The appreciation for detail has become a valuable commodity in menswear, yet details are often reserved for more intricate elements of an outfit, namely shoes, accessories and outerwear. However, London-based brand L’Estrange are challenging the conventions of both details and outerwear through their signature ‘Hood’.
Born out of the desire to create the perfect version of the hoodie, with the vision to ‘produce luxurious garments that are comfortable, stylish and easy to wear’, the brand has grown to create the ‘Hood’ – a smart, sophisticated hooded sweatshirt that strikes the perfect balance of style quality and fit.
Though you may have craved for a versatile, smarter alternative to your trusted hoody, the same problem remains; How, Where and When is the most appropriate occasion to style up the hood? Representing this, we have compiled a L’Estrange London details guide to ensure you know the best silhouette and style to suit you.
A ‘smart casual’ hybrid, the Navy Marmi Stripe Hood Jacket is an extremely versatile piece of outerwear. The fundamentals of the traditional hoodie aesthetic ensure the jacket can be interpreted in more casual climes, teamed with a staple YMC White Pocket T-Shirt and Black Jeans from Han Kjobenhavn. Yet the suit inspired detailing of the Marmi Hood makes the jacket more suited to the ‘smart’ classification. The tailored details, including breast pocket and pocket square, front flap pockets, suit cut internal pockets and luxury high shine Italian zips offer a refined alternative to knitwear or a tailored jacket. Match up with a clean white shirt, namely the Oliver Spencer Barrington White Eton Collar Shirt, and Edwin ED-80 Black Rinse Jeans or YMC Grey Slim Fit Wool Trousers layered underneath a Navy Double Breasted Overcoat from YMC.
Green Chinese Dessert Print Hoodie
Lined with a traditional Chinese Desert Print, this men’s hoodie from L’Estrange represents a sophisticated statement style. The details remain similar to the Hood Jacket, with the soft green cotton jersey fabric complimented with a full lawn cotton lining, five pocket construction and premium Italian zippers. The Dessert Print Hoodie should be matched with subtle staple pieces, such as a Grey Silk Waffle T-Shirt from MKI and a one-colour sneaker like the White Original Achilles Low Common Projects. In doing, the clean, neutral colour palette averts attention to the details of the hood, which should remain the focus of the outfit- especially when dressed for more formal occasions.
The versatility of the Hoodie lies in the layering opportunities that it brings. So often seen to possess a secret formula, the art of layering simply lies in blending shades, styles and lengths so your choice of clothing provides functionality and comfort. Which is precisely what the Navy Japanese Cross Hoodie supplies. Complete with the sophisticated details of the L’Estrange Hood; simple ticket pocket, luxury Italian zippers and soft-cotton construction, the Japanese Cross Hoodie remains entirely unique courtesy of the diamond design etched in the hood. The subtlest style in the L’Estrange collection, the Japanese Cross Hoodie is best layered over a plain t-shirt, like the Folk Charcoal Grey Fleck T-Shirt, and underneath an overcoat, such as the Wood Wood Navy Wool Overcoat. Affording you the luxury of removing the overcoat and still remaining warm, comfortable and cultured. For more layering tips, check out Edit #23 – The Guide to Layering over on the magazine.
Shop L’Estrange online now at OPUMO.
