Made in America is one of our favorite topics to cover. But sometimes brands tend to try too hard, too rugged, too waxed, too plaid. You get the picture. That is why we were excited to get to know Read Wall a little better. The D.C. based line has been around for only a couple of seasons and the founder is a whopping 26 years old. Clearly somebody wasn’t day dreaming in business class. He also has zero training in fashion, something we are seeing more of in menswear – people who have a passion and make it happen. We respect that.
Read Wall is quite simply offering great, tailored and relatively affordable clothing (ya gotta pay more for something not made in China bro!). No lumber jack story, no trip to Kathmandu or JFK references in sight. There is a well edited collection to shop – under 40 pieces actually, making the shopping experience less daunting and streamlined.
Shirting is what Read is most well known for and the basis of his brand. There are ginghams, twills, chambrays and madras to name a few. No gimmicks, no trends, just quality shirts made in America with a little better cut than you may find from bigger name brands. As Read told us, “It’s very rare that a customer who purchases a shirt doesn’t come back and order more. Then again, they’ll generally pick up a pair of chinos or a tie to complement the look, too.”
Like so many brands today, there is a socially conscious angle. For every item sold, Read Wall donates a book to a child in need through Books for Africa (because he has actually taught classes in Africa!).
This summer look out for small, web-exclusive collections each month with limited edition products. And in the fall suiting will be rolling out. Read is working with the iconic Brooklyn tailoring factory, Martin Greenfield on some seriously great cuts. Nothing trendy mind you. All class.
