Blog
INTRODUCING: ALMOND APPAREL May 14 2015
We are pleased to introduce Almond Apparel to the Service brand family. Almond's roots are in surf board design and production with the brand ethos of creating timeless, quality essentials for surfers. The six and a half year old company recently branched out into apparel production. We have picked up a small selection of tees, shirts, and shorts.
We wanted to introduce Almond into our mix for the following reasons:
1) The product is all made in the USA.
2) The creators give attention to craftsmanship and to building relationships with the people who produce their products.
3) The collection has an appealing Southern California style and sensibility which is reflected in each product.
From Almond:
"The shops we are privileged to work with don't necessarily carry surfing as a common thread, but share a desire to make quality USA made goods, and educate the customer about the brands and makers behind them. Thankful for like-minded people and friends who make it all possible."
Almond offers high quality staples for the Summer, which we now offer in the shop and online.
RVCA IS HERE FOR SUMMER May 07 2015
It is no secret Service has a fondness for surf and skate inspired brands. We began selling RVCA when the brand launched in 2001. We were attracted to the collection because it was simple, affordable and durable. Today, almost fifteen years later, each collection maintains those same design sensibilities season after season. Now a much larger enterprise, RVCA remains a great value and a celebration of its casual surf/skate roots.
We sold the original Recession Collection at our Campus store because it was super affordable and cool. It was designed with a Dickies vibe and introduced poly cotton durable blends to skaters, couriers, baristas and students. The Recession Collection pant and short were the original inspiration for what is now the Weekend Chino, a mainstay in RVCA’s broader offering. Then the shorts were basically short versions of Dickies pants. Shirts were poly cotton versions of a two pocket work shirt like guys wore at gas stations and auto garages mostly sold by Dickies at the time. RVCA was the perfect compliment to our Vans offering. They are still great together.
Back then RVCA seemed real, raw and relevant, not unlike Altru, Mollusk or Almond, now. We still love the RVCA team’s smart designs.
Today, RVCA maintains an important place in our assortment. Have a look at our new arrivals including shorts, tees, tanks, swim trunks, and shirts.
In addition, we will always offer RVCA short sleeve and long sleeve oxford shirts in core and seasonal colors, as well as the Weekend Chino, all available in the store and online.
This Fall, we will re-introduce Dickies at Service with the Dickies Construct Collection. Work wear inspired pants and jackets with a modern fit. The Recession Collection is also back as a special collection within the RVCA brand. The clothing will feature the original label on staple basics like cotton tees, sweatshirts and chinos.
INTRODUCING: REIGNING CHAMP October 07 2014
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.
GO FOR THE SUN WITH SUNDEK June 11 2014
"Go For The Sun With SUNDEK" is SUNDEK's original tagline. For the sixth Summer in a row, SUNDEK continues to be one of our favorite swim brands. Its vintage appeal, vibrancy, and nod to California surf culture rounds out the surf shop feel of the store during this time of year.
Sun-dek of California was born in the 1940's. In the late 50's the brand created some of the very first swim shorts dedicated to surf's increasing popularity. The year 1972 marks the era of the rainbow board shorts and the arrival of the iconic surf brand. These swim shorts were the first to offer Velcro closures instead of zippers and are well enforced with triple stitching to avoid seam blowouts.
Original 70's era photography and advertising of the SUNDEK brand.
Available in-store and online, 14" & 17" rainbow swim shorts in 12 styles.
BRAND NEW: KROCHET KIDS May 29 2014
New to Service, tees from a conscious brand set out to empower women living in impoverished nations one crocheted hat (or pocket tee in this case) at a time. Each piece is hand-signed by the woman who made it, giving insight into what the impact of a job looks like for that one person. Krochet Kids has tracked this impact to show leaps in personal income growth, healthier families, a decrease in domestic violence, and gender equality recognition for the women working to create their unique products. Available in-store and soon to be online, take a look at what we've stocked for Spring.
First image, Pocket Tank in Black ($38). Above, Pocket Crew Tee in Natural ($42).
Short Sleeve Pocket Henley in Natural & Denim ($45).
The details: henley pocket and interior hand-signed tag.
BRAND NEW: QUIKSILVER ORIGINALS March 20 2014
New for Spring, Quiksilver has launched their line of vintage inspired board shorts, under the moniker Quiksilver Originals. Service now carries 6 styles pulled from the Quiksilver archives, in 18" and 15" lengths. Check out British GQ's feature on the surfer-friendly line and pop into Service to snag 80's style checkered board shorts and 60's inspired shorty trunks. It's finally swim time, y'all.
ALTRU APPAREL November 05 2013
In addition to clothing, Service has stocked eight different brightly colored socks with fun graphics. We love 'em.
THE UNBRANDED BRAND October 15 2013
"No branding, no washes, no embroidery, no ad campaigns and no celebrities." A straight forward pair of jeans that wear in perfectly over time. In store now! UNBRANDED is the perfect everyday jean that offers you a whole lot of bang for the buck. At $82 to $88, the maker's of Naked & Famous Denim now offer a new brand of slim, raw selvedge indigo denim, or selvedge chino, with all the best details that you might find in a jean that's far more expensive.
If you're the type to never wash your jeans, get ready to experience some of the best fading and crease marks ever. Here's an example of what the indigo denim looks like after 9 months of wear, 1 dip in the ocean at 5 months, and a wash at 6.
HOOK & ALBERT June 21 2013
New sock arrivals from Hook + Albert are the perfect Summer accent. Service is stocking three styles of socks. All feature specialized arch support, hand-linked toes, a contoured stitched heel, and are set in the world's finest Peruvian cotton.
Be sure to also check out the lapel flowers by Hook and Albert. A unique accessory for a summer wedding or other event that requires a jacket. Hand-cut and hand-starched, the flowers are made in New York City with fine fabrics and 100% shell buttons to attach to your jacket's lapel.
HISTOIRES DE PARFUM June 14 2013
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.
PHANSTASMAGORIA BELTS June 12 2013
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.
DEUS EX MACHINA June 05 2013
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:
SOCIETE DE SENTEUR FROM WEST THIRD February 10 2013
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
SPIEWAK OUTERWEAR November 28 2012
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.
FARIBAULT WOOLEN MILL CO. November 13 2012
CULTURATA October 31 2012
Take a look at these two beautiful shirts that just arrived from Culturata. As always, made in Italy, using sustainable products and ethical production methods. We love the tailored fit, and simple yet sophisticated look. Now available at Service!
JACK SPADE LEATHER GOODS October 24 2012
Mill Leather Computer Field Bags in black and tobacco.
Davis Briefcase in tobacco.
Leather Dopp Kits in black and tobacco All currently in stock at Service.
BARBOUR October 22 2012
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 October 02 2012
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.
HOZELL August 09 2012
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.
WM. J. MILLS BAGS July 14 2012
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 FOR RVCA June 19 2012
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".
AFRAMES EYEWEAR May 24 2012
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.
SUPER May 04 2012
Brothers David and Simon Beckerman founded Retrosuperfuture as a means to combine the exotic sunglasses they found at flea markets with the remarkable craftsmanship that has become associated with the words "hand-made in Italy."
Super glasses combine minimal, tastefully engineered frame shapes with high quality Zeiss lenses. The frames range from traditional glossy blacks to exotic tortoiseshells. Service is offering several pairs that are part of Super's Spring Prints limited edition collection that feature "fantastically kitsch vintage 70's and 80's beach themed post cards" prints, as well as other images that you would least expect to see printed on the inside of your sunglasses!
FLORSHEIM, LTD. - FOR THE MAN WHO CARES April 11 2012
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.
MOSCOT ORIGINALS NEW METALS COLLECTION March 28 2012
Just arrived! The new Izzy sunglass from the MOSCOT Originals metals collection released for Spring 2012. Like all MOSCOT Originals, the metals collection are authentic styles from the MOSCOT family archives dating from 1960 to 1970. The Izzy, with a full metal frame, characteristic groove detailing along the bridge and metal temples, and a three barrel hinge, is in stock in three variations: gold frame with amber lenses, gold frame with violet lenses, and in silver frame with blue lenses.
Sunglass images provided by MOSCOT Originals.
NIXON TIME TELLER P February 21 2012
Spring is around the corner and just in, the Time Teller P by Nixon in bright, bold colors. For those who prefer neutral and classic watch colors, Service is also offering them in dark and matte finishes All time teller P's are $75. Photos supplied by Nixon.
BIG JOHN JEANS BY NAKED & FAMOUS February 03 2012
Big John was the first ever Japanese denim brand, founded in 1940. Originally, they were a manufacturer of uniforms, but when competitors started using polyester they couldn’t compete and insisted using natural cotton fabrics. So they looked to the USA to see what garments were made of cotton. They found jeans. Originally purchasing their selvedge denim from Cone in the USA, Big John eventually commissioned a Japanese mill to create denim fabric in Japan for the first time ever. The first ever Japanese denim brand, with the first ever Japanese denim, in collaboration with Naked & Famous - available at Service Menswear.
Photos of the jeans being made in the Big John factory in Kojima from the Naked & Famous website.
PORTER BAGS / THE SMOKY COLLECTION December 14 2011
Known throughout Japan for their impeccable construction and use of innovative materials, Porter bags were initially introduced in 1962, by creator and master craftsman, Kichizo Yoshida, of Yoshida & Co. Service Menswear is proud to be the first store in Texas to stock Porter bags.
Owning a Porter bag shows a man's appreciation for things well-made, with simple style, and high functionality that does not compete with aesthetics.
Porter bags are constructed with the idea of craftsmanship that nurtures "Heart and soul into every stitch."
Porter bags are made of canvas, pliable organic cotton and nylon and are available exclusively in Texas at Service Menswear.
SOCKS BY ETIQUETTE CLOTHIERS December 09 2011
Etiquette Clothiers tagline is simple. 'The Worlds Most Proper Basics'. The collection combines the traditions of classic craftsmanship and artisanship with modern design. After all, etiquette starts with the foundation - for a little bit of civility and ceremony, underneath it all. Etiquette socks are now available at Service Menswear.
CREEP CLOTHING BY HIROSHI AWAI November 06 2011
New to Service Menswear, Creep Clothing first launched in 1997 in Osaka, Japan by Kiyofumi Awai. On a limited number occassions, the label’s pieces have made their way to US shelves. In 2008, Kiyofumi’s younger brother, Hiroshi, took the reigns as Creep’s creative director. Hiroshi is taking the line in a new direction by combining innovative Japanese design with his passion for the simple beauty of functional American workwear.
SELVEDGE DUCK CANVAS / NAKED & FAMOUS November 03 2011
Selvedge Duck Canvas – Old school duck canvas selvedge fabric. Many of you already know that the first jeans made in the late 1800s were made of duck canvas, not denim. This is a selvedge 10oz version. It’s not heavy, but its still a solid jean.
Available now at Service Menswear.
HARTFORD SCARVES November 02 2011
Scarves by HARTFORD Available in Navy, Black & Olive at Service Menswear.
HAPPY SOCKS November 01 2011
Gents, spice up your wardrobe with some colorful covers for your feet.
And if you are feeling the slightest bit cheesy....why not try a little animal print?
Happy Socks available now at Service Menswear.
CHEAP MONDAY September 26 2011
CHEAP MONDAY Tees.
Tor Tee - Lightning.
Alex Stripe Tee / grey charcoal + moss dark blue.
Tor Tee X.
Currently available at Service.
COLE HAAN / CASUAL OXFORDS / COLTON WITH NIKE AIR TECHNOLOGY September 06 2011
Crafted by Artisans
Deconstructed oxford in soft leather
Concealed Nike Air technology
Unlined for soft construction
Leather stacked heel and sole with rubber injected forepart
Available now at Service:
Distressed leather in Chocolate with both red & black laces.
Smooth leather in Burnished Brown.
With the Cole Haan Restored program you can now have your favorite Cole Haan footwear beautifully renewed. Each shoe is hand-worked using the same materials and craft as the original whenever possible. The only thing that doesn’t change is the character and comfort.
