Issue #21 | Wet Season
Rainy season style, knit polos, Beams Plus, are pressed jeans for real? and more
Welcome back to Front of Book. Here are some things I’ve been thinking about this week.
1. Rainy Season Style
Spring officially started on Tuesday, and that means we’ve entered the wet season. This got me thinking: How do you look good in the rain?
I always get screwed by the rain, and it’s my own fault. I never check the forecast in the morning, so unless it’s already raining by the time I leave my apartment, I end up with no protection against the elements and inevitably end up buying one of those shitty $5 bodega umbrellas that break immediately.
Unless you’re British, it’s tough to master looking good in the rain. I have a gorgeous navy umbrella that I bought in London in 2015 from a 100-year-old umbrella maker. But I’m so afraid of losing it that I never want to take it out with me.
Because I so often find myself without an umbrella, last year I bought my first true raincoat: The Fishtail Parka from Rains. It works. The design is clean, it’s water- and windproof, the length keeps my legs dry. Unless it’s a complete downpour, the parka does the trick and I don’t need an umbrella.
There are times, however, where I wish I had a slightly more stylish ensemble to wear on rainy days. For this, I would lean into a trench coat (and muster the courage to bring out that navy umbrella). Macintosh and Burberry are the icons, but they are $$$. That’s where eBay comes in: There are a ton of pre-owned trenches to be found there, and this is a place where you might want to go vintage, since the style is timeless anyway.
I also like the Rider’s Raincoat from Permanent Style, in collaboration with Drake’s. Made from a cotton twill supplied by an Italian mill, this coat really does it all. It can be worn with a suit or more casually with a sweater or T-shirt and jeans. I love the small details like the corduroy lined collar and cuffs, the removable throat latch, and the khaki color—a bit darker than the classic tan trenches.
And if you are an umbrella guy, these custom made ones from Italy’s Francesco Maglia look incredible. Just don’t freaking lose it!
2. Front of Book Endorses: Knit Polos
With spring here and summer on the horizon, stop whatever you’re doing and go out and get yourself a knit polo. They will forever change your warm weather wardrobe for the better, and you’ll never want to go back to a straightforward cotton polo again.
It’s a perfect cocktail party garment, a shirt you’ll want to wear on a night out at a nice restaurant but aren’t feeling a button down. You slip one of these on and you’re ready to hop on a mahogany speedboat at sundown on the Italian coast with a Negroni in hand. They go well with dark denim, casual blazers and sports coats, even suits.
Stanely Tucci is knows a good knit polo when he sees one:
Here I am recreating that Beckham look up top with my Drake’s silk-linen polo (truly one of the best items in my wardrobe) and navy pin stripe Ivy pants from Reigning Champ. (There’s a story behind this photo by Sean Turi, which I’ll share in another post…)
3. Beams Plus x No Man Walks Alone
Speaking of knit polos, some nice ones just dropped at No Man Walks Alone from Japan’s Beams Plus. I particularly love this zip knit polo in beige mesh patterned cotton:
Beams Plus dates all the way back to a tiny shop in Harajuku in 1976, and is a private label collection inspired by American’s Golden Age (think lightly constructed jackets, chinos, and cable knit sweaters). The prices are surprisingly reasonable for a Japanese brand of this caliber. Keep an eye out for new drops all year at NMWA.
4. Pressed Denim: Is This For Real?
Woe was the kid who showed up to class in ironed jeans.
I grew up in an age of unconscionable style. During my youth in Saskatchewan, Canada, mullets were not uncommon, kids wore Zubaz pants, I personally wore wool socks with Birkenstocks.
But jeans with creases in the front, ironed by one’s mom? That was a death sentence.
And yet, here we are in 2024 and I’m seeing stylish men wearing pressed jeans. Take a look at Aaron Levine above.
Is this a thing? If so, why?
I can’t say for sure yet, but I think that, 1) yes, I think it’s a thing, or it will be, and 2) because there seems to be a resurgence of ‘60s and ‘70s style lately. Just check out the red carpet: You’ve got flowing pants veering into bell bottom territory; flowery, feminine shirts on men; big padded shoulders; enormous lapels. The pressed jeans seem to fit into that vibe.
Look, it might work for some people. Aaron Levine can pull it off. You and me? Approach with caution.
5. Weekly Inspiration: Bill Nighy
Show me someone who says they don’t love Bill Nighy and I’ll show you a liar. This guy is a legend. He dresses to kill even when popping out for coffee in London, book in hand. He embodies timeless British style: gorgeous tailoring worn with grace and poise. GQ calls him a “menswear king,” but Nighy says he wears a suit for one simple reason: It makes him feel confident. “If you want me to be at my best, I want to look my best,” he told Sunday Times Style.
Words to live by, Bill.
Have a great weekend, everyone. See you back here next week.
Mitch
Question? Comment? Suggestion? Caught a typo? Email me at mitch.moxley@gmail.com