Seven Fold Ties | Salt Lake City | UWM Men's Shop

Here at UWM Men’s Shop we love and appreciate the finer things when it comes to suiting, accessories and especially fine neckwear. Having said this, let us introduce you the most classic and luxurious tie available: The Seven-Fold Tie.  Unlike most ties, which are made with some pieces of fabric sewn together, the true seven fold tie was constructed from one large piece of silk, which was unlined and accordion folded in on itself 7 times. The edges are hand-rolled and hand-stitched. It is emphasized on all handmade process and pure silk material. That’s why seven-fold tie is so impeccable; it has a thicker feel, incomparable drape, a larger looking tie knot, and a more hefty weight.

Labor intensity and quality of material drive the tie's price, a seven-fold shows its value when suitably worn. The lack of lining allows the tie to knot without binding and creates an attractive dimple that spreads luxuriantly down from the neck. It drapes perfectly and never takes on the awkward folds of a liner. Another great thing about the seven fold tie is that it has greater reflex than standard ties - meaning that when you untie your knot, the folds, wrinkles and creases disappear much faster. There is something wonderful about handmade items and a tie should also be handmade.

It has been said that “a well-tied tie is the first serious step in life,” everyone should have a fine tie to put their best foot forward. We feel that a necktie is one of the few items through which a man can reveal his personality or mood, so make a smart choice when choosing your next necktie.

At UWM we are the only store in the state that carries 7 fold ties. Come in and check out our collection from Givocci, Kiton, Robert Talbott, Isaia, Dolce Punta and more!

Bold Sport Coats | Salt Lake City | UWM Men's Shop

Spring is an exciting time for mens fashion. Packing away all of our heavy wool suits and sweaters. Adding a few jackets with bold patterns and colors can be a really fun addition to an otherwise classic wardrobe. Wearing these types of jacket is a great way to mix up your style when you want to make a statement.

The key to wearing a jacket with bold patterns or colors is to dress with subtlety. The focus should be on the well-tailored jacket and your personal demeanor. Don’t overthink it. A great white or solid blue shirt provides a simple palette for you to build upon. We all own a few of these shirts and it’s an easy choice if you’ve never worn a jacket on the bolder side. Pairing this with a solid colored trousers for example navy, lighter greys, or charcoal (again letting the jacket be the focus). Having several pairs of solid color trousers in your wardrobe to mix with different patterned jackets during the spring season will simplify the pairing.

Wearing a tie isn’t required when sporting a jacket like this. Unbutton that top shirt button rock the business casual look, not to mention comfort! If you do choose to wear a tie, make it something solid or very minimal patterns. Wearing cotton, linen or a simple silk knit can be a well-rounded choice. Lastly, loafers or even a nice pair of dress sneakers should be a repeat theme this spring. Investing in a few pairs of no-show socks should be a priority, unless you would rather go sockless.

Wearing a bold jacket takes one major factor: confidence. Men are inherently afraid of breaking away from what they know, DON’T BE!!  At UWM Men’s Shop we are happy to help, from picking out the right jacket to what to wear it with, let us help. Owning a bold sport coat or two will let you freely express and explore your personal style while giving you a much needed break from the expected.  

BLAZERS vs SPORTCOATS vs SUIT JACKETS | UWM Men's Shop | Salt Lake City, Utah

Sports jackets. Suit jackets. Blazers. Most men use these terms interchangeably, as do many men’s clothing stores. Hopefully this information once and for all sort out the differences between these three jacket types.

BLAZER

• Dressier than a sport coat, but more casual than a suit jacket. Blazers have a looser fit compared to suit jackets.

• Originally worn by members of boating clubs

• Usually solid in color, most commonly in navy and black

• Traditionally made from wool, the most common fabrics used include blue worsted serge, flannel and hopsack.

• Another detail that sets blazers apart from the suit jacket is its buttons. Blazers will have gold, silver or mother of pearl buttons.

• Can be worn casually with jeans however brass or metal buttons can make it difficult

THE SPORTCOAT

• Can be more casual than a blazer

• Originally worn during “sporting” activities (hunting, shooting etc.)

• The sports jacket was meant to look more rugged than the suit and the blazer. As such, sturdier fabrics were used such as tweeds, houndstooth and Donegal. Cotton and linens are also common fabrics used.

• Often has less construction than a blazer or a suit jacket

• Looks great dressed up or casually with jeans

SUIT JACKET

• In most situations a suit jacket is intended to be worn with the matching trousers

• Generally a suit jacket is made to fit slimmer. It should fit close to the body. It is also not meant to be worn with multiple layers underneath.

• Often has more construction than a blazer or sportcoat (canvas lining, shoulder pads etc.)

• Fabrics (often wool) are usually finer and smoother compared to sportcoats

• The buttons on today’s suit jackets will usually be plastic. However higher end suits may come with horn or mother-of-pearl buttons.

• Suit jackets will usually come with notched lapels. Occasionally peak lapels are used in suits.

How to take care of your Suit | UWM Men's Shop | Salt Lake City, Ut

CLEANING

Only clean your suit when it is physically dirty, in most cases spot cleaning yourself will be sufficient. In some cases dry-cleaning may be necessary. You never want to over dry-clean a garment.

Dry cleaning is a chemical wash that can wear down the fabric if you do it too often. Think of it like dipping the garment in a chemical that “scrapes away” the very surface layer of the fabric. Eventually the fibers begin to weaken.

If your suit just needs a refresh, have it professionally pressed. To have your suit pressed is much cheaper than dry-cleaning, and the heat and steam will kill most of the bacteria and clean it sufficiently in most cases without weakening the suit fibers.

STEAMING

It’s a good idea to steam your suit before or after each wear. This brings it back to its natural state, and natural hang. This can be as simple as hanging it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.

STORING

After you take your suit off, always hang it up immediately. Don’t throw it in the hamper. Don’t toss it on the ground. Don’t throw it over a chair. Hang it on a proper hanger. This will allow it to return to its natural shape, dry out any moisture shape, and ultimately help it last longer.

GIVE IT A BREAK

Try not to wear a suit two days in a row. Like a pair of shoes, it’s a good idea to allow the garment to fully dry-out and catch its breath. Even a workhorse needs a break to perform its best.

PACKING/TRAVELING

When traveling with a suit, make sure that you have a proper suit bag. Suit bags help to fold your suit properly and minimize wrinkles. It also protects your suit from being damaged during travel.

ALTERING

If you change weight/shape and the suit is not fitting as well as it could, consider getting it altered. A properly adjusted fit doesn’t just look and feel good, it also helps a garment last longer.

2019 Spring/Summer Trends | UWM Men's Shop | Salt Lake City, Utah

Now that we are approaching the spring and summer seasons here’s a few trend tips to keep your closet fresh!!

Faded Denim Jeans

Lighten-up this season with jean that’s not only lighter in color, but also a denim that’s literally lighter in weight. From high-fashion brands like Kiton and Brioni, to denim labels we love like Paige and AG, light wash jeans are dominating the denim game this spring. Though many men opt for a darker wash, switching up shades in favor of lighter washes is officially the denim move in 2019. According to Pinterest, searches for “light washed denim” are up 70 percent. Thankfully, lighter shades of denim are just as versatile as their darker predecessors.

Knit Polos

A sporty polo is an excellent alternative to a dress shirt or casual T-shirt. Knit polos have a unique quality to them that offers a hint of a vintage vibe for modern, refined style. The soft cotton-blend fabric will keep you cool and looking great with confidence.

Cropped Trousers

Cropped trousers dominated women’s fashion in 2018, and they’re heading straight for men’s fashion in 2019. It’s time for guys to show a little skin (ankles, guys, ankles). As we say here at UWM “when you have ankles that look this good you gotta show them off!” It can also be the perfect opportunity to show off a cool pair of socks—or the new pair of sneakers or loafers you just got.

Florals

Floral print is a must have in 2019. From button up dress shirts, polos, ties and other accessories to t shirts and swim trunks floral patterns are here. Only a few years ago, this sort of thing might have been considered questionable.  Style however, is constantly shifting under our feet, and opinions like these just seem humorous. Flowers are trending people, and as a result designers are employing them like never before. You should follow suit.

Stop by UWM Men’s Shop today to see these items and other new spring and summer items available.  

Eton Shirts | UWM MEN'S SHOP | Salt Lake City, Utah

Eton has crafted fine men's shirts since 1928. The original factory and headquarters remain in Gånghester, Sweden, where their very first shirts were sewn. Eton has evolved from Swedish craftsmanship and attention to detail, today they are a global leading shirt maker and can be found in 49 markets at some of the world's most exclusive stores.

Sustainability is important. For Eton, high quality equals sustainability. Eton aims to produce long-lasting garments and to minimize negative environmental and social impact while doing so. They say that “the first step to a more sustainable clothing industry is to promote durable and timeless products.” This sustainability also transfers to how you care for your shirt; the better you take care of the nice garment, the longer it lasts, hence reducing the environmental impact of the garment itself.

All of Eton’s shirt fabrics are made from scratch to guarantee the high performance that characterizes their shirts. The garments are long-lasting and should inspire to care for them in the best way possible. Eton strives to constantly renew themselves. Working close with suppliers enables them to innovate fine shirting and create unique shirts and accessories.

Each Eton shirt is made from 45 different parts and sewn with 12 000 stitches. To create the perfect fit for any body type Eton has designed four different body fits per neck size, from trim super slim to their generous classic fit. With Etons different styles you will have a shirt for every occasion - from timeless business to formal evening wear and weekend staples.

At UWM one of our favorite things about Etons is you can wash it at home, no need for dry cleaning, wash it in cold water and hang it up to dry. Stretch the cuff, collar and front placket touch it up with an iron if you like a crisp shirt. Eton is truly an easy car shirt. Stop by UWM Men’s Shop and check out our Eton selection today.

Eleventy | UWM MEN'S SHOP | Salt Lake City, Utah

“WE DRESS EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO ASPIRES TO SELF-IMPROVEMENT WITH TAILORED AND RESPONSIBLE ITALIAN ELEGANCE.”

Eleventy is a “first class” Italian brand founded in 2007 by Marco Baldassari and Paolo Zuntini. Eleventy got their start offering a small collection of polo shirts, providing a youthful twists on classic refined Italian style  Their immediate growth and success lead to the attraction of investors and, eventually, the spread of the company worldwide. In 2016, Eleventy expanded into the United States and placed their headquarters in New York.

Marco and Paolo are truly a dynamic duo for Eleventy. Marco is the creative director for menswear while Paolo is the equivalent for womenswear. “It was their idea of responsible Made in Italy fashion, pivoting on ceaseless research into the textiles and the quest for a style that could meet contemporary demands, that gave rise to Eleventy.”

The saying “Made in Italy” carries significant weight nowadays - it signifies quality, craftsmanship, and true attention to detail in every step of the production process. Eleventy feels they carry a responsibility to protect and continue Italy’s unique and prestigious manufacturing heritage. Eleventy has a network made up of 94 micro enterprises selected in every region of Italy, each specialised in a particular sector of production. Through this strategy of outsourcing Italian craftsmanship we can offer our customers all the quality and excellence of Made in Italy.”

Eleventy says “that their ambition is to help the finest Italian manufacturing tradition to surpass itself. Our collections are indeed designed not only to satisfy the most exacting tastes, but more importantly to ensure that an increasingly large number of people worldwide choose the value of elegance for their everyday lives. This is the objective that we set ourselves from the very start, because we are firmly convinced that the future will have room only for ethical fashion.”

Stop by UWM today to see the the new spring products from Eleventy.

Woolen vs. Cotton Clothing | UWM Men's Shop | Salt Lake City, UT

The Cotton industry has revolutionized the clothing industry. It has made clothing cheaper and more available. The question still stands, which is better? Cotton, or wool?

Cotton has many benefits; it breathes better than synthetic fabrics, it is easy to wash and care for, it is soft, and quite absorbent. All these benefits are great, but they don’t hold a candle to wool.

Wool fibers are much more durable and flexible, and because of its natural elasticity, wool clothing tends to keep its shape and look new for much longer. You may have noticed this in clothing and suits already, cotton suits, although light weight, wrinkle very easily and need a lot more care to stay looking fresh and sharp. Cotton, unlike wool, retains odors much more. A recommendation we give to people is to have their wool suits dry cleaned as infrequently as possible. One run through the dry cleaners is almost the equivalent of 50 wears. If you have a stain or smudge, you can still take it to the dry cleaners, but only for a spot clean.

When it comes to insulation, wool wins hands down. Wool is a natural insulator, that’s why you never see sheep wearing cotton sweaters in the winter. Wool maintains its insulating properties even when it gets wet, if you have ever been caught in the rain in a t-shirt or jeans, you know just how cold cotton keeps you.

Much like on a sheep, wool is a natural moisture wicker, which means that it draws moisture up and out of its fibers, away from your skin. In the exact opposite situation, and you happen to be fighting fires, wool is the best lay-man’s clothing to wear****. Wool is naturally flame retardant, where cotton has merely been treated to be so.

Cotton is still a great choice for many clothing options, but when it comes to suits, socks and coats, wool is hard to beat.

****We do not recommend testing wools fire resistance.****

Santoni Shoes | Salt Lake City, Utah | UWM Men's Shop

 Santoni is synonymous of luxury shoe, handcrafted, made out of the Marche, on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. Born in 1972 from the passion of Andrea and Rosa Santoni. While other manufacturers of the era would pride themselves on quantity, Santoni was focused staunchly on quality.  Santoni stands for manual cutting and care of leather, extreme attention to quality, craftsmanship and the historical experience of the courage of the trial. Every process is overseen with impeccable quality control. Each leather is selected and inspected by a backlit magnifying lens, where only the finest are kept. Truly hand stitched and as close to bespoke as a shoe could get, they exemplify Italian craftsmanship. It is commitment to quality that keeps this family owned business on the forefront of men's fashion.

Today, Santoni says “thanks to the perfect combination of traditional production techniques, as the ability of making entirely made-to-measure shoes, and the evolution in research and design. Peculiarities that a sophisticated customer, who always chooses the best for himself and is updated on the evolution of style, is attracted to. Modern attitude married to ancient knowhow.” This is a legacy that is guarded by the craftsman masters, some of which have worked with the company since 1975. These individuals have truly witnessed the turn of Santoni from a local workshop into a reference brand and kept alive the original passion for extreme quality and beauty.

At UWM Men’s Shop we are proud to carry the Santoni brand. Like Santoni, we pride ourselves on carrying only the finest, on classic construction, and on being fashion forward. They are the perfect compliment to a well tailored suit, a sport coat with slacks, or paired down with denim and a polo. They are a fantastic piece to add to your wardrobe. Stop by the shop today to try Santoni for yourself.

Tailored Suits, and the History of Tailoring | UWM MEN'S SHOP | Salt Lake City, Utah

Since the dawn of clothing, tailoring has been an integral part of outfits. Tailoring really makes or breaks an outfit. When someone is shopping off the rack, a plan should be set in place to take the suit to an existing, well rounded tailor. A shop that boasts their alteration skills may not cut it, a true tailor is someone a suit owner should have on speed dial.

Tailoring is the art of designing, cutting, fitting, and finishing clothing. In Latin, the word for tailor is sartor, which originally meant patcher or mender. This is where the word sartorial came from, referring to the tailoring of clothing.

Tailoring, as a craft, can be dated back to the early middle ages, when guilds were established to provide the higher class with fine clothing, and blacksmiths with padded linen undergarments to be worn under heavy armor to prevent chafing.

Suit brands like Kiton, Isaia, and Givocci, rely on master tailors to produce their products. In the realm of retail, tailoring is essential for the finished look. There are very few bodies that work in an off the rack suit, most need to be fitted properly.

A true tailor will know how to construct, deconstruct, and then reconstruct everything from jeans and t-shirts, to suits and heavy outerwear. The price of suits is factored greatly by the way they are tailored. More hand-work usually equates to higher price. Suits are able to be produced at a lower price when machines are the main form of manufacturing. The downside to mass produced, machine made suits is obviously the construction and durability. A well made suit will have a canvas lining, and be made to last years, whereas cheaper machine made suits will be fused, or glued, together. No amount of tailoring will revive a cheap suit that is puckering from the glue used to fuse the suit melting away.

When you are suit shopping in the future, pay attention and ask questions regarding the tailoring process, buy the suit, and get it tailored. A well tailored suit is what makes people stand out from the crowd.

Downtown Men's Shop | Salt Lake City, Utah | City Creek Mall

Almost exactly a year ago Utah Woolen Mills closed the doors on its women’s clothing department, creating our new name; UWM Men’s Shop. We are exactly that now, a clothing establishment that provides high end fashion pieces for men. We have been open for 113 years because we only sell high quality items, and do our best to provide exemplary customer service. We realize that shopping can be menial and time consuming, which can be problematic for a lot of people who are trying to balance different aspects of their lives. We are here to provide luxury products, and on site tailoring to provide the best experience possible.

It is now 2019 and we sell so much more than suits and sport coats. We have been expanding our casual and sportswear selection to provide even more options for men in the Salt Lake Valley. From brands like Isaora, EFM, and Aeance, we now carry sweatpants and sweatshirts for an early morning workout or just a lazy day around the home. We have heavier down winter jackets for the bitter winds, or a day on the slopes.

When it comes to casual dress, our Paige and AG jeans provide the necessary look for an elevated casual look. Pair them with a t-shirt and sport coat for a night on the town or on a plane for optimal comfort.

With our recent influx of Santoni shoes, the options are endless. From loafers to tuxedo shoes, Santoni is the perfect shoe. With no break in time, and a perfect blend of elegant comfort, Santoni’s are a no-brainer.

Come on in and check out all the great things that are happening!

Men's Jeans | Salt Lake City, Utah | UWM Men's Shop

At UWM Men’s Shop our specialty is in fine clothing: suits, sport coats, slacks, ties, shoes, shirts, etc. In addition to this, one of the most important items in every man’s closet is jeans. At UWM we have you covered carrying jeans for every occasion including brands like AG, Kiton and Paige to name a few.

AG Jeans, a wonderful company co-founded by Adriano Goldschmied (hence, AG) and Yul Ku, a “pioneer in the denim industry.”. AG Jeans produces 35 different cuts, so there is certainly a cut that will fit you well. “From the initial stages of concept and design, to cutting, sewing, laundering, finishing and shipping, AG’s vertically integrated manufacturing facilities unite our design expertise with manufacturing ingenuity—truly unparalleled in the fashion industry.”

Kiton is known for being a top dog in the men’s fine clothing industry. They produce handmade garments with the finest of materials, crafted with masterful precision and expertise. They produce their jeans with the same standards as their suits - nothing but the best will do. The company embarked on a search around the world for the highest quality, handcrafted denim. This search lead them to a fabric called “Kurabo Denim”, and this is where they started. They then fulfilled their vision of a unique product, packed full with details and artisan touches. We are thrilled to carry the Rolls-Royce of jeans, the “Perfect Jean”, by Kiton.

PAIGE is passionate about creating clothing that reflects and celebrates a life lived to the fullest. Paige launched in 2005. PAIGE only partners with the best wash-houses in the country. Every style created is wear-tested, and tested again. PAIGE jeans are soft and incredibly comfortable and have a great stretch. A bonus is how well Paige Denim holds their shape, even after multiple wears for extended hours.

Stop by UWM Men’s Shop today and find YOUR favorite Jeans!!

Cashmere Clothing | Salt Lake City, Utah | City Creek Mall

When deciding which sweater to wear, one has to think about the event you are attending. Whether you are aiming for comfort, or durability, or both, will play a hand in the type of wool your suit or sport coat should be. Wool garments have been a staple in clothing since the creation of clothing. Unlike Harris Tweed and other coarse wool materials, cashmere not only trumps standard wool in fashion, but also in comfort. For a heavier, more durable outfit, a heavier wool would be your best bet. If you are dressing with comfort in mind, cashmere is the way to go. With a lighter, more breathable material, you will find your cashmere suit is the one you always turn to when needing to dress up.

Cashmere comes from goats, specifically Kashmir goats, rather than your standard sheep. The fibrous strands from these goats are 6 times finer than human hair, and when woven together create a sublime material to please all your senses. Once cashmere was only found in the northernmost reaches of India, but can now be found around the world.

Cashmere is finer, stronger, lighter, softer, and much more insulating than sheep wool. These attributes make the material common to be found in sweaters, socks, scarves and other such clothing items.

Cashmere can also be found in high end suiting, to add to its comfort and elegance. Brands like Kiton, Brioni, and Ermenegildo Zegna use this deluxe material to create comfortable, timeless pieces.  

Why Wool Clothing? | Salt Lake City, Utah | UWM Men's Shop

What is Wool?

Wool is a category of textile fibers derived from the coat of mainly sheep, but also goats, muskoxen, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, and even cattle and pigs.

While wool is grown to keep an animal insulated, it is not the same as hair or fur. Wool fibers are crimped and elastic, and they have scale, which gives wool it’s unique characteristics. Wool is also an elastic fiber, meaning that it resists distortion and has the ability to return to its original form.

Creating Wool

Wool is a very labor intensive fiber to produce. The process has seven steps.

Shearing

Making wool begins with shearing the sheep, which is done in spring the when the animals no longer need a heavy coat for insulation. The newly shorn wool is called a fleece.

Grading & Sorting

Grading and sorting break up a fleece into the various qualities of fibers, which come from different parts of the sheep. The fibers from the shoulders and sides of the sheep is used for clothing.

Cleaning & Scouring

The wool is stripped of contaminants The fibers are scoured with water, soap and alkaline ingredients.

Carding

Wool is given a final cleaning and straightening, the wool is separated into two types, worsted, and woolen.

Spinning

Wool is turned into thread by spinning it into a single strand of yarn. Multiple yarns are then spun together with other yarns (referred to as ply).

Weaving

The threads are then woven into a fabric

Finishing

The process of finishing adds desired characteristics to the wool.

The Best Wool

Wool is classified based on the diameter of the individual fibers, in units of microns.

• Fine wool <= 24.5 microns

• Medium wool 24.6-32.5 microns

• Coarse wool >32.5 microns

Fine wool fibers are used for clothing, the thicker fibers are used for rugs and interior textiles.

Pocket Squares | Salt Lake City, Utah | UWM Men's Shop

In the business world, much is to be said about the outfits that define our character. Behind ever well-suited man there is a soul, and that soul is as different as night and day from those around it. In order to break that mold and fall into a world of cookie cutter suits, feel free to express yourself with subtle but wardrobe changing accessories.

One of the subtlest ways to spruce up your outfit is by shoving a pocket square into your suits breast pocket. The history of the pocket square has a bright and colorful past and is oftentimes mistaken for handkerchiefs. Anciently pocket squares were doused with fragrance in order to mask the smell of body odors. King Richard II is often considered the inventor of the pocket square as a fashion accessory.

In the 19th century, as two-piece suits came into fashion, pocket squares became more prevalent as an aesthetic to the outfit. It was also common to see men with two handkerchiefs, one used as a tissue, and another as a fashion garment. With the rise of tissues, the nose blowing handkerchief was relatively made obsolete. The pocket square rose into the decorative accessory we know and love today.

You can fold it into a square and just have a nice flat splash of color or neutral white. You can pinch the corner and have the tips peak out in an almost flower form. Pocket-squares can and should be in the same color family as your tie but should not be the same color or pattern. Setting is also a huge factor in how subtle or bold your pocket square should be. For black tie events. Your square should be contemporary and subtle, for more relaxed parties, have fun. You are the captain of your outfit. Do not be afraid to be bold.

Italian Suits | Salt Lake City | City Creek Mall

What is it about the Italians that demand our awe when it comes to suiting? Of course there are other places where suits are produced, but that simple “Made in Italy” label on the inside of a suit is a game changer! But what is it that makes Italian suits so special?

In 1952 after the first fashion show held at Palazzo Pitti in Florence there were many names believed to have had a significant role in the design of the Italian suit, as we know it today. Some remarkable mentions are Ermenegildo Zegna, Nazareno Fonticoli (founder of Brioni) and Armani.

Regardless of the particular tailor or designer, there’s a common element that led to the Italian suit, Italians. Italians were not comfortable in the stiff and structured British cut. A suit that is too heavy to be worn comfortably in warmer weather. The concern was more with looking “clean.” Fits that are exacting and slim.This means no wrinkles or excess fabric.

There are several details that set an Italian suit apart. The one that really sets it apart is the weight or “lightness”. The garment, in fact, looks light, feels light, and wears light. It fits tight and close to the body. The canvas lining is also very light. The jacket is considerably less structured compared to American and British suit stylings, and as a result the cloth follows the wearers natural curves. The front of the jacket shows a pronounced V-shape, tight at the waist.

The sleek silhouette set by the jacket is a constant also in the pants, thus giving a smooth look from head to toes. The pants with a tapered waist, which fit tight to the hips. In the most traditional design, pants would end with a break. Nowadays, no-break type of pants is also common in Italian style. When it comes to the Italian suit the concern is more about individual style and relaxing on the idea of correctness. To stand out is the whole point!

I was recently in Cinque Terre - a small cluster of cities on the Mediterranean. As we took a bus from the mountain side down to the ocean, I noticed people hammering rocks back into the side wall. I asked the bus driver what was going on. He said that every day there are crews of men who pound the rocks back into the original walls - keeping the authentic, and original wall in tact. I thought to myself “there is no way something like this would exist in the states. We would concrete that wall and call it a day!” But this is exactly the difference between the Italians and the rest of us. For them, the labor is part of the craft, and staying authentic to how things are SUPPOSED to be made takes precedence over how things COULD be made. We are all about quick and dirty here, in Italy they are all about tradition and the art - and suiting is no exception.

At UWM Mens Shop we are excited to have Italian suits from Givocci, Kiton, Isaia, Brioni, Ermenegildo Zegna and Canali that carry on the tradition of Italian suiting at its best!  

History of the (neck) Tie | Salt Lake City | UWM MEN'S SHOP

One of the most basic men’s accessories is the necktie, but have you ever really wondered where they came from and why they are a staple in men’s wear?

Neckties originated in the 17th century when Croatian mercenaries hired by King Louis XIII wore colored fabric around their necks. This led way to the creation of the pre-modern neckties. Worn as a symbol of honor towards the Croatian people. Tie’s became mandatory for meetings and royal gatherings for the next 400 years.

Although the styles have changed through the ages, neckties have stayed basically the same for the past 100 years. During the 1930’s and the Art Deco movement, ties became more elaborate and wide. Ties were made with lots of fabric folded intricately 7 to 11 times. Creating a heavier tie that laid flat, and created an distinguished knot. At the beginning of World War II, fabric was rationed, and ties were made with the least amount of fabric possible, creating the standard necktie that we know and love today.

Tie width took a decline in the 50’s with the creation of the skinny tie to accommodate and accentuate the form fitting and heavily tailored suits men were wearing. The following 40 years held no regard to consistency. You could find skinny ties, as well as ties reaching 6 inches wide!

After the roller coaster of styles and trends, every tie pattern and fabric is available today, with more patterns, fabrics, and width than ever before. Although ‘standard’ neckties are now 3 to 3 ½ inches wide, skinny ties are still incredibly popular to young men. (As a side note, the width of your tie should compliment and match the width of your suit lapel.)

With the trend of menswear going away from ties, we are defiantly pushing against that! PULL THOSE TIES BACK OUT! Men don’t get a lot of accessories, and ties are a great way to add a little extra to your outfit.

Canvassed Suits | Salt Lake City | City Creek Center

Here at UWM Men's Shop we want you to know what goes into the construction of our Suit Jackets and Sportcoats, and what sets us apart from the rest. Today, are a few ways in which jackets are constructed:

Canvassed Jackets

Traditionally, men’s suits were constructed with a layer of horsehair canvas underneath the wool shell. The canvas helps to hold the shape of the suit and keeps it from sagging or deforming,  similar to how the foundation of a house keeps it upright. The canvas is cut to the jacket’s shape, the wool is then stitched to the canvas. As you wear the jacket, the canvas will begin to conform to the shape of the wearers body, creating an excellent fit.The canvas lining allows the suit to drape naturally, presenting a well put-together clean look.               

Fused Jackets

Many suit manufacturers no longer use a canvas lining in their jackets. Instead they’re using a fused lining which is glued to the wool shell of the suit. Often this creates an unnatural stiffness in the jacket, making it appear lifeless compared to a canvassed coat, also, with a fused jacket overtime the glue will breakdown. The wool detaches from the fused backing causing it to ripple we call this “dimpling”. Once this happens there is no way to fix your jacket.

Half-Canvassed Jackets

Half-canvassed jackets have the canvas layer running only through the chest and lapels of the coat. The benefit to this, there will be a lower price than a fully canvassed jacket. The top half of the jacket is canvassed you won’t run into the issues you may with a fused jacket. This will extend the life of the jacket.

How to tell the difference?

The pinch test is a great way to determine whether a jacket is canvassed or fused.
First, pinch the cloth below the bottom buttonhole from the inside and outside of the jacket. Gently pull the layers apart. If you feel a third layer, then the coat is fully canvassed. If you don’t feel a third layer the jacket is more than likely fused.

We prefer canvassed jackets for three reasons:

1. Canvassed jackets look better.
2. Canvassed construction tends to have better styles and cuts.
3. Canvassed jackets last longer.                                                                                                  

4. All jackets at UWM are full or half canvassed

To learn more, please swing by our store and we can show you in person how canvas constructed suits will change the way you look at your wardrobe!

Winter Overcoats and Sportcoats | Salt Lake City | City Creek Center

Layers can either make or break an outfit. You put on your favorite suit, and add the layers on until your winter coat makes you feel like Randy from A Christmas Story. The hybrid jacket, beyond unique, is a sporty winter coat and we have ours that range our fabrics and and variations in them with Loro Piana fabrics. Making it a nice soft wool and we even have some with the cashmere touch to them as well.

The hybrid concept has leaked into ¾ jackets. Full length trench coats are not only bulky, but constrictive, these jackets reach almost to your knee level, adding class and elegance to your winter wardrobe.  

A nice night in the city dining out with coworkers or friends. Hybrid jackets are a must, as they have a detachable bib that will zip right out. In the cold and if you pick up the storm system jacket they are wind proof, no more need for a scarf wrapped around your neck. Once you are in the restaurant or a meeting unzip out the bib and you have an eloquent sport coat.  

Big coats can be a hassle. You no longer have to hang them at the door, simply wear them to the table. The most beautiful things are the classiest. These hybrids are the pieces that will keep you stylish whether you love in Florida and need a sport coat, but fly to New york and need that extra windscreen. It really is the beauty behind the madness of modern day fashion, and the hottest winter item in our one hundred thirteen year business.

Paige Jeans | Salt Lake City, Utah | City Creek Center

Here at UWM Men’s Shop we are thrilled to announce that we have expanded our jean inventory by adding PAIGE jeans to our selection.

At PAIGE, they believe “that every choice they've ever made-the big ones, the small ones, the right or the wrong-has led them to this moment”. They say, “We believe that the best story you can make and share is the one of your own life, and we are passionate about designing pieces that reflect and celebrate it.” PAIGE is passionate about creating clothing that reflects and celebrates a life lived to the fullest.

Paige first launched in February 2005 in high-end retailers including Intermix, Ron Herman, Bergdorf Goodman and Harvey Nichols. PAIGE designs became an instant obsession of consumers, celebrities, and prominent fashion editors. PAIGE only partners with the best wash-houses in the country, which happen to be in their hometown of Los Angeles. Every style created is wear-tested, and tested again. PAIGE is completely obsessed with designing pieces you'll live in-jeans that go from morning to moonlight; the perfect pair that works like a charm, always; pieces to help you stand tall in what you're wearing, and take you exactly where you want to go.

Our team here at UWM Mens Shop are excited about PAIGE jeans. PAIGE jeans are ridiculously soft and incredibly comfortable not to mention that they have great stretch as well. They almost feel like you are wearing jogging trousers, and not designer denim, the difference being that they fit great. Another bonus is how well they hold their shape, even after multiple wears for extended hours. The denim is comprised of multiple parts, 54% Rayon, 23% Cotton, 22% Polyester and finally 1% Spandex.

Come try on PAIGE jeans and do yourself a favor by adding a pair to your wardrobe today, at $199 you definitely won’t regret it!! We also offer complimentary tailoring as well, giving you the perfect fit and length!