For generations now, polo shirts have been the casual cornerstone of a classic warm weather wardrobe. While many, upon hearing “polo shirt” think of the brand “Polo ™,” in fact the first truly branded version was developed in 1927 for tennis legend Rene’ “The Alligator” Lacoste. Forerunners of what we now know as the modern…
“All the boys down at Yale wear navy blazers.” This was a variation of my mothers ongoing mantra of how the “boys at Yale” should guide one’s sartorial and cultural life. This also applied to haircuts, as Yalies apparently sported only crew cuts. Leaving aside the fact that her view of Yale life was frozen…
If there is any one style that best defines East Coast, Ivy League, or OTC’ “house look,” for that matter, it is that of the iconic college professor. When most people think of college professors, a singular image often comes to mind: tweed and corduroy, grey flannel, well-worn leather shoes, a beat-up satchel, and some…
If you love horses or just love equestrian style, Lavenham is a brand about which you either know or should know. This English company, based in the rolling fields of Sufolk, makes authentic quilted riding kit for both human and horse, and they do it better than pretty much anyone else. One reason for the…
There is little argument that the preppy ethos is grounded in East Coast, Ivy League culture. Khakis, polos, boat shoes, tote bags, and nautical gear are all foundational elements of this most American of fashions. “Classic” preppy, as it were, has spawned a variety of equally impactful offshoots. Southern preppy, for example, is a robustly…
Whenever we have the opportunity to meet a new brand and examine products carefully crafted by someone obsessed with expressing who they are, what they value, or perhaps how they see the world, we take our time to tell the story. There have been instances when when a few weeks or even a month or…
Here at Off the Cuff, we have the privilege of meeting some pretty extraordinary craftspeople. The one thing they all have in common is a deep-seated desire to be the best in their chosen field of expertise. Suits, shirts, khakis, denim, leather goods, footwear, handmade bags, ties, and even grooming supplies. We founded this site…
While familiarity may breed contempt, exclusivity can engender affinity, curiosity even. To wit, where Ralph Lauren may suffer the slings and arrows of ubiquity and accusations of wannabe-classism, clothing brands known to only a few often retain genuine affection and social pull. Such is the case with American clothing label, Boast. First, a botany lesson;…
Footwear is, literally, the foundation of your wardrobe. Well made shoes matter, both in terms of aesthetics and practicality. We have all had the experience of heading out in a new pair of oxfords, trainers, boots, or loafers, only to discover too late that they don’t fit well or have the wrong last; they pinch,…
Aran sweaters are classic winter wear for generations of Irish men and women. But do you know what makes them so special? Quill’s Woollen Market, a family run business established in 1938 and source of all things Irish, has created this handy graphic to answer all your pressing Aran questions.
