There is no shortage of timeless garments with roots in America, with everything from Western denim to the East Coast academics? Oxford Shirt to collect inspiration from. We have therefore chosen ten of our favourites from the country across the pond.
Ever since Levi’s launched their first pair of blue jeans, the USA have continued to produce iconic garments ever since, owing to Hollywood and New York’s grip around our modern culture and art world. We have chosen to pick ten timeless garment favourites we associate with the American culture and its flag-bearers.
Jeans – Levi’s Original
It is impossible to talk about American clothes without naming jeans. This garment has been a part of the American culture since Levi’s made the world’s first blue jeans in 1873. The style and fit have gone through a fair amount of changes since then, but if you want to own a pair of jeans, then a pair of straight fitting Levi’s 501s, inspired by the originals are perfect.
Polo Shirt – The Icon from Polo Ralph Lauren
The polo shirt from Ralph Lauren has the same iconic status as the Levi’s 501s. Ever since its launch in 1972 the polo shirt has taken an obvious place in the preppy style and is today part of countless men's summer wardrobes.
Bag – Quality from Filson
A duffle bag works in anyone’s wardrobe, and Filson have made some of the market’s best and durable bags for over 100 years. You can easily use this bag for decades as the thick canvas fabric will only get better with time.
Boots - Moc Toe Boots from Red Wing
Red Wings Moc Toe Boots were designed to handle everything from forestry to working in the mines. They are known for their slightly “boxy” silhouette, thick outsole and the robust design has made the boots into a modern classic, still handmade in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Linen Shirt – The Ultimate Summer Garment
The linen shirt is as closely associated with the summer months as is possible, with thoughts of the warmth and sunshine coming to mind. Yet another time have Ralph Lauren shown that they are the masters of the base garment.
Sunglasses – Ray Ban Clubmasters
With its roots from the United States Air Force, Ray Ban are most known for their Aviator and Wayfarer models. Their most versatile model is the Clubmasters that with its strong frame and gold detailed metal are a more casual look than the above named models. A clearly timeless design that will be always be stylish.
Button Down Shirt – An Updated Classic from Thom Browne
When Thom Browne launched their slim and shortened suits during the 2000s, he revolutionised the man’s silhouette. An important part of this style is the button down shirt, in which it was the base of many of his most well-known styles, cementing its position in this American garment tradition list.
Sweatshirt – Craftsmanship from RRL
It is difficult to find anything more American than RRL: a brand that collects a lot of its inspiration directly from the old west and the work wear that helped to build up the country’s identity. We have chosen to bring a few of their classic sweatshirts into the limelight. A garment that was invented in the 1920s and has retained its popularity ever since.
Chinos – A Tradition from Ralph Lauren
Chinos came into existence as a part of the United States Military uniform on the Philippines during the late 1800s. Some decades later the chinos made their way to the civilian wardrobe and quickly became a garment that defines the Ivy style in the East Coast’s prestigious colleges. Over the past couple of years the Ivy style has seen a boom, which makes chinos just as popular today as they were over one hundred years ago.
Denim Jacket - Trucker Jacket from Levi's
Because we began with jeans, we must finish with the denim jacket. Once again we have chosen a garment from Levi’s. Their Type III, also known as “the trucker jacket”, the design that is the original denim jacket.