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New decade, new mindset. Here, we reveal the five evergreen pieces every gentleman should incorporate into their wardrobe for 2020…
With a new decade on the horizon, it certainly raises an opportunity to clean the slate, to adopt a real sense of change. Pressing the reset button as the year draws to a close instinctively feels like the right course of action if you’re seeking to escape a bad habit or improve a certain aspect of your life. On a global scale, sustainability is arguably the world’s top new year resolution as we head into 2020. It’s a topic that has received loud cultural chatter over the years and is therefore bound to be at the forefront of political and economical debate during the 2020’s.
When fashion and sustainability is concerned, there is most definitely room for improvement. Experts say that the fashion industry currently accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gases and, most frighteningly, could reach 25% by 2050 if no action is taken. In this instance, it is consumer behavior that needs to change. At Maxwell – Scott, we believe in the power of investing in the highest quality possible so that your piece will outlive you. Our founder and CEO, William, is proud that slow-fashion brands are starting to get the recognition they deserve:
“In short, fast fashion is killing the environment. Consumers need to be more cognisant of their style choices. Is it special? Do you want to treasure it for a long time? Is it timeless? We need to change the narrative behind how we shop for fashion.”
Our past generations were much savvier in investing in this way. They bought with quality and durability in mind and treasured their pieces for years. It’s an attitude that offers a more sophisticated approach and encourages a classic wardrobe with timeless staples. Pragmatically, it is more sensical to invest in the pieces you adore, the ones you want to wear time and time again without feeling an inch of guilt. For those seeking to pave the way, here are five key items gentlemen should invest in during 2020.
Our signature vegetable-tanned full-grain leather is undoubtedly the most sustainable type of real leather in the world. It is hand-dyed using extracts from organic extracts such as chestnut and mimosa and is sourced from traditional tanneries in Tuscany. These tanneries are incredibly conscious about preserving energy, preferring to honour the age-old methods which require less energy and more manual activity. As full-grain leather is untreated, its life span is significantly higher than other types as the grain hasn’t been shaved down or coated with chemicals. If cared for properly, a Maxwell-Scott leather briefcase will last your entire career twice over. With every year that passes, the leather’s grain will gracefully mature and develop a distinctive and characterful patina. Opt for a timeless framed case with a brass lock fastening for a quintessential aesthetic you will never tire of.
For the colder months transitioning into spring, a tailored wool coat is an item you will resurrect from your wardrobe each year. It’s a piece of outerwear you’ll frequent for days in the office as well as evenings at the weekend. Bound to smarten up any ensemble, throw your tailored coat over your suit as well as your jeans and knit combinations for the ultimate versatile piece. If you’re seeking a hard-wearing outerwear option, a 100% wool number ensures breathability and durability due to its naturally woven structure. The most timeless wool types include twill, herringbone and tweed. In terms of shape, those reminiscent of military styles are usually the most timeless. Opt for a trench style with a belt or a timeless Epsom shape with a double-breasted form.
A staple collection of knitwear options is a sartorial essential in any gentleman’s wardrobe. Cashmere is incredibly multi-functional in that it will both keep you cool and maintain warmth dependent on your needs. Its fibres are incredibly soft and provide a luxurious and lavish feel to counteract those brutally cold days during winter. A crew neck or roll neck option are the most timeless designs when it comes to knitwear. Other timeless styles include a zip collar if you’re seeking additional detail. Stick to conservative hues such as navy, stone and burgundy to assure they will complement your wardrobe year after year.
If you’re a denim connoisseur, you’ll know that selvedge is the most premium type of denim. It is woven in a specific way to ensure that it does not ravel and is made on a narrower shuttle loom. Typically, this species of denim is made in Japan – in recent decades, they have become known for their selvedge as their factories are some of the only ones left to create this specific denim in the world. Selvedge can be easily identified by the coloured cotton overlay stitching found on the edge of the denim on the inner side of the jeans. Typically, the thread is either white or red – a nod to the Japanese flag. If you want a pair of jeans that will endure thousands of wears, selvedge is the only option.
An outerwear piece made iconic by the likes of Steve McQueen, a suede leather jacket provides a timeless aesthetic with a slight element of edginess. Choose a bomber design for a modern, youthful look or a buttoned trucker style if you desire a traditional aesthetic. Again, stick to colours such as navy and dark brown so that you can wear it with all your ensembles.
