“No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of Americans,” H.L. Mencken once said.
Among the offenders that currently come to mind? Wooden neck and bow ties.
But it’d be hasty to discount wood’s fashionability full sail. To wit, here are three companies doing it up right.
Shwood
The Portland-based optics designer makes its frames from sustainably sourced wood, which it shapes into classic frame styles before inserting lenses that are UVA/UVB-protected and -polarized. They’re stylish, lightweight and can handle RX.
Grovemade
These guys started out making wooden accessories for the desk — computer stands, mouse pads, etc. Now they’re making a Basel-grade timepiece. With a perfectly round metal case and a two-dimensional wooden face, their 002 is a great casual watch for summer.
James Brand
You’d be surprised how often you’ll use a pocket knife if you carry one daily. A walnut-handled number makes you look less like a Boy Scout and more like a stylish man. You can throw this puppy on a necklace, too.
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