They Perfected Leather Bags. Now They’re Making Jackets.

WP Standard makes handsome, heirloom wardrobe essentials

February 2, 2018 9:00 am

“There are no second acts in American lives.”

An overused aphorism care of one F. Scott Fitzgerald (who wouldn’t really agree with its modern application).

But how about a triumphant third act?

Because that’s the story of Ryan Barr, a “failed” musician-turned-leather bagmaker who now has his sights set on a new target: your wardrobe.

His company, WP Standard, just started making menswear essentials to pair with their supple leather totes and messenger bags — think parkas, explorer jackets, work shirts, etc.

Based in Atlanta, WP Standard used to go under the Allman Brothers-inspired moniker Whipping Post. They made their name on handsome, veg-tanned leather goods, all crafted in the USA and influenced by Barr’s adventures and family (see: a carry-on inspired by his father’s Vietnam tour duffle).

And while WP’s keeping the bags — never give up on a good thing — they’ve added a line of multiseason jackets and tees. It’s part of their ideal of “The Vital Few”: basically, your core essentials should mean “a good shirt, pair of jeans, and a trusty bag.”

Some standouts:

The Explorer Jacket: A three-season waxed cotton layer with quilted lining, constructed from British Millerain Antique Waxed Canvas and inspired by early seafarers. Looks better with age.

The Work Shirt:  Rugged, tailored chambray workwear with flap patch pockets.

The Parka: A beaut of a spring or fall layer in racing green, navy or camel. Constructed with waxed cotton imported from Halley Stevensons in Dundee, Scotland (they’ve been perfecting this since 1864). Water repellent, windproof, lightweight and breathable.

Plus, a cool suede trucker jacket, a classic denim jacket and some everyday slub cotton jersey T-shirts.

All handsome, durable and ready to take whatever American life throws at you.

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