Brain Dead

While we love streetwear, thoughtful design and the genre seldom go hand-in-hand. Leave it to Brain Dead founders Kyle Ng and Ed Davis to change all that. Already well versed in the menswear scene, the two linked up over the internet in 2014 over their mutual adoration over one another’s work. Both fascinated with cult films and niche web references, the two started a label that combines their respective high-brow taste and imbues it into classic streetwear. The result is thought-provoking graphics, unexpected colorways and a considered approach rarely seen in the industry. Items ranging from highlighter orange carpenter pants to paint splatter effect sweatsuits and printed vintage chore coats all may sound childish on paper, however are elevated through premium construction and thought provoking references. What sets Brain Dead apart, though, is that these are clothes meant to be worn, and worn hard, meaning that the heavyweight hoodie you bought featuring an obscure internet 1.0 graphic won’t give out in a surprise summer shower. While Brain Dead hoodies cost $200 and up, you can find them for $100 or less on Grailed.

Salomon

Dating back to 1947, French outdoor apparel brand Salomon began producing gear for mountaineering in its local French Alps. Eventually expanding to ski equipment and most recently trail shoes, the brand developed a cult following for its tech heavy footwear geared towards harsh mountain environments. Over the last decade, however, the brand has pivoted and through it’s higher end S/lab line has dabbled in street ready yet still highly capable silhouettes. While predominantly focused on hikers and trail runners, the fashion set began adopting the shoes when celebrated Parisian boutique The Broken Arm—whose founders have worn the shoes for years—began stocking the sneakers alongside Raf Simons and Prada. Eventually a full-fledged collaboration came, then another with dark fashion brand Boris Bidjan Saberi diffusion line, 11. Today, everyone from Pusha-T to Santa Cruz hippies is a fan, courtesy of off-beat colorways, versatility and unmatched comfort. Whether you are taking a quick walk around the neighborhood or set for a three day backpacking trip, Salomon has you covered. While its celebrated S/Lab Speed Cross runs over $180 at retail, you can find them for $85 or less on Grailed.

Veilance

Sitting at the pinnacle of outdoor gear, Candian-based Arc’teryx has been producing some of the best mountaineering equipment in the business since 1989. While founders David Lane and Jeremy Guard were comfortable focusing solely on the technical side of the business, it took the addition of designer Conroy Nachtigall—and later his replacement Lars Mckinnon—to develop a dedicated fashion line, Arc’teryx Veilance. Debuting in 2009, the brand applied the company’s technical know how to minimal menswear staples. Items like the Blazer LT, Partition coat, and Galvanic coat are packable, weather-resistant, futuristic takes on classic garments, backed with unmatched durability and unparalleled versatility. Not only boasting cutting-edge fabrication, each garment feels inherently modern, with subtle details like finely taped seams and hidden interior pockets that help Veilance toe the line between office appropriate and full on techwear. While colors are usually muted, the occasional hazard yellow parka or lush burgundy knit top are the perfect addition to any spring wardrobe. Now in business for over a decade, the Arc’teryx Veilance line recently rebrand—to simply “Veilance”—and doubled down on its aesthetic, expanding in size and scale. The ability to casually go from the workplace to hail storm, however, comes at a cost, and Veilance coats often clock in at over $1000. Thankfully, you can find them for as little as $450 only on Grailed.