Weekly Roundup #86 — How To Wear A Pinstripe Suit, My First Western Belt, Shoe Brand I’m Checking Out, Impact Of Tariff Changes, and more
How to wear a pinstripe suit by Ralph Lauren, my first western belt from Maximum Henry, checking out August Special, impact of tariffs on my favorite small brands, and a wrist check watch account
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I. How To Wear A Pinstripe Suit By Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren has been considered the GOAT of menswear for decades. You can literally buy their stuff from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, and almost all of it is still relevant to this day.
Their most recent collection, “Heritage Icons,” is another example of why the brand remains at the top of my list of places that every guy should shop at.
As part of the drop, they shared a short video on ways to wear a double-breasted pinstripe suit. I loved it. It’s aspirational. It’s sexy. It’s elegant. Not usually words you’d use to describe men’s clothing. Unless you’re Tom Ford.
While all of the different looks are fairly formal, I can see myself wearing something similar later on this year when visiting New York for a holiday party. Maybe dressing it down a little by wearing it with my knitted t-shirt from The Anthology.
It looks like most sizes are sold out at the moment, but that’s for the gray color, whereas the video description says “Polo Tailored Navy Pinstripe Suit,” so I expect a navy version to be online soon.
Source & Imagery: ralphlauren.com
II. Western Belt I Bought And Haven’t Taken Off
One area of menswear that’s relatively new to me is Western clothing. I’ve owned a few western shirts over the years, but that’s the closest I’ve ever ventured into the space.
I think I’ve always been afraid of looking a little too “costume-y,” which is easy to do with any type of clothing, but especially Western ones. The best examples of people wearing western pieces are ones where they incorporate them in a subtle way, either by wearing cowboy boots with otherwise casual outfits, or through accessories like a western belt.
So, after sharing some western belt recs back in February, I finally bought one, and it wasn’t on that original list.
I picked up the “Very Slim Western” belt in Black leather by Maximum Henry. You may have heard about the brand before from the likes of Jake Woolf and Albert Muzquiz.
What drew me to this one over the “Slim 3-Piece” was the more traditional shape of the belt buckle and tip. The Slim 3-Piece looked a bit too modern, and I liked the more classic look of the Very Slim Western. I could’ve done without the decorative pattern, but that’s something they don’t offer at the moment.
If you want to pick one up,
shared a 20% off link for his paid subscribers. He also shared a video explaining how often he’s worn his belt and how he’s paired it with a bunch of different fits, which has inspired me to try and do the same.Source & Imagery: maximumhenry.com
III. Shoe Brand I’m Interested In Checking Out
I’ve heard many good things about the shoe brand August Special from the likes of
in his newsletter, on this post from last year, Derek Guy on his blog, and Tim Marvin, who recently modeled for them. Everyone seems to love their shoes.As a long-time loafer fan, I’m intrigued.
While I enjoy loafers, I’ve been hesitant to try ones that look more like slippers, and August Special’s shoes lean heavily towards the slipper side of things. There’s a slight ruggedness to them, though, which shines through in their shape and construction. And everyone I know who’s owned a pair has shared how the shoes look great with workwear, denim, or vintage military fatigues.
The Augie Type-GP (featured above) looks beautiful. They’re Goodyear welted (which means they can be resoled) and are fully lined with a padded insole for cushioning. I love the chocolate brown suede. It makes these feel quite luxurious.
I’ve also heard they take multiple wears to break in, but then they’re buttery smooth afterwards.
I’ve recently started following the brand on Instagram (thanks again for following back!) and, they mentioned there will be new stuff landing on the site in the coming weeks.
I’m excited to see what they release. I’ve been a huge fan of my Alden Penny Loafers, so there’s a part of me that wishes there was a version of the Augie’s with a penny strap. Keeping my fingers crossed for now!
Source & Imagery: augustspecial.com
IV. The Upcoming Impact Of Tariffs On Some Of My Favorite Brands
Casatlantic and Natalino shared an update this week about the upcoming changes to prices starting on August 29. I expect many other small brands to follow suit by the end of the month.
More than likely, customers will start seeing price adjustments in person and online without an explanation. It seems we’ve reached a point globally where it’s assumed that prices will increase this year because of changes to tariffs.
made an excellent video talking about the impact of tariffs on his brand, 3sixteen, as well as other small fashion brands, sharing the following:“Somebody has to pay the costs. It’s going to be either the brand or it’s going to be passed down to the retailer, who then has to pass it down to the customer, or in some cases, it’s going to be a combination of both.”
As the tariff changes are finally solidifying, I’m worried, to say the least. I hate that brands and customers have to deal with this, because as a whole, this change doesn’t make anything better for anyone.
Source & Imagery: casatlantic.com
V. My Favorite Wrist Check Watch Account
“Wrist check” is a phrase fellow watch lovers know by heart.
It’s when you share what you’re wearing on your wrist, usually with a group of friends, to show off watches, jewelry—or some combination of both—and nerd out about what everyone’s wearing.
It’s one of my favorite things to do whenever hanging out with my friends (and former colleagues) at Hodinkee, attending menswear meetups, or checking out watch events like the Windup Watch Fair.
@watchyouwearin is an Instagram account that shares some of the most gorgeous wrist check images online.
Their photos are consistently stunning. The quality is what you’d find in professional studio photography. The lighting is always on point. And, every tiny watch detail is always captured. Sometimes the pictures almost look fake, which goes to show just how good each one is.
Their watch collection is one of the most extensive personal collections I’ve ever seen. And, I admit I’ve been envious of a time or two—especially of the watches with a green bezel or dial, like the latest one featured above.
It’s the latest Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a “Pistachio” dial. Or, as they put it, the “Matcha.” I believe it’s the 36mm. It looks fantastic on their wrist.
Source & Imagery: instagram.com/@watchyouwearin
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P.S. Feeling extremely grateful for everything this week—thanks again for all of your kind words, feedback, and continued support. 🙏
Appreciate you sharing. There are going to be difficult months ahead for sure!