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…
Things that never go out of fashion often seem to have a common thread. Sometimes it’s design or construction, maybe function or literal functionality. However, the one thing that tends to win out in the long run is utility. If something retains an ability to do its job over time, it will likely become a…
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…
Let’s get this out of the way: Lee Johnson knows how to make shorts. While the brand he founded, OLD BULL LEE, has expanded its offerings to include shirts and a hat or two, Lee is a devote of shorts. Perhaps its living in Southern California or his On-The-Road bohemian philosopher bent; hence the “Old…
Few brands are able to instantly create a market space that seems to have always been there for them. Although new, these objects feel well worn and established. Daniel Wellington is one such brand; it’s a relatively new preppy inspired watch company that feels as though it’s been around forever. We all know the look;…
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…
Some things just say summer: sweet tea; old, faded Nantucket Reds; a seersucker suit and Panama hat; and to us, a nice pair of neutral suede correspondent shoes. Also referred to as spectator and co-respondent shoes, these classic warm weather brogues are both a throwback to the golden years of menswear – generally given to…
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…
Finding a special gift for the holidays can often be a challenge. Mother’s Day doubly so. Of course, OTC is a site dedicated to menswear and the many facets of everyday style, carryology, and accoutrement. But, we all know that for many men gift giving for something as pressure-filled as Mother’s Day is particularly stressful.…
Belts can be the bane of your existence or a signature style element of your daily wardrobe. It all comes down to fit and too often that fit is exactly, just not right. Either too loose or too tight, the traditional belt design based on pre-punched holes can be quite limiting. Enter Beltology. These clever…
