A Case for: Logos
“Minimalism” has been an ongoing trend that has all but removed any logo from many clothing brands. These brands are finding creative ways to implement their logos into smaller and smaller versions of themselves, but I’d like to offer a counter-argument to this.
Before I begin, I am not playing the defensive side of the losing battle for graphic tees. Graphics should be worn the vast majority of the time only to events that call for them, and late-night food runs. The exception being the picture for this article. Ethan Newton wearing a band tee under a bespoke suit, covered partially by a red scarf as a middle ground between the two varying levels of formality.
Outside of that, a plain shirt is not only more versatile but more adult altogether.
Back to the actual argument, I’d argue that logos can be creatively placed into summer outfits to spice them up a bit—specifically because there is so little room to play with much else.
Hats are probably the only other clothing you can wear in summer months that add or subtract from an outfit. Problem being, most men do not feel comfortable enough to wear hats. So we’re left with a plain tee or polo, pants or shorts, and sneakers or loafers. Not exactly much room for fun.
Advancing your style doesn’t always come in the form of suits and boots, but how you can wear the basics in a casual yet sophisticated manner. Take the picture below for instance.
If you were to take the hat off both individuals, you would find that they still looked great. From top to bottom, they are wearing defining pieces. On the left, fitted tee and matching pants. Right, same idea but on the looser end.
Ultimately, though, they are both wearing white t-shirts and pants with dress shoes. Focusing on the left; the tee has a fine Dolce & Gabbanna logo that neither detracts from the outfit in its proportion or color. Thin black—inappropriate for the rest of the outif perhaps—though between his hair and tattoos, black is a color he cannot choose to omit from an outift.
This is exactly in line with improving the otherwise overplayed “white tee” that would have been better suited for a jeans and white sneaker look. Below is the maximum extend of my personal taste for logos, and for very specific reasons.
Tattoos. If he did not have the tattoos, honestly this would not be in my taste. The black pants help bring it all in, and the watch a perfect accessory. RRL is a well known, proper brand with many variations of their logo with bears, colors, and more. It is probably the simplicity of the text in both logos that makes me approve of them with tailoring. This brand may also be the reason I find this attractive. Either way, following both of those simple rules should be a great way to get started and try the idea out for yourself.
In other words, avoid bright, garish pictures and other graphics if you choose to do this. As I said before, it’s a losing battle.
I have always hated playing the “brand-name” game. There is a certain amount of solace in my ability to find off-brand or non-mainstream brands into my wardrobe. I’d say I enjoy not wearing brands. However, if you can find them in your size at a SAVERS or ROSS for dirt-cheap, I would jump on. Specifically for t-shirts, which would maximally run you about $40 on the high end, and $2.99 on a good luck run through a thrift shop.
Tee shirts, since they wear so quickly, are not something I’d ever advise my readers to stretch their money on. If you live somewhere that is regularly hot, and have hit a rut attending the plain white tee party, find something with a fine logo, that matches your style, and have it be your centerpiece to bring in the outfit. Same way the perfect tie or striped shirt would under a jacket.
Find other ways to improve your style in the coming weeks, as we roll out more spring/summer style guide tips to get your Style in Sync with the modern world.
Leave any advice, tips, and evem counter arguments below for other readers to discuss!
-Mario
