Blog
MEET THE SERVICE FAMILY - CHRISTIAN November 27 2012
Christian was first a loyal Service customer, and then to supplement his wardrobe with employee discounts, picked up part-time work at the store. His passion is also the kitchen. He has worked at Uchi for many years, and makes some mean, wickedly delicious "albondigas." That's Mexican meatballs, for the anglophiles out there. Christian has been a fantastic Service employee, but his other interests and ventures are acting and some part-time modeling.
How long have you worked for Service? On and off again for about 7 years.
What are you up to now? Working the sushi line at a little restaurant on south lamar.
What is your favorite item you've ever purchased from Service? This is a great question because I have invested a lot of my time into their clothes! The winner would have to be my 511 levi's. Four years of hard work and still going.
What's the cheesiest pick up line you've ever used? Did it work?! How 'bout I give you one that was used on me, "I'm a millionaire cougar and I've kinda been stalking you." there's a lot more to it, but that's the point. didn't really work.
Christian is wearing:
Gant, long sleeve striped henley
Penguin, wool blend blazer
Ben Sherman, slim stretch chino
Vans, guitar strap chukka decon
All available at Service Menswear.
HAPPY TURKEY DAY! November 22 2012
From all of us at Service, we wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. Check out this recipe for an interesting and alternative way to prepare your turkey. Mmmmmm Bacon!!
MEET THE SERVICE FAMILY - JACK November 19 2012
We are starting a series that introduces our readers to the Service family. Over the next few weeks we'll be featuring current staff, alumni staff, and close friends of the Service family, each sporting new selections from our stock! For our first feature, we'd like to introduce you to Jack Pearl, one of the newest members of the Service team. James thought it would be fun to go to our nearest H.E.B. for the shoot. Jack has lived in Austin for four years, is a local musician (a bad-ass bass player) who plays in two bands: Space Crazies, and Once Per Axis.
What have you been listening to lately? St Vincent & David Byrne.
What is your favorite bar in Austin? Hole in The Wall because it's a great intimate spot for local acts.
Any obsessions? yes movies, lots of them. Currently obsessed with movies directed by Christopher Nolan, Sam Mendez, David Fincher, to name a few. Also practicing lots of Yoga.
What do you like most about working at Service? My co-workers at Service are fun and I enjoy helping customers.
Given a choice, chocolate or sharp cheddar? Sharp cheddar, I don't care for sweets.
Jack is wearing:
Naked and Famous, slim shirt.
Shades of Grey, glen plaid blazer
Ben Sherman, oxford chinos
Alexander Olch, corduroy necktie and plaid suspenders
Etiquette, multi stripe socks
Cole Haan, Air Charles Chukka, in suede
STICKS & STONES CUFFLINKS AND RINGS November 16 2012
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.
FLORSHEIM November 15 2012
Wingtip boots from Florsheim now in stock at Service. Available in black, chestnut, and loden (suede).
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!
TIES, TIES, TIES! October 30 2012
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.
SCARECROW October 29 2012
What the scarecrow mannequin is wearing:
Plectrum tweed blazer with elbow patches, $295
Benson long sleeve print shirt, $138
Alexander Olch velvet bowtie, $105
RVCA wool blend pants, $78
Grenson Oscar chukka, brown suede, $275
Fingerless gloves, $18
Cast Iron Crows, $38 each
LOOSE KNITS October 25 2012
The Service Crew is loving all the loose knit sweaters that have arrived at the store; here are a few favorites.
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.
TODDLAND SHORTS July 20 2012
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 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.
MADE IN THE USA July 03 2012
A great way to be patriotic this independence day is to shop local and consider purchasing products that are made in the USA. At Service, we proudly offer many high quality, U.S. made goods.
Brands made in the USA offered at Service:
- Alexander Olch
- Altru
- AMBSN
- American Apparel
- American Optics
- Bandanas
- BillyKirk
- Gitman Vintage
- Hozell
- Paste
- Reyn Spooner
- Wm. J. Mills
Matthew in AMBSN swim trunks, made in the USA.
Made in USA product from Altru, Paste, BillyKirk and AMBSN
STRIPES June 27 2012
The bold stripes on old awnings, beach umbrellas, or vintage lawn furniture are one of the Summer patterns that visually define the season. The bolder and brighter, the better! Service is currently stocking a great collection of Summer nautical stripes in tees, tanks, and swim trunks.
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".
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! June 17 2012
Wishing everyone a Happy Father's Day from the Service crew and our favorite TV Dads!
FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS June 13 2012
We've been posting gift ideas to Instagram (@servicemenswear) all week and wanted to share our finds.
All available at Service.
Ray Ban- Clubmaster, AO Eyewear- Original Pilot, Super- Thick Frame Havana, Specs- Key Hole Way.
Jack Spade- Computer Field Bag, Jack Spade- Leather Dopp Kit, Porter- Duffle, Benson-Gym Bag.
Alexander Olch Ties, Etiquette Socks, Nixon-Sentry & Sentry Leather, Bone Handle Knife & Wood Handle Corkscrew.
SUNDEK SWIMWEAR June 05 2012
The June issue of GQ features one of our favorite swim lines, Sundek swimwear. If you're looking for a classic pair of trunks, we have a good color selection available in 14'' and 17'' lengths.
Started in the 1940's, Sun-Dek of California decided to introduce a new line of cotton/nylon swimwear in 1958 that was especially designed with surfing in mind, thus creating Sundek, one of the first brands dedicated to the surfing sport. In the 60's SUNDEK introduced key innovative solutions like using velcro instead of zippers, and colorful tropical prints on cotton. During these years many surfers began to be sponsored by SUNDEK, promoting the brand as well as this new sport which was destined to become a sought after life style. 1972 marked the begining of the era of the rainbow boardshorts, which thanks to their technical qualities and original easy to recognize design, became an icon for surfers.
In 2008, after a decade long absence, Sundek reentered the U.S. market. Service is proud to offer this time-honored brand that is, both, functional and fashionable.
GARY MARTIN SIGNS June 02 2012
Service has a new sandwich board on the avenue and we are excited about it! It features many of our brands and is beautifully hand painted. We'd like to thank Gary Martin of Martin Signs for his great work and tell you a little about this unique local business, Martin Signs.
Gary Martin has been creating great looking hand painted signs in Austin for over 25 years. Gary has neon, goldleaf, cutouts, and tattoo shop signs all over the city (He said his favorite signs are tattoo cutouts and it's easy to see why, they are real works of art!)
Here's Gary with the Service sign and a few more of his iconic signs around town:
SUMMER YELLOW May 29 2012
We have fun yellow pops in apparel and accessories to brighten every day.
-Pantherella, Cotton/Cashmere Stripe Sock
-Jack Spade, Monza Bill Holder
-Vans Authentic, Brushed Twill
-RVCA, Solid Crewneck Tee
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.
GITMAN VINTAGE May 14 2012
Each season, Gitman Vintage base their designs on line-books from the late 1970's focusing on patterns and fabrics from a specific year and include details from original collections including double track stitching and the original branded label.
Gitman keeps their designs relevant with updated, modern, and slimmer cuts for today's customer. Every piece is made in the USA, and goes through up to 50 steps to manufacture. A process that takes about 80 minutes from beginning to end!
Service is offering short sleeve Gitman Vintage oxfords in subtle polka dots in grey or white and a classic vertical broken stripe pattern.
Gitman Vintage is all about attention to detail with their expert craftsmanship and subtle patterns.
BEN SHERMAN CHINOS May 10 2012
Just in! Ben Sherman's slim chinos in new colors for Spring and Summer. We love their great modern fit, fantastic feel, and the fun red tipping detail when rolled up.
Service is offering these slim fit, 100% cotton chinos in coral, navy, gray, and blue. Check out Matthew in coral!
Service is also stocking the chino short version in coral, yellow, and blue.
Here are two nice looks from Ben Sherman's Spring collection.
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!
NAKED & FAMOUS VINTAGE CIRCULAR KNIT T-SHIRTS April 30 2012
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!).
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.
ONIA April 01 2012
Onia makes some of the most versatile swimwear in the market, producing trunks that act like a pair of chino shorts, and vice-versa. It all depends on where you find yourself when you have them on. At the beach? They're trunks. Walking down the block? Shorts! Service is currently stocking the Calder cut by Onia. It features a curved waistband, pockets, nylon zipper, a thin mesh liner, and 7.5" inseam. Hitting mid thigh above the knee, but not too short, the Calder's length is just right. Also in stock are Onia beach towels. The 50" x 71" beach towels are made of imported Spanish cloth (blue stripes, or green stripes) on one side, and terry cloth on the reverse.
AMBSN March 30 2012
The recent rains that we've had and the higher temperatures mean one thing: It's time to go swimming. The green belt creeks are flowing, so grab your cut offs, or favorite trunks, and head to your preferred swimming hole. If you're in the mood for a new swimsuit, Service has you covered. AMBSN is the latest arrival. The brand got its start in 2001 by brothers Dylan and Dustin Odbert, as a fundraiser to help a friend who had mounting medical bills; a result of a tragic accident. AMBSN has cultivated a devoted following and it is made in the USA. The swimwear features whimsical fabrics with flamingo prints, or prints of lions, tigers and bears. There are bright color blocks, and 80's graphics and textures. Head to the springs!
Ambsn photos taken from the ambsn Spring 2012 lookbook.
EASTLAND MADE IN MAINE MOCCASINS March 29 2012
We just added two new styles to our growing collection of Eastland Made in Maine, USA shoes. Both of the new Mocs are available in a supple tan leather finish that will bruise beautifully as they age with use. The iconic Yarmouth, a slip-on Camp Moc, and the 4-eyelet Falmouth are handsewn by skilled Maine shoemakers using a traditional true moccasin construction. The Leather is 100% American Horween® leather that is tanned in the USA with hand rubbed finishes. With its cushioned leather socklining and genuine leather welt, we loved the fit of the shoe. Very, very comfortable!
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.
SXSW WARDROBE CHECK - SHOW / STREET March 15 2012 2 Comments
What shows do you plan to catch this evening? The Shins at Auditorium Shores or just braving the streets of Downtown Austin and finding your way into some live music? Wherever you end up, Service thinks you should look good, but most of all be comfortable while looking good. See our picks below:
1. ALTRU T-Shirt - with the MAXELL blown away guy remember this ad from the 80's?A classic must for any music fan. Made in the USA. $25
2. SPIEWAK Jacket in Navy $128
3. NAKED & FAMOUS Belt $95
4. ONI NAKED & FAMOUS Jeans $250
5. COLE HAAN Shoes $155
SXSW / WHAT ARE YOU WEARING TODAY? March 14 2012
Whether you are spending your SXSW days at The Fader Fort or taking a break from the day activities with a dip in our local Barton Springs Pool, we've got you covered. Check out Service's picks below:
1. Cheap Sunglasses $19
2. Cheap Monday tank $ 35
3. RVCA Hats $35
4. Penguin shorts $65
5. VANS $55
ALTRU TRUNK SALE AT SERVCE / MARCH 15 -17 March 12 2012
https://www.facebook.com/AltruApparel
https://www.facebook.com/ServiceMenswear
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.
JAMES' FAVORITE PICKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS December 16 2011
1. Eastland boots $325 - made in the USA
2. Etiquette socks $18
3. RVCA long sleeve green oxford $58
4. Hartford camel hair v- neck sweater $275
5. Ray Ban polarized aviators $188
6. American Apparel White Crews $16 - made in the USA
7. Levis 511 rust cords $58
8. Nixon watch $62
9. Hartford scarf $95
10. Wigens Harris Tweed driver cap in $115
11. Fullum & Holt Belt $85
12. Levis 514 raw headbanger (our newest wash at a great price) $65
STOCKING STUFFER / TODDLAND BOXER BRIEFS December 15 2011
Hanukkah + Santa briefs by Toddland Wrapped and ready to go - a steal for $18!
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.
HARTFORD SWEATER December 05 2011
Hartford Elbow Patch Crew Neck Sweater Currently available at Service Menswear
