More often than not, the most stylish designs are those with a truly timeless character. Combine such classic design with an investment in high quality garments, and your clothing will be able to be passed down through generations.
Text: Mikael Vallin
Photo: Ted Olsson
Published
2021-11-02
There is something special about wearing something inherited, perhaps a garment that you fondly associate with an older relative. Tweed blazers, overcoats, watches, and pens are just some examples of items that are often passed down from one generation to another. By investing in eternal classics, built to last in terms of both quality and style, you not only have something that will bring you joy for many years, but also something that can bring joy to the next generation – perhaps the best possible example of truly sustainable consumption.
The Watch
A watch is among those items in a man’s wardrobe that are most often passed down to the next generation. A classic and high-calibre mechanical watch is one of the most stylish things a well-dressed man can wear.
The Overcoat
An overcoat is the true cornerstone of a man’s autumn and spring wardrobe. With the right cut, model, colour, and fabric, your coat, and your style with it, will become a much-loved heirloom.
The Footwear
Even high-quality footwear can be passed down. Even if such shoes tend to adapt to the wearer’s foot, a pair of well-made leather shoes can, with the right heir, bring joy to generation after generation. This is particularly true if the original owner has a well-appointed and sizeable shoe collection with no one pair being especially overused.
The Blazer
With the right cut, a high-quality blazer will never go out of style. Navy-blues, greys and browns are the best colours when it comes to timeless versatility, with the first being a particularly good choice.
The Pen
Treat it right, and a well-made pen has a real chance of being passed down through countless generations. Given the special connection to its original owner, using an inherited pen can quickly become something of a ritual on particularly important occasions.
The Trench Coat
The trench coat was originally developed for British soldiers during WWI, to keep them dry through months of pouring rain. Over time, it became an integral part of any well-dressed man’s wardrobe, working as both a raincoat and overcoat – the obvious choice for the man who wants to remain both dry and stylish when the heavens open.
The Peccary Glove
Peccary leather is a material that looks better and better the more it is used, and peccary gloves in particular are nigh on indestructible, making them a rather inexpensive investment in relation to how many years you will be able to wear them. This gives them the potential to be another item that can be appreciated by future generations.
The Suit
A timeless suit is the heart of any well-appointed wardrobe. Aspects such as length, lapel width, buttoning, and vent placement may vary according to current trends, but with the more timeless models, these variations tend to stay within very strict limits. The important thing here is to not confuse ‘trendy’ with ‘stylish’.
The Umbrella
An inherited umbrella is one of the most prestigious, yet underrated, indicators of good style. In addition, an umbrella is a practical and elegant companion for your daily commute. We recommend choosing a model with a canopy colour that harmonises well with the rest of your wardrobe.
The Cardigan
High-quality, heavy-knit cardigans often age beautifully. If they begin to look worn, for example around the elbow, this can be fixed with the addition of a patch in suede or thick fabric, something which is not only functional but also adds a stylish detail.
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