Store Blog

We've received a chunk of our FW16 delivery from Outclass (but more goodness to come) and as expected, the collection is a well-rounded range of garments that bridges the gap between menswear and sportswear. This balance is inspired by the modern man’s search for a wardrobe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style.

Earth tones continue to be integral to the collection, with a strong focus on camel, charcoal and military green. Knitted accessories and knitwear garments made of European yarns, Canadian-made melton wool outerwear and ultra soft, Portuguese flannel fabric are all geared to provide the warmth and comfort to combat North America’s challenging climate.

As Outclass continues to propel itself forward and expand its product range, its commitment to quality and local production remains central.

Without question, the number one thing we hear in-store is "it smells so good in here". That's because we keep all of our Brennan Michael products right at the front of the store. Brennan drops by pretty frequently so if you haven't have a chance to chat him up in-store, here's your chance to find out a little bit about the man behind the brand. He's just released a new fragrance (dried orange) in his candle and diffuser and they obviously smell amazing! 

 First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Brennan Michael. I’m originally from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. I’ve been a creative since the young age of 5. I’ve performed music, theatre, made short films and sketches with family and friends. I’ve always been inspired by creative industries and arts. I created Brennan Michael in Toronto almost 3 years ago. I have been residing in Toronto off and on since 2008.

Favourite place to hang out in Toronto?

My favourite place in Toronto would probably have to be many places along Ossington between Dundas and Queen. There are so many great spots to enjoy food, drink or frequent shops.

Why did you start Brennan Michael?

I started Brennan Michael because I was intrigued by the personalities of fragrance and how we relate to them. I was determined to mix strong, unique fragrances that can be enjoyed by many.

photo @davidapike

Tea or coffee?

Black coffee. I prefer coffee over tea in most situations. Tea is excellent, but coffee is most times necessary.

In ten words or less, tell us why you love to make.

I love to make to prove it can be done.

Have you ever cried while watching a movie?

Oh yeah! That’s how you know you picked the right movie.

What (if any) other creative hobbies do you have?

I write and record music. I do it mainly to enjoy it myself or with friends. I used to record to promote music to tour with my bands at the time. Occasionally I will release music on SoundCloud and openly licence it for films, video blogs, etc.

What is your most essential appliance?

It’s cliché, but my phone. It really is an extension of me.

What’s up next for Brennan Michael?

I have a few very exciting collaboration releases that have been in the works for months. Also I have my new fragrances on the way as well as new fragrance applications.

In Tic-Tac-Toe, do you prefer O’s or X’s?

X’s because they are most satisfying to scribble!

photo @jclfoto

Patio? Cottage? Music Festival? Beach? Jays Game? I could go on but you get the point. The summer is a great time to be out and about and to help get you through the summer months in style, we've highlighted a few warm-weather classics that should be in every guys wardrobe. Not only do quality staples provide a solid foundation on which you can build your daily looks, integrating classic, versatile pieces into your wardrobe will allow you to effortlessly pull together outfits for any occasion that arises.

White T-Shirt: We've all seen those bad ass images of James Dean from the 50s wearing a white crew neck t-shirt and it remains as much of a wardrobe stable today as it was back then. A crisp white crew neck paired with well-fitting jeans and a bomber jacket is one of the quickest ways to effortless cool. A crisp t-shirt can be worn with shirts, jeans, and under your sweaters. Todd Snyder + Champion takes their basic t-shirts to the next level by using dyed yarns that give the fabric a soft touch. Outclass adds a little detail to theirs with a chambray pocket and elongated back hem.

Short-Sleeve Button-Up: Maybe it's synonymous with a global fast food chain’s uniform, but a smart-casual short-sleeve button-up cannot only be stylish but practical too. Do away with thicker, heavier weaves and opt for a summer staple like a seersucker shirt from Portuguese Flannel.  A little pattern never hurt anyone either. A casual button up can add some life to an otherwise boring outfit, like the 18 Waits White Paisley Shirt.

Linen Shirt: Sticking with shirts for a minute, Linen is a labour-intensive material to manufacture, but it's valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. It’s a very durable, strong fabric, and one of the few that are stronger wet than dry. We've got a few from Woolrich and Outclass this season. And remember to embrace the wrinkles but if you're worried about looking unkept, look for a cotton/linen blend to help keep the wrinkles at bay. Luckily we have a couple from Outclass and Bon Vivant.

Slim Shorts: As the mercury rises, you’re going to want to let your legs breathe in a pair of shorts. And the most versatile style on the market has to be slim shorts, which looks just as good teamed with a short-sleeved shirt (see above) as it does a plain white tee (see above). The Keenan Short from Bon Vivant and The Slim Short from 18 Waits will be your friend all summer long.

Summer Fragrance: During the summer heat, your body produces more oil and sweat, causing scents to project stronger than ever. As a result, in the summer you need lighter fragrances that don't become offensive when they project in the heat. The best summer scents tend to be light and fresh with fruity or citrusy characteristics, because those are the scents that people think of when they think of warm weather. The Samphire and Gorse Eau de Toilette's from Laboratory Perfumes have notes of Juniper Berries/Citrus Oil and Coconut/Citrus, respectively. 

Whether you’re heading away on a break or packing for a over-night wedding, your luggage matters. We've noted a few necessities below that you should consider packing, whatever it is your doing.

Woolfell - Black Leather Duffle: Not only do you want to transport your belongings in something stylish, but it needs to stand up to the trials of modern travelling – think lugging it onto trains, throwing it into a car trunk or squeezing it into overhead luggage compartments. The Black Leather Duffle from Montreal's Woolfell is both compact enough for tight squeezes, but big enough (30 L) for multiple outfits.

Muttonhead - Mountain Hoodie Waterproof Zip: Having a great Spring layering option is essential to combating weird changes in weather. Whether it's a cold breeze or a sudden downpour, the Muttonhead Mountain Zip combats the rain with its waterproof outer shell and combats the wind with its fleece-lined interior. Great for watching the stars around the campfire.

 Fred Perry - Textured Knit V-Neck Sweater: Another great layering option is the Fred Perry V-Neck Sweater. Pair it over a button-down shirt (see below) for more of a prep look if you're going out to dinner. It works equally well over a t-shirt for a more casual look. If it gets too hot, throw it over your shoulders or tie it around your waist (very European ;)

18 Waits - Living Dead Neuwrith Shirt: The Neuwrith shirt is perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to wear it untucked/unbuttoned, tucked/buttoned or untucked/unbottoned, the tailored fit keeps you looking put together, even tough you may not be. 

Outclass - French Terry Shorts: These soft, Toronto milled lightweight French terry shorts are the perfect companion whether you're hanging out around the docks or exploring a new city. They're so comfortable you'll likely spend the entire weekend in them.

There's a reason they say "April showers bring May flowers" (originally "Sweet April showers/Do spring May flowers"). April is a chaotic month in terms of weather. As we've witnessed here in Toronto this month, one day the weather can change from springtime sunshine to winter sleet and snow. In our first LOOKS of the Spring/Summer season, we take a look at your options to combat the rain.

Woolrich John Rich & Bros. - Teton Rudder Jacket - This technical, short hooded jacket features Woolrich's Teton technical fabric. Waterproof, breathable and durable, this outerwear piece is the perfect companion to keep you dry in and out of the city. Other details include hand-warmer welt pockets, a drawstring hood and adjustable cuffs.

Muttonhead - Waterproof 5-Panel Cap - Made from a dual layered soft-shell fleece, it's 100% waterproof and features an adjustable back leather strap that makes it easy to tighten or loosen to your desired fit. Whether it’s worn to shelter your eyes from the sun or to cover up a bad hair day on a rainy day, the Muttonhead 5-panel hat is sure to do the trick.

Outclass - Twill Pant - Olive Slevedge - These made in Toronto pants are constructed using a soft, selvedge cotton twill fabric and herringbone pocketing. They feature selvedge detailing on the double coin pockets, tonal stitching and an embossed leather patch. 

18 Waits - Neuwirth Shirt - Natural/Blue Stripe - The Neuwirth shirt is a style often used as a blank canvas to craft more creative pieces such as this beauty. Everything else that we love about the Neuwirth remains such as the slim fit & hidden button down collar. However, this particular shirt features 45% Linen, providing a lighter-weight fabric for the warmer temperatures.