With the schoolroom and the office moving into our homes full- or part-time during the pandemic and minyanim in the backyard, comfort has become the biggest fashion innovation. The newest styles for boys and men have a little stretch in them for a relaxed feel but formal look.
“Stretch is big,” said Sam Rappaport, marketing director of Emporio Clothing in Teaneck. “We have a new stretch shirt, designed to be comfortable, wrinkle free and wearable all day whether you’re inside or outside. We also have pants with stretch from different companies that are dressy and look great but it almost feels like you’re wearing gym clothes. They also dry very quickly so if you’re travelling, you can wash them in the sink and hang them up to dry.”
When fall temperatures change from cool to warm to cold at night, layering is a must. Rappaport suggested a lightweight sweater under a jacket with a nice pair of slacks. Hoodie sweaters, in a wool cotton blend or all cotton keep the chill away. Black and charcoal are popular colors. Denim blue, new this season, is also attracting buyers. Coats are adhering to the comfortable but classy look in wool or weatherproof exteriors. Removable hoods and linings help adjust to varying temperatures. Emporio has well-tailored Shabbat coats (long and short), and one of the best names in boys’ puffer coats—Scotch and Soda.
Comfort has also found its way into dress shoes, said Rappaport. Cole Hahn makes a hybrid shoe with a leather upper and sneaker bottom. Florsheim dress shoes are very comfortable and lightweight.” Men’s socks are still split between solid black or navy and eye-popping patterns. “Socks are one of the few places to show off your personality,” he noted.
There are still occasions where classic style prevails. Simchas are back, although smaller during these pandemic days. Emporio has everything for the bar mitzvah boy and groom, including tuxedos. Business and shul attire call for traditional split collar dress shirts in white, blue or stripes. Suits are black, navy or charcoal, with a traditional two button close. A peak lapel is an option for a different look. Rappaport said double breasted suits are coming back. While there haven’t been many requests in Teaneck, Emporio has stores in Cedarhurst, Boro Park, Flatbush and Lakewood, and some are carrying them. For all suits and slacks, Emporio ensures a perfect fit and no surprises with in-house tailoring and shatnez testing.
Ties pull a suit and shirt together. For the last few years, they have been narrow, about 3¼ inches wide. Bright fall colors are big this season, with bold patterns and florals.
Chanukah is around the corner and it begins on Dec. 10. Sweaters, shirts, scarves, ties, accessories and grooming kits all make excellent Chanukah gifts. Customers can shop for clothing and gifts in person Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., or online at www.emporioclothing.com . Emporio is located at 215 West Englewood Ave., Teaneck.
By Bracha Schwartz
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