really don't want to buy Chinese leather for both quality and ethical reasons). In addition, Red Wing's take on chukkas has Goodyear welt construction and an additional set of eyelets for a more secure fit.
Chelseas:
Chelsea boots are laceless, closed-vamp boots that usually have a pull tab to slip them on in addition to elastic webbing on the sides. Considered to be popularized in the 1960s by the Beatles. These boots are considerably more difficult to pull off as they work best in slim outfits (see Saint Laurent Paris) unless you're Kanye, then you can pretty much do whatever. Chelseas come in either suede or leather, but I tend to see suede more often.
- Wolverine 1883 Chelsea - A sort of lovechild between the workboot and chelsea, these are a good choice for those who like the craftsmanship of traditional full-grain leather but the silhouette of the chelsea.
- Crevo Denham Chelsea - Chelsea boots tend to be on the pricier side of the boot spectrum, so these are a nice alternative for under $100. Just don't expect them to last as long as a more expensive pair of boots.
- Grenson Declan Suede Chelsea - A slight redesign of the traditional chelsea, this pair of Grensons boasts deep brown suede and Goodyear welt construction.
Carmina Cordovan Balmoral boots
Dress Boots:
Unlike work boots, dress boots often prioritize form over function, but that doesn't mean they'll fall apart on you. If you're looking for a pair of boots that look as great with a suit as they do with a pair of chinos, then this is the category you should be searching in.
- Allen Edmonds Dalton Lace-Up - There aren't many names out there in the men's fashion industry quite like Allen Edmonds, and there's good reason for this. I mean like, damn, look at these things. The walnut leather finish is iconic of AE, and these ornate wingtips are surely no exception. If you're willing to spend half a grand on a pair of boots, these could certainly be a pair to consider.
- Grenson Sharp Leather Brogues - Similarly the Daltons, these Grenson brogues utilize wingtip leather. The leather is burnished at the toebox, meaning it's smoothed out and appears darker than the rest of the boot. These boots will look great in anything from denim to chinos to dress pants.
- Edward Green Galway Cap-toed Boots - Alright, I don't think there would ever be a time where I'd drop $1500 on a pair of boots, but there are certainly those who would. Constructed of tan grained leather set on a Dainite sole, these beauties are certain to impress.
- Carmina Cordovan Balmoral Boot - If you want your boots to be the shiniest objects in your county, you may want to take a look at these Carminas. A much higher rise than the previous options, these boots are built to impress and come in two stately color: a rich, brown cognac and a deep blue marino. These are the perfect boots for a formal setting.
Moc-Toes
Moc-toe boots can fall into several categories, though they're likely fixed between a casual and a work boot. These kinds of boots are characterized by a bulkier silhouette, contrast stitching, and a thick wedge sole. Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em. I happen to love 'em.
- Wolverine Moc-toe Work Boot - Moc-toe boots can fall into a few different categories, this particular pair is definitely built for work. Not as durable as US-made boots, but this is a solid budget option for those looking for beater boots.
- Red Wing Moc-toe Boot - Though more expensive than the Wolverines, the Red Wing heritage moc toe is the perfect conception of form and function. They also come in a range of some pretty great colors.
- Golden Fox lightweight Moc-toes - I've actually heard some great things about these boots despite their ~$75 price range. Full-grain leather and Goodyear welt construction let this budget boot contend with some of the pricier models. A great choice for those seeking a cheap, sturdy boot.
- Thorogood 6" Moc - Yet another US-made boot, the Thorogood model has white contrast stitching and a cushioned man-made sole. While definitely a well-made set of boots, the brand's flair put all over the boot can turn away some prospective buyers (myself included) as it makes the boot come off as a bit too casual for my tastes.
- Vivsim 7 Hole Moc - The Japanese brand's iconic style has made its mark on the men's fashion industry, boasting celebrity advocates from John Mayer to Drake (what the hell are those jeans, Drake?) to Kanye. This model utilizes raw cowhide leather uppers along with Vibram lug soles, TPU heel stabilizers, and its handsewn Goodyear craftsmanship
Miscellaneous Boots
These are a few honorable mentions that I feel should be included in this guide, but don't fully fit into a category on their own.
- Dr. Martens Men's 1460 Classic Boot - Everyone knows about Doc Martens, and there's reason for that. A sub-$100 pair of boots available in plenty of colors including some questionable ones. They were made in England up until 2003 due to declining sales, which is a shame because though the price dropped, so did the quality. They're currently produced in China and Thailand and the leather's quality is mediocre at best. However, they do currently have a 'Made in England' line, though it's nearly twice the price.
- Timberland Classic Work Boot - Alright, so these probably belong in the work boot category, but because they're largely worn as an urban fashion boot, I think they fit here quite well. Tims have been around for a while and have retained popularity for a number of years. Personally, I'm not a fan as I believe you can get a much better boot for the price, but some like that look and that's fine by me.
- Nike Special Field Boot - Popularized by Shia Labeouf and often dubbed the Shia Laboots, these boots have become a cult favorite among some streetwear enthusiasts. The SFBs are an interesting boot without a doubt. The lacing closure system ensures a tight fit so they won't come loose, which aligns well with its initial purpose as a first responder's boot.
Here's a great graphic from the guys at /r/goodyearwelt, a Reddit community for boot enthusiasts. Check 'em out if you're interested in learning more.
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Let's talk Levi's..
Photo courtesy of Levi.com
If you're from the USA (or nearly anywhere else in the world), Levi's is probably a household name, but what makes the little red tab on your back pocket so special?
How about a brief history of the company? Well, in the mid-18th century, a man named Levi Strauss traveled to California in the midst of the gold rush hoping to make his fortune; however, his fortune would be not gold, but blue.
In 1872, Strauss received a letter from a friend describing a method of creating pants with rivets instead of traditional thread, but he needed a business partner. Strauss loved the idea and jumped at the opportunity. On May 20th, 1873, the blue jeans as we know them were born.
Now, fast-forward several generations to the modern day, and Levi's has established a quality brand name at an economical price point - denim for the working man. A lot has changed since the introduction of Levi's jeans, including an assortment of washes, fabrics, colors, and cuts.
Now that I mention it, the sheer variety of cuts and fits of Levi's jeans is pretty incredible:
- 501 - The original classic, straight fit with button fly
- 505 - Regular fit with a slightly (1/2in) narrower leg opening
- 510 - Skinny fit with the smallest leg opening (13.5in)
- 511 - Slim fit with a tapered leg opening. -- My personal favorite cut of Levi's and in my opinion, the most modern and stylish
- 513 - Slim fit with straight leg opening.
- 514 - Regular fit with straight leg opening
- 517 - Slim fit with a boot cut
- 541 - Athletic fit with straight leg. I've heard these called the "squatter's cut," so they could be a great fit if you have muscular legs
- 550 - Relaxed fit with a tapered leg
Another thing to mention is that these numbered cuts aren't only for denim, but for chinos and other pants made by Levi's as well. I personally love my Levi's 511 chinos and they're at a price point where it's more than feasible to grab a couple in different colors. That being said, Levi's makes far more than just pants. Over the years, you may have noticed their redirection as a sort of "lifestyle" brand (e.g logo t-shirts, hoodies, jackets etc...) as the company broadens its foothold in the fashion industry.
However, there is certainly a major drawback from the Levi's brand and that is its quality control. Levi's is an industry giant and sells millions of pairs of jeans all over the world. Because of this, their quality control suffers considerably meaning there is a significant amount of variation between each "identical" pair. All Levi's jeans are NOT made equal. The company has factories all across the world that manufacture these jeans, and while the working conditions are generally fair for workers, quality of the denim produced can range widely.
For example, I have a pair of 511 Rigid Dragons that I totally love and that particular pair is made in Cambodia. They're a good weight, well-stitched, and fit perfectly. I liked them so much that I picked up another pair of 511s from Levi.com. Once they arrived, I immediately noticed that the quality was not nearly up to par with my Rigid Dragons; the stitching had errors and the fit was significantly less comfortable. I looked at the tag and noticed they were made in Kenya, so I assumed that particular factory's quality control was inferior to that of the Cambodian one. I'd definitely recommend trying on a pair before purchasing! Here is a great Reddit post going further in depth about Levi's quality and variance.
Photo courtesy of selectism.com
Let's talk about another Levi's classic: the trucker jacket. Now, despite its initial introduction as workwear-oriented outwerwear, the trucker is a piece that can in every man's wardrobe. Warm enough to be a light Fall jacket yet light enough to make a sweet layering piece, the denim trucker can be a great addition to the wardrobe of the Americana enthusiast. Just be careful wearing a trucker that's the same color as your jeans; the Canadian Tuxedo is generally not a very fashionable look ;)
Photo courtesy of Levi.com
Recently (~2011), Levi's has introduced its new Commuter line. Essentially, it's similar style to the traditional collection, but with a focus on being "bike-friendly." For example, my 511 commuter pants have a band of stretchy fabric in the back meant to hold a bicycle U-lock while riding, which I think is pretty convenient. It also has reflective tape where the inside stitching is on the pant leg, similar to where the selvedge would be. This reflective 3M tape acts as a safety feature to protect the cyclist from passing vehicles, because no one likes being hit by cars, you know? The pants are have much more elasticity than my regular 511 chinos or jeans, which is great for peddling and provides far less restrictive movement than normal pants.
A personal favorite of mine from the collection is the Commuter Trucker jacket, which is a sort of modernized version of the classic trucker. The piece features a concealable hood, extra pockets, and a few more details that make it a pretty unique jacket. This trucker has been pretty popular in tech and streetwear centered outfits, which makes sense given the jacket's appearance.
All in all, Levi Strauss & Co. is a well-rounded brand with a lot to offer. The company's focus on competitive MSRPs makes it easily obtainable without sacrificing form or function. The poor quality control is definitely something to look out for, but generally isn't a problem as long as you're able to try on a pair in a brick & mortar store or return it for an online order.