For some reason, manufacturing a worn-in garment is nigh-on impossible to achieve. So many brands have tried to replicate the look and feel of vintage, and so many have failed. All apart from Khakis.
We first became aware of the South Korean brand a couple of years ago during Paris Fashion Week, and stepping into their showroom was like being transported into a time capsule. It felt like we were standing in a menswear store from 1985, stocked to the ceiling with workwear, casualwear and military-inspired garb.
Since that moment, we’ve kept a keen eye on all of Khakis’ movements. Their Merrell collab earlier this year was tremendous. As was their FW26 collection we perused back in January. Since then, we’ve been patiently waiting for the lookbook to land – now finally it’s here. And somehow it looks even better on paper than it did in store.
Part of that is down to Khakis’ styling – their ability to mix and match outdoor garments with prep classics is nothing short of genius. Tucked shirts, bare feet, scarves tied around waists – this lookbook is a masterclass in getting dressed.
As for the clothes themselves, well, as usual, Khakis have somehow bottled everything that makes vintage clothing so great and worked it into a modern collection. Denim with the perfect amount of distressing, beautifully faded khakis, garment-dyed tees – every item has that subtle amount of wear and character that elevates it to the next level.
Standout items include a ridiculous red down jacket, argyle knitwear that looks like it has stepped off a boat from Scotland, and the sort of raincoat you’d spot in a Patagonia catalogue from 1993. Not to mention an abundance of fantastic layering pieces ranging from checked shirts to padded vests.
Truly, genuinely, unequivocally – Khakis has become one of our favourite brands on the menswear and outdoor circuit, and from looking at their FW26 collection, it should be absolutely obvious why. Everything from the colours and silhouettes, right the way through to the styling is meticulously good.
They’ve perfected the sort of clothing you actively want to live in. The kind of garments that you’re constantly grabbing off the back of your door, somehow never quite making it into the back of your wardrobe.
Find out more about Khakis FW26 range at khakis2020.com
