Tag Archives: Dress Code

Holy Jeans!

Denim Details

This here will be a more informational post generalized on the topic of Denim. I’m going to try and touch on the major FAQs people have about jeans and their price-points. To me, your denim is almost like a piece of your identity. Your denim says a lot about you from the fit of the jean, to the wash, style, and finally your outfit paired with said denim. Trust me when I say this, the fit is absolutely vital to enable you maximum wear for the jeans you buy. You don’t wanna be the dude that’s 5’6″ wearing a 34″ inseam straight fit pair of jeans. I’m going to also breakdown what exactly makes designer denim hold it’s “prestigious classification status” (and their crazy price-points, at times) above the others.

So, how do these “big time” denim companies come up with their prices anyways? What is it that makes those Diesel jeans almost $200 dollars and those Levi’s 501s only $50? Well the truth is, there are a number of different things that set companies like Diesel and G-Star apart from the more basic, affordable denims like KR3W or Levi’s. Here they are..

Weight

One of the most overlooked factors that can determine denim’s price is the “weight” or thickness of the denim. The thickness is measured in ounces and predominantly is given a code that identifies the denim’s weight. So that would mean, the heavier the denim is, the thicker it will be. This will also determine the softness of the denim. So if you purchase some 21 oz selvedge denim, be prepared to walk around in a cardboard box with legs for a few months. Notice how these jeans don’t look like they “fit” his legs and look overly loose/bunched up? This is a good example of how your higher-ounce raw denim will look/fit before the material loosens and starts to break in.

Distressing/Washing

Another factor that can sometimes go unknown is the washing and distressing processes. Big Denim companies put their jeans through a wash process in order to get them to the desired color and softness they’re going for with that specific pair. This is also what gives specific collections their “identity.” The distress process can also help with giving certain collections their signature look. If a company is campaigning a new pair/model of jeans that have say, a little more of a destroyed or “distressed” look to them, they were given that look through distressing. Different techniques such as sand blasting specific areas of the denim is what gives them that aged, or already broken in look. Some companies even go as far as using paint to add discolorations or fading.

ZDIESELFACTORY

A Diesel Factory employee prepares a pair of jeans for distressing treatments.

Caring For Your Jeans

Now onto the importance of caring for your denim after you’ve made your big purchase. The way you take care of your denim will basically define how long  they will last for you. Bigger companies bank on their denim’s durability as a way of upholding those higher price tags. Where as with certain Levi’s models, I’ve worn completely through them in just one year.  The biggest myth with denim is that you need to wash them regularly like you do your other clothes in order to break them in quicker. This is actually what NOT to do. There are far more DON’Ts than there are Dos for proper at-home washing. For those of you not familiar with the proper way to wash your jeans, check out these tips and tricks from Crosby Press.

Shop It Up!

Now that you have better insight as to where these companies come up with their prices, it’s time to get you some new denim! However, I still strongly urge you to ALWAYS take advantage of any clearance or denim sales you can find. But at least now you will have a better understanding to why the tag to a pair of denim shorts your holding is just as much as a regular pair of jeans. Start scoping out some different denim companies and let me know what brands you guys are liking in the comments below. Remember, you’ll never know what you like unless you go into the stores yourself and try them on.

Top 5 Metal Band T-Shirts

Metal Tees

What’s up all you Metal-heads out there!  I’m going to quickly go over my top five picks for Metal tees here at Dress Code. I’ve got a feeling some of you might have rocked your face off too hard at a show once or twice before, and possibly even ruined your favorite (insert band name here) shirt in the process. Fear not rocker, this post was made just for you!

1. Iron Maiden

 To start us off, I chose Iron Maiden. For those of you that may not know, I specifically chose this graphic because this was the cover of they’re debut self-titled album in 1980 when the world was first introduced to “Eddie”.

2. Black Sabbath

With their recent collaboration with Converse creating a big buzz, I felt it was only right to pay homage to the pioneers of metal, Black Sabbath. Here is the album cover to their fourth album they released, that they obviously spent a good amount time to come up with titled, “Vol. 4“.

3. Metallica

This wouldn’t even be a list if Metallica wasn’t on it. Being that they’re one of the most iconic Metal bands in history, I felt it was only right to pick the famous album cover art to their 1984 classic.

4. Pantera

This time we have a sweet long sleeve tee featuring artwork from Pantera’s 5th released album from 1990, “Cowboys From Hell“. R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell.

 5. Slayer

And last but certainly not least, we have the cherry to put a top our Metal-ice cream sundae, Slayer. Featured on the front blown up the entire length of the shirt, is their infamous eagle pentagram design and signature logo-type in red.

Time to Rock!

I hope you enjoyed my top 5 Metal tees list, and if you didn’t, then go make your own list bo-zo! And if you still need to replace that old, ratty “Justice For All” tee, you know where to find us. Let us know YOUR top picks for metal tees in the comments below!

 

 

Vans Warped Tour 2014

Vans Warped Tour 2014

Music Festival season is already in FULL effect, so I thought I’d try  to keep all you little hipsters entertained with the 20th Anniversary Vans Warped Tour while you’re searching for an “untapped” coffee shop with wifi in between “finding yourself” at Coachella and your next festival outing…

Northern Exposure

So, I personally find this to be a somewhat special occasion for multiple reasons. One, being the obvious fact that it’s the 20th Anniversary of Vans Warped Tour, but the BIGGEST reason is that this year for the first time ever, The Road to Warped Tour (aka the first venue/date after the kick-off party every year) will be in my hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. That’s right people, the ice-box is on the come up, and what better way to prove it than hosting  one of the biggest music tours/festivals in America. On June 11th 3OH!3, Yellowcard, some group called The Devil Wears Prada, Less Than Jake, and Falling In Reverse will be playing the Anchorage venue.

For the AZ gang, Warped Tour rolls through Mesa on June 18th. The rest of you “lower 48-ers” can find your local dates/lineups on the Official Warped Tour site.

Fash-on

We all know you will be able to purchase the band merchandise sold at your show that EVERYONE THERE will have on, so why not plan ahead and stand out from the crowd with some unique band tees from us! Besides, it’s always more fun to come up with your own style or outfit, instead of rocking the generic “hey, this proves I was there” band/event tee. Plus, you might get lost from your group of friends, as you start blending into a giant sea of matching t-shirts. Get your tickets if you haven’t already, and be sure to let us know  which date you will be at and the show you’re most looking forward to in the comments below.

 

 

 

Top 5 Rap/Hip-Hop T-shirts

Freestyle, Never Written

I’m gonna keep the band merchandise rolling and give you guys my top 5 picks for Rap/Hip-hop tees  at Dress Code right now. Now remember kids, these are my personal choices so if you don’t like them, go grab some tees from some of the other artists we carry. I am just personally not one of the million overly-emotional Drake fans (sorry). So here we go folks, my top 5 rap tees…

1. RUN DMC

Even though they aren’t my first pick, it would be highly disrepectful to not acknowledge the most influential group in hip-hop history, RUN DMC. I also felt it was only right to pick their signature logo t-shirt. For you youngsters out there, this t-shirt is the reason you’re even able to listen to  people like Tyga and 2Cornz today (yes I did that on purpose). And if ya don’t know, now ya know…

2. Wu-Tang Clan

“UP FROM THE 36 CHAMBERS!!!!” It’s my favorite group to ever be assembled in music history, the Wu-Tang Clan.  One of the most iconic logos, period. Even people that don’t listen to Wu can tell you exactly what that golden “W” stands for as soon as they see it. So why not just keep it classic and rock with the OG Logo Tee.

3. Public Enemy

Sticking to the roots of hip-hop culture, my third pick for the list is Public Enemy. Chosen for Spike Lee’s classic joint, “Do The Right Thing” and also being voted their biggest song in the groups history, I thought our “Fight the Power” t-shirt was perfect.

4. Eminem

Whether you love him or hate him, I couldn’t bring myself to leave the crazy white dude of rap off my list. And since he’s been known for his controversial antics since he first stepped on the scene back in ’97 (god that makes me feel like an old man) I figured the “finger horns” tee was on point.

5. Beastie Boys

Respectfully finishing off my list, I chose the dudes known to let the beat… “MMMMM, DROPP!” The Beastie Boys. Now instead of going with their classic, “Licensed to Ill” t-shirt, I chose my personal favorite album of theirs, “Hello Nasty“. Plus I figured I’d at least TRY to give myself some relevance with the young little whipper snappers.

Kickin’ It Old School

Hope you guys have enjoyed my picks. Let me know your favorite song from one of the 5 artists I chose. And if you’re too young to know who any of the artists are on this list, you should probably be asking your mother for internet permission to begin with.

Top 5 Board Shorts for Summer 2014

A Wavy Summer 2014

Summer’s officially here and the pool parties are right around the corner. So I went ahead and threw together a quick guide to Board Shorts for those of you in need of some new swim swag. I picked 5 pairs (in no particular order) to help get you guys started.

Huf Plant Life Boardshort

 These Huf Boardshorts were made “exclusively” for the plant-lifers out there. You will be stylin’ and profilin’ at the pool parties or on the beach.

Volcom Heathered Fana Boardshort

 Keepin’ it classy, we have the Heathered Fana from Volcom with a cool “floral paisley” pattern. Also available in a military green colorway.

Quiksilver Bulls Boardshort

 Quiksilver recently released boardshorts from professional sports teams ranging from the NHL, MLB, NBA, and NFL. Show your team pride while you’re by the water this summer.

Stussy Beach Camo Boardshort

 Stay true to your streetwear style with some Stussy  Beach Camo boardshorts. “Gold” Camo with a cargo pocket on the right leg.

O’Neill Jordy Superfreak Boardshort

 For the dude’s that like to keep they’re style a little more simplified, these O’neill Superfreaks will be your go-to beach/pool uniform this summer. Simple white “wave stripes”  across the front and back of the black boardshorts.

Swim On!

Hope this guide helped you guys get into that summer mind-set or maybe gave you a worse case of summer fever than you already had. Fear not young fella, you will be pool partying within the next two-three weeks or so. Tell us what pair you ended up going with in the comments below and have a fun and safe summer!

 

 

GLASSES GALORE

Stylin’ Shades

Sunglasses For Summer

Here is a super quick “style-guide” on sunglasses for both men and women. Going to go over some popular designs and styles from various brands. I’m not going to go TOO far into detail though, so that the element of surprise helps influence your decision when you’re shopping for your new pair. Here it is…

Wayfarer

Nowadays, Ray-Ban and Persol aren’t the only brands doing every possible rendition of the classic “wayfarer” design, made iconic by JFK during his presidency. You can now find similar designs in millions of different colorways from brands like SUPER, Oakley, and even NEFF.

Wire-Frame

As we see the classic sunglass designs becoming more and more popular today, there’s no way I could forget about the wire-frame shades. Big, small, round, aviator, silver, and gold. The options are endless believe it or not. You could even get on your Johnny Depp/Fear and Loathing steeze and rock the orange tinted lenses in yours.

Choose Your Own Destiny

I have given you guys the two most popular sunglass “genres” to check out when you start shopping, now it’s just time for you to make a decision for yourself. Just remember, when you can’t decide between two, just get both. That’s just double the style points that the ladies will notice in your summer wardrobe, duh! Tell us your style preference and what pair you’re thinking about picking up in the comments below.

Top 5 Clearance Items From Mishka Right Now

Top 5 Clearance Items From Mishka Right Now

Here’s another sale-guide for you guys. This time around we’ve got the top five items from Mishka. Here it is..

1. Cyco Serpent Tee

Was: $33.95 NOW: $25.46Some Death Adders tye-dye for you summer-born hippies. I’m actually really liking the single color dye pattern, I might just have to scoop one myself.

2. Spaceship Tee

Was: $29.95 NOW: $19.47At first glance this shirt instantly takes me back to Epcot at Disney World when I went as a kid. Classic Mishka Eyeball logo given it’s similar texture to give it that “spacey” look.

3. Keep Watch Crest Tank

Was: $31.95 NOW: $20.77For those of you out there that like to keep it a little more simple, this is the tank for you. Their famous “keep watch” slogan  in a banner with the eyeball appropriately placed above it. You probably forgot Mishka is worldwide, huh?

4. Death Worldwide Snapback

Was: $29.95 NOW: $14.98Two different fonts both reminiscent of the original Sports team hats from back in the day, the Death worldwide Snapback has a “classic” feel to it regardless of the word “death” splayed across the front. Make mom proud and scoop this gem today.

5. Zombie VII Revisited Tee

Was: $31.95 NOW: $20.77

This grimey full-shirt graphic will definitely turn some heads. Staying true to their sinister aesthetic, Mishka throws some “zombies” on the front and back of the shirt from neck to hem.

staple-spring-2014-lookbook_01

Trends for Spring/Summer 2014

The Summer Steeze

This is just going to be a quick post on summer style trends. I will be posting one of these periodically throughout this Spring/Summer 2014 season. As we all know trends happen whether we agree with them or not, just ask the king of the leather sweatpants himself, Kanye West. But (usually) like all trends, they slowly fade away. Then something else “new” and “cool” that we didn’t know already happened before our time starts trending again and the cycle continues. So with that being said, I’m going to quickly touch on a current streetwear trend I like or don’t like.

All-over Print Patterns

One current “trend” I have been seeing more of in a lot of street wear brands right now is not only the use of custom all-over print/ textile patterns, but the variety of garments brands are making using these patterns. From snapbacks and 5-panel hats, to button-up shirts, hoodies, tees, and even boxer briefs. The more creative the garment the better, and lately that’s what brands seem to be doing in attempts to separate themselves from the “industry pack”.13793285

Here we have the Raise Up Chip Camo Tee from 10.DEEP featuring two different patterns that split the shirt in half from a “Floral” print down into a custom Saftey Orange Camouflage pattern.

There are some pieces I’ve seen lately that a like, but the number of patterns I wouldn’t wear seems to always out weighs the number of ones I would. Experiment on your own with different patterns/garments, but don’t go over board with one outfit of multiple patterns, you’ll be looking like Don Cherry on Hockey Night in Canada.

 cherryflowers

 

 

10Deep

Top 5 Clearance Items From 10 Deep Right Now

10 Deep

Here’s another quick sale guide to help you guys get your closet right for summertime, even if you have come down with a case of the “low-funds” like myself.  This time around, we take a look at some pieces from currently, one of the most popular brands in street wear/hip-hop culture, 10 Deep.  Here we go folks…

1. Bad News Raglan

Was: $43.95  NOW: $32.96

10deep

This tropical “baseball tee” will go great with your khaki cargo shorts. Maybe even grab the snapback to match and get on a whole ‘nother level of cool.

2. Double Vision Tee

Was: $29.95 NOW: $22.46

Here we have what appears the be the iconic John Wayne having a smoke break within the first image. Stripped together going the opposite way is a spooky skull with a cigarette in it’s mouth. Smoking kills kids.

3. Peace Tank Top

Was: $29.95 NOW: $19.47

Everyone knows you gotta have at least a few tanks in your closet for those days when you run out of lemonade. 10 Deep did a cool “stripe type” pattern using the word “tenth” going backwards across the entire front and back of the tank.

4. Monticello Snapback

Was: $33.95 NOW: $25.46

Lately, it seems as though you can’t possibly go wrong with a camo print piece  added to your outfit. Here, 10 Deep uses their own camouflage rendition on a snapback hat. Add the classic “10 Deep” script logo embroidered in an off-white stitching  on the front and you’ve got a dope summer head piece for your wardrobe.

5. Ironsides 5-Panel

Was: $33.95 NOW: $25.46

And last but not least we have the infamous 5-panel hat. This unique 5-panel uses an “Astrology” all-over print pattern with “10 Deep” screen printed on both side panels of the hat. Now you won’t have to “watch the stars” with your lady friend you can just tell her to look at you.
 

 

Big Guava 2014

Big Guava Music Festival

“What the hell’s a Big Guava?!”

Some of you hipsters may already know, but most of you (myself included) probably didn’t know about one of the next up and coming music festivals to hit the scene that’s coming up next month, called Big Guava Music Festival. This three day, multiple-stage festival in Tampa is going to be like many others in the fact that it showcases “everyone’s favorite artists” like Foster The People or Slightly Stoopid, but what really makes the BG unique is that it’s focus isn’t solely on the music, but more so the entire experience of the event. From theme park rides to food trucks, and even a wide selection craft beers on hand, the Guava’s got it all. But what should you wear to this festival? Is it leather-fringe headband and “mens” Speedo acceptable like Coachella? Let’s all hope not…

Big Guava Fashion: What to Expect

The nice thing about Big Guava being a “brand-new festival” is that the tickets are relatively cheap. For just 75 big ones (per day) you can go see the entire lineup scheduled for your ticketed day of the Festival. So that means you can hopefully have some money left over to buy a new outfit or two for the big date(s). What can you expect people to be wearing? Well, like any public gathering of “people” you will always see at least a few wild ones, especially if there’s music and booze involved. But to maybe help you get started, I’ll quickly touch on a couple trend predictions that I have for you.

Bucket Hats

Just as I had predicted in my previous Coachella post, bucket hats are becoming a major trend among the music fest-goers. Something about the 360 degree sun protection is just so “in” right now. 

Even Justin Bieber in all of his lameness tried wearing one….

Camouflage Patterns

From girls in ratty over-sized army jackets, to the dudes with their digi-camo tank top “matching” their woodland cargo shorts, I’m predicting that you can definitely expect to see a lot of camo-print garments around the venue. But please folks, try to limit your outfit to one pattern only. You don’t wanna be in multiple fake branches of the military.

Camo is cool, but please don’t drown yourself in it. You will attract people like this and unless that’s what you want, I’d stop now while you still have your dignity. And your shirt on…

Get Your Gear Right

Now that I’ve kindly pointed you in a direction away from nipple piercings, it’s time to shop. Whether you’re feeling militant, festive, or a perfect combination of both, Dress Code always holds you down with the sweet sales and band merchandise for all your favorite artists. Be sure to let us know how you’ll be piecing together your concert outfits in the comments below.