Even in London, I don’t see many dudes rocking this kind of garb. Long-length. Utilitarian overtones. Collarless. It’s called a ‘coverall’, which suggests workwear, but it’s far from that.
I do forget sometimes, just how niche the whole ‘Engineered Garments style’, loose-fitting, crumpled, long-line layering thing really is. I think I just assume (probably because I spend too much time gawping at images on Nepenthes, The Bureau and Strato) that all men buy into, crave and aspire to this nameless style. I am, of course, wrong. As soon as another knucklehead ’10 men’s style tips’ type article pops into my feed (the same regurgitated advice – “make sure things fit“, “buy simple navy sweaters“) I’m reminded how wrong I am. While there’s an audience that needs to be told bootcut jeans don’t look very good, this nameless style will remain niche. Which is probably for the best.
Anyway, this is from orSlow (Japanese through an American workwear lens) and does a damn good job of looking suitably bonk-bonk. Hanging down to the thigh, it’s a mix of wool and linen, a bit plain, a bit check, with a couple of pockets lobbed on for good measure. It’s on the 320 quid side of things, but I think worn under a casual blazer or the kind of utilitarian vests Engineered Garments and Arpenteur excel at, we’re talking significantly on-point garb.
I can’t imagine the writers of ‘top 10 generic style rules all men must follow’ articles would approve. Which as far as I’m concerned makes it all the more worthwhile.