What We Like About Officine Generale This Season . . .

I’ve bought Officine Generale for probably 10 years now. I don’t recall exactly when we started carrying the line (we bought initially from a cool showroom in New York that’s known for curating up-and-coming designers), but I’ve always liked the modern Parisian aesthetic that founder Pierre Mahéo brings to the line. Their style is characterized by understated, functional, and minimalist tailoring.

Their long-sleeve shirts are a perennial top seller for us, making them a menswear stapple. They’re cut a little shorter so you can wear them out but not overly trim so they can fit a lot of body types. This season, Officine offered many flannel and brushed cotton fabrics. The Lipp shirt model and the Giacomo are two of their classics.

The James 5 pocket jean from Officine Generale has also been in their collection for years. It’s like a French take on a Levi 501. When I first saw it, I was hesitant about the fit as styles were getting skinnier and skinnier. But now ready for something fuller, I love them. They have a drapier silhouette to them. This season we have them in their corduroy which they offer season in, season out. The James 5 pocket has a longer, roomier rise and button fly. Great with a sweater or sweater jacket or casual sport coat.

The mélange yarn wool crew neck sweater is another staple we’ve bought for the past 3 or 4 fall-winter seasons. It has a nice hand to it and runs relatively true to size. Size up one or two sizes if you want a slouchier look. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Officine Generale turtleneck. This season we did theirs in black. It’s your classic Parisian look. Think of Keanu Reeves at dinner in Paris with Diane Keaton at Le Grand Colbert in Something’s Gotta Give. You either love or hate turtlenecks (or rollnecks as the Brits call them) but they’re being shown more and more, and they have a cool 1970’s Steve McQueen vibe to them. Wear by itself or under their Leo suede jacket. Very chic.

 

Officine Generale has a great modern look to it that can work with a lot of different styles. It can be more for a fashion guy but also work as an easy sport shirt or sweater for a more classic guy. View all their t-shirts, outerwear, and knitwear.