Global pandemic or not, we’ve reached a new season and that’s something to be proud of. Spring is (usually) a time of change - the weather gets warmer and our wardrobes get lighter as a result.
So while we may have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible, why not use this time to up your menswear game and invest in pieces that will take you all the way through to summer?
To help you on your way, here are ten investments - from accessories to overshirts - that’ll help shake things up, forming the basis of your spring wardrobe and beyond.
Accessories
VIU The Brash
’Tis the season of statement sunglasses for men. Venture out of your square-lens-sunglasses comfort zone and give The Brash a try. This pair of acetate sunglasses features a super anti-reflective, anti-scratch lens as well as high-end nano coatings to repel water and dirt. Full UV protection means they’re good for your eyes, too.
Utility Archive Arc Utility Pack 4L Clay
When the sun’s out, so are we (normally, though not under current circumstances). Utility Archive’s Arc Utility Pack 4L is the ideal men’s shoulder bag for trips to pubs, parks and parties alike. The versatile cross-body bag has become a menswear staple over the last couple of years - this one features an articulated strap that allows for comfortable transition between hip or cross-body positions.
Footwear
ETQ Amsterdam LT 03
If you don’t have a pair of white leather sneakers for spring and summer, it’s time to get a move on. Luckily, you needn’t look any further than the ETQ Amsterdam LT 03. This luxurious interpretation of classic court sneakers features a premium nappa leather upper, layered insole and nylon laces. A TPU outsole ensures that this style stands the test of time as well as being one of the most comfortable menswear pieces on the market.
JAK Shoes Nova Off White
JAK Shoes was founded in 2014 and is yet to be knocked off the top spot for most original minimal sneaker design. The Nova model features a minimal leather upper crafted from nubuck leather, making for a subtle statement at the bottom of any outfit. A slim silhouette means that it’s as easily styled with chinos as it is a pair of shorts.
G.H. Bass & Co. Easy Weejuns Larson Penny Loafer
Winter’s not a good season for penny loafers, autumn is a little bit better but spring is the real loafer season. Not too hot for leather, but not too cold for a slightly exposed sock. When it comes to men's leather loafers there isn’t much point in looking anywhere other than G.H. Bass & Co., especially the Larson Penny Loafer. This menswear classic has been around for almost a century and it’s still the world’s favourite.
Clothing
ASKET T-Shirt
If there’s one essential menswear item for spring – or any season for that matter – it’s the men’s plain T-shirt. It seems simple, but the perfect men’s crewneck T-shirt is hard to find and once you’ve found it, hold on to it. We found it at ASKET. This plain men’s T-shirt is cut from premium heavyweight Egyptian cotton, making it durable and unimaginably comfortable.
Percival Worker Jacket
We think that the trickiest part of the spring wardrobe is outerwear. The transitional weather calls for transitional men’s jackets and Percival’s Worker Jacket has caught our eye. This men’s chore coat features two patch pockets to the waist and one to the chest as can be expected of the classic worker’s jacket. Luxurious twists like a soft corduroy collar trim give this piece a contemporary update.
Flax London Railway Jacket
Flax London shows the power of finding your niche and living it, rather than trying to do it all. A love of the ancient material sees Flax London dealing only in premium linen shirts and jackets. This spring we’re basing our wardrobe around the Flax London Light Green Railway Jacket. Made from 100% Irish linen, this unlined linen jacket is warm, breathable, durable and perfectly coloured for the lighter days.
Nikben I Was In The Pool Shirt
This short-sleeve cuban collar shirt is one for spring and summer. Nikben’s sun-drenched style instantly transports us to the beach or, in this case, the pool. The I Was In The Pool Shirt is crafted from 100% viscose, a super-lightweight material with similar properties to silk. During spring, layer this men’s camp collar shirt over a white T-shirt.
Bonus Piece
Banzai Skateboards Ghost Skateboard
So it's not something you can actually wear, but a skateboard could be one of the best ways to travel this spring. One of the original skating brands, Banzai Skateboards grew to popularity in the ‘70s thanks to its groundbreaking anodised aluminium skateboards that featured the world’s first double kicktails. Now, in 2020, the brand has been revived to the relief of collectors, skaters and design lovers alike. Whether you’re nipping out to the shop or meeting friends in the park, this spring and summer you roll through on a Banzai Skateboard.
Stay up to date with spring's newest arrivals at OPUMO.
We took our pick of the best transitional clothing for men this spring.
