There’s Nothing Basic About Goodlife

By Cator Sparks Published December 21, 2019

After reviewing our fair share of jogging pants, tees, Henley’s and hoodies we had the grand realization that ‘basics’ are anything but. There is a plethora of fits, fabrics and of course backstories. While we are stoked that guys are thinking more about even their most basic attire, there is a lot to wade through. Goodlife however is a real stand out.

Based in New York, Chris Molnar grew up in the fashion industry (his pop was one of the executives who brought Hugo Boss to the States) and has worked in the industry for years with Michael Kors and John Varvatos. In 2010 he was ready to do his own thing and wanted to focus on the clothes men love wearing the most. The Goodlife t-shirt is a real ode to Molnar’s fashion experience. First of all he gave us a dose of schooling when he explained the t-shirt was first supplied by the US Navy to all of their sailors back in 1913. Since this year is the 100th anniversary of the iconic piece of clothing Chris didn’t want to redesign it, just update it. The chest is cut a bit slimmer, sleeves are tapered to prevent flapping and necklines, both V and Crew, are reinforced to retain their shape.

Recommended Videos

Then there is the fabric. The fabric! When you throw one on you may hear an angel’s trumpet. American grown Supima cotton is combined with Tencel (an imported natural fiber that has moisture wicking properties), and the blend will sell you for sure and have girlfriends whisking them away without a word.

We are also pleased to hear that Goodlife is all made in downtown Los Angeles and each piece is finished by hand. And it gets even better! They create custom colors with a local dye house so your tees will stand out from the rest of the blah colorways we are used to.

We have been wearing Goodlife for a while now and we have to say, it’s done right. The slim fit, the colors, the comfort. The prices are more than your average Hanes, but remember The Manual’s Golden Rule: Buy Less, Buy Quality, Support American Made!

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…

Fashion & Style

Ledbury changes the suit look with a unique dress shirt option for fall/winter

Update your dress shirts with a flannel

Ledbury Flannel Dress Shirt Open Collar

Wearing a suit every day is a blessing and a curse. The blessing part of the lifestyle is that you get 12 months of embodying the kind of elevated elegance owned by the likes of James Bond and Harvey Specter. You feel the way people treat you; they assume you are someone important. The curse part of it is in the summer, it can be stifling hot, and in the winter, it can be blistery cold, and there aren't a ton of things you can do to fight that. That is until you find a brand that does the small things to help in that matter. Seersucker and linen suits in the summer and cashmere and tweed suits in the winter are the usual answers. But the Ledbury flannel dress shirt takes a different approach to the winter season by adding style and warmth to your seasonal looks.
Adding flannel to your suiting

Two southern gentlemen who worked and studied together under one of London's premier shirt makers brings you a unique elevation to your shirt wardrobe with the Hartman Flannel. While it is customizable to be anything you want, getting it in its stock form gives you an attractive spread collar and double button barrel cuff similar to your other dress shirts. The flannel gives a thickness to your shirt that makes it perfect in the colder months. The softness keeps you from feeling like it is weighing you down, and the elevated pattern allows you to pair it well with your tweed suits or your knit ties. There is no reason to be basic with an option like this on the market.

Fashion & Style

Paul Stewart lets you step out with Phineas Cole

Go against the neutrals of 2024 by adopting the colors of Phineas Cole

Phineas Cole Suede lined Blazer

This season, we see a new outburst of vintage styles hit the market. While the last few decades have pushed further and further into the progression of fashion, menswear is taking a step back and exploring its past with styles from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Of course, there can't be a resurgence of vintage styles without a modern update and today's spin on old-school classics. That is what Paul Stewart has always been good at, and that is why they want you to unapologetically be the best-dressed man in the room. But they are doing more than twisting yesterday's styles with today's looks; they have a younger and flashier cousin that doesn't want to disappear into the neutral colors that are becoming more popular this season. Paul Stewart's Phineas Cole wants you to step out and show personality in color and patterns.
Colors and patterns stand out in a year of neutrals

While Paul Stewart has been a mainstay in men's style for the last century, their Phineas Cole line came about in 2007 when they wanted to appeal to a younger audience. To do that, they had to ditch the conventional and go in for a brighter and more out-there concept. They have done it ever since, and now they enjoy being one of the only brands to stick with the idea. While the rest of the fashion industry is embracing the blacks, blues, and grays of yesterday, be bold and stand out in the crowd with some of their brightest and most attractive patterns.
Phineas Cole

Fashion & Style

New Balance, Basketcase creates one of the hardest-to-get sneakers of the season

New Balance and Basketcase drop new shoe

new balance beige sneaker on table

When New Balance and Basketcase decided to partner up for a second time, there was no doubt they would deliver another outstanding design. However, not only was their most recent collaboration a stylish drop, but it became the must-have sneaker of the season. A difficult-to-find sneaker, everyone wants a pair. Many want to get their hands on the pair for plenty of reasons since the trail sneaker is a unique design you can’t find anywhere else. Although the silhouette appears more casual, the new collaborative shoe between New Balance and Basketcase is a well-designed trail sneaker you can wear almost anywhere. While getting your hands on a pair might be difficult, there’s no reason why you can’t marvel at this high-tech and high-quality shoe.

New Balance x Basketcase Minimus M10 sneaker