We couldn’t do Put This On without the support of our sponsors. So, twice a month, we like to give them a special shoutout. Doing so allows us to recognize them for their support, as well as update readers on our sponsors’ latest happenings.
As many states across the US have started mandating people wear masks when in public, hundreds of businesses have retooled thier workshops and factories to supply those masks. Last week, we wrote a guide on how to tell which mask is right for you. Well, this week, one of our sponsors, Proper Cloth, has come out with their version.
Proper Cloth’s design features all sorts of details that you may not get from other masks. For one, they have a three-layer system that involves a polypropylene filter in the middle, which is sandwiched between two layers of anti-microbial cotton shirting fabric. The filter is better at catching tiny particles, but it’s not always easy to find or include when you’re primarily shopping for homemade masks. Importantly, Proper Cloth’s masks have a moldable metal nose piece at the top for a protective air-seal. This helps secure it closer to your face, whereas other masks leave gaping holes between your nose and cheekbones. Lastly, Proper Cloth’s masks are made with easy-to-secure elastic straps, a rounded silhouette, and two side pleats for a comfortable fit from the cheek to the nose.
With every purchase, Proper Cloth is donating a mask to local healthcare workers and others on the front lines. You can find their masks on thier website.
Chipp Neckwear is the most affordable source anywhere for custom neckties. They’re an old Ivy era clothier with their own workshop in New York City. Back in the day, they dressed everyone from President JFK to Andy Warhol to Joe Dimaggio. Since they have their own workroom, they can adjust any of their ties for a small $10 surcharge. Deviation from their standard stock ties can be handled by ordering one of their 60″ or 62″ ties on their site and then leaving a note in the comment section. For example, you can say you want a tie that’s 58″ long and 3.5″ wide, or something a little longer and narrower. Generally speaking, you want the length to be long enough so that the tip of your tie hits your belt when worn (and the back blade no shorter than 2″ away from the front blade’s tip). The width of your tie should then be in the general proximity of the width of your lapels (say, within a quarter of an inch). Production time for custom ties is two to three weeks.
Along with their wide range of grenadines, which are made from the same Italian silks used by their competitors, they also have some slubby Matka ties designed for summer. The rust one, pictured above, can be worn with more casual suits and sport coats in linen, cotton, and tropical wool. Like textured wool ties in the fall, they help add a bit of visual interest to a tailored outfit.
Every month, Dapper Classics runs a “sock of the month” promotion, where you get a free pair of socks for every three pairs you purchase at full price. This month, the promotion is for the subtle, blue birdseye pattern you see above. The nice thing about solid colored socks, of course, is that they go with everything. Louder, more boldly patterned socks can be fun for weekends and social gatherings but may be inappropriate for conservative offices. For something in between, you can go for a discretely patterned sock such as the one you see above. Being navy, they’ll go with anything — navy suits, grey flannels, and tan chinos. But with a subtle pattern in there, you get a bit more visual interest.
Dapper Classics’ socks are knitted in the USA at a third-generation, family-owned mill. These particular socks are made from mercerized cotton, which is a very fine, slightly silky yarn. Dapper Classics knits them with a 200 needle-count machine, so they’re luxuriously smooth. Then they hand-link the toes point-by-point, so you don’t get that bumpy toe seam. If you’re looking for other socks to fill up your cart and meet that three-sock minimum this month, check out these patriotic American flag socks. They’re perfect for the election year.
NYC brand Rowing Blazers has started producing masks in its workshop in Manhattan’s Garment District, using leftover scraps of blazer, suiting, and shirt fabric. “Since the magnitude of this global crisis became clear, we’ve been doing everything we can both to protect our workers and our own small business, as well as give to those in need,” says Rowing Blazers founder Jack Carlson. “We’ve wanted to make masks for several weeks now, but logistical, health, and safety considerations prevented us from doing so until now. So instead we made a donation to Save The Children, and earlier this week we joined Brands x Better — a coalition of brands united in an effort to give back to those affected by COVID-19 (now through May 1, we’re donating 10% of proceeds from all online orders to Direct Relief). But making these masks is the most exciting step we’ve been able to take. We are donating some directly to workers at NYC’s Food Bank, and the rest are available on our site now.”
Rowing Blazers has undertaken other efforts to upcycle scraps of unused fabric in the past — using small pieces of “wastage” that would normally be thrown away after a production run to produce its American-made “End-of-the-Day” rugby shirt program. “I’ve always been a big advocate of using the leftover scraps of fabric from anything we make,” says Rowing Blazers founder Jack Carlson. “As someone who came into this industry from a completely different world (sport and academia), I was horrified to see how much waste the industry produces. So as soon as we had the green light to start making masks, I knew exactly what we were going to do.”
Rowing Blazer’s masks are made in New York and available in madras patchwork, Gordon and Black Watch tartan, Italian wide wale corduroy, Japanese Oxford shirting, club and rugby stripes, seersucker, and the brand’s signature croquet stripe. You can find them on their website.
Every Thursday, our sponsor LuxeSwap throws up hundreds of new auctions on eBay. They last for ten days, which means the gavel sounds two Sundays later. Matthew at LuxeSwap is a seasoned vintage hunter and knows a ton about quality clothing. Since he only puts up quality items, it can take a while to wade through all his auctions every week. If you’re looking for a shortcut, here’s a hint: do a search for “#1 MENSWEAR.” That will pull up the best-of-the-best.
This week, he has a whole collection of Sam Hober ties, which are handmade by one of the best tiemakers in the world. Included are some navy- and silver-colored grenadines, which are often perfect for special occasions such as weddings. Not to be missed are also the shell cordovan Alden loafers, navy Suitsupply suit, suede Carmina boots, Taylor Stitch chore coat, G. Inglese knitted shirt, waxed cotton Barbour, and McGeorge turtlenecks. For boots that feel like bedroom slippers, check out the unlined Alden chukkas, which are built on an oiled flex sole. Those can be worn with everything from raw denim jeans to grey flannel trousers.
