50th "Authentic" -side view

When the Van Doren brothers, Gordon Lee and Serge D’Elia, opened the doors to their Vans store on March 16th, 1966, they sold twelve pairs of authentics style shoes. The customers were told to return to the store later in the day; the brothers had to rush to the nearby factory where they manufactured the shoes on the spot! When the customers returned to pick up the shoes, the brothers realized that they forgot to have money till on hand to make change. The Van Doren's asked the customers to return the next day with payment. All twelve customers returned to pay in full. Back in 1966, the Van Doren brothers set out to make quality footwear at an affordable price, and today, 50 years later, Vans continues to achieve their goal.  

Service Menswear is proud to feature a capsule collection from their 50th "golden" anniversary styles that prominently feature golden anniversary foil detailing. The shoes come in the original Van Doren shoe box design from 1966.

50th "Authentic" -top view

50th "Era 59" -side view

Unsurprisingly, Vans actively sponsor skateboard, surf, snowboard, BMX and motocross teams, have opened famous skate parks, and have had many famous ambassadors that swear by the Vans name. In addition, Vans has also been a long-time supporter of music, namely as being the primary sponsor of the traveling music festival, Van's Warped Tour. They started the fest in 1996 making it the longest running concert series. 

50th "Era 59" -back view

As their passion and investment in youth culture show no signs of slowing down, Vans continues to reinvent themselves while maintaining the quality and timelessness that they are known and loved for.

Happy Birthday, Vans! Here's to 50 more years of greatness!

Purchase above shoes online and in store.

Laneway boardshort

Banks is a global men's brand based in the USA, Japan and Australia created by surf industry veterans Tim Cochran, Masahiro Shibahara, and former professional surfer Brad Gerlach. 

Splice boardshort

The three owners grew up surfing and wanted to create a brand that was understated, less focused on branding, and more focused on quality and sustainability. Banks is openly passionate about decreasing their carbon footprint and they do this by using recycled polyester for their labels, organic cotton, and PVC & phthalate free inks.

Loom tee

Banks focuses on the guys who grew up surfing, much like themselves, but are influenced by other passions like photography, music, architecture, and travel; guys that want a premium product, are conscious about the environment and are seeking an authentic brand that will mature with them.

 Laneway boardshort

Simply put, their mission is to merge style and understated functionality with a sustainable approach to design and development.

Shorts now available in store and online, tee available in store only. 

Matt Leines is a Brooklyn based artist that grew up in New Jersey and studied illustration at RISD. His influences range from suburban American culture to primitive and non-western art, myths to masks, He-Man cartoons, and the WWF. Leines creates a surreal, obsessive, highly detailed world inhabited by men and beasts and everything in between, chronicling their conflict and culture.

Tiger t-shirt front and back

"If I stumble upon something, I try to draw it in my sketchbook as quick as possible. I like to look at a lot of different paintings from different cultures where you have to infer what is going on. If there is something I come across, an image, a composition, an idea, I just draw it--and I'll use the word bastardized--until the initial influence has disappeared and it exists only in my world."

All over jacquard pattern socks

Lion patch tank top

For the Matt Leines/RVCA collaboration featured in the above items, the focus is on the stylized lightening bolt and the tiger "mask", which are recurring images/characters throughout his work. Leines work has steadily been shown all around the world since 2002, namely at Deitch Projects in NYC, Roberts and Tilton in LA, in Athens, Greece and Tokyo, Japan.

Shop for the tee, tank and socks in our brick and mortar store or the online store. The beach towel is exclusive to in store.

Check out more of his Matt Leines' work here!

ambsn is a company based in San Clemente, CA. The company was founded by two brothers, Dustin and Dylan Odbert, in 2002. What had originally started as a fundraiser for a friend in need has now become a California inspired menswear brand. 

ambsn focuses on colorful, lightweight, tailored clothing for a beach inspired lifestyle. In short, they put a new spin on beloved classics: New Wave Nostalgia.  

“We try to keep it a full California beach vibe,” Odbert said. “Everything is always really fun, more tailored toward the fashion and play sides of surf. We have a pretty wide demographic we sell to.” 

woven shirt detail:

"It is a childhood memory that reminds you of everything right in the world. ambsn lives life without the pressure of reality. Clever and curious and ready for the world."

Shop all ambsn looks seen above in store and online.

"The Authentic SF" Yusuke Hanai Classic White 

"My name is Yusuke Hanai. Illustrator from Japan. I started surfing when I was in high school. I surfed at my local reef break. And I will keep surfing from that point on for the rest of my life."

"The Authentic SF" Classic White top view  

Much to his conservative parent's chagrin, Yusuke Hanai followed his dream of becoming an artist by saving up money bartending before attending art school in San Francisco. He continued to surf while in SF and was influenced by the people and counter culture there. His art is now known worldwide and it all came from continuing to pursue his passions.

"I liked doodling ever since I was a kid...I like people, especially weird people. Weird people are interesting and such great characters. And there are so many of those types of people in surfing. Of course I love surfing so sometimes I like to draw surfers."

"Mens Hanelei" flip flop 

The Authentic SF canvas shoe and the Mens Hanelei flip flop are the result of the collaboration between Vans and Hanai. They showcase the Japanese artist’'s modern mid-century details and illustration while maintaining the classic Vans form. Fun fact: the left and right foot on both the shoes and flip flops feature different illustrations.

You can now find both styles in our brick and mortar store. Click on any photo above to view/purchase in our online store.

"Think about what people want you to do. Think about what you can do to make people happy. Then find out what you want to do."  -Yusuke Hanai

Buffalo Check Wool Throw Black White.

Service has received a new shipment of beautiful Faribault Woolen Mill Co. blankets & scarves just in time for the Holiday season and the colder months ahead. We are offering 2 sizes of these soft & durable US made wool blankets - as a throw or a queen sized bed spread. The scarves are made from 100% fluff loomed merino wool and are exceptionally lightweight and soft. All scarves are $60 while the blankets range from $145-$325 depending on size and design. All available in-store & online at servicemenswear.com.

Cabin Wool Blanket Charcoal.

Soho Wool Throw Grey Blue Plaid.

Soho Wool Throw Grey Black Plaid.

Herringbone Wool Blanket Charcoal.

Nisswa Dobby Stripe Scarf Black Red Natural & Weekender Stripe Scarf Silver.

Trapper Wool Scarf Olive Cream & Dot Wool Scarf Charcoal.

Tri-Stripe Scarf Grass Brown Red & Tri-Stripe Scarf Grey Blue.

Trapper Scarf Grey Green.

New arrivals for Fall from French label Hartford. Each season, Hartford produces beautiful, pieces that are timeless & easy, made with luxe textiles and designed with subtle details that make each item feel extra special. And every year, we look forward to receiving their classic knits and well-crafted button up shirts. We have stocked henleys, plaid shirts, a chambray shirt, long sleeve tees, and sweaters in easy to wear blues and greys.

Hartford Long Sleeve Tees in Army, Grey, Light Blue & Indigo.

Hartford Cotton V-Neck Sweater in Blue Grey & Hartford Slub Knit V-Neck Sweater in Navy.

Hartford Large Check Flannel in Grey, Black, Navy.

Now available in-store and online at servicemenswear.com.

Brand new to Service, Canadian label Reigning Champ has arrived for Fall. We are stocking handcrafted sweatshirts & sweatpants made in beautiful, original fabrics that are developed in-house. The factory is located in Vancouver, BC where Reigning Champ has been based since 2007. We are drawn to these pieces for their simplicity of style and well-executed details. The Midweight Twill Terry hoodie has interior binding that reaches from the inside neck around to the front and down the interior of the center front placket, all in a natural cotton tape. Added side panels are made from 1x1 rib for comfort and movability - a functional detail that also adds interest. We started to refer to the fabric as the raw denim of the sweatshirt world...the more wear each item gets, the better it looks and feels. This collection is meant to pass the test of time and is available as core basics all year round.

Midweight Twill Terry Zip Hoodie Heather Grey.

Midweight Twill Terry Zip Hoodie Black & Navy.

Ringspun Jersey Tee Heather Grey.

Ringspun Jersey Tee Black & White.

Midweight Twill Terry Crewneck Heather Grey.

Midweight Twill Terry Sweatshort Heather Grey & Black.

Midweight Twill Terry Blanket Heather Grey & Navy.

Available in-store & online at servicemenswear.com.

Deus Ex Machina Mixed Lollies Shirt Bluestone.

It is always exciting when a brand comes along that makes quality products, are not over-designed & compliment our lifestyle just so. New arrivals from Deus Ex Machina have hit the store and we are proud to say they just keep getting better and better every season. Take a look at our Fall knits, shirts & hats from the notorious moto & surf brand, now available at Service Menswear.

Deus Ex Machina Mixed Lollies Shirt Leaf Green. 

Deus Ex Machina Yeti Sweater Black. 

Deus Ex Machina Hannibal Henley Bluestone. 

Deus Ex Machina Benelli Henley Charcoal. 

Deus Ex Machina Mason Tiger Tee Grey. 

Deus Ex Machina Coutinho Trucker Hat Green/Black. 

Deus Ex Machina Lamotte Trucker Hat Black.

Available in-store & online at servicemenswear.com.

Naked & Famous Slim Crewneck Ivory & Grey Stripes.
Naked & Famous Slim Crewneck Vintage Doubleface Charcoal.

Naked & Famous Slow Vintage Slim Hoodie Black.

Naked & Famous Regular Shirt Soft Herringbone Navy.

Naked & Famous Slim Shirt Twisted Yarn Grey.

Naked & Famous Regular Shirt Soft Brushed Twill Charcoal.

Available in-store & online at servicemenswear.com.

Service has some very nice true indigo dyed shirts in stock for Fall. Come on down and pick yourself up one of our favorite items for the season.

Indigo woven shirts from Gant Rugger ($125) and Naked & Famous ($168).

Matthew and Christian show us just how good this deep, rich hue looks.

If these two styles aren't doing it for you, more new shirts from Naked & Famous and a couple of other brands have just gone out on the floor today. Come by to check 'em out.

Histoires de Parfum offers an olfactory library, one which expresses stories in scent about famous personalities, opulent raw materials and iconic years. The creator of Histoires, Gerald Ghislain, first began refining his palette and nose through gastronomy, learning the art of combining and distilling savors. The art of perfumery had been a long time dream of his when he finally founded the company in 2000. He has since created an extensive line of rare and unique scents that are rich in temperament and extremely romantic. We're currently stocking seven scents that range from unisex to masculine.

The Service Staff has picked the three favorites from the first volume of this collection that were inspired by famous personalities who strongly influenced their generation. The name given to the perfume is that of their date of birth.  

Next up in our Father's Day gift idea line up are Phantasmagoria Belts: We think these belts in particular would make a really special gift for dad because they are entirely handmade in a small studio in Denver, Colorado.  Phantasmagoria belts are made from European cowhides using the shoulder of the cow. Most of the hides arrive in Denver with a natural leather color and are then hand stained. The leather is then hand cut, and the edges are beveled by hand. Next, they are inked with an acrylic edge sealer to give a pop of contrast. The buckles are sewn on with a rainbow colored nylon thread. The majority of the hardware comes from several small factories in Tuscany, outside of Florence. They are finished to the specifications of the maker and owner of Phantasmagoria belts; Lawry Covell.

He says of his work, "My goal is to make great casual belts that are minimalistic in design, and uncompromised in quality. These belts will last a long time and conform to your waist, making them very comfortable to wear. Many of my customers tell me they are the most comfortable belt they own."

Four beautiful styles now available at Service. 

Launched in Australia in 2006 Deus Ex Machina (god from the machine ) has embraced the notion that doing something is more fun than owning something, thus creating a culture along with a brand. They live by 3 principals: Inclusiveness, authenticity, enthusiasm. It’s a simple and sincere pitch that has winged Deus ex Machina across the world. Deus says simply there’s no ‘right way’ to do individualism, its all the same juice.

A super laid back assortment of swimwear, tees, and shorts is now available at Service Menswear:

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Service is stocking seven hand crafted scents (eau de toilette) from West Third's Societe de Senteur fragrance line. All scents come in 2oz bottles. We love this brand for it's understated, handcrafted, high quality, products which are proudly made in the USA!

Love First: Fresh flowers, patchouli, musk

Ode to You: orange peel, galbanum, angelica, iris, cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, amber, incense, musk 7

Heartbreaks: citrus notes, muddled magnolia and peony, sweet apple, pear, chocolate, hazelnuts, amber

Spruce: juniper, water lilies, grapefruit, petitgrain tonic, sandalwood, sage

Ropes and Sails: grapefruit, calamanzi, muguet, jasmine, sage, juniper, rosewood, sandalwood, petitgrain

Tall Tales: amber, violet, clary sage, coriander, suede, tobacco, coffee, coco, vanilla

Road Trip: white musk, patchouli, star anise, iris, osmanthus, sandalwood, vetiver, cedar

New spring 2013 goods have begun to arrive, with lots of items now back in stock as well!  Anchor Wallet and Card Case in Olive Also available in Blue and Brown.

Nylon Canvas Computer Bag in Royal Also Available in Black and Navy

New Spiewak jackets are in! We're stocking two great styles this year: The waterproof systems jacket with a zip out vest (in navy) and the wool hooded parka (in loden green).

We've been excited about our Spiewak order since since the Fall 2012 tradeshows back in January. Check out James and Kirk trying the coats on at the Spiewak booth.

Holiday cheer and parties. Twinkling lights and fancy attire, are just around the corner.  An assortment of Sticks & Stones accessories are here.

The collection of cufflinks and rings bring together unusual natural materials to create wearable art. Featuring reclaimed exotic wood, fossils, prehistoric ivories, and fine metals; Sticks & Stones products add a unique touch to your wardrobe.

Ebony ring available in sizes 8, 9, 10, 11.

We're pretty stoked about the tie and bow tie selection that we are offering this season. Over 100 selections in wool, velvet, knit, and silk variations from cool tonal solids to bright pops of color.  Currently in stock, ties and bowties by:  Ted Baker, Culturata, Gant Rugger, Hartford, Gitman Vintage, Alexander Olch, and John Varvatos.

Barbour Fall 2012 product is here!  Since 1894, Barbour has remained true to its core values as a family business which espouses the unique values of the British Countryside and brings the qualities of wit, grit and glamour to its beautifully functional clothing. Service is stocking Barbour waxed caps, umbrellas in Barbour's signature tartan, eight different styles of bags ranging from waxed canvas totes, striped wool duffles, to leather travel bags. Also in stock, an awesome motorcycle jacket in navy, and the famous Ashby jacket, a staple of the Barbour collection, in olive.  

The staff's favorite item? The waxed dog coat (available XS - L). Blossom, modeling Barbour's waxed canvas dog coat.

Hex is our newest line of bags and accessories. Founders Dan Maravilla and Trent Valladares were brought together by music and visual art. They decided to channel their artistic passions into a small business idea that combined their love of style and technology. With a strong focus on function as well as design, Hex products make for a fantastic way to protect all your gadgets.

iPhone 4/4S cases, iPad cases, backpacks, laptop duffel, and messenger bags now all available at Service.

New Gitman Vintage long sleeve button downs have arrived.

Hozell, proclaimed to be "the world's first leisure brand", has set out to make perfect fitting t-shirts. Made in the USA, and reflecting the relaxed surf and skate apparel that the brand's owners were raised on, Hozell strongly believes in locally made clothes, produced with ethically and socially responsible practices, that are sold at a fair price.

Toddland Greatest Shorts and Shipwreck Shorts have finally arrived at Service. We're offering the shorts in new summer colors (green, royal, and golden graham!) and even a hot dog embroidered pattern on khaki. Drop by the store to try a pair on before we run out!

Greatest Shorts in the Universe.

Shipwreck Shorts with the pocket turned out!

The Hotdog Embroidery.

Wm. J. Mills & Co., known first as sailmakers, have been crafting superior products for five generations since the late 1800's. With the advent of the steam boat, the company began using the same high quality materials they used for their sails, to make bags. 

Service is currently offering these US made bags in 3 shapes (the parachute bag, briefcase II, and typewriter bag), and 2 colorways (royal with navy accents, and olive green with black accents).  All the bags have antique brass hardware.

Alex Knost has teamed up with RVCA's ANP program and the result is a vintage inspired collection that's casual and easy to wear, "Guaranteed Wearable" as he put's it.

The collection is influenced by his passions for a coastal lifestyle, creating music and conceptual art. The pieces feature a nature inspired color palette with slim silhouettes.  It is supported by inspirational imagery created by Alex and film-maker Jack Coleman. All the pieces come with a postcard featuring various photos titled "Photos of Nothing".

Introducing the newest addition to our sunglasses collection from a company with a cause: Aframes Eyewear.

AFrames founders Jay Parkin, Wes Stoody, Maggie Stoody sporting their Aframes. Founded on the belief that companies have a responsibility to make a difference in the world, Aframes founders, Wes Stoody, Jay Parkin, and Maggie Stoody have made their cause the eradication of Vitamin A deficiency, which is the leading cause of blindness in children throughout the world.

Aframes has partnered with Helen Keller International and donates 5% of their total revenue. This money is used to distribute vitamin A supplements to the places that need it most, helping save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. $1 can provide a child with a year's worth of supplements. 

All the frames are named after countries (Bangladesh, Cameroon, Mali, Mozambique, and Senegal) that are helped by donations from Aframes and Helen Keller International. Service is carrying all five styles in various colors. The frames are made of high quality acetate and feature vintage inspired seven barrel riveted hinges.  The lenses are polycarbonate, polarized, and have an anti-reflective coating. 

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of Naked & Famous' circular knit t-shirts at Service! These t-shirts are special because they have been woven using vintage circular looms, producing a garment that is one continuous piece of 100% ringspun cotton! There are no seams in the body or the collar, which eliminates the twisting and torquing in your usual t-shirt that occurs after a wash.  And, true to Naked & Famous' dedication to quality, they are manufacturing these shirts at a family-owned factory across from their office in Montreal, Canada! The factory has been producing circular knit garments on the same machines for over 70 years!  Whoa!

As for the fit, the folks at Naked & Famous say, "The fit is a 1950's style Muscle T with fitted short sleeves and of course a tubular body."

Above, the factory in the 1950's!

Stop by Service and pick up this awesome tee in white or indigo (or both!).

Just received our first shipment of Florsheim, Ltd brogues. When Kirk and I attend markets, we never truly know what the fit of a new brand will be, until it arrives at Service. Sometimes we take chances. However, the fact that both our fathers were loyal, lifelong Florsheim customers gave us confidence that Florsheim had the potential to be a great fitting shoe. The first thing I did when the shipment arrived, was try on the new brogues and I have to say that they are among one of the best fitting shoes I have ever worn. The shoes have a nice weight, have great detailing, hug the foot nicely, and the heel adds one inch height without looking Frankenstein-y. Yes! Here are some images to check out.