Project Upgrade: The Next Three Brands You Need on Your Style Journey
- Words Grailed Team
- Date July 11, 2019
Project Upgrade is a recurring franchise for those just starting their style journey. Each entry introduces three dependable, stylish—and above all, attainable—brands perfect for building your wardrobe, all at a prices well below retail. If you have been itching to update your wardrobe but unsure which direction to go in, look no further
Summer style is tough. Without the benefit of layering, the pieces we choose—usually shorts, sneakers and tees—must both individually stand on their own yet somehow form a cohesive unit. Finding items to fit the bill is a tall order. Great T-shirts are few and far between and nailing the right fit of short is a near herculean task. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. Below we present three labels that not only nail summer staples, but will seamlessly meld with the rest of your wardrobe. Whether you’re a style veteran or new to the summertime fit madness, each selection is a perfect choice to elevate your style while ensuring you don’t drown in a pool of your own sweat—all at prices you can only find on Grailed.
While the idea of an NYC-based surf brand may initially sound odd, every summer legions of New Yorkers head to Rockaway, Fort Tilden and Long Beach to shred–not to mention internationally recognized surf capital, Montauk, out in the Hamptons. These city-dwellers traveling by bike, train or car to remote beaches spread across the boroughs and Long Island are the source of inspiration for Saturdays. From its Crosby street headquarters in SoHo, the surf-centric streetwear brand sells everything from longboards and boardshorts to hoodies and loafers, together embodying the street meets beach mentality of the New York surf scene. Founded in 2009, over the past decade the label has expanded from a boutique selling wetsuits and a small collection of tees to a full ready-to-wear label, producing footwear and custom branded wetsuits. While the line is chock full of worthwhile gear, the favorite is clearly the boardshorts. Vintage inspired, the inseam may seem aggressive, however is the optimal length–perfect for walking from work to the beach. While the classic “Trent” shorts run over $150, you can find them for less than $80 only on Grailed.
Japanese footwear mainstay Suicoke has been producing some of the most coveted (and comfortable) sandals in the world for more than a decade. Originally founded in 2006 as a lifestyle and accessories brand, after contacting Vibram to create a custom footbed, the label introduced its flagship KISEE-V triple strap sandal. Since, the label has been a favorite amongst Japanese men, who often prefer wearing sandals all summer long. After countless collaborations and international expansion, today Sucioke sandals are on the feet of stylish men everywhere. Particularly popular is the MOTO-CAB, an aggressively bulky slide with adjustable velcro straps. Featuring the same proprietary sole—and always worn with socks—the MOTO hits the perfect blend of comfort and design to look great all summer long without ever trying too hard. While Suicoke MOTO-CAB retail for $220 or more, you can find them for $150 or less, only on Grailed.
In the depths of summer when the weather becomes unbearably hot, camp collar shirts provide a rare reprieve–a way to stay cool while somehow still looking good. While many brands make great options, few make the garment as well as Japanese label Wacko Maria. Alternatively referred to as “Guilty Parties”—now an offshoot label of its own—the Wacko Maria brand was founded in 2005 by partners Keiji Ishizuka and Atsuhiko Mori. Both former professional soccer players, their mutual interest in Americana, Italian films and love of records helped form the foundation for a collection that combines various aspects of disparate cultures and mashes them together in a uniquely Japanese fashion. Featuring strong graphics and a heavy focus on embroidery, items such a mohair cardigans and souvenir jackets come to life with bold patterns (leopard and cheetah are a regular occurrence) and premium fabrication. The camp collar shirts, often in flashy colors with intricately complex imagery—and almost always embroidered—have become a favorite, and appear in every spring/summer collection. While the price is steep, it pays to find a shirt this comfortable that makes an aesthetic statement we can all get behind. While Wacko Maria embroidered camp collar shirts cost $350 or more (if you can find them), there are plenty of choices for $200 or less—only on Grailed.