Denim ranges are two a penny, every clothing brand good or bad produces denim and related apparel but few get it right and even fewer do it well. One such brand is Blue Collar Worker. Founded in 2005 by a small team of seasoned denim industry die-hards tired of the ever increasing tide of over styled, over washed European and West coast American jeans brands.

Using premium quality, ring-spun denims, and trawling influences from traditional archive workwear pieces from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, products are given a twist in terms of styling, with a distinct British flavour, never losing sight of the fact that these are true utilitarian pieces.

Focus is given to each product, ensuring that each functions in the workplace, with overt attention to detail in terms of garment construction and internal finishing. As a brand that specialises in completely functional men’s denim. This very tight collection also includes men’s Polo’s and jackets in unique, contemporary styles that are pure Blue Collar Worker.

The focus of the collection is functionality coupled with practicality to produce exceptional workwear men’s denim. The overt attention to detail in terms of garment construction and finish speaks of quality workmanship. Pockets are lined and re-enforced with hidden rivets and bar tacks, seams are 2-ply stitched for added strength with all working as intended for pure focused jeanswear that will last.

Wash options are deliberately limited ranging from Raw through to advanced 70´s Cracked Vintage. Of course as denim purists they insist that the only route to experiencing the benefits of this great personal product is to wear them every day, rain or shine, workplace or at leisure.

The Autumn 2015 season sees the introduction of a focussed range of pared down product under the sub-heading ‘BLUE LINE’, comprising of 4 key silhouettes, a broader palette of washes and the introduction of comfort stretch denim for the first time.

Prices are kept deliberately competative and every effort had been made to ensure that the product reflects the integrity of the main line offer.

Yep, that time of year is well and truly upon us, we leave for work to endure the early morning commute and its cold, possibly damp and definitely dull. So we wrap up putting on those all important layers, cursing under our breathe, to then find as we reappear into the madness of the grind that, no we weren’t mistaken it is Spring and things have started to warm up. Or at the weekend when we scramble out to walk the dog as it’s such a refreshing day,  thinking, hey I don’t need a jacket, to be throughly drenched on the return home. Yes, that in a nutcase my friends is known as the Great British Spring, and quite possibly Summer too.

However, Italian brand Parajumpers may just have the answer to your prayers. Deriving from the chance meeting between, Designer Massimo Rossetti and a serving member of the Canadian 210th Rescue Squadron in an ill-famed bar in Anchorage, Alaska provided inspiration for Rossetti’s latest creation.

The men of the 210th Rescue Squadron, are a team of highly trained individuals who are trained for extreme rescues and recoveries in the wildest, most remote and hostile corners of the Globe. Whether it be ships adrift at sea, rock-climbers stuck atop a treacherous mountain peak, or submariners sunk at unimaginable depths, these men are called to intervene.

The result of this chance encounter was a range of extremely innovative pieces of outerwear, highly technical in its components, but at the same time and above all else functional.

Made of the highest durable quality nylon, these pieces come with a detachable down padded lining and fur-trimmed hood. On the front is a large zippable, highly functional multi-cargo pockets which contains a further three pockets designed for your connivence to carry such everyday modern essentials as smart phones, tablets, wallets or even your lunch.

For Summer 15 the source for the collection’s inspiration is the Gruppo Volo Canadair, a professional pilots association of about 100 heroic Italian civil pilots who put their lives at risk in fights forest fires. Drawing on the key pieces that built ParaJumpers’ aspirational identity, this collection features essential outerwear – such as the directional featherlight zip-up bombers, down jackets and parkas; water repellent windbreakers – that express comfort and practicality, while providing a sports lux style.

Rossetti says of this collection, “The looks are based on functionality, and yet we wanted to highlight a playful ‘the sky’s the limit’ attitude. It’s about enjoying the thrill of the experience up in the air, while keeping a strong style philosophy in mind.”

As its logo suggests Maison Kitsuné is the house of the fox and since its launch in 2002 it has been kicking out some seriously foxy apparel for both Hommes et Femmes. Cleverly bridging music, fashion and design, this unique and individualistic brand was founded at a record label in 2002 by Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, before rather successfully diversifying into, amongst other avenues, clothing.

I first came across Without Prejudice, when I was hosting a pretty disastrous event for a retailer, who will remain nameless, it was a Spring/Summer event a couple of years ago, where they wanted me to talk about forthcoming trends a how to dress fir the season ahead. Problem was, a bug problem here,it was snowing outside !!!! Yes it might well be early April but when you have a couple of inches of snow outside, the last thing guys want to do is shop, nevermind shop for shorts and t-shirts in Artic conditions.

Nonetheless, the night wasn’t an ardent failure as I discovered a brilliant contemporary and directional suiting brand that very evening.

Without Prejudice, is aimed at the discerning gentleman, it creates high quality tailoring with a quirky design twist. Designed by a London-based team, each suit features intricate design details including a beautiful full satin contrast printed lining and striking trim piping detail. The entire collection is crafted in the some of the most prestigious European mills using the finest Italian fabrics yet their suits retail at a surprisingly wallet friendly price.

It was in an eclectic corner of North West London 7 years ago where two brothers who shared a passion for tailoring decided they’d reached a breaking point. Frustrated by over-hyped, underperforming menswear lines that were big on swagger but offered mediocre quality, they decided it was time to fill a widening gap in the market. Their vision was as simple as it was ambitious: embrace change and inspire innovation; communicate individuality over mass appeal; build a brand without falling into the staid prejudices of label-worship. It was time to lead by example and Without Prejudice menswear is the fruit of their labours.

Since then, it’s grown from its humble beginnings, to a full menswear line, including an assortment of exquisitely woven cotton shirts, skilfully printed pure silk ties and soft satin pocket squares to complete the look. Stocked in more than sixty of Britain’s finest independent retailers as well as exported to the United States, Canada, Australia and continental Europe.

For Summer 2015 this brand draws inspiration from the balmy summers of Southern Europe and the magnificent beauty of the Adriatic coastline, the collection features a veritable melting pot of striking colours, soft fabrics and strong shapes.

For formalwear, the ever popular Randolph 3 piece is worked in new summer colourways; pale blue and for the more daring, a striking cobalt blue , this best-selling suit is crafted in the finest light weight Italian fabrics allowing movement and breathability on steamy summer days. Highlight details include the statement notch lapel and hand selected contrast buttons.

For a more casual daytime outfit, the collection features a range of striking lightweight cotton jackets and linen suits. Highlight pieces include the College puppytooth jacket in blue and the Buckley linen jacket in cobalt blue. Combine this with a contrast pastel cotton or linen shirt and finish the outfit with a pair of cotton chinos for a relaxed summer look guaranteed to stand out from the crowds.

You may not be familiar with Velvet as a brand just yet but you will definitely thank us once you’ve discovered and boy you won’t regret it. What began in 1997 simply as an aspiration to create luxurious, directional t-shirts that embodied the California lifestyle, has evolved into a full collection recognized today for its crafted, clean, elevated staples. Founded and helmed by Creative Directors, Jenny Graham and Toni Spencer(pictured), Velvet by Graham & Spencer is created using only the finest fabrics and is manufactured primarily in the United States.

The brand has three principle values: Quality, Construction and Comfort. The Velvet men’s collection launched in spring 2004, ranging from timeless tees to mid-weight knits, cashmere sweaters and outerwear, the collection is constantly evolving while staying true to Graham & Spencer’s core values.

For this season the collection can be defined by its sumptuous fabrications, with names such as Cotton Slub, Gauzy Whisper and Luxe Slub, all representing the quality of cotton and famed design aesthetic for understated luxury.

However, this is not only a brand with style, but a heart to go along with it.

Velvet optimises an impeccable off duty, LA-style and one thing you can always rely on the brand to is, it’s designed to flatter. It’s not only dedicated to making the world a more stylish place but a better one too. Since its launch back in 1997, giving back has been a part of the brand’s core mission. Each year Velvet by Graham & Spencer partners with charitable organisations and supports causes through the development of charity tees.

Our picks from Velvet’s Summer Collection