5 jackets to buy instead of Stone Island
Shannon Firby on Thu, May 04, 23
EQVVS Top Jacket Picks Instead of Stone Island
Let's start this off by saying, we're big fans of Stone Island over at EQVVS HQ. A proper heavy hitter in the outerwear realm since creator Massimo Otsi set the bar pretty high back in 1982, and we've had 40 odd years of Stoney and Stoney inspired gear to lap up ever since.
With an old-world military flavour, the technical innovation is nothing to be sniffed at. Plus, it's almost always finished with a time-honoured badge to the sleeve, a signature Stoney.
But, the outerwear fanatic has been around since the early 70's crafting his way through reels of gabardine a-plenty, so there's a whole host of outerwear to sift through and loads of brands taking inspo from the Massimo Otsi empire.
So, while you get yourselves back to an upright position, have a browse at some of our top picks for bits to buy when you can't get your hands on any Stoney.
1. C.P Company | GD Shell Goggle Jacket
We never said we didn't have other Massimo Otsi creations up our sleeves.
C.P. Company was actually the first in line, starting off Otsi's outerwear empire back in '71.
A swanky number that's slicker than a bowling alley. This C.P. Company jacket is a midseason bit of kit that works perfectly for the inbetween months when it's cold for half the day, hot for the rest.
Subtle, utilitarian vibes with all the functionality you'll need from a C.P. Company jacket. Pockets, zips, drawcords on the hood. You know, all that stuff.
And then, if you're not tip-top on the C.P. Company aesthetic. Goggles. Inspired by The Mille Miglia, an open road motorsport endurance race that was established in Italy in 1927 (more on that to come). The goggles are a C.P. Company essential.
2. Compacta Quinto Lightweight Overshirt | Marshall Artist
Product-led with a pretty distinct legacy, British brand Marshall Artist have been in the game for more than 2 decades cheffing up gabardine treats in the form of overshirts and technical jackets, as well as loungewear must-haves including Sweats & Hoodies, Sweat Shorts and Joggers.
Another brand taking particular interest in the old 'garment dyeing technique', Marshall Artist focus on bold colourways and statement designs.
Their brand logo? The Siren Badge.
The Compacta Quinto is a crackin' piece to have in your SS23 wardrobe, lightweight enough to see you through the cooler summer evenings. Smart-casual enough to wear to a day time terrace party and carry on into the early hours (if you can hack it). You can even wear this one to a family BBQ while your nan and all of your aunties pinch your cheeks at what a strapping young lad you are.
3. Nylon Grid Overshit | MA.Strum
MA.Strum are another brand who have been in the game a couple of decades, launching as part of the Massimo Otsi Archive back in 2008. Perfecting a collection souped up with technical Overshirts, Sweats & Hoodies, Sweat Shorts and T-Shirts MA.Strum sign off all of their kit with their signature identifier- the ID badge.
Up close, the grid pattern on this this one looks like you could give long division a go. But actually, this overshirts a pretty vibrant choice for SS23 for when core colours don't quite fit the bill.
Noticing a common theme? Utilitarian designs, with functional, no-fuss cuts. Bold, contemporary colourways (garment dye techniques to be expected) to show off your own style.
That's where fashion and functionality meet.
4. Link Overshirt | Barbour
Not just a brand for the tartan enthusiast, country gent, Barbour International set up shop up in South Shields back in 1894 and are another brand that know their way around a decent jacket.
Though predominantly known for their garment innovation in the way of the old 'wax jacket' (yes the image that instantly comes to mind when we think Barbour jackets) Barbour International are actually pretty top draw when it comes to outerwear across the board.
Take this Link Overshirt for example, another overshirt that's smart enough for a family gathering but also cool enough that you won't get rinsed in the smoking area of a nightclub. Versatility, it's what it's all about.
5. Rift Overshirt | Belstaff
Initially finding their roots in 1924 in Stoke, Belstaff have all of the intel when it comes to high-quality outerwear for the motorbike crowd.
However, over the last century more people wanted a slice of the Belstaff pie (celebrities included) and since then, the brand have continued to pull some pretty decent outerwear staples out the bag.
This Overshirt is another lightweight option for SS23, in a bold 'Forward Blue' colourway (and four other options if blue isn't your bag) with a full zip and functional, utilitarian pocket-ry.
