Project Upgrade: The Next Three Brands You Need on Your Style Journey
Project Upgrade: The Next Three Brands You Need on Your Style Journey
- Words Grailed Team
- Date March 11, 2019
"Project Upgrade" is a recurring franchise for those just starting their style journey. Each entry introduces three dependable, stylish—and above all, attainable—brands perfect for building your wardrobe, all at a prices well below retail. If you have been itching to update your wardrobe but unsure which direction to go in, look no further
We spend a lot of time dissecting and debating what’s “stylish” when it comes to getting dressed here on Dry Clean Only, but that’s not the only criteria required when building out a wardrobe. Practicality is paramount, whether you’re investing in a classic piece for the foundation of your daily wardrobe, or actually getting some “wear” out of what you’re… well, wearing. This doesn’t mean that aesthetics have to fall by the wayside though; many modern brands manage to fall on one side of the spectrum between “classically fashionable” or “contemporary and functional” (if they’re not already blending both worlds). Below, we present three labels that manage to meet form and function—at prices you can only find on Grailed.
Nike ACG
You’re already familiar with the juggernaut that is Nike, but have you ever considered Nike ACG? Historically a line with a link to casual outdoorsmen and hikers, it’s quickly evolved as a sublabel with a cult following all its own. Resurrected in 2014 with the help of Errolson Hugh—the designer behind cult techwear label Acronym—Nike ACG shed its retro-hiking aesthetic to evolve into a modern label with futuristic, forward-thinking designs built for the rigors of modern city life. The offering included shirts and pants with tactically placed pockets, or jackets with a focus on fabrics utilizing Gore-Tex technology. A fusion of Nike technology and Acronym’s intelligent-yet-invisible design touches, Nike ACG emerged as an introduction to possibilities of techwear. Since Hugh’s departure from ACG in late 2018, the brand has returned to its retro roots. That’s not to say that Nike ACG has lost its step; now a haven for fans of ‘90s-inspired fleeces, sneakerboots and, of course, outerwear, it remains a must-have for guys looking to add something a little more outre to their wardrobe. Boasting a bold pastel color palette and chock full of nostalgia, the new ACG is a perfect combination of the lines technical prowess and its activewear roots. While the patented ACG 3-in-1 jacket retailed for $600 (while it was still available), today you can find them for $300—and only on Grailed.
Ami
Originally a small side project launched in 2002, Ami officially hit the menswear scene in 2011, when founder and designer Alexandre Mattiussi left his prior career behind and decided to focus on his own solo endeavor. French for “friend,” Mattiussi quite literally designs with his fellow Parisian friends in mind. The result is no-nonsense menswear with a French flair. For those interested in an elegant yet accessible savoir faire, Ami’s knits, suits and footwear are just the right combination of refined and louche, cultivating a look as appropriate for work as it is for the drinks after. While Ami’s celebrated “carrot”—wide at the thigh, with a strong taper—trousers cost over $350, you can find them for $200 or less on Grailed.
Porter-Yoshida & Co
With a history dating back to 1935, Japanese luggage stalwart Yoshida & Co has developed a cult following the world over, most notably for its flagship label, Porter. Introduced in 1962, the Porter label utilizes military grade nylon to create highly-durable totes, backpacks and shoulder bags that rival that of any designer. Army origins aside, the bags are as tactical as they are stylish, thoughtfully designed to have ample storage space and go with anything in your wardrobe. The Tanker series in particular struck a chord with menswear fans when the label began exporting goods outside Japan in the late ’90s. Inspired by MA-1 flight jackets, Tanker bags feature large flaps on their exterior, imitating fighter pilot’s breast jacket pockets. Boasting both historical significance and cultural cache to boot, Porter produces some of the most sought-after bags in luggage in the business. While the hallmark Tanker shoulder bag costs over $400 at retail—that is, if you can find them—they’re as little as $200 on Grailed.
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