//Acrimony

Shedding fall layers might feel like you’ll have fewer options for dressing, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Dressing for spring is all about being exact: picking the right fabric in the right color for the right reason. Gitman Bros. Vintage is offering a dizzying number of choices this season, so here’s a little primer to make sure you’ve got the right shirt hanging in your closet.

Madras fabric has a pretty long history (there’s evidence of its manufacture as early as 3000 B.C.), but the name and fabric entered Western fashion thanks to the British. A plain weave fabric that’s loomed loose and light, this preppy staple has a gauze-like quality to it that makes colors pop and keeps you cool. The bright pattern on the Green Vintage Madras (1979) means even a basic shirt-and-pant combo has tons of personality.

You’ve got the French to thank for end-on-end fabric (which they call fil-à-fil), which uses at least two colored yarns to produce a dense, but light fabric with tons of texture. Our Vintage End-on-End Plaid (1979) is brimming with color, but look closer and you’ll see minuscule dots throughout the weave that add rich texture to the look.

Odd that a fabric of Indian origin feels so thoroughly American, but seersucker has been an essential part of menswear for so long we can’t imagine spring and summer without it. Specialty weaving produces its tell-tale puckered textured, which pulls away from the body gently, for built in air-conditioning. Avoid the typical striped iterations with the printed Cherry Seersucker; dark navy gives the fabric a sophisticated look while the allover printing adds a jolt of fun color.

Last, but far from least, is our perennial favorite: chambray. Though we stock it year round, Gitman’s chambray fabrics (available in red, blue, and grey) are washed for that beautiful rumpled, easy feeling that we love during springtime. It’s actually related to end-on-end weaves, but with the addition of rolling/pressing process that gives it a particular smoothed out, slightly glossy finish. But in the end, we don’t think it’s all the technical work, but just the great fit and feel that makes these shirts a timeless classic.

(Images courtesy Gitman Bros. Vintage)

    In little over 3 days my family and I will be leaving for vacation in Hawaii. I think the last time I stepped foot over there I was the age of six. I remember very little about the vacation itself. For whatever reason I remember having lots of frozen waffles, wheat to be exact. And I remember wearing a Local Motion shirt, which my mom found recently and suggested I wear to the beach this time around. No seriously. She was pretty excited too? Its possible that she actually handed me one that my dad bought that trip, seeing as though it would be physically impossible for me to fit in ANY of my clothes from the age of six. Either way the shirt was 18 years old. And for all you vintage lovers, this shirt was unwearable. Thanks anyways!

   With all of that said here are some items from the store that I would love to have  on my trip. Vacation season is already underway, so this is for all you homies going on trips this summer. There is a serious amount to choose from. So if this post becomes excessive I apologize upfront. It’s very likely, considering I pack more than my girlfriend.

Robert Geller Geo Shorts-Really feeling the pattern and the cut of these shorts At just about a 6 inch inseam, these shorts fall in the perfect fit category. Time to trade in your shorts that fall past your kneecaps dudes, fashion forecasts don’t show too many ankle biting basketball shorts influencing designers in the near future.         

Perks and Mini Marble Shorts-I have to say I am a big fan of the elastic waistband this Spring/Summer. I  just purchased a pair of Ted Baker trunks that are elastic/drawstring. For whatever reason any bottoms that I purchase tend to stretch out. Anyways with the elastic I don’t have to worry about the waistline expanding like Chris Farley’s . No belt required= automatic purchase.

C.P. Company Heritage Camo Short-Honestly, I don’t think much explaining needs to be done here. 

Wings + Horns Navy S/S Pocket Tee- I decided to purchase this guy for a few reasons. The fit was perfect and I really liked the weight of the T-shirt itself. My last vacation to Cabo I purchased several Tee’s from the GAP that now look like hell. Their stretched out and the colors are bare. They have been demoted to my gym shirts. This time around I am spending the extra $20 or $30 for some quality Tee’s that I know will last more than a week vacation.

Wings+ Horns Black Navajo Polo-Simple polo with not so average detail. Color may be dark for Hawaii, but for my color blind eyes it leans toward navy, which just so happens to be my favorite color. 

Penny Stock Big Stripe Penny Tank- Because I’ll be in Hawaii and  will be damned if I don’t get to show off my brand new tattoos.

Gitman Bros. Vintage Japanese YD Jacquard Sailboats- I’m on a boat b*tch.

C.P. Company Cotton Rustic Sweater- I was told it gets down to the 60’s at night this time of the year in Hawaii, which I find semi disgusting considering its “paradise”. Right, thats what they call it? Let’s hope they meant over night. Either way if need an extra layer I would love for this to be in my suitcase. Steezy moss stitched construction, get off me player.

Miansai Burgundy Rope Hook Bracelet- While I already own a rope hook from Miansai, I really dig the color way of this one. Accessories are necessary, step up your wrist game.

So there you have it. 9 items that I wish I had in my suitcase. Well 1-9 ain’t bad. All items are available online now. Cop them for your up and coming vacations.