Percival Menswear: A True Modernist Aesthetic

In the nine years I've been curating this site many brands have came and gone. The majority have had no longevity and have shot themselves in the foot early doors by overtly latching themselves onto the 'Mod Scene' which works for maybe 6 months to a year and then the inevitable happens... What I mean by this is, I've seen so many brands come out of the trap door of development and say, "Hey look we are taking inspiration from the past and putting our own twist on future classics..." or something along those lines. Now that's all fair game until you see said brands puking out the same tired designs and moody colourways season after season... I won't name any of these brands as that's not my style but I'm guessing if you're reading this you'll know what I'm on about. In 2022, I've seen a recent uptake in brands following this model again but this time they're trying to be more subtle. They're producing gear that the established British labels, (Albam, Uni Works, Sunspel Etc) have been putting out for years and are the best at but are severely undercutting them mainly on price-point and quality of design. At the grand old age of 27 I have many stable brands that I swear by and will not succumb to these new kids on the block that are quite frankly mimicking the OG's. Again I won't name names here... I'll leave it up to your imaginations. 

One brand that has rose to prominence (and rightly so) in recent years is Percival and these guys are already in the same bracket as the aforementioned kings of current modernism. Percival just get it RIGHT! From the off, when looking at their range you can see immediately that the crafting of the clothing comes first. They're not cutting corners on fabrics, design or longevity in their garments. They're taking silhouettes that have been around the block and are giving them a new lease of life in the form of clothing that is functional, smart and that goes hand in hand with the fast-paced lifestyle of the 20 something, style conscious male of 2022. 

A few months ago, I caught up with my pals Alfie and Greg who were running a Percival pop-up in Newcastle. I got myself down, picked a few pieces out and had a good chat with the fellas about all things menswear. This was the first time I'd got to see the SS Percival stuff up close and as always the lines looked a million miles away from the dozens of more obvious, lazy labels on the highstreet at the moment. Here's what I had to say about the bits I picked out...

Waterproof Workshirt

Where to start with this piece then!? It puts the staple in often overused phrase 'wardrobe staple'. Cut in a slightly wider fit than most overhshirts you'll see, the 'Waterproof Workshirt' is effortless yet simple and stands out a fucking mile. Its neat, tidy silhouette gives the wearer that sartorial elegance over the ever-changing competition on the terraces. A shirt/jacket hybrid that's one of the most versatile pieces I've ever owned (and I've owned a lot of gear over the last 14 years or so). Cut in a waterproof, bonded but breathable, Italian fabric then constructed in the capital, this is a jacket that is cut of the very highest cloth and quality. A serious sense of craftsmanship comes into play to make garments of this calibre and I've had various clothes horses comment on the durability, fit, finish and just general look of this stunning bit of kit. With taped seams throughout the inner this is a jacket that will stand the test of time when many other brands will inevitably fall by the wayside. Finished off with a beautiful cord trim, this is a piece that will have you scratching your head at the very fair price point, as for me this jacket is up there with your 6-7 ton Stone Island pieces. The 'Waterproof Workshirt' can be worn as your main piece of outerwear with a tee/polo underneath or can be layered under a larger jacket and creates an equally boss ensemble either time. I opted for the 'Forest' CW but the midnight works just as well! Cop yours here!

Waterproof Sherlock

Another classic and an absolute staple in the Percival artillery of fine menswear the 'Waterproof Sherlock' brings A' Paris distinction forward to 2022. A waterproof trench that Percival have perfected over 7 seasons this is one of the finest jackets I've owned. Extremely subtle lines and details are created here and turn heads on the long walk from the entrance of your local public house to the front of the bar queue. An extremely functional piece the Sherlock is weatherproof, windproof and breathable all while looking the fucking dogs! It looks great in the colder months accompanied with a Burberry Nova Check or Daks House Check scarf and sets the standard for that perfect mid length mac that you've always craved. The length is perfect and doesn't drown even the smaller gentleman like myself. I've worn mine with bass, clarks, trainers and even Converse and every look works. Hey it's even been worn by Gareth Southgate and it can't be easy looking that good when under pressure. I copped the midnight with the olive lining that just pops! Get yours here!