My Accidental Obsession With GANT Rugger

Oftentimes when I shop at Askov Finlayson or Black Blue, I frequently end up buying a piece from GANT Rugger without intending to. Maybe it’s because GANT is one letter away from Grant, which my fashion minded friends joked about before they knew I wear the line.  If they’re ever down to do a collaboration called Grant Rugger, I’m game.

I like GANT Rugger because their pieces are slim versions of Ivy League classics at reasonable price points.  Their silhouettes lack the stodginess associated with other Ivy clothiers like J. Press, and it's easy to imagine cats like Miles Davis throwing on a shirt or sweater of theirs.  

Yesterday I doubled up on GANT Rugger, wearing my cream fisherman sweater and tartan blackwatch shirt.  Though the sweater was part of their Spring/Summer line, its tonality and weight are perfect for fall.  Their fisherman sweater isn’t extremely warm, but when paired with a Barbour jacket and casual shirt, it keeps the wearer from overheating on a 50-degree day.  Furthermore, it’s slightly trim and supremely cozy, the kind of sweater you’d curl up with a book in late at night.

The blackwatch shirt was a Christmas present to myself last year.  At almost a year old it looks as crisp as the day I bought it.  The dark lordly hue is ideal for fall and winter and gets considerable wear during the Holiday season.  However, I like how it contrasts with the falling Autumn leaves and Earth tones Mother Nature is sporting.  This takes the meaning of dressing for the weather to a whole different level.

Some might find GANT Rugger’s price of entry a tad spendy.  Compared to other made-in-America clothiers, however, they’re downright affordable - comparable shirts from Gitman Vintage and Freemans Sporting Club tend to cost $30-70 more.  The luxurious fabrics alone are worth it, and at the very least they’ll make you feel oh so smaht.

Sweater: GANT Rugger, Shirt: GANT Rugger, Pants: J. Crew, Jacket: Barbour, Boots: Red Wing Heritage