5 stores in Japan that changed my perception of the in-person shopping experience.

Beautiful clothes that make me feel something usually tend to come at a serious price. Often, these clothes are made in Japan because their fabric development is just on another level, and that means that by the time they land here in North America they are given prices that feel exorbitant to the average consumer — at least to me because buying anything premium clothing in CAD is simply a joke.

Traveling directly to the source where these brands are based is the best way to experience these clothes at a much more cheaper price point. You could argue that traveling there ends up costing you the same as it would if you just bought the clothes here at home, but at least you get the experience of travel.

I like to think of this as a 2-for-1 deal. Call it menswear math.

One of my missions this trip was to visit YOKE, a brand I originally put on my list of brands to watch earlier this year.

During my visit last year I tried to visit their flagship in Aoyama, but to my surprise the store was closed with no clear explanation. I had to walk away feeling disappointed because I was looking forward to experience YOKE’s vision all under one roof but I couldn’t.

So, I had no choice but to come back a year later.

Tucked away on a sidestreet is a building that has several businesses like a beef restaurant, a golf simulator, and YOKE, which is located on the second floor with little to no signage.

Before walking in through the door a window shows you no real signs of a potential clothing shop, instead you see a white wall that seems to lead to nowhere. Upon entering you’ll be greeted with an exquisite aroma that’s paired with smooth jazz music that’s playing faintly across the room that lets you know you’re stepping foot in a place that is going to require your wallet to get hurt.

Walk through the hallway to turn a corner and you’ll hit the open brutalist architecture of YOKE’s interior that’s filled with rare designer furniture and clothing sections that almost make it feel like a maze.

The store itself has a very calming atmosphere. A single employee on the floor during my experience that left me alone to explore the brand in full, ready to help you when you need it.

I personally don’t love when retailer workers bombard you as soon as you walk in, so having that space was nice, which allowed me to take my time and enjoy the shopping that much more.

Finding a wide selection of YOKE in person in North America, let alone in Canada, is basically not happening unless you go to Ven. Space, Assembly, or HAVEN. And if I’m about to spend proper money on clothes of this caliber, I better be able to see and try it on in person.

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Overwhelmed by the selection, I started asking for the largest sizes available for the items that jumped out at me first. No luck. Screw it I said, I’ll try the Size 2 and 3 and see what happens.

Fashion is pain and sometimes I’m willing to make the sacrifice on the fit if the item is that good. In this case though, it wasn’t really working for me, so I kept going back looking for anything that would be in my size because I really wanted to walk away with something.

My eyes were set on the Calf Leather Sports Jacket in black but they didn’t have my size. It was just slightly too small in a way that didn’t make sense to spend all that money on something that didn’t really fit me the way I wanted to.

This jacket is insane though. The cow leather is so soft it stands in a league of its own when it comes to the rest of my outerwear in my closet. I wanted something elite, something that looks and feels premium, something that captured what YOKE was about, and I felt like investing in high quality leather was going to scratch that itch for me.

After numerous failed attempts trying on stuff that didn’t end up fitting me, the employee that was helping me ran out to tell me that he found the brown version of this jacket in my size in the back. Finally, something that’s going to fit me! After throwing it on and seeing how it looked, I knew I was going to be taking it home with me.

It wasn’t the black, but the brown is so subtle that in some lighting in basically looks black. That was good enough for me.

I also picked up a pair of black jeans that I can’t seem to find online, but I’ll save that for a new edition of recent pick-ups in the coming weeks.

If you’re traveling to Japan in the near future, I highly recommend stopping by YOKE to experience a truly unique shopping experience. The store is conveniently located near Batoner, and A.Presse which are obvious targets you should hit right after.

Check out the YOKE selection online here.

My latest fall footwear report here.

First order of business the moment I landed in Japan this week was to visit one of my favorite brands that makes some of the best quality basics money can buy.

Today I wanted to talk to you about a famous loopwheel t-shirt that costs only around $50 in Japan or about $80 back in North America — an exceptional value once you realize that this tee is basically indestructible.

When it comes to buying the right t-shirt, I look for longevity. I need something that I can wear with ease without having to worry about replacing it for years, and I find that this specific brand is one of the only ones I’ve found that allows me to wear and wash them over 30 times and have it still look and feel brand new.

To me, that’s exceptional value that’s worth the slightly higher price tag.

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Now, I’ve been doing my best to try to keep this brand under wraps as much as possible. I’ve only really shared this information with you and my close friends, but the info is slowly starting to get out.

I’ve been in situations where people with high level of influence ask me what tee I’m wearing, which I willingly share, only to see a post on social media of them in that same shirt a few weeks later.

I’m not against sharing this info with the people I like, but when a lot of eyes are exposed to elite level garments, I start getting paranoid that acquiring said items is going to become harder.

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Anyway, all I’m trying to say is, I’m excited to dive into the articles I have planned for October for us. There have been a lot of things happening behind the curtains, so today’s letter is a little bit lighter because I just need a moment of rest and recovery after a very busy few weeks.

Because of this and the wave of support from the new readers, today’s letter is free for everyone. I’m ecstatic about the continued support from you, it allows me to do this blog full-time, and hopefully I can use the resources given to me to expand this project even further.

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I’ve recently been looking around at new hiking-style shoes because the rainy season has finally arrived, and it’s making me want to put away my summer rotation. Weather like this makes me want to jump straight into performance gear, something I usually stay away from in the summer, so I’m excited to get the tech out of my closet again.

When that happens I start looking for new shoes. At this point, I’m looking for something a bit more technical in design, something stylish, of course, and something that’s high in quality.

MY RECENT SHOE PURCHASE

If we’re being honest I haven’t bought a new pair of shoes in a minute. Nothing was jumping out at me that I didn’t already have, but when I saw the Ontario by Creek in collaboration with Quiet Mountain Cafe, and Blue in Green, I knew I found my next target.

I’ve been keeping these on ice, but I’m looking forward to applying some serious mileage this coming month.

So far, the first impressions have been great.

The finishing details are solid, comfort is great right out of the box because the upper doesn’t sit tight around the foot, which gives you a little bit more room for your foot to breathe in.

There are no half sizes so I sized .5 down with a size 10US. I’m usually a 10.5 in most sneakers and boots, and these ended up fitting great.

They are available over at the Blue in Green website here.

DIEMME IS ON A GENERATIONAL RUN

Diemme came in strong this fall. Lots of new styles, collabs, and even a new women’s collection called Donna, are all available on their site here.

Some of my favorites are above, but I recommend doing your own digging to see what they have. Lots of different colorways and models available. Some of my favorites are shown above.

TARVAS AW26

Tarvas makes some of the best IYKYK footwear that is favorited amongst the cultural movers in menswear. Tarvas is an independent brand making high-level leather footwear in Helsinki. There isn’t a big head office, it’s just a few people that are trying to make great shoes that don’t like everything else out there.

I’ll support that any day.

The Wanderer got some new styles with soft Italian leather upper that I like a lot, but you should check out their full selection on their site.

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ROA FW26

It’s been years and I still go back to the first Cingino that I ever bought from ROA years ago. Didn’t have a single issue wearing these through multiple Canadian winters, and to me that’s the ultimate test of any shoe. I’ve also always enjoyed the shape and how these look on foot — especially with some nice denim, believe it or not.

They’ve been redeveloped since, with upgrades through higher quality uppers that feel softer, and that makes these more comfortable and lighter on foot, which is always a plus.

They just dropped a bunch of new versions of them on their site here, and even though my first pair is still holding on better than ever, I still want some of the new stuff.

They also have a couple of other models available in other colors here.

THREE FROM RANRA

I love owning shoes that nobody around me is going to have. Having something like that just makes it more yours, and I find that the new shoes from Ranra scratches that itch for me.

I also just really different design approach they took with these. Still has those similar hiking details but finished in a completely unique way.

Ranra footwear is available over at Colbo here.

PARACIA AW26

Last but not least is, Paracia, a Madrid-based footwear brand that’s throwing in technical Vibram soles on classic oxford and loafer uppers. Honestly, all the shoes they have are great in their own way, but my focus is on the Non-Safety Shoe and Slip-on.

Finished in various high-quality leathers, these shoes are meant for any daily life activity, and I think this hybrid take is done very tastefully.

In today’s letter:

• The new Winter ‘26 collection from Palace me excited about the brand again

• New gear from Auralee AW26 that I can’t stop thinking about

• Beams and Polo Ralph Lauren are back on the stove cooking up ivy hits in the kitchen

• Protecting your dome with rare hand-knit beanies

• and more as usual!

PALACE WINTER ‘26

Streetwear enthusiasts, rejoice: the new winter collection from Palace is available to view directly on their website here. Collection itself isn’t massive but there are a few distinct garments I’m excited about.

Good headwear mixed with a couple of good tops, but all of my attention is on the outerwear:

Palace makes a new Balaclava Puffa every winter collection and I still can’t get enough of them. Each year I want a new one. Brown is speaking to me, but I’ll be happy with my green ripstop version from last year, I guess.

Lumberyak shirt is a certified sleeper… Although I would have prefered not having any branding on it.

Last but not least, the Dascar Realtree hat is going to do numbers. Definitely a hat that will be selling out instantly when it drops.

AURALEE AW26

Aurale makes winter exciting because they always giving us a lifeline in the form of bright colored clothing that makes you rethink your entire style.

New selection from their AW26 collection is live on their website here and I want pretty much every single thing.

How can a brand be so on the money when it comes to color? Auralee is really special, and they show that through the colors and the fabric development that’s even crazier, but you already knew that.

While the kings of color are doing what they do best, I’m really eyeing the new thick cord items that are part of this collection. Corduroy is a classic fabric that took sort of a backseat in menswear for the last little while, but it’s great to start seeing it more often, especially when it’s that thick cord.

The prices on stuff, especially as a Canadian, is not a topic I want to get into. If you got it like that, I’m jealous. If you don’t got it like that, I guess it’s time to hit the oil rig.

RELATED READING

• The best light jackets money can buy

• The Fall Pants Report

BEAMS + POLO RALPH LAUREN

The Beams 50th anniversary run has been really exciting to watch. Every week is another collaboration that is better than the last — the Arc’teryx collab was a hit.

This week we’re getting a new Polo Ralph Lauren collab that scratches the itch for any ivy head.

For this collection, Beams tapped into vintage Polo by referencing the Stadium Collection from 1992, reflipping the classic P-WING logo into the B, for Beams.

Overall, I think it’s a great nod to Polo heritage that makes it its own for Beams. Standout item me has to be the B-WING hats, although that Varsity Jacket is very clean.

The full collection will be available on the Beams official website on October 2nd Japan time — I would recommend checking in on the drop on the 1st late at night cause of the time change if you’re in North America. Global shipping is available, good luck!

PROTECT YOUR DOME

I see way too many people focusing on the clothes but completely give up on the accessories that tie the look together. Don’t be that guy this season, get yourself right by buying a beanie you’re actually excited about.

A couple of beanies just came across my desk that might do the trick:

• A range of classic alpine beanies from Big Rock Candy Mountaineering are available on their site here. For $50 you really can’t go wrong with one.

• Apollonstore is a hidden gem in Japan making hand-knitted beanies in small quantities. A lot of great styles to choose from on their site, with more dropping weekly. Follow them on IG here.

• Found Feather dedicates all its energy on hats and hats only! A wide range of all sorts of styles are available over at L&F here — I’m really digging the Wavy Skully in the pistachio color, though!

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PHINGERIN AW26

If you find anyone rocking Phingerin in the wild, then you know they know what’s good about clothing. With a brand like this, it’s really the true heads that know and appreciate it.

Their third drop from AW26 just hit their online store here. It’s an interesting take on streetwear crossed with menswear, and has plenty of great details across classic silhouettes that take your familiar classics and brings them to that next level.

It’s just a fun brand that’s making a variety of familiar styles but with a twist, and that’s what i like about them — Cushy fleece pants are coming home with me.

BLOHM HOMIES LEATHER

A new potential fall footwear slapper from BLOHM just came across my desk. BLOHM is a Tokyo-based brand that makes some pretty kickass loafers, and usually are pretty difficult to find in North America, until now.

I did find their new Homie Leather loafer in an all-black cow leather that sits on a nice lug sole for that extra durability to get you through the fall. Really simple, but the elevated quality will give you that long-lasting crispy look that continue to get better with age. These are awesome.

Available over at A Living Taste here.

UP NEXT:

The golden period of layering is upon us, and that means we can finally start getting dressed again. There’s never been a better time to add just one more light jacket to your daily rotation, because acquiring that perfect one could solve most, if not all, of your problems — obviously these problems don’t disappear completely, but a great looking and fitting jacket is good enough to make you forget about the systems we are forced to a part of that makes living annoying sometimes.

As you may have guessed it, today’s letter is all about finding that perfect light this season. We’re going to go over a jacket style that everyone seems to want right now, upcoming releases you should bookmark before they sell out, where to get the sold out Norman Jacket from Paratodo’s latest collection, new outerwear from some of my favorite brands making elite-level outerwear, and more.

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THE NEXT IT JACKET IN MENSWEAR

No jacket symbolizes like you’re ready for anything life may throw at you like the M-65. The rich history of this jacket starts with the military and ends up all in Hollywood on the big screens.

In most cases, style is very cyclical, with specific items coming in and out of style as the years go by. In other cases, jackets like the M-65 truly never go out of the style, but they do get reamplified when the time is right.

That time is now. There’s been a noticeable uptrend in the M-65 making its way back to the mainstream, with new versions from brands like Nonnative, a brushed silk linen varient by Auralee, and even the latest Supreme and A.Presse collab had its own style of this classic wardrobe staple just a few weeks ago.

I definitely want to do a better deep dive on the history on this particular item, because this jacket has been through a lot of subcultures and continues to evolve culturally with time.

We’ll do save that for another time though, but for now keep your eyes peeled and you might start noticing more brands dropping their own M-65s.

If you’ve been looking for one yourself then obviously going vintage is always the right start. If you want something new, then brands like Bronson MFG will be a great spot for new-reproduction that doesn’t cost and arm and a leg — they even went as far as to remake the iconic M-65 from Martin Scorsese's, ‘Taxi Driver’.

HENRY’S + LOST AND FOUND

Coming in hot are two new Swoop Jackets by Toronto-based Henry’s in collaboration with Lost and Found.

If you’re going to get a jacket you’re excited about this season then get one that’s made by hand using 13.5oz left-hand twill in small quantities. There’s just something about having a great looking jacket that I know nobody else will have around me.

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A good wardrobe starts with a solid foundation. Read my guide on where to buy good basics here.

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It’s finally starting to get chilly, and like every other menswear enthusiast out there, I’m extremely excited to finally start exercising my right to layer. I’ve been sort of holding off on new purchases because I’m planning to do all of my shopping in Japan over the entire month of October.

Going to Japan soon? Check out my extensive guides on the best shopping, eating, and vintage that Japan has to offer:

I’ve been trying my best to remain focused on saving while I wait to damage my financial status overseas. It’s been difficult though because the fall releases are flooding in, making it hard to avoid all the great gear that’s dropping right now.

In today’s letter:

• Exclusive look at the new 18 East Fall Mainstay collection

• An Arc’teryx collaboration that I actually like

• The Red Box collection from The North Face

• Footwear releases you don’t want to miss

• and more as usual!

18 EAST FALL

It’s not fall until 18 East says so. Their newest Fall Maintsays are right around the corner, with their first drop scheduled for this Friday, 11 am EST on September 25th, via the 18 East website.

Until then, we have an exclusive look at what’s coming in the drop this week. This isn’t all of it because the drop is pretty big, but here are some of my favorite items from the new collection.

You can check out a small lookbook here.

ARC’TERYX + BEAMS

Once in a while an Arc’teryx collaboration comes across my desk that I can’t ignore — I have a strange relationship with the brand, specifically their rain jackets because everyone has one in their rotation already… However, the new Arc + Beams collab deserves an exception, because it’s great.

At this point the two have had over a dozen collections spanning 25 years, and while not every one resonates with me, the several patchwork jackets they’ve released in the past always hold a special place in my heart.

I don’t know, I’ve always been a sucker for some patchwork and that enjoyment still exists. Plus, one of my favorite North Face Jackets is this vintage ripstop shell in this exact orange — I wish I could show you a photo but as I write this I realize that I haven’t seen that jacket in a long time. Need to find it.

A little special part for this shell is the reference to the Theta AR Jacket from ‘98.

As of right now, the release is set to go live Beams Harajuku on September 25th, which makes me wonder if there’s going to be a global release.

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Tyler has a very casual approach to menswear that pushes the boundaries of how NBA players usually dress, bringing a more laid back approach to his tunnel fits, and that’s what makes his style so interesting.

In today’s letter, I linked up with Tyler to talk to him about his day-to-day style, his love for UGG, his favorite player tunnel outfits, and more!

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SNL: What does your typical day-off outfit look like?

Tyler: A white t-shirt is always a classic, some good denim, and a good pair of loafers. What I’m loving right now is Dries van Noten, they got these kind of boot like shoes that have been good to me, but if I’m going to practice I’m wearing my UGGs.

You were recently in an UGG campaign wearing the Shep Loafers. What is it about the brand that made you gravitate towards working with them?

Yeah, I felt like it was a part of my wardrobe way before we ever worked together. I was wearing what do you call not the loafer type, but a similar type house shoe, there was no back to it. In college, I forget the name, but I had the all fur with the back that’s kind of like a like a clog almost. (UGG Tasman Slipper). That’s been my go to since college. Just jump out of bed, throw those on, head to practice, just for comfortability and stuff.

What are the chances that we might see you wearing UGGs in the tunnel next season?

Definitely, yeah, I mean, they don’t just do the shoes, they have all the outerwear, some hoodies, and stuff like that. So I’m definitely looking forward to being able to mix it into my game day outfits.

Last NBA season you became known for your tunnel outfits, with some outlets even calling you a tunnel-fit star. Did this come as a surprise to you?

I mean, for sure. I think how quickly and how frequently people were taking notice to it was surprising. Normally these things, it takes time to build up to, and I feel like I kind of jumped on the scene maybe halfway through the year and kind of took off from there. I work with a good stylist (Olivier Rogers) who puts me in the right things, who puts me in the right rooms, to have the right people see me. So it’s been good.

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Is there any sort of pressure going into next season to come correct with the fits?

Yeah, I don’t know about pressure. I think it’s more fun than anything. Fun and exciting to see what I can do this year. Obviously, last year was a good step in the right direction in that department. But you know, this year coming up we’ll have a full season to kind of build on what we did last year and see how far we can take it. For sure.

Do you have any personal favorite NBA players in terms of great tunnel fits?

Yeah. I feel like a lot of NBA players styles are very similar. Um, definitely my style does not fit the NBA player category. But I feel like somebody who I definitely got inspiration from this past year was on our team, because I see it every game, obviously, was Landry Shamet.

Just because he’s got that, when he walks in, you don’t know if he’s an NBA player, a businessman, a real estate guy. He’s just always has classic, always timeless looks. I feel like that’s something I go for is timeless statement pieces that are more subtle than anything. It’s kind of like everybody’s asking, what is that? What is he wearing? It doesn’t scream in your face. It’s kind of silent luxury.

In a recent interview, Olivier mentioned that he basically 360’d your wardrobe. How was that experience?

Yeah, I don’t know about 360. I think we kind of took bits and pieces from what he likes, from what I like. I obviously trust his vision and his direction fully, and that’s why I feel like we’re at this point. But I feel like me as a person, I like to do what I like to do in all aspects of life, not just what I put on and what I wear on a daily basis. So just implementing some of my points of view as well was definitely something.

We have a good relationship back and forth because he always says I’m questioning him, and then we have a good banter about it, which is healthy. You want somebody that challenges me, I challenge him. It’s only going to make us better in the end.

We’re there any times where Olivier presented you with a style or look that you didn’t really feel at all?

There’s been a lot of those. I think his style is different. His personal style, which he kind of builds off of for me is not my exact…he goes a little bit louder, a little more color. But now since we’ve been working together and having these healthy conversations through that, he knows now to maybe start off with like you said, he’ll bring something to me and I’ll kind of turn it down. But now he kind of knows where my vision is that in the way that I want to take it and he kind of curates his vision to that.

Being a professional athlete requires you to be in the gym constantly. Do you find that you have to change certain clothes because the fit of them is no longer the same?

It’s not, I would say, the body composition is not changing so drastically. If you’re already in shape, if you’re playing, you’re going to stay in shape and you’re going to stay the same. The only thing is maybe the shoulders and the arms of the shirts, stuff like that. But I feel like in my personal wardrobe, I’m not wearing super tight fitting things anyway, so if I size up or size down, things will still look pretty similar because of the outline and the silhouette that I like to go with.

Is there anything that you have on your clothing wishlist that you’re trying to get right now?

There’s a lot. I mean, my number one is definitely, I would say vintage Bottega. I love what they were doing in the 90s with their jackets and stuff like that. I love it. Actually, I love their new stuff and their old stuff. It’s definitely one of my favorite brands right now.

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End of summer sales list is here.

Pants. Arguably the most important item that makes any outfit even better. Failing to come correct by wearing bad pants and your entire outfit falls apart at the seams.

I don’t want anyone to go through that, so today we’re locking in by looking at where pants are heading to this fall, the fits you should be leaving behind, why not all pants need to be expensive, the styles and the brands I currently like that you can buy right now.

A good pair of pants that fit you properly is the cheat-code to reaching new levels of dressing that feels more effortless. Plus, you can get-away with a mediocre top as long as you come correct with your bottoms, so make sure you’re all set before fall really hits.

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PANTS ARE STRAIGHT AGAIN

If you’re still rocking insanely baggy pants and you’re over 30, let me hold your hand when I tell you this: It’s time to put the parachute away my brother.

If you’re under like 25 then do as you please, because I think it’s important for your taste development to go through whatever it needs to go through in order for you to have a better idea of what you like and not like by the time you reach unc status.

The problem is we have created what feels like a never ending problem of trying to figure out how to find your personal style. But this has created an expectation that you need to have all of the answers right away, but that’s not fun or true.

Good sense of getting dressed comes from years of experimenting, and that requires bricking some fits, and that’s ok, because we all go through a period of cringe at some point in our lives.

Especially when you start looking back at how you used to dress.

The natural cycle of style trends is cyclical. Things come-in and out of style, and pants slimming down again is just another instance of that. The streets are hot with straight leg fits, and honestly, I welcome it with open arms. Hopefully many of you are already started on that shift yourself, but if you’ve been on the fence about the wideness of your pants, then I suggest considering slimming down again.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

NOT ALL PANTS NEED TO BE EXPENSIVE

Depending on your lifestyle and what you do day-to-day, you don’t really need $1,000 pants. Yes, a higher-end pair is nice to have, and there is a very noticeable difference between an expensive pair and a cheap pair of pants.

But if you’re someone who’s life involves a lot of side-quests that requires you to be on the move constantly, then you might benefit from something that you know works, looks good, and doesn’t require you to to break the bank for.

Bottoms from brands like Thisisneverthat, Sunflower, Stussy, and Supreme are all great places to start if you want honest reliability without having to spend too much. They usually price their pants on the lower end of the pant spectrum, while providing a solid level of quality that is designed for whatever — if I stain or sit on the ground with them then I don’t really care because they are designed to take that sort of beating, where as an expensive pair of pants is always met with more care in mind that may impose boundaries in how I act in them.

Budget pants let you feel more free. I’m not going to go lift a bunch of stuff from my car or go skate in a pair of $500 pants, but with a pair for $150 it’s like, who cares if they get beat up? With a cheaper option I don’t have to worry about having to go home and change because the vibe of what I’m doing later might shift.

THISISNEVERTHAT

Hearing about good pants that are under $150 in 2026 seems crazy, but they are out there. Thisisneverthat makes some of the best budget pants on the market while maintaining great level of quality by sourcing natural fabrics and investing in their hardware detailing in order to create bottoms that last.

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NYFW is in full swing. I’ve been quietly staying put at the HQ in Montreal as I prepare for a month long trip to Japan in the coming weeks — October’s content will most likely be all about Japan: we’re going to dive into speciality shopping, discover new brands, and other side quests that I’m excited to take you on. More on that later.

Until then, let’s talk about this week’s new releases, and gear on my wishlist.

In today’s letter:

• Palmes taps into Converse to bring back the Jack Purcell

• Knitwear that will have your co-workers jealous

• New outerwear from one of my favorite Korean brands

• A great FW26 collection from a brand that I’m trying to gatekeep

• and more!

PALMES + CONVERSE

Copenhagen-based tennis label, Palmes, is linking up with Converse to bring back the Jack Purcell, and I couldn’t be more excited.

The new Jack Purcell PDM is the combination of 90 years worth of design that’s been reimagined through the current style lens of 2026.

I think the shoe is going to go quick because not only are they only $100, but it’s just good timeless design that is perfect for everyday life. More and more people are opting into design that feels comfortable, good, and easy to execute with the rest of your wardrobe, and I think these joints fit into that description.

Palmes is operated by a small group of great people that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know on my trips to Paris and Copenhagen. So, seeing their ideas come to life through their collections or this massive Converse collab just leaves me extremely excited and happy for everyone at the brand!

The Palmes + Jack Purcell PDM is dropping on September 14th, 2026 on the Palmes website.

NEW OUTERWEAR FROM EASTLOGUE

Fans of military-inspired/reproduction outerwear, this one’s for you! Eastlogue just dropped a bunch of new gear from their newest Fall/Winter collection, and I don’t really know where to start.

Everything is a hit.

The Alpine Fleece has to be my favorite, although I am feeling the Caravan Half Zip that looks way better on body and also comes in black!

Eastlogue is a brand for serious fashion nerds who enjoy purchasing gear for life. They aim to provide quality, and they do so at various price points — yes, they have expensive leather outerwear, but they also have great knits at solid prices.

Best of both worlds.

Plus, you’ll never run into anyone rocking Eastlogue, and if you do, then you’re both in the know.

Check out the full Eastlogue collection directly on their website here.

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A BRAND THAT HAS IT ALL

You know when you find something so good that you lowkey don’t even want to share it with anyone? But you deserve to know, and that’s one of the great payoffs of being a subscriber to one of the best menswear newsletters on the planet — getting exclusive info before anybody else.

I’ve been following this one brand that just dropped their new FW26 collection, and it has so much good stuff it be criminal not to tell you about it. They use natural fibers across all of their garments, and they price their gear like it’s 2020.

Oh, they’re also having an up to 50% off sale on past season items that I would highly recommend you take a look at.

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SUPREME + A.PRESSE

I’m not going to lie, I was not expecting to wake up to this announcement, at least not this quick. Supreme collaborating with A.Presse isn’t out of the ordinary, and actually reminds me a lot of Supreme’s collaboration with Visvim in 2008.

Whenever Supreme pulls out high-level clothing like this, it goes over a lot of people’s heads, and that ends up turning into negativity online. If you’re a true clothing head then you know what’s good with A.Presse, and can probably see how this collab expresses the ideas of both brands perfectly.

All development was handled by A.Presse in Japan, Portugal, and USA, which explains the A.Presse level prices.

The zip hoodies are the star of the show, although the m65 is going to be one of those items I regret not going into financial debt for. The hoodie is $800 though. Definitely a little more than I’d like to pay, especially when there are solid alternatives out there for a fraction of the price, but what does complaining about the price actually do for anyone? Especially after you try on any A.Presse hoodie and realize they have found the perfect fit mixed with the ideal hood to string length ratio.

It’s a science, ok? And I enjoy investing in science.

Supreme + A.Presse is dropping on the Supreme website this Thursday, September 10th.

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FEELING TECHNICAL

I’ve been searching for some parkas for fall from [REDACTED] on eBay, and I’ve found some really good options so far that I’ll share more on later, but this search ended up getting away from me, and now I’m left with bunch of new outerwear layers I want to add to my closet.

• The Field Jacket from Norbit is delivering a style that I’m looking to add to my wardrobe rotation. Also, big shout out to Norbit for the hint of Portal through the orange and blue options… iykyk.

  • The Nylon Coverall Jacket is another great jacket from Norbit that’s for those that don’t want a hood this fall season. Norbit’s fabric development has always been top level — this coverall jacket was treated with a salt-shrinking process that shrinks the nylon it's applied to in order to make the fabric more durable, water-resistant, and softer.

• The Gasket Jacket by Colin Meredith is currently on sale for 20% off using code PREFALL26 at checkout. Sale lasts until Thursday. I find that the product photos don’t do this thing justice… I like how they fit on this post.

• The new Weather Gear from thisisneverthat might feel a little early depending where you’re located, but I know what’s coming for me here in Montreal — this PERTEX Light Down in Lemon is coming home with me.

A Japanese brand that’s making 100% cotton sweatpants and crewnecks that’s currently having a sale where everything is priced at around $50…

CAMIEL FORTGENS SS27

Camiel Fortgens might be my favorite brand right now. Don’t know what it is, but I love it and can’t get enough. It’s luxurious, but done in a way that can be worn everyday without anyone even thinking that you have that sh*t on.

I want to dress in an incognito way that’s undetectable by the regular eye, and Camiel Fortgens unlocks that world for me.

Their recent SS27 collection show was held inside of a supermarket during Amsterdam Fashion Week, which is right on brand for them — the last show was at a Bistro in the streets of Paris and was by far one of the most enjoyable shows I attended this past year.

GIVE ME THAT

Bleue Burnham and New Balance have a Made-in-UK 991v1 that’s coming out next week, September 12th. You have to sign-up to their mailing list to get access. Full details can be found here.

Love the simplicity in the all brown suede upper that’s paired with colorful stitching that gives this shoe that extra little bit of fun when you look at it up close.

NEW FROM FRIZMWORKS

Excuse me for my lack of absence in the FrizmWORKS department, but they have been absolutely going off. I first stumbled across this half-zip that was given a sulfur wash to achieve a vintage look and feel in this deep red that I love. Absolute banger.

Also comes in a purple and black.

After that I took a quick look at what other stuff FrizmWORKS had and quickly came to the conclusion that required me to step away from my computer before making too many purchases.

You can check out the full selection from FrizmWORKS over at The Great Divide here.

Below are just some of my favorites. Drop me a comment if you can’t find something!

COZY TIME

Got three limited run Made-in-Canada all cotton half-zips from LLOYD that have been on my mind recently.

They are dropping later today, September 8th at 3PM EST on the LLOYD website here.

Oversized fit for maximum coziness, come in limited quantities that guarantee’s you don’t run into any suckers with the same fleece as you.

What special about this Munich-based menswear label is their commitment to creating high-quality clothing while keep production local by utilizing small family-run ateliers in both Germany and Italy to bring their clothes to life.

The fabrics, stories, and the overall design comes together to create a truly unique experience in menswear. In such a fast-paced industry, many brands have no choice but to outsource the making of their garments to make the financial side of the business make sense. In the case of AKOG, they’ve continued staying true to their word by keeping their production in Europe while maintaining high quality output, and that’s what has me coming back as a customer.

In today’s letter we’re going to check out A Kind of Guise’s AW26 collection that’s already live on their site, as well as a deeper look at some of my favorite pieces from the latest Chapter 2 drop.

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What’s cool about AKOG is the range of clothes they make. This is a brand where you can get practically anything: casual outfits, footwear, unique knitwear, staple basics, and even tailoring. Their accessories lineup runs from bags, belts, scarves, and everything in between that’s made out of good materials that you’ll actually enjoy using.

While most of their garments are available across various retailers around the world, they have items that are exclusive to their online website that you can’t get anywhere else.

Pretty much everything is handmade using fine wools like merino and alpaca, cottons, silks, and calf leathers. So, you can expect a high-level of quality from AKOG in each garment.

While there are a lot of great garments to pick from, I always start with their knits. Chapter 2 just dropped a Valur Vest made out of 100% lambskin wool, or the Yebra Jacket which is made out of a combination of Alpaca, Virgin and Merino wools — you’ll see a touch of polyamide in the construction but I wouldn’t be concerned about that as it was used for the binding to finish off the edges. The rest of the jacket is all-natural fibers, baby.

WHAT I COPPED

Since we’re talking about knits, I have to highlight what might be my favorite item from this drop: The Lurin Longsleeve. Finished in a fine wool cashmere blend, this is probably one of softest feeling tops I have in my closet right now. Pictures will only tell half the story, but you know me, I wouldn’t put you on anything unless I truly believed in it.

Absolutely beautiful item. It’s extremely lightweight and will serve as a perfect light layer this fall.

I went true to size, in this case a size L for my 6’3 height, and it fit me like a glove. Comes in additional colors, but the mahogany was calling my name.

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I also grabbed the Ainsa T-shirt in the Mudstone color. Love the garment dyed finish, which gives it a vintage worn-in feel right out of the bag. I was really into the pique ribbed collar detailing, which was originally why I gravitated towards it. If I’m going to pick up a t-shirt it should be slightly different in comparison to what I already have and the Ainsa checked off those boxes.

Went with a Size L and ended up with the perfect fit.

I also picked up the Fulvio Shirt in Washed Graphite. What a shirt! It is made out of an Italian viscose and lyocell blend — a semi-synthetic fabric made out of wood pulp and cellulose. The construction gives this fabric an extremely soft finish that almost feels and looks like silk.

Sharp smaller collar, fits perfectly in a size L, and just pairs really well with the rest of the stuff I picked up from the drop.

The thing that always sticks out to me with AKOG is how these garments make me feel when I wear them. You should be buying clothes that make you feel good, and that’s exactly what I feel when I put something on from AKOG.

“Wow this is so nice” went through my mind several times during the fitting for this letter.

The fabrics stand out in a way that takes a regular black button-up to a new level I didn’t realize that was missing from my wardrobe. The details throughout, whether that’s the buttons, or the drawstrings on the pants, are all details that AKOG thinks about, which makes the clothes that much better.

While most of the tops fit true to size in my experience, I will recommend double checking sizing on the pants. It seems as though a size 52 could mean something different across styles. Everything is measured in CMs, but definitely double check the sizes before pulling the trigger.

I got 52 in both pants, and can easily say I could have sized down to 50 and even 48 in some cases. Samurai trousers are on an elastic band that stretches out, so don’t worry about going with the bigger size.

Other than that, these are both really great quality and are made out of special Italian sourced cottons that do have a noticable difference when they are on your body. I’m not just saying that for the sake of trying to sell you on this, but I really don’t have anything like this in my wardrobe in terms of quality and that’s why I’m really happy with this collection.

Discover the full AW26 directly on the A Kind of Guise website here. — use code SNLFREESHIP at checkout for free shipping on any order!

Follow AKOG on Instagram here.

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In today’s letter we have deals that are mostly 50% off and above, a curated selection of my favorite garments on sale, a brand making made-in-Japan hoodies and sweatpants that are on sale for only $50, and more great deals.

If you’re new here: our sales series letter is a paid subscriber exclusive! Subscriber today to unlock exclusive content and a better outlook on style today.

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THE LIST

• Blue in Green — 50% off brands like mfpen, ROA, Beams Plus, Edwin Arthur’s and more. Discount automatically applied at checkout.

• Lost & Found — 30% off what I believe is one of the best menswear shops out there. Huge variety and great selection of brands. Some of my favorite sales right now: Amomento Linen shirt ($186), Working Jeans ($250), Danton Denim ($137) Randy’s Garments Station Jacket ($250)

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The season is coming up quick, and a lot of the time underpreparedness leaves a lot of people in a style panic the moment the weather shifts. In a matter of days you start feeling like you have nothing to wear.

No matter how prepared you are, you still might up getting stuck with a common question: What should I wear this fall?

If that sounds like you, then we’re probably thinking the same thing: what jacket do I want to wear this season, what styles are popular, are there any brands I haven’t heard of that I should, what shouldn’t I wear, and so on.

In today’s letter we’re tackling these questions:

• How to make your fall wardrobe transition easier

• The importance of avoiding low-quality recommendations you see online

• Style tips that can set you apart from everyone else this fall season

• A coveted button-up everyone slept on is back in new colors

• New brands with great fall gear I recently discovered

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This advice might feel trivial and simple, but when I speak to people I realize that many of them don’t really do some of these things. This help doesn’t require you change how you approach fashion, but these are the tips that help me make my fall wardrobe much simpler:

EARLY BIRD GETS THE NICE CLOTHES

Almost every online store has started dropping their FW26 collections. The weather might be telling you a different story right now, but you don’t want to be last to the party once all the sizes of the good stuff is gone. The real shoppers are online buying the next season, so you have to get with the program or risk wearing stuff you don’t want to wear again.

I think it’s important to at least start looking and saving items in your cart before diving head first into a purchase you might not have thought through completely. Start browsing and start bookmarking.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET

By the time summer is over you’ve probably made a mess of your closet as you tried to figure out what else you can possible put together that doesn’t feel boring. Get yourself reorganized and just flip the clothes around in your closet just to remind yourself what’s going on there.

Ok, so now let’s say you’re deep in your closet clean, finding stuff that you couldn’t believe you wore at some point, and maybe you even found something nice that you folded and forgot about. I do this all the time. My brain is cracked with thoughts to the point where I’m folding my favorite pants and putting them in corners of the house I didn’t know I had. Re-organizing my closet seasonally helps minimize the time I spend apart from random clothes I like.

During this stage you should be taking notes on what you want to replace or add to your wardrobe. Force yourself to swap out items that you don’t actually wear that much. Either physically hide that clothing somewhere or give them away to a friend — it’s actually interesting how fast the brain forgets an article of clothing after a few days. By that standard, if you remove the stuff that you don’t even like then your brain naturally creates space for new ideas, and this is where your new seasonal identity style is born.

START WITH THE BASICS

If you’re absolutely stuck and don’t know where to start your overhaul, do it by acquiring a set of good-quality base layers.

Because a good fall wardrobe starts with the basics.

I wrote The Ultimate Guide to Basics earlier this year that gets you started with brands I swear by for good base layers. I share my favorite t-shirts under $100, brands making high quality sweats, and other great layers that can live harmoniously with the rest of your wardrobe.

Read that after you’re done today’s letter.

DON’T LET THEM POISON YOU

Everyone is getting their style inspo online right now. The explore page warriors are gearing up with new video content to tell us exactly how men should dress this fall, which will end up looking and feeling the exact same, so I wouldn’t buy into it. Watch it and laugh, but don’t buy into it.

A lot of men are confused about what to do with their style, which often leads to an overconsumption of these low-quality advice videos that just create a group of guys that all look the same. You’re stuck thinking that you don’t know how to dress because you’re getting advice from people that share your exact problem.

You need to be avoiding that energy.

In one of my biggest articles, I wrote about how finding your style actually requires you to stop trying to find it. Your interests are interesting and that could translate into some really fun outfit choices. Anyway, the article is a few years old but the advice still holds today, so I strongly recommend you read that if you’re someone that feels lost when it comes to figuring out what your style is.

SO, WHAT DO I ACTUALLY WEAR?

You did everything above and now you’re feeling enlightened towards the path of fall style success. Here are a couple thoughts, tips, and an early style analysis for what men might be wearing this fall so you can prepare accordingly:

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Whenever I’m in Los Angeles I’m usually spending a bag on overpriced smoothies at Erewhon while catching beautiful vibes as I drive across the city with my windows down blaring whatever music comes up on shuffle.

But no trip to LA is truly complete without spending some time with the boys from Metalwood. During my last visit it was only right to get Cole to show me what gear he’s currently obsessed with. Cole Young is one of the main brains behind Metalwood, former brand director at Malbon Golf, and just a great person that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over numerous alcoholic beverages in Paris.

My friend Kyle — elite skills behind the lens — was also in town that same week, so there was no choice but to force the boys into a quick little editorial photoshoot for this article. Thank you Kyle for putting up with me to make this happen. <3

Cole was also kind enough to give the SNL readers exclusive access to a private Metalwood sale.

Use promo code STREETWOOD at checkout for 50% off your entire order (some exclusions apply). This offer is valid until Sunday, August 30th at 11:59PM PST.

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10 Items with Cole Young

Words by Cole Young, editorial photos by Kyle Berger

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The brands I shop for the best quality basics are here.

The two pairs of pants I can’t stop wearing right now.

Happy Tuesday. We have a packed letter this week so I’m keeping the yapping to a minimum.

In today’s letter:

• Supreme FW26 preview and the sleeper items that make this collection great

• The new AerTension™ collection from Earth\Studies

• A sci-fi brand that is now creating exceptional menswear

• Footwear built for fall

• Finding the perfect zip hoodie from one of my go-to brands for basics

• and more subscriber exclusive content

  SNLetter is a reader-supported blog. Become a paid subscriber unlock more regular content, discover new brands, and get exclusive information on new releases

SUPREME REMINDS US WHO’S BOSS

Happy Supreme preview to those that celebrate!

The FW26 collection feels massive. It brings some obvious bangers like the Box Logo leather jacket by Jeff Hamilton or the De Sede couch that’s going to cost an arm and a leg.

While there is always a place and time for a louder piece from Supreme, I am a bit older now, so I tend to gravitate towards the clothes that have a little bit more wearability down the line. These are the more quiet pieces that have little to no branding, which to some may seem boring, but that’s where the real heat is at.

Supreme always drops a couple of shirt bangers that seem to fly under the radar. The quilted flannel is a classic, but the Frayed Texture Plaid Shirt might be the most important item in the collection. Absolute sleeper.

Supreme has been making some of the best denim for years and it’s honestly surprising to see them be in that iykyk category. I don’t mind it though, because I’m not trying to battle anyone online for sizes.

Is grandpa swag back in full swing for FW26? The Sequin Faux Fur zip up and the Metallic Fair Isle Cardigan seem to point in that direction, and I don’t hate it.

I just stumbled upon across the Boucle Small Logo sweater that is another certified banger. I guess I missed it during my first few scroll bys, but either way, this one is good — this is the reminder to go back and look at the collection a few times, it’s easy to miss stuff, and you will always end up liking something that you didn’t at first.

Overall the collection is solid. Let’s hope the collaborations can further support that this season. Curious to know what items you’re feeling so drop your comments below.

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NEW FROM EARTH\STUDIES

This is a fan favorite because anytime I write about Earth\Studies you guys go crazy. I don’t blame you because the stuff is good.

Earth\Studies newest collection continues experimenting with new fabric tech that’s designed to keep you cool in the heat. The AerTension™ collection isn’t going to sit on their website for long, so I would recommend acting fast before your sizes are gone.

Additionally, Meridian also has some stock available on their site here just in case.

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In today’s letter:

• Menswear brands coming together to drop their fall collections all at the same time

• A look at a very exciting drop from 18 East that’s dropping later today.

• Mfpen’s deconstructed New Balance collaboration.

• New rare bookstore in New York supported by USM Modular Furniture.

• A limited edition of the 1942 Levi’s 501 that seems impossible to get in the US.

• and more.

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Earlier this week we spoke about how stores have already begun releasing the new fall collections, signaling that summer is officially winding down. A few days later my eyes became bombarded by numerous brands with fall/winter collection lookbooks and releases almost simultaneously.

I get it. It’s mid-August, the summer trips to Greece are finally winding down, most people are starting to get back to the real world, and that means shopping is starting to pick up again — I will say though, as the years go by it seems that these fall collections start creeping in earlier each summer.

Anyway, a lot of brands just dropped their lookbooks for fall, bringing in a new array of menswear garments that will leave us wanting new clothes again. I’m sure I missed some, but here are a couple of collections that caught my eye this week:

• Noah drops their lookbook for AW26: A very strong collection coming from Noah for fall. I’m not going to lie, it’s been quiet on the Noah front for me for a few seasons, so this is a nice change of pace. Nothing crazy, but nothing bad either. What we have is a collection that leans into the classics of menswear while maintaining that build quality paired with the casual feeling that makes this brand appealing to a wider audience.

• Unkruid Series 6 is now live on their site. I recently placed Unkruid on a list of brands that are shaping the current landscape of mens fashion, and this collection solidifies why they deserve the hype. A special brand that takes dedication to fabric development to another level, and it shows through each individual garment they drop. Some standouts from the new collection that I like right now: this wool/silk new dream hat, these pants that have already sold out only after a few hours, and this late night jacket in a big corduroy finish.

• Corridor released their AW26 lookbook: Another great example of menswear that just works in anyone’s wardrobe. Corridor has been dialing in their creative approach by keeping the designs simple while focusing on fabrics and details throughout each garment. I find that this is a brand that’s better understood in person, so go out there and find it in the real world. The clothes will do all the talking.

• Thisisneverthat Fall 2026 lookbook: A collection that reminds me of how the average person working in the fashion industry actually dresses day-to-day. It’s just classic streetwear that’s done well. Thisisneverthat comes at a really great price point and they make quality stuff for the money you spend.

• Khakis has also begun slowly rolling out their new Fall 26 collection. We just have a couple of shots and a video on their IG, but Khakis is definitely not a brand you should be sleeping on. Up and coming but has already made waves with great rounds of collabs with Reebok, and their clothes are getting better with each season.

SUMMER IN COPENHAGEN

Get those wallets ready because 18 East is dropping a new ‘Summer in Copenhagen’ collection this Friday, and there are a bunch of gear that a lot of us will want to add to their wardrobe.

The lookbook is up on their Instagram here.

A lot of good stuff, but there is one item in particular that I don’t think I’ll be able to avoid, and that’s the Pacis Full Zip jacket:

3M grid pattern, big kangaroo pockets, and a perfect hood that just covers enough of your face that sits nicely on your head — finding the perfect fitting hood is a mission that needs a lot more effort than one might think.

This might be the only fall jacket I need this season, truly.

All of this will be dropping on the 18 East website later today, August 14th.

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I’M LISTENING

Mfpen and New Balance have a deconstructed 992 coming out early next year that I’m really excited about. The shoe debuted during Mfpen’s runway show at the last Copenhagen Fashion Week.

At first glance you see a familiar silhouette, but a closer look reveals deconstructed details that makes this shoe interesting in a more subtle way — I’m not always trying to wear the loudest or more design focused shoe, a subtle change to an already familiar model is sometimes the only difference I need.

A really great shoe. This is going to be a big release so expect these to fly when they drop sometime next year. Will keep you in the loop once we get to the due date.

THE NEW HENDER SCHEME FLAGSHIP

Listen, if I see Hender Scheme doing anything, I’m supporting whatever it is with everything I got.

Their new flagship just opened up in Minoshima, Fukuoka, bringing together the essence of the brand in a new space. My favorite part about a Hender Scheme store is their ability to find spaces that fit so perfectly with the brands identity. Each store is the same, but it feels so different at the same time because of the surroundings and the location of each of their shops.

A NEW RARE BOOK SHOP IN SOHO

Rare book and ephemera collecting wizard, Geoff Snack, has partnered with USM Furniture to bring his shop to life in New York city. The Wrong Answer shop is opening this weekend, August 15th within the USM Showroom at 28 Greene St, New York.

Did you know that AI companies have been actively buying up books to scan them and then destroying the physical copies so the information lives forever in their database? Insane. Preservation of books of any kind is so important right now, and that’s why I’ve said that everyone should have their own physical library in the past.

Anyway, highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area to enjoy a wide selection of books Geoff has been collecting and selling across a range of genres and art practices.

A PAIR OF LEVI’S THAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET

Levi’s Vintage has been dabbling in the archives by reproducing original denim from the past. For this release, Levi’s tapped into a 501 from 1942 to reproduce stitch for stitch. Unfortunately, these sold out instantly in US but Europe will have their chance when these drop on the Levi’s website on September 3rd, 2026. Mark those calendars and good luck.

A RETURN OF A CLASSIC

The Tor Ultra Lo is probably my favorite model that HOKA has to offer. The olive colorway is probably one of the best, and it’s the one that hasn’t been as easy to get right now because stock is low, but Saison Shop is restocking them on their website here.

Fall is coming up, it’s a good shoe to get yourself covered. It’s comfortable, GORE-TEX upper for that extra protection, looks great on foot, especially if you got some proper pant stacks going on. You can’t go wrong. I recommend going with your true size!

It’s also the last stretch of the summer, so I’ve been trying my best to regain my energy and stay offline as much as possible while keeping the blog regularly stocked — SNL is a one person operation, and that means all the research, graphics, and writing is done entirely by me. Needless to say, it’s been nice to not write as much as I would during other seasons.

I’ve noticed that we’ve already started shifting focus towards fall clothing, with some stores already starting their first deliveries for fall gear.

While we wait for that good gear to hit online, I’ve been deep in my own search to figure out what I want to wear this fall. Today’s letter is a selection of gear that’s been on my watchlist that functions like a personal moodboard of sorts.

All of today’s items will come with links to purchase. No affiliate links, just great recommendations.

KATHARINE HAMNETT LEATHER COAT - SIZE L

Owning a good leather jacket is an essential experience that every menswear enthusiast must participate in. I got this Avirex Type A-2 last year for around $100 that I probably will never get rid of, but now I’m looking for a different styles to add to the rotation. This Katharine Hamnett Leather Coat is a good example of what I’m looking for.

TNF PURPLE LABEL MADRAS JACKET - SIZE M

GOOUCH LINEN SHIRT - SIZE M

Last week I featured GOOUCH in my The Brand I Should Be Gatekeeping letter that highlighted these amazing cotton trousers for under $100. The pants sold out pretty quickly after that letter dropped… That’s the SNL difference. Still lots of other great gear available from that brand in that letter that you should check out if you haven’t already.

Anyway, this linen shirt is only $25, so you’d be silly not to buy it right? May the fastest shopper win. Good luck.

VISVIM UT.SATCHEL

This bag is crazy. It’s a canvas tote that comes with a raw deerskin cut that’s sewn overtop the bag. Check out some additional photos of it here — each bag comes with a unique cut of leather which ages in its own way depending on how you wear it. That’s what makes this bag so cool.

Insanely rare and is only really sold to the V.I.P. clients of Visvim. If you find one being resold expect to pay at least a thousand. Chances of me getting this is low, but remembering this bag exists has definitely triggered new ideas for what bag I want next.

BETWEEN YOU AND ME

If you’re looking for a bag, something that’s over the shoulder, maybe something that leans towards the messenger style, and don’t mind getting something older, then you should look at vintage Ralph Lauren options on eBay. Always type out the bag style with Ralph Lauren in the search for better results, and don’t give up after page 5.

A lot of good stuff at places like eBay specifically, like this faded canvas messenger with leather detailing that’s only $90, or this Mountain Expedition bag for $265, or this insane madras patchwork bag that comes with a long strap for $150.

DOUBLE BREASTED WOOL COATS

Don’t tell me these didn’t come straight from Patrick Bateman’s closet. Found a bunch of made-in-England double breasted wool coats for under $300 over at Front General here. Honestly, a huge vibe depending on the style choices you’re going for this fall.

KATHARINE HAMNETT BOMBER - SIZE M

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TNF PURPLE LABEL + PALACE JACKET - SIZE XL

Absolute grail. One of the best Palace collabs to me. You don’t see this collection hit online often, and when it does it always haunts me to pull the trigger… XL is going to be a bit big I think, but that’s just giving myself an excuse not to spend $500.

POLO RALPH LAUREN BOMBER - SIZE L

Made out of oilcloth, a fabric finish that’s similar to Barbour’s Wax cottons — basically a treatment that would help protect you from harsher weathers. The difference here is that once the oil comes off you can’t really re-apply it in the same way you can with wax cotton material. Alas, this Ralph Lauren Oilcloth Bomber is still sick enough to get a season full of wear in. I like that deep green, and I’m always a sucker for a small stand-up collar.

COMME DES GARCONS BUTTON UP - SIZE S

Made in France, the CDG button-up are very special. They’ve really dialed in the fabric to make these shirt stand out above your other traditional options. Buying them new if you have the money is cool, but you can get older ones from reputable sellers for under $200. What draws me in are the sharp short collars, and typically in a length finish that isn’t too long. I know this one is a size S but I recommend checking out the measurements — CDG kind of fits big in some cases.

Here’s a deep blue version that’s a size L. Check the measurements either way!

ARMANI COLLEZIONI TROUSERS - SIZE 36

ISSEY MIYAKE REVERSIBLE COAT

I don’t know about you but this fall I’m tryna channel that Jedi swag by copping a jacket that looks a lot like their robes. This Issey coat is from the 80s and comes with a reversible liner that’s removable, which is basically three jackets in one — I’m just trying to convince myself that spending $2000 on something like this isn’t going to financially destroy me.

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RAF SIMONS + ADIDAS STAN SMITH - SIZE 10.5

It’s about that time. Raf Stan Smith is back, and that’s all I have to say about that. I really need a pair but I’m holding off to find an even better colorway. This one is fresh though.

AURALEE DENIM JACKET — SIZE XXL

MAN-TLE WAXED COTTON JACKET - SIZE M

This thing is awesome. I love the large paneling on the side for the pockets. It’s not cheap, but it’s definitely much cheaper than retail. Quick tip: If you favorite the listing on eBay and wait like a day you should get a $50 discount from the final price. Don’t want to wait? Flex those negotiation muscles in the DM’s.

ARMANI JEANS DENIM SHIRT - SIZE S

It doesn’t matter the season, you can’t go wrong with a nice faded denim shirt. This Armani one is nice. It’s tagged size small, but a quick glance at the measurements make it seem more of a size medium. Again, check the measurements because labels don’t mean anything.

COUPLE OF HATS

I’m clearly on a Ralph tip because most of my watchlist is Ralph Lauren of sorts. I found a couple of hats from various labels that have been sitting in my cart:

• Polo Country Corduroy Sportsman cap $85

• RRL Baseball cap $140

• Vintage Southwest pattern cap $80 — these are very cool. There is another one from the same seller here.

An essay on how to stop overthinking your style development.

My guide on the brands making good basics right now can be read here.

Welcome back to another edition of What To Buy; your one stop for the latest info on drops happening this week, and gear I’m enjoying that I think you should buy before it sells out.

In today’s letter:

• Exclusive subscriber-only release date info for the Hartcopy + Adidas BW Army in North America.

• Two pairs of pants built for the summer heat.

• A new shoe from New Balance I can’t stop wearing right now.

• A Canadian-made brand making high-quality menswear is back in the US.

• and other great releases and new collections you don’t want to miss this week.

I just secured my plans to go back to Japan this fall to continue to explore the land of great garms, food, and everything in between. If you’re traveling there soon and need recommendations, check out my comprehensive guide for shopping in Tokyo, featuring my favorite shops, areas for the best vintage, and more that are all organized by area.

PANTS IN THE SUMMER

I understand that it’s shorts season and we are letting the dogs out. That’s great, but as a true lover of pants, I participate in WMPAYL: Wearing My Pants All Year Long. It’s doable in the summer to an extent, and it really comes down to leaning into fabrics that maximize breathability.

When we’re talking about pants in the summer, I’m looking at options that are made using thin cottons, linen, or hemp fabric construction. They need to be lightweight enough to the point where I don’t even feel like I’m wearing pants.

For this summer, I have two pairs of pants that do just that.

Let’s go from top to bottom:

• Lost & Found + Beams Plus Pleated Trousers: Just got these in the mail, and wow, what a pair pants. The Cotton/Linen blend makes these exceptionally soft, lightweight, and gives you a good amount of breathability that makes these comfortable to wear in the summer. What I like about them is their taper at the leg opening, which helps create natural fabric stacking around the shoes. They just fall into place instantly.

  
  I got the black pair but they have two more additional colors on at their shop here.

• Lemaire Relaxed Pant: it’s going to be difficult to find these exact pants, but Lemaire makes plenty of similar options that you can try out yourself — these Pyjama Pants are pretty similar and are currently on sale for 50% off. The cotton/hemp construction of the Relaxed Pant creates a weave unlike anything else I have in my closet. Not only are they the thinnest pants I own, these somehow are wrinkle resistant, which I absolutely love.
  
  Although the fabric is slightly different on James Coward’s Carry On Pants, the mission feels more or less the same: lightweight flowiness that focuses on comfort through each step. Good alternative and has a cut that feels slightly roomier in the legs in comparison to Lemaire’s options.

NEW BALANCE’S LATEST HIT

The 1890 Abzorb deserves all of our attention. It has to be one of my current favorite New Balance models right now. The vision clicked for me when I got a pair of the JJJJound + New Balance 1890s, and have been obsessed with them ever since.

Amazing level of comfort for those that enjoy a more narrow toe box, looks great with all pants or sockless with the shorts, all of the general release colorways are great, and they come in abundant sizes directly on the New Balance website.

Go with your true size on these.

It’s always good to have a sneaker that can do everything in: go to the gym, run quick errands, walk your dog, or whatever. You will not be disappointed having these in your rotation.

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HARTCOPY + ADIDAS BW ARMY

So you come to me on the day of my daughter’s wedding to ask me when the next Hartcopy + Adidas collab is dropping in North America? I see. Hartcopy is back with new colorways of the BW Army, this time giving us a White and Halo Gold colorways to enjoy right as we close down the summer.

The initial drop in Europe is already live, but I have the exclusive release date information for those looking to secure a pair in North America — Europe folks don’t sleep on the Halo Gold colorway! I’m telling you.

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If you’re in the search for something new then you’ve come to the right place. In today’s letter: I’m sharing some personal favorite outerwear that’s been with me for years, what brands I shop for when I need to re-up on a rain jacket, where to get high quality without having to pay a lot, and some sales for some good rain outerwear at the bottom of the letter.

You only really need 1 good rain jacket in your closet — anything more and you’re doing it for pure style purposes. I say that because when you properly invest in an item like this, you don’t really need to purchase anything else. A good rain jacket, along with proper maintenance to the exterior that keeps the water beading off, should last you a decade without issues.

I have a lot of options in my rotation simply for research purposes, and after test running a bunch my current three favorites that I enjoy wearing are:

• Beams 3M reflective blouson that I got last year in Japan. It’s not insanely waterproof, but it’s good enough for those light rain days that requires you to jump outside for a second.

• Haven Spectre Jacket is probably the one I wear the most. Got this a few years ago and have worn it through the harshest winters and rain Montreal has to offer, and it’s still looks brand new. Good amount of pockets, great hood size, and hardware is solid all around. It’s definitely more of an investment, but it’s one that I would say is worth the money.

• Dime + Adidas GORE-TEX jacket. This one is fun because it’s the first time GORE-TEX had made a product penetrating the membrane with studs while keeping the jacket completely waterproof.

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MY PICKS

Below are the jackets that I would recommend for anyone looking to upgrade or replace whatever they are wearing now. All of today’s suggestions will come at various price points but more or less they do the same thing — protect you from the rain.

You might have noticed that GORE-TEX or other water-repellent treated outerwear isn’t as cheap as it once was, and that’s just the reality of the fashion world right now.

The technology and resources that go into making a jacket completely waterproof is going up in price, and that is reflected in today’s market. Because of this, I recommend not going with the ultra cheap options because there is a noticeable difference in how they perform when you need them to.

Portal is all about performance, and their Sphere GORE-TEX Jacket is the perfect example of that. Insanely light, packable, great simple design, what I think is the perfect hood that tightly wraps around your face when you need it, and it’s completely waterproof.

All that for $500 is not that bad, especially if you plan on having this for the next several years.

The Vingtor Jacket from Klattermusen is another great option that is under $500, more on the lighter side, but still built in a way that keeps that all the water out. Comes in a wide range of great colors, and even has a 30 day return window if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.

This is a solid option if you just want something that works well without having to spend a lot of money. It is less fashionable, but it doesn’t always have to be about that when we’re talking about performance-based clothing.

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Today’s letter is free for everyone. Big thank you to all paid subscribers whose support allows me to focus on this blog full-time! Without you there is no SNL.

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I’m back at the SNL HQ after a short break in New York. For those planning on traveling there soon, check out my updated city guide featuring my favorite spots to shop at, eat, cafes, bookstores, and stuff in between.

In today’s letter:

• A brand I should be keeping to myself because it’s too good

• Footwear for all-seasons

• Pants on sale from Margaret Howell and Unlikely

• A collab campaign that hit me right in the nostalgia

• A brand that has a free research library at their store in New York that you need to know about

• and more great recommendations

A BRAND I SHOULD BE GATEKEEPING

If you’re a true vintage head then you already know about GOOUCH, but if you don’t, the brand was started in 1968 by Alan Goouch, a British photographer that wanted to create clothes that had a rock ‘n’ roll spirit. He achieved this by utilizing loud patterns and colors throughout the collections, but GOOUCH also has a lot of really simple clothing that’s crafted using exception linens, silk, and cottons.

You really have to spend time to track down vintage pieces online, but Front General Store just dropped their own selection of GOOUCH clothes that I’m surprised are still sitting online. Sizes are varied because it’s New Old Stock, but everything is priced under $100.

Definitely go through it and look at the measurements because a Size M could easily fit larger than usual. I had to pick up a pair of the Washed Flap Chinos… I mean, for $78 that is an absolute steal.

A SHOE FOR ALL-SEASONS

Is it too early to start talking about fall footwear? Maybe, but it’s also better to be early than scrambling for options when everything good is already gone. The KEEN Jasper is one of those styles that’s great for daily wear for the summer because they are exceptionally light and comfortable, and are the perfect way to transition to fall thanks to its waterproof upper.

There are a lot of colorways available online, but I’m really feeling the Steel Grey/Black that just dropped over at Alterior here. I’ve put a lot of my friends onto this model and all of them have had a great experience sofar. Go with your true size.

PANTS ON SALE

Stumbled upon a couple of pants from MHL by Margaret Howell, Unlikely Drygoods, and Engineered Garments on sale over at Brother Brother right now. Also recommend checking out Brother Brother’s in-house label that makes really great trousers for under $200.

NOW THIS IS A ROLLOUT

Jian DeLeon, Men’s Fashion Director at Nordstrom, and Oliver Cabell came together to bring back forum culture for the heads. Although this shoe collab was limited to a run of 50 pairs that were exclusive to Friends & Family, the campaign is what gave me life.

A nod to a time that a lot of us miss, the campaign recreates old style forum fitpics, often paired with blurred out faces for anonymity, as well as snippets of profiles that you would tell the community a little bit about yourself through your niche interests in fashion.

Absolutely loved this. Well done.

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TWO FROM PILGRIM

What is so special about these Serra shirts from Pilgrim? Well, I love the regular collar finish — none of that camp collar stuff. I’m also big fan of the slight sheen, which is achieved with the wool/nylon fabric finish. Simple, good earth tones, and priced in a way that doesn’t ruin your wallet.

FOR THE RESEARCH HEADS

I finally got around to visiting the Vowels store in New York this past weekend. Besides having the opportunity to experience all of their clothes in full, the space has a dedicated research library that has a rotating selection of books and all the tools needed to scan or print your research for your creative needs. The best part? It’s all free to use. Just book your session at the Vowels website and go crazy.