Portugal has long been a go-to destination for manufacturing clothing. The country is synonymous with high-quality leather and suede as well as family-run factories that provide artisanal craftsmanship under fair conditions. Recent years have seen a new development for the country, too. Not only does Portugal act as home for some of the best factories in the world, it’s also the site of one of the most exciting, fast-growing clothing scenes in Europe. It feels like every day we discover a new Portuguese menswear brand doing its thing, designing high-quality, minimal menswear with a focus on craftsmanship. To prove this point, we thought we’d showcase two of our favourite labels of the moment: ISTO.’s understated collection of men’s work jackets, premium Oxford shirts and more hopes to alter the way that we view the fashion calendar. JAK Shoes is an independent footwear brand that offers smart leather trainers for men that centre around materials and fair production.
ISTO.
ISTO. was founded by three friends who, disillusioned by the fashion industry, were searching for another option. Pedro, Pedro and Vasco love the world of men’s style, but the growing disparity between quality and price as well as the unsustainable purchase behaviour enforced by the traditional fashion calendar pushed them to find another way.
Starting an independent menswear label, the men behind ISTO. are free from industry constraints, investors and the frantic demands set by the fashion calendar. From men’s slim-fit chinos to crewneck sweatshirts and traditional workers jackets, everything with the ISTO. label is made transparently, meaning you can see exactly what you’re paying for.
Key pieces:
ISTO. Work Jacket
Made in Guimarães, Portugal, this men’s workwear jacket will always be a key piece when it comes to spring jackets for men. A lightweight work jacket can be worn as a top layer on fairer days or a stylish mid layer when the crisp weather calls for a woollen overcoat. Cut from organic cotton and featuring sustainable corozo buttons, this men’s chore jacket will fit in with your growing collection of eco-friendly clothing.
ISTO. Corduroy Trousers
Crafted from fabric milled in Vaprio d’Adda, Italy, these men’s corduroy trousers are manufactured in Lisbon. When it comes to cords, we love heavyweight corduroy trousers and, weighing in at 360gsm, ISTO. has certainly piqued our attention.
JAK Shoes
JAK Shoes has been alive since 2014 when Isabel and José Maria decided to manifest their belief that slow fashion and lasting products beat instant, disposable gratification. The result is a collection of premium leather sneakers that meld function and style.
Key pieces:
JAK Shoes Atom All White
The JAK Shoes Atom is arguably the most memorable model developed by the Portuguese brand. This white leather low-top sneaker is the epitome of minimal luxury. Full-grain calf leather uppers combine with a full leather lining and leather midsoles for a refined but ultra-comfortable finish.
JAK Shoes Royal Hi NZ
Characterised by smooth, minimal uppers, JAK Shoes’ Royal Hi NZ is one of the sleekest black leather high-top sneakers on the market. The style is designed and handcrafted in Portugal and features supple, full-grain calf leather uppers, a full leather lining and natural cotton laces – like all of JAK men’s smart leather trainers, this pair is built to last.
Shop all men's premium leather sneakers at OPUMO.
While Portugal does its thing, there's a lot happening in Britain too. Discover the British brands that you should know.
