The Khaki King is a tough as nails, battle-born SOB fed solely on a diet of American grit and Swiss precision, but the true measure of any watch’s worth lies in its ability to turn the act of wasting time into a spectator sport.
All in Style
Off the Rail #6: The Andersen-Andersen Beanie
There are few things more divisive than the teeny tiny beanie. It confounds, confuses, beguiles and angers in equal measure.
Off the Rail #4: The Vans Slip-on
Now, I’m not about to hit you with the I-was-into-Vans-before-they-were-cool bullshit, for the simple fact that a) I’m not old enough to back said bullshit up and b) they never weren’t cool.
Off the Rail #3: The Schott Perfecto
There’s just the right amount of self-aware irony that goes along with wearing a biker jacket. And so there should be. If you’re not toying with those cultural overlaps and stylistic ironies in your regular wardrobe rotation then, frankly, you’re not having any fun at all. And if it ain’t any fun then what, my friends, is the point?
Below the Belt #8: Wesley Scott, 3sixteen
Since 2003, 3sixteen has navigated the intersection between streetwear and heritage wear with a style and ease both enviable and inimitable. It has done so by adhering to one, guiding principle: producing garments that - with time and wear - become well-aged but never old.
Below the Belt #7: Christopher Åkesson, Meadow
Over the last 12 years, Christopher has not only managed to edit a mighty fine collection of heritage-laden heavy hitters, he’s done so without ever losing sight of Meadow’s core identity or philosophy.
Below the Belt #6: Sean Hughes, Threadbare Repairs
With the help of his vintage Seiko machine, Sean of Threadbare Repairs can fix up the most beat up, broken down and blown out denim you can throw at him. He also knows a thing or two on how to wear ‘em, too.
Below the Belt #5: Fahmy Ismail, Kerbside&Co.
And aside from making a mean ol’ jean, Fam also happens to have a pretty impeccable taste in music. So sit back, throw on the oh-so-soothing sounds of a little post-hardcore, and check out Fam’s ‘Below the Belt’ ruminations.
Below the Belt #4: Blackhorse Lane Ateliers
Having opened its workshop doors in 2015 (in a 1920s factory building in Walthamstow, no less), BLA has quickly become a point of reference for the style-forward and the craft-minded alike.
Below the Belt #3: Danny Hodgson, Rivet & Hide
Having taken Rivet & Hide from online store to bona fide brick and mortar, it’s safe to say that founder Danny Hodgson knows a thing or two on the subject of selvedge. That he happens to be one of the nicest guys in the business is just a bonus.
Below the Belt #2: Adam Cameron, The Workers Club
Adam Cameron, Co-founder of The Workers Club, has some pretty interesting insights on the subject of selvedge denim. So read on, why don’t you? You might even learn a thing or two.
Below the Belt #1: Ben Neuhaus, Snake Oil Provisions
Speaking to those who know a thing or two about a thing or two on the question of quality denim.
Off the Rail #0
An overdue word of introduction and a warning on the myriad woes of literal and metaphorical bullshit.
Off the Rail #2: Studio D’Artisan Relaxed Tapers
For the longest time, fit was an overlooked factor in my search for new denim. The selvedge stomping ground was - and still is - awash in a sea of visual and tactile showmanship and spectacle; a warp-to-weft witchcraft so expertly woven that I’d often forget I was supposed to wear the jeans I bought, not frame them.
Off the Rail #1: The Type 3s Ecru Denim Jacket from 3sixteen
Wearing a white denim jacket makes every cup of coffee, every glass of red wine, and every welcome home wrestling match with your dog an act of absurdity, an outright affront to rule and reason.