THE JOURNAL

There’s nothing like a handmade knit – the kind grandma might have whipped up – to take the edge off the end of summer. Hell, if it’s good enough it can even make us actively look forward to cooler weather. Is it the attention to detail? Or maybe it’s knowing that someone trained for years to make the perfect beanie, or the sit-by-the-fire sweater you’re wearing? Whatever “it” is, New York City-based brand Rag & Bone has harnessed and designed a whole capsule collection around it.

Featuring a range of knitwear made exclusively for MR PORTER, the brand’s latest capsule collection is a masterclass in cosiness. And as we’re all now experts in the cosy-boy aesthetic, the same old collegiate sweatpants or freebie hoodie just won’t do this year. No, even if the game is comfort, you can still come out a winner with stylish, laid-back leisurewear.
Take the brand’s undyed, natural-wool sweatpants. A cuffed hem and faux fly give these glorified joggers an elegant drape, meaning that you can feel comfortable (in more ways than one) wearing them on the couch or out of the house. These might not be date-night trousers, but they’re definitely meet-the-lads-for-a-pint trousers or take-the-dog-for-a-walk trousers. (Also, who are we to judge? Maybe they are date-night trousers if the date night involves a fireplace or two mugs of mulled wine. What you do in your own time is entirely up to you.) A similar version in black, finished with a drawstring at the waist for ease and versatility, is another good option for easy, pull-on style. We love an elevated basic here at MR PORTER, and these are close to the platonic ideal.

Of course, if you’re in the northern hemisphere, the approaching cold season often means one thing: sweaters, sweaters, sweatshirts, and more sweaters. Luckily, Rag & Bone’s got quite a few good options for both here. Chunky, hand-knitted crewnecks and zip-up hoodies fit the bill quite nicely. The yarn is lofty and the fit is roomy, ideal for layering when the weather is iffy.

The beanie doubles as bad-hair-day camo and cool-guy statement makers – oh, and they’re warm, too. And no autumn wardrobe would be complete without that trusty old classic, a good pair of jeans. Rag & Bone, known for their excellent denim, has given us a dark wash slim jean with just a hint of worn-in fade. If you’re stuck in a cycle of classic blues and midnight blacks, try this pair on for size – they lend your look some dimension in a season known for being rather grey and dull.
That’s not a description that could easily be applied to the hero piece of this capsule collection, the crewneck “city sweatshirt” in an eye-catching shade of cobalt. When the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, a bright pop of colour is exactly what you need to stir the senses. With a generous cut and embroidered detailing on the chest, it’s a cut above your average sweatshirt and deserves to be worn with confidence. After all, if we’ve learned anything from the last 36 months or so, it’s that leisurewear – when it’s as good as this – deserves pride of place in every man’s wardrobe.