3 wardrobe updates that won’t blow your bonus

Saddle up: Feldspar Brook’s polo-centric universe

Few garments can match the purity or functionality of the classic polo. From fitness to fashion, the polo remains a staple of every stylish man’s wardrobe. Which is why Feldspar Brook is such a welcome addition to Soho’s evolving sartorial scene. Opened in late summer, Feldspar Brook’s spare, gallerylike boutique stocks polo shirts — and polo shirts only — in a range of 27 traditional and edgy colors.

Crafted entirely from Egyptian pima cotton, the polos are sturdy enough for daily use yet stylish enough to wear to evening events. Accents include a slim silhouette, mother-of-pearl buttons and a chic French seam. The shirts are designed in Manhattan, manufactured at the company’s wholly-owned factory in Korea — and, while formally intended for men, are sized to suit both sexes. So why make just polos? Why not, says Robyn Roberts, editor-in-chief of Feldspar Brook, which is also a boutique publishing house. “Given our years of extensive research on the traditional polo shirt, we’ve perfected our very own version for modern times,” she says. “We’re the polo company and that’s how we’d like to be perceived, so it’s only natural this is our primary focus.”

Along with its new Soho flagship, Feldspar Brook debuted a summer pop-up shop in Southampton and is planning an additional Manhattan outpost this fall. Polo mallets will not be among the new offerings, but long-sleeve polos are in the works. “There are plenty of exciting new styles on the horizon,” Roberts explains, “all centered around our perfect polo.” If you need another one to add to your stable, you know where to go.

J. Crew jeans: Japan-dyed, Kentucky-distressed

Crew, the king of timeless menswear, has achieved the perfectly imperfect jeans. The new denim-line fits range from “straight” to “slim” to “slimmest,” and come in a fresh array of dark to light blues with just-right distressing.

This redesign came from mastermind Frank Muytjens, menswear director at the brand, with the help of J.Crew’s denim designers, Rich Hermosura and Ben Ross. The dapper trio set out to combine all of the elements that make a great pair of rugged, time-tested jeans.

The team started in Japan, where they located the perfect indigo-dyed denim at a textile mill that has specialized in fabrics since the late 19th century.

After discovering the right denim, they found Wonderland Concepts, a wash-house located in Henderson, Ky., renowned for being able to match the natural fades that occur when jeans have been worn for years. You will certainly wear them for years to come.

Little Victory: Fair-trade threads for under $100

Victor Athletics is helping to keep the spirit of Southern craftsmanship alive.

Founded last year, Victor focuses on basic, yet well-designed outerwear — from track pants and T-shirts to sweatshirts and hoodies. All of their products are made with organic, locally raised and spun North Carolina cotton — and manufactured by small-scale clothing mills in neighboring Tennessee. Victor is committed to paying fair wages at every stage of its brand’s supply chain — as well as contributing 5 percent of post-tax profits back to those factories themselves.

“We want to encourage and support these manufacturers, and value the service they’re providing to the country,” says Victor co-owner/designer Sam Wessner.

For now, Victor opts for more subtle colors such as heather, gray and white. Precise dying, fading and distressing will result in key pieces sporting a unique, “lived in” patina. A more vibrant palette should arrive in the coming year, says Wessner, one of four Victor partners.

Also arriving soon is Victor’s first brick-and-mortar sales point — a new storefront called the Victor Athletics Club in downtown Cincinnati, opening next month. The shop will complement Victor’s robust online sales business as well as provide a physical anchor for its still-evolving aesthetic.

Most Victor pieces retail for under $100. “Our goal is to create a line that most folks can buy from,” says Wessner, “while still being a company that demands our products are organic.”