Archive for November, 2016

Harry Potter Trad

by oxford cloth button down on November 27, 2016 in Lifestyle, Style with 6 Comments

Last week I posted an image of my one of winter hats on Instagram (My Instagram). A (very cool) follower responded saying that they were unable to wear their rugby or scarf in the same color without someone referencing Harry Potter. I legitimately laughed out loud, because I have the same experience.
img_0544The hat in question is gold and burgundy…and very goofy looking, I know. It turns out that this is also the same color as Harry Potter’s Hogwarts House of Gryffindor or something like that. I will admit that I have seen the movie, but I did not retain much. It is also the colors of the 11th Hussars, the Washington Redskins, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a pre-Potter world I would used to get the Redskins association the most often.

Regardless of these associations I am still an advocate for wearing these colors. The Harry Potter link can even be to our benefit. I can vividly recall my co-worker telling me that he liked my Harry Potter socks. He knew that I did not know that they were Harry Potter socks, but he genuinely meant that he liked them. The same goes for the Redskins fan. In the end if it takes fantasy movies and/or sports to get people to enjoy regimental stripes I am all for it!

Thankful for 5 Years

by oxford cloth button down on November 20, 2016 in Lifestyle with 17 Comments

The Oxford Cloth Button Down blog is now over 5 years old. The first post was published back in September of 2011 and it was about sweaters. It is November 2016 and I am still posting about sweaters. I would like to think that even though I am still writing about Shetland sweaters and 3/2 roll sack jackets that the blog has evolved and will continue to grow, but no matter what happens I am thankful for what has been. I want to sincerely thank all the readers of this blog for their interest, expertise, support, and above all patience. This blog would not be around today if it were not for you all. Thank you.


J.Crew Navy ChinosJanuary 2012

fullSeptember 2016

The Patch & Flap

by oxford cloth button down on November 13, 2016 in Men's Clothing Reviews, Style with 3 Comments

If you thought that this post was going to be about the iconic J.Press patch and flap pocket know that it was a good guess. I actually won’t be talking shirts at all. What I will be talking about is why I am a big proponent for patch and flap pockets on sport coats and blazers.

Patch and flap pockets are a big part of the trad look. In terms of importance they are up there right along with the 3/2 roll and being dart-less, but are probably more akin to center vents versus hooked vents in that they are one of the more negotiable elements in the trad cannon.

Before I dive into why I am a such big fan I will get everyone up to speed on patch and flap pockets. When it comes to suits and sport coats there are basically two types of pockets. There is the jetted and the patch. If a jacket has jetted pockets the only visible part of the pocket will be the horizontal line of the pocket opening. This is the more formal of the two pocket types.

Patch pockets are the less formal and are almost exclusively found on sport coats/blazers. The patch pocket is exactly what it sounds like which is a patch of fabric that has been attached to the jacket. This technique leaves a visible outline of the pocket. Being that it is the least formal it should come of no surprise that it is also the most trad pocket.

Not only am I fan of the patch pocket I am also a fan of the flap pocket. The flap is attached above the pocket allowing for the pocket to be closed. It should be noted that not all patch pockets have flaps. In all honesty I am not a fan of flap-less patch pockets. They look unfinished or incomplete to my eye like a pair of chinos without a cuff.

Fall 1981 Grey Herringbone Sport Coat
An Example of Jetted Pockets with Flaps

Grey Herringbone Sack Sport JacketAn Example of Patch and Flap Pockets

In short, I am an advocate for these pockets because they look more casual than jetted pockets. They look sporty and dare I even say a little rugged. I think that they work a little better with khakis than jetted pockets. As we all know we live an increasingly causal world. This can be a challenge for those of us that prefer a little more formality in our attire. This is where patch and flap pockets become your friend.

Trad Cold Weather Accessories: The Tartan Scarf

by oxford cloth button down on November 6, 2016 in Accessories, Men's Clothing Reviews, Style, Thrift Stores with 9 Comments

Men are often left out in the cold when it comes to accessories, but the colder it gets the more we gain. As we add layers for the additional chill in the air we start with a sweater then add a coat next up comes the hat, gloves, and scarf combo. I will start with one of my favorite cold weather accessories the scarf.

When it comes to trad scarves there are essentially three choices. There are solid scarves, school boy scarves (think regimental stripes), and tartan scarves. I have at least one of each style, but I overwhelmingly favor tartan patterns. I have added a few pictures below of my growing tartan scarf collection.

If you are wondering where I got all these scarfs I will tell you. They were either gifts, purchased at deep discount, or found on the second market. Scarves make great gifts as sizing is relatively easy and one can never have too many. Also, like all shopping, it is a lot less expensive to purchase off-season or end of season. Last , but definitely not least the scarf is one of the few items that I suggest shopping for on the second hand market. Again, the one-size fits makes them easy to source. Just be to sure to drop it off at the dry cleaner before taking it home!

I haven’t had the chance to wear one of scarves yet, but I know that I will get the opportunity soon enough. Which means that this is the right time to start taking stock of your winter accessories so that you are prepared when the time comes. Don’t get caught out in the cold without one!

Tartan Scarf 1
Tartan Scarf 5
Tartan Scarf 6
Tartan Scarf 4
Tartan Scarf 2
Tartan Scarf 3
Tartan Scarf 6