Why you need representation from YMC and Ten C in your autumn wardrobe.

The changing of the seasons heralds an “out with the old, in with the new” mentality among the MR PORTER team. Every year, as September comes to a close, we quietly abandon our walk-to-work resolutions, start to swap beer gardens for the comfort of the sofa, and trade in our slides for a pair of sensible, rain-friendly boots. But we’re finding the transition into the colder months just a bit trickier this time around. The country has recently emerged from the hottest summer on record and we now find ourselves and our wardrobes ill-equipped to deal with quickly plummeting temperatures. Thankfully though, two new brands have just landed on site to help us out. YMC and Ten C each have distinct personalities, but both have at least one thing in common: a focus on the functional.

Take Ten C. The brand’s name was inspired by Mr Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Emperor’s New Clothes. But, far from fantasy, its designs are refreshingly down-to-earth. One of our favourite aspects of the collection is the label’s Japanese-inspired modular system. Think of it like skiwear for the city: the anorak and parka shells can be fitted with removable down liners for extra protection from the elements.

What separates it from standard sportswear, though, is the serious craftsmanship and selection of fabrics. Our edit includes shearling, wool and a special microfibre designed to attain a rich patina the longer you wear it – co-founder Mr Paul Harvey is a Stone Island alum, so, it goes without saying, his technical expertise is practically peerless. Add to that the fact that everything is made in Italy and you can be certain this stuff is built to last.

That brings us to YMC, which drops on MR PORTER today. The brainchild of Messrs Jimmy Collins and Fraser Moss, the brand has been going strong for two decades and shares the same quality-centric approach to materials. Ripstop, corduroy and flannel all feature in abundance, and everything is designed with utility, as opposed to changing trends, in mind. Instead, Mr Moss, who heads up the creative team, says his myriad references are drawn from music, art and a general post-punk attitude. The latest collection, for instance, is aptly titled “Nature Boy”, from the Mr Eden Ahbez song of the same name, and embraces an outdoorsy spirit with a palette to match.

Our top pick? The shawl-collar fleece – it comes in a rich burnt-orange, which gives off thoroughly autumnal vibes. We hope it’s (nearly) enough to help you stop longing for the days of summer.