“Special things often require explanation. Because they are special, they are unusual and unfamiliar. They require some explanation, whether through writing, images, or effort.”
I recently reconnected with the people at Stoffa after being out of touch for several years. In part, it did so. because My recent articles on A Presse It reminded me that Stoffa is actually the kind of brand I prefer.
Both use custom fabrics to develop unique and one-of-a-kind products. The fit and silhouette may not always be right for me, but the designer-led approach is consistently interesting.
The difference with Stoffa is that there is always one or two items in each collection that fit my style and my specific wardrobe, in a way that doesn’t happen with A Presse or other fashion brands. They are close enough to classic menswear ideas.
What’s surprising, then, is how unique they are – the fabric, design, and silhouette. Stoffa is a designer brand in that sense, at least today, and unlike most brands we cover.
Stoffa always helps by starting with a fabric rather than an idea of the shape and silhouette that designers usually start with. Customized fabrics have always been part of Stoffa’s approach. This is what the name implies.
Goes back 9 years When I first dealt with StoffaThe first piece I made was a pair of pants in basketweave cotton (above). It felt completely different from the matte, washed, and natural dyes seen in tailored or MTM brands, but it was elegant yet comfortable.
Since then the range of fabrics has expanded considerably, all of which can be seen in our listings. Fabric page here. There is also an in-depth analysis of this as well. here. Stoffa may be expensive, but it’s hard not to see the value when you read about the work that goes into the fabric (and personally evaluate its value).
Unique fabric means it’s an unusual fabric, which means it won’t necessarily be right for you. An example of this is the fig silk blouson I recently tried (above).. Nick and Agyesh said: “This was the most adventurous piece of the season and an extreme version of the silhouette.”
Designed for summer shirts, this silk crepe material has a light, flying feel. It’s also made in a shirt workshop, which means finer needle stitching and finishing. It’s beautiful, but definitely not for everyone.
The mistake I’ve made consistently over the years with Stoffa is looking at the brand as a whole and assuming I’ll wear all or none of their products. It was either a brand to me or it wasn’t.
I loved the basket knit pants, and ended up making three pairs in different colors. But I was surprised by those words. suede flight jacket It didn’t work for me. I should have seen the difference. One was more classic, the other was more unusual, too cropped and wide for the style I like in a jacket.
This is the case with most designers I find. Even the biggest fan isn’t going to buy everything. Instead, they appreciate the scope and freshness of new ideas and enjoy choosing which ideas to choose.
Perhaps the biggest difference between Stoffa and other fashion brands is that Stoffa was built around made-to-order, and most of its clothes still operate on that basis.
This means that if you like the silhouette of the jacket but find it a little short, you can add some length. If you need one size for the body of the shirt and another size for the collar, we can do that. You shouldn’t try to change the intended design (another mistake I’ve made in the past), but you can create a design that fits your look much better than other brands.
I’ll cover this in more depth in a follow-up article, as readers will want to know what newer Stoffa products we recommend and whether we’ve measured any of them.
Stoffa has always walked his own path, but today he feels more relevant than ever. The world is moving towards muted colors and draped silhouettes, placing more value on natural processes and sustainability.
Now it makes perfect sense to me that a reader I know would want to get married in a Stoffa suit: wide-leg trousers in light pistachio wool and a cream knit top. It feels like a version of modern elegance.
My problem was that I always had great respect for people and brands, but I never quite knew how to wear them with my own style. Seeing Stoffa as a designer I can pick and choose from rather than a general store that caters to my every need has made a huge difference.
Quote used at the top: Written by Nick (Ragosta) from Stoffa during our conversation. It sums up why I sometimes struggle with their design and the value PS can provide when talking about them.
