September is a confusing month both for our personal style and the hands that feed it.
The calendar says it’s fall, and while we’re outlining a six-month blitz of epic layering, September’s unforeseen warmth postpones its deployment.
Regardless, retailers are fortifying their positions with sherpa fleece, cashmere, and sandbag bunkers of Halloween candy.
I’ve been in the field performing recon on the season’s deadliest style artillery, and I’m here to share my findings so you can proceed accordingly.
Akashi-Kama Noragi Jacket
There aren’t many players in the biz constructing traditional Japanese garments in the USA, but Akashi-Kama is doing exactly that with their Noragi Jacket.
The open-front design frames a killer graphic tee on a 55°F day. As the mercury sinks heading into November, veteran Boy Scouts can call on their knot mastery to fasten it over a denim shirt using their most regal string work. For those that didn’t serve, a bunny knot will do just fine. Point being, It’s the ideal mid-weight layer for fall.
Perhaps you’ve never owned a Noragi, and while I certainly understand apprehension to appoint such a distinct silhouette to their fashion assembly, I’m firm in my call to arms.
This Noragi Jacket shouldn't be overlooked for any guy who values the art of layering. Versatile, stylish, and believe it or not—made in the USA.
Studio D’Artisan 4591 “Tasogare” Twilight Jacquard Jacket
Founded in 1979 by Shigeharu Tagaki, Studio D’artisan commands a devoted following of denim enthusiasts owing to their phenomenal quality and undying regard for “how things used to be done.”
The “Tasogare” Twilight Jacket references vintage sports jackets, which is most apparent in its slightly cropped length.
I’m most impressed with the fabric, but I can’t say I’m surprised coming from SDA. It’s custom-made and dyed with natural fabrics, and while red and purple stripes aren’t everyone’s idea of versatility, the shady color palette they formulated pairs effortlessly with dark trousers or denim of any wash. Nostalgic, detailed, and another reminder that Japan does Americana better than us.
Left Field NYC Heavy Gage Recycled Cotton Tube Socks
I can say that the Heavy Gage Recycled Cotton Tube Socks are the fall sock because I own a pair, and like a crisp hot toddie, they’re a cold-weather craving.
It’s the opening week for boot season, and these fill out my Dan Posts like nothing else I’ve worn. The thick, spongy cotton isn’t soft at first, but it breaks in wonderfully unlike polyester blends that simply break down.
If the label alone didn’t scream old-school quality, they’re also made in the USA.
Ghiaia Cotton Safari Jacket
I’m not including Banana Republic’s successful de-branding back to the aesthetic that made them unique in the first place when I say menswear is signaling that a safari expedition is around the corner.
Ghiaia is by no means a follower, but should you choose to participate, their Safari Cotton Jacket is probably the best option currently on the market with a style that will persist after the trend goes supernova.
Despite its workwear origins, Ghiaia knows how to lay it on thick with Italian sophistication. The structured look of this jacket makes it a sound alternative for dressier outerwear such as blazers or pea coats, only with a functional amount of pocket space. It might be the only piece I could see myself popping the collar with pride—once I’m willing to part with $895.
forét Valley Unconstructed Blazer
I’m really impressed with forét’s Valley Unconstructed Blazer—it nails the balance between style and comfort.
At first glance, it might seem like a standard suit jacket, but the ripstop fabric and relaxed fit give it a laid-back vibe that’s far from stuffy. I love how you can throw it on with just about anything—a sweater, shirt, pants, an elaborate graphic tee that I don’t want to put on full display—and it instantly elevates without emanating Men’s Wearhouse.
It’s the kind of versatile piece that just works, whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual.
Style Eyes Corduroy Sports Shirt
Style Eyes is the sub-label of the highly-regarded Japanese denim brand Sugar Cane.
Like Studio D’Artisan, Style Eyes specializes in reproduction Americana, which isn’t a secret given the kaleidoscope of Native-American print work emblazoned across the shoulders.
When life beats you down, you feel hopeless, like a nobody, invisible. Rocking an aggressively colorful outfit is the antidote, and I’d administer it by wearing this.
Binders “The Big Ten” Ringer T
I went to Michigan State, and I know that alumni of any institution around 100 years old share my love for vintage mascot designs.
Somehow, Korean Brand Binders felt our nostalgia waft across the Pacific. “The Big Ten” Ringer T looks like it was plucked right out of a 1970s student bookstore, and it’s one of the only graphic tees out there that I’m willing to spend over $30 on.
Diptyque L’Eau Papier Refillable Solid Perfume
Guys, you have to get hip to solid fragrances. Not only do you avoid having your clothes smell like it until the next wash, but it’s TSA-friendly with more than enough product for even a month-long getaway.
Diptyque just released L’eau Papier as a solid fragrance. While I’ve only smelled the eau de toilette, musk, mimosa, and rice steam combine in a way that mimics the smell of fanning book pages across your face. Strange as it sounds, I think men who like fresh, clean scents that still have a natural depth to them will love it.
The metal clamshell case is pure elegance, and given the relatively low price, it’s a value-packed introduction to the luxury brand.
Rollei 35 AF
Only a camera so rich with visual character as the Rollei 35 could find its way onto a style roundup, but you might be wondering, wasn’t it released almost 60 years ago? Why is it a recent obsession?
With rights to the Rollei brand name, MiNT is updating the Rollei 35 AF to meet the demands of modern analog enthusiasts—regardless of technical knowledge. The revived icon now features automatic lidar focusing unlike the original which required manual aperture adjustments.
Preorders open on September 10th with units expected to ship late October.
Blackthorn Leather Buffalo Nickel Sunglasses Case
Before today, I couldn’t see myself buying a standalone sunglasses case—until I found Blackthorn Leather’s.
I love a ruggedized aesthetic, and I have no doubts that the 5/6-ounce leather delivers what its appearance suggests. The Buffalo nickel snap closure is a superb detail that adds just the right touch of vintage flair.
In a month where everyone’s pushing their best deliveries for fall, these ten rose above the rest—covering everything from apparel, fragrance, and classic cameras back from the dead.
Stay tuned for the October issue, and be sure to follow The Adult Man on Instagram for more style, decor, and grooming news.
