Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Vuori Activewear – A New Perspective on Performance Activewear

Has your lifestyle changed since the pandemic and become more active? Stop in the store today and lets us show you the finest perspective on performance activewear we have ever seen. Vuori Performance Apparel is built to move & sweat in, yet styled for your everyday life. Vuori Founder Joe Kudla describes the Vuori collection as “activewear that doesn’t look like activewear”.

A New Perspective on Performance ActiveWear

The collection is inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle; an integration of fitness, surf, sport, and art. Vuori’s athletic clothing is lightweight, comfortable, and stylish, letting you seamlessly shift from loungewear to active wear with just a few pieces. Each piece is functionally built with durable performance material to withstand the toughest workouts, but designed with next-level comfort top of mind and a more casual aesthetic that effortlessly transitions into everyday life. The collection includes pullovers, hoodies, tees, shorts and joggers that will soon become your favorites.

AG Jeans

We are pleased to introduce AG Jeans to Coffman’s! AG, short for Adriano Goldschmind, was founded in 2000 in Los Angeles. AG is a unique brand for its focus solely on denim and jeans!

There’s a few key reasons we like them. First, all they do is denim. Too often brands tack on a pair of jeans to their line as an afterthought, part of a bigger collection. For AG denim is what they do—it always has been. They are an authentic denim company.

We also like how they listen to their customers and the market to make improvements to their products. They make jeans people want to wear and feels incredible! It has a little stretch (not too much) so it feels great sitting down or moving around.

We also like how it works with our customers and the new lifestyles we find ourselves living. It works perfectly with a great sweater, tee shirt, or woven. Swing by and check it out, you’ll be glad you did!

How to clean your closet during quarantine!

Given the events of the last few weeks we all have a lot more time on our hands. We all want to remain productive and something we should all do is clean out our closets. Having cleaned mine out earlier this week I wanted to share my tips and process for getting your closet in the best shape it’s been in, in years.

Doesn’t matter what it is—get it out and in one central location. For me that was the middle of my bedroom on the floor. First, it’s easier to look at and make decisions outside the confides of a closet; two, once something is out it’s harder to put back. We all have things in our closet (me included) that we know we should get rid of, but for whatever reason don’t. Once everything is out, we can start separating everything into different piles.

First pile is items you haven’t worn in over a year. Time for them to go. If you haven’t worn them in a year, chances are you never will. Don’t overthink it and don’t let clothes you probably won’t ever wear again clutter an otherwise clean closet. If it’s still in good shape donate it, otherwise junk it.

Second pile are items that are no longer in good repair. Frayed shirts, little pinholes, or yellowing around the collars. Keep a pair of work pants (I cut up my old shirts and use the cloth to polish my shoes) but those clothes better off out of your closet than in it. Don’t hang on to or wear something that doesn’t look good.

Finally, you have to get rid of stuff that is no longer is in style, fits, or looks good. Generally, a good rule of thumb is: if you have to ask it’s time to go. If you want an expert opinion reach out to us and we’ll be happy to advise. Old mixed with new is not a good look either. It looks like attention was paid only to part of the outfit. It’s always obvious.

What your left with is your cleaned-up wardrobe. Those items can go back in the closet. Tailored clothing should be hung on wide shoulder hangers to protect the structure, shirts and pants should be hung, and knitwear folded. Make sure not to cram everything in. Give your clothes space to hang freely. They’ll look better and stay in better shape. And protect them from moth holes.

Stay productive and you’ll stay sane. Spend an afternoon cleaning out your closet—you’ll be happy you did.

Will Franklin

Everything has a Story!

I’m sure if you have ever walked into Coffman’s Men’s Wear you have been greeted by all of the old and interesting curiosities that decorate the store. Unlike more manufactured men’s retail environments, every bit of decor in our store has a story. Many of them are from Europe. A remembrance of Mr. George Coffman’s 70+ trips there.

There are a great many suitcases in Coffman’s. All of varying sizes and age. What better to merchandise clothing than something we put clothing in? A special one for the store is Mr. Coffman’s own old Hartman Knockabout. Monogrammed and well-worn it tells a story through its patina and scratches. While we can’t travel right now, we’re looking forward to the days when we can. Hartman was the big brand back in the day for luggage.

 

 

Nowadays we carry Briggs and Riley. Monogram-able, better with age, and a lifetime warranty, it’s something you know you’ll have for the rest of your life.

 

 

Many have also seen the Tin Man. A suit of armor that was brought back from Europe many years ago. It is, indeed, a real suit of armor with a real sword!

 

 

A modern-day suit of armor would almost certainly have a Canali blazer in it. Crafted out of a crisp, blue hopsack wool, it won’t wrinkle and has hand work in critical points. This makes for a blazer that only gets better the more you wear it. It’s easy decision when suiting up in the boardroom.

 

 

Finally, we still have Mr. Coffman’s typewriter. It doesn’t get much use anymore, but it reminds us to be intentional about how we communicate with the people around us.

 

 

We still write, by hand, thank you notes; and always try to be the best part of another person’s day. For these reasons, we still enjoy print media. With social media pulling our attention from all different angles we enjoy the escape of a good book or magazine. We love WM Brown. We think it’s a gold mine of clothing, recipes, and life. It’s one of several print publications we have in the shop.

 

 

We’d love to show you any of these artifacts or any of the merchandise next time you’re in the store!

The Coffman’s Team

What to Wear While Working from Home

With the capabilities of video conferencing, gone are the days when you could call into to a meeting with your phone and leave what you’re wearing to the imagination. With services like Zoom, colleagues will see you and notice how you’re dressed. It’s important to stay professional and comfortable, and above all else create a routine during the quarantine.

Knitwear is your friend. It’s easy to wear and feels great. Sweaters were the original lounge-wear long before sweatpants and hoodies. However, unlike sweatpants and hoodies, sweaters can be made to look professional. I have a cardigan I like to throw on over my shirt. Having something cover my shoulders while working just feels right to me. I typically wear a sport coat or suit and wearing something like a jacket while working from home puts me in the mindset of “it’s time to get work done.”

Wear a pant you need a belt with. Jeans, khakis, or wool trousers all work fine so long as they have some structure. Did your mother ever tell you that you are what you eat? Same is true with the clothes you wear. If you wear sweatpants, you’ll feel like sweatpants. That’s fine for loafing about, but when it’s time to work, you can do better. Putting on a pant with structure puts the wearer in the right frame of mind to get work done! And hey, as soon as you’re finished with work, switch back into the sweatpants.

Finally, wear a shirt that goes one step above lounging around. If you typically wear a t-shirt, wear a polo; if you wear a polo, wear a button-down. Little elevations do a lot to put you in the right mindset and build a routine.

No one should expect anyone to wear a suit and tie while working from home. Just wear something different than what you’d wear when you’re just lounging around. Working from home is a tough adjustment for most of us. Keeping a routine and creating ways to separate work from play will help us a lot as we navigate through this. Do yourself a favor and pay attention to how you’re dressing working from home. Follow these suggestions and it may help your life become a little easier in a very difficult time.

Will Franklin

Stantt Shirts

99 Sizes! One Perfect Fit!

With the goal of becoming the middle ground between custom shirts and off-the-rack shirts, Stantt co-founders Kirk Keel and Matt Hornbuckle left their corporate marketing jobs and went to work on developing a line of shirts with a comprehensive sizing structure at off-the-rack prices.

Using nearly 200,000 measurements and millions of data points from 3D body scans, the co-founders created an algorithm that matches every man to one of 99 unique sizes using just three measurements from your chest, waist and sleeve length. They discovered 99 sizes that fit roughly 95 percent of the male population perfectly, where as traditional S/M/L sizing fits about 15 percent of men.

The entire process of being measured and fitted is extremely easy. Once the three measurements are taken, your measurements are plugged it into their algorithm and then matched to one of their 99 sizes. You then can try the shirt on in the store to make sure you love how it fits. Once you find a shirt you like the fit, you just choose the fabric, collar, and cuff. After this is done we send in the order and the shirts are made and delivered in 10 to 14 days.

Stop by today to and let us make your perfect shirt.

Canali…Made in Italy!

MADE IN ITALY

Since 1934, Canali has been synonymous with quality and excellence in the creation of Suits and Sport Coats that combine craftsmanship and Made in Italy elegance.

For Canali, Made in Italy is not just a label, but the result of a longstanding tradition that interweaves culture and history, style and taste, a quest for excellence and respect for professionalism, quality and reliability. It is for this reason that all of our garments are produced by Canali-owned production centers throughout Italy, each specialized in the creation of specific product categories. This ensures perfection in every garment, made carefully by highly skilled craftsmen with a taste for the tradition of fine tailoring and premium quality.

All of the best fabrics and materials that are used for the interiors, linings and buttons of a Canali Suit or Sport Coat, and it is an Italian who designs, cuts and sews it. An artisanal spirit brings together leading edge technology and sophisticated manual skills, the result of sartorial experience and long, continuous training courses that are carried out within the company.  Click here 200 Steps to watch the steps, detail, care, attention, and also, love that is put into making a Canali Garment.

 

Get ready for Fall with The Barbour Collection

Since 1894 in South Shields, England, Barbour Ltd has been making its classic wax jackets. Today the 5th generation family business remains true to its core values as a family business which espouses the unique values of the British Countryside and brings the qualities of wit, grit and glamour to its beautifully functional clothing.

Barbour’s most famous waxed jackets – the Bedale, Beaufort and Beadnell, are a part of the Barbour originals collections and are all available in our store. Made for the practicalities of country living, these British legends are timeless, traditional and tough, with iconic looks that have made them popular with royalty and rock stars alike. Today, Barbour has broadening out from its country wear roots, and it produces clothing that is designed for a full lifestyle wardrobe. As well as jackets and coats, the Barbour wardrobe includes shirts, sweaters, and a range of accessories.

On Friday October 20th, Sydnor Coffman, our southeastern representative for Barbour will be in the store from 8:00AM to 6:00PM for our Barbour Trunk Show. This is a great opportunity to view the complete fall collection of men’s outerwear, sportswear and accessories.  In addition, we also have a wonderful selection of LADIES Barbour wax cotton and quilted jackets, vests, scarves, and seasonal fashion pieces. For the first time ever, BARBOUR jackets for the little ones are available; come check out the inaugural kid’s collection of wax cotton and quilted jackets.

Stop by the store and check out the Barbour collection today or click on Classic Wax Cotton Jackets to shop now.

 

Barbour Trunk Show
Barbour Trunk Show Friday October 20, 2017

 

 

WHY ARE TRUNK SHOWS SPECIAL?

In the late 1800’s traveling salesmen from New York would carry trunks of clothing to stores across the country. Since stores do not have the space to carry the complete collection a manufacture offers, a trunk show allows the store’s customers to see a wider selection of merchandise made by that manufacturer. We look forward to seeing you during our Fall 2017 Trunk Shows!

 

LUCIANO BARBERA Monday, September 25th     8am – 6pm

We are excited to offer the incredible LUCIANO BARBERA collection of Fall 2017 Made to Measure suits, sport coats, top coats, shirts, and trousers. In addition, we’ll have a select group of “in-stock” sweaters, sport shirts, soft jackets and outerwear. Come see one of Italy’s finest luxury makers.

 

RALEIGH DENIM & LUCCHESE BOOTS Wed, Sept 27th     12pm – 6pm Thurs, Sept 28th     9am – 4pm

 

Please join us in welcoming Joe Lafko, the representative for RALEIGH DENIM. He will be on hand to assist customers in selecting from a collection of finely crafted denim. He will also be introducing new styles. RALEIGH DENIM jeans, collection and accessories, are all produced in the United States with a focus on design, process, material, and craft.

Also joining us is Richard Gouldin III, the representative for LUCCHESE BOOTMAKER. LUCCHESE was established in 1883 by Sam Lucchese, Sr., an Italian immigrant from Sicily, and his brothers. Built to stand the test of time, LUCCHESE BOOTS have been worn by presidents, governors, prime ministers, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

 

PETER MILLAR Wed, Oct 11th  & Thurs, Oct 12th  8am – 6pm

 

Join us as we welcome James Blaikie for our PETER MILLAR fall trunk show. The collection includes sport shirts, sweaters, outerwear, knits, trousers, footwear and tailored clothing, and maintain a classic style yet with a twist.

 

 

BARBOUR FRI OCT 20TH 8am-6pm

Please stop by and meet, Sydnor Coffman, southeastern representative for BARBOUR. You will be able to view the season’s collection of men’s  outerwear, sportswear and accessories. And, for the ladies, we have a wonderful selection of new quilted jackets, vests, scarves, and seasonal fashion pieces.  Also, for the first time we will have BARBOUR for children!

Little Pleasures

Little Pleasures


Bring on the New Season.

And so, as an indian summer keeps the sun out for just a little longer we begin the turn, with mixed feelings, to the changing of the season. 

Once more, we first weigh up our losses and the quiet ache of giving up those pleasures of sun and warmth… the loss of light shirts and cool jackets, summer colour ties and linen pocket squares; the dilemma of.. to wear socks or not; the ease and comfort of short cut tailored shorts; light summer floral scents; sunglasses; open doors and windows, and seasonal refreshments. 

As we now concede to the passing of these joys (possibly in the reverse order of the above..) we mix and mingle into seasonal transition and look forward to the beauty of Autumn and those little uncertainties of what the weather will offer us, and our outfit for the day. 

Almost as mutually as we start to welcome early evenings, cooler not so bright days, fresher air and autumn colours we at the same time wait; we wait with anticipation for that moment when the conditions of the new season truly warrant the full abundance of winter wear: wool jumpers, cardigans, perhaps a new coat to display, winter jackets and tweeds, and, equal to each of these, and quite possibly one of the most luxurious of little seasonal sartorial pleasures that never ceases to be a joy to wear… a winter scarf. 

 

There is more than a little indulgence in the wearing of a winter scarf. It is not just the warmth and comfort of the fabric snugly fitted around your neck, or the richness (or subtlety, if you prefer) of it’s colours; it is possibly not even the deliberate selection of a coat that allows you to wear a scarf. 

It is all this, and more.

The scarf is a sartorial addition – a complement to your outfit, to your look; it is a statement of style. It is an item of apparel that you don’t just don, or simply put on; it is something you engage with, almost covet; and, in it’s simplicity, offers many ways in-which to wear. 

For, while there is only one way to button a shirt or pull on a pair trousers, only one way to wear a jacket (albeit buttoned or unbuttoned (and don’t even think about wearing the collars up)).. there is a list of options for your scarf. 

With your scarf you consider it’s width and length, whether worn in or out of your coat or jacket, worn long or short, folded or knotted, and, if you have a selection, which one will best set off and complement your outfit of the day.

There is much here that is in common with the tie and like the tie the scarf is a simple and permissible gentleman’s accessory; it allows for a little additional style, grace and personality that isn’t overtly showy or surplus to requirements, it is easy to wear, unquestionably accepted and serves a purpose.

Like the tie, the scarf is steeped in history and heritage. In history it dates back a far as Ancient Egypt and a 1000 years BC where it was a luxurious intricately woven adornment – probably in linen; later recorded in the Han dynasty China – probably in silk, where it was used to denote military rank; through to the Roman era where it was a purposeful linen for managing perspiration across the brow. And so over the years it followed many and varied incarnations, trends and purposes. 

Jump forward to a more recent past and Croatian soldiers in and around the 1600’s were notable for wearing scarves – for warmth at first, then for rank; from here it was reinterpreted by the French into the Cravat, where it also became a political signifier; at the same time, from India, Cashmere scarves began travelling west. Towards the end of the 1700’s it is recorded that the first knitted scarf was produced in Poland by the Duke of Krakow. It is from here we begin to see the scarf resembling something we know and recognise today in western wear, an accessory, becoming rooted in fashion house production from the 1800’s onwards.

Today we have a mixture of scarves in a mixture of fabrics, for a mixture of seasons, and a mixture of occasions. Silks, for finer-wear, evening’s out, black-tie outfits; linen for summer evenings, cooler times and the in-between of seasons; and luxurious wool, cashmere and (ethical) Angora for the autumn and winter.

Such is the desire for many to wear a scarf that we have these all-year-round constructs enabling it to become an essential part of your wardrobe. It is the ultimate layering garment, adding colour or conservatism to any outfit and dapperness to any look. 

If the scarf is a pleasure you have overlooked, forgotten, or somehow had trouble embracing.. here we offer you an invitation to adopt this beautiful addition to your accessorising, start to feel the warmth and embrace the passion of wearing.

 

Scottish Woven Lambswool
Hounds Tooth Winter Scarf in Gray & Charcoal
BREAK
Scottish Woven Lambswool & Angora
Plaid Winter Scarf in Wine & Charcoal
BREAK
Scottish Woven Lambswool 
Spots & Colours Winter Scarf in Blues & Charcoal & Brown
(This is a reprint from our friends at Seaward and Stern 10/7/16)