Introducing James Perse, the brand that’s elevated the humble tee to sophisticated wardrobe staple.

If you were ever in doubt that a T-shirt can be a luxury item, it’s high time you were introduced to Mr James Perse. Since founding his label, after a fruitless search for a decent baseball cap, in the early 1990s, he’s turned the humble tee into a sophisticated wardrobe staple and brought the relaxed, West Coast aesthetic to the attention of a global audience.

The secret to Mr Perse’s success is his fuss-free philosophy. “I’m always trying to create the simplest interpretation [of everything I design],” he told Architectural Digest in 2015. “Above all, I want my pieces to be timeless. I hope I never look at something and say, ‘Wow, that was a moment.’” This measured approach ensures his clothes have an enduring quality. You’re unlikely to provoke any awkward “what were you wearing?” comments when flicking through your photos a few years down the line.

This week, there’s another reason to check out Mr Perse’s wares, specifically an exclusive capsule collection designed exclusively for MR PORTER, as part of our Made In California project. A homage to Mr Perse’s love of riding the breakers, the 15-piece line is inspired by surf wear of the 1960s and 1970s, which are often considered golden decades for the sport. Each piece has been crafted in the Golden State. Keeping production on home turf is fundamental to the brand, which aims to support the local garment industry while ensuring exceptional quality and high ethical standards.

We’ve got our eye on a number of items, including the poplin utility trousers with their practical pockets and the Zuma sneakers, which are just the ticket for a stroll on the beach or a warm day in town if you’re not feeling quite brave enough for sandals. The tees are the foundation of the collection. Wonderfully soft, featherweight with an almost translucent quality, each one feels like a seasoned favourite from the first wear, while their distinctive hues make them a worthy addition to any holiday packing list. The polished, yet relaxed cotton shirts are another suitcase essential, and are ideal for slipping on post-swim before you hit the bar for a sundowner, or for teaming with a deconstructed blazer at dinner. With their indoor/outdoor lifestyles, LA natives have perfected the art of casual dressing and the collection’s long-sleeve tees are made for layering over the short-sleeve styles for that slouchy, elegantly tousled look. So, if summer proves a washout, you can at least dress like you’re a Los Angelino.

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