Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow Italian-Made Denim

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Mott & Bow denim

Two different washes, yet the same great price and excellent Italian denim.

We’re back this week with what just might be the item you’re thinking about least during this hot time of year — denim. Specifically, new Mott & Bow Italian-made denim, made in partnership with denim purveyors Candiani. But denim? In the midst of all this heat? Absolutely. And there’s a very good reason for that. From a true Mott & Bow classic, the  Skinny Mosco denim ( a reliable dark jean that wears well no matter the time of year), to the light wash Wooster denim (ideal for wearing in warmer temperatures), the brand can hardly go wrong. (Editor’s note: Truly! If you’ve had a bad experience with ’em, let me know in the comments or via email). The Mott & Bow brand offers a relatively quick and easy shopping experience with free home try-ons and returns, and they offer Slim, Straight and Skinny fits for under $100, for the most part. That goes for offerings they sell via Huckberry, and the gear sold on the brand’s Web site. Which brings us to their latest new release — premium Italian denim. A big thank you to the brand to sending along both pairs in this collection for review and features on Instagram, and today, I’m here to report back that they’re every bit as good as advertised. What exactly are you getting for the very fair price of $128 of Italian cotton denim? Scroll on down.
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A personal favorite -- the Staple, a slight switch from dark denim that just works.

A personal favorite — the Staple, a slight switch from dark denim that just works.

First things first — the brand’s two new styles offer up a nice bit of versatility. The Staple is a medium-dark blue wash that at first glance looks a bit like plain ol’ dark denim. Yet, closer inspection reveals that although these jeans start with a deep indigo base, they’re finished off with hand-sanding and a stone-washing process that gives them some unique coloration and fading. In fact, the above photo shows that off quite nicely. Make no mistake, these certainly aren’t heavily whiskered, overly distressed jeans. If anything, these jeans are a pleasant, premium change of pace from your regular denim. Plus, they’re comfortable as heck — a remarkable 20 percent stretch built in means they wear very comfortable, and the hardware, zipper and front button all feel sturdy. Heck, even the subtly branded back leather patch feels premium and durable. And again, that 20 percent stretch really makes them easily wearable in the heat. Now, style number two — the Warren, also starts with an indigo color. However, this pair is finished off with a lighter six-month wash, which consists of an intensive spraying, scraping and drying process for a well-worn look that’s entirely unique. On that, Denim Science as done by the folks at Mott & Bow is quite impressive, and you really do get a lot for under $130. Both jeans should fit you remarkably well, and know that they look crisp enough to pair with a classic pocket T-shirt and stylish white leather sneakers on the weekend, or as a complement to a tailored chambray blazer during the work week.  Oh, and they’re well-priced and in-stock at the moment, so please hop on it — will ya?

Do you own any Mott & Bow denim? Are you considering adding a pair or two of these to your wardrobe?

The Friday Read: David Beckham, American Apparel and New Mott & Bow Denim

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here

I’m closing out this week on The Style Guide (and heading into next week) thinking ever so slightly of the impending arrival of spring. Doesn’t it seem like we were just talking wool blazers and fall sweaters? It’s pretty wild how the style cycle turns — even now, spring arrivals are hitting shelves (to that end, look for a spring style wish list next week). What top picks do you have your eye on for the coming season? Those new purchases seem to go hand-in-hand will looking toward spring travel, too. Rest assured that future posts will definitely cover off on those types of topics. For now, it’s the close of NYC Beer Week here in the city — somewhat unsurprisingly, there’s almost been too many great events to choose from around New York! So that’s definitely something I’m looking forward to this weekend. And as you look ahead to (maybe) cracking open a cold one yourself,  I’d recommend you kick back and catch up on what you should be shopping and reading this weekend.

  • David Beckham’s work with British brand Kent & Curwen just took another turn — get to know the label’s new creative director here, and get excited for the forthcoming, likely excellent, product.
  • This is from last week, but still worth a share — the fine team at Get Kempt developed what it’s calling the Sartorial Bill of Rights.
  • This story seems to be everywhere (or it certainly has been everywhere) in different forms in the past few years — HighSnobiety looks at the rise and fall of American Apparel.
  • Long Read of the Week: I just came across this feature as I was writing this post, and was sufficiently sidetracked. It might be from last fall, but Valet took an excellent look into “Ralph Lauren University,” interviewing several of the top-notch designers and creative folks who also worked for Ralph Lauren before launching into successful careers in their own right. It’s fascinating and includes plenty of big names, from John Varvatos to Todd Snyder!
  • Lastly — looking to get away out West, and in need of some great gear?

Still on the hunt for what’s new in the men’s style world? Keep looking below.

Florsheim