For the first time in at least a decade, plaid has become a pattern endorsed by hipsters, outdoorsy types and fashion aficionados alike. Thanks to the gradual influx of everything ’90s on the runways and blogs, plaid, along with its various textile offsprings such as tartan, gingham and checks, has become the pattern-du-jour among pretty much everybody.
Worn casually with jeans or layered with grunge-inspired pieces like slip dresses, biker jackets and dark florals, the plaid shirt is a versatile and functional piece that appeals to both men and women, especially if you have an affinity for Winona Ryder, Empire Records and the band Sonic Youth.
This field jacket in black watch plaid, designed and manufactured by Toronto’s own Muttonhead, is a perfect example of plaid’s utilitarianism and unisex appeal. Like every single item produced by Muttonhead, this jacket is made for both men and women. It is also made with 100 per cent cotton oilcloth (to all you guys and gals out there without a degree in fashion and textiles, that’s woven cotton cloth coated with linseed oil, which makes the fabric completely waterproof and ideal for rainy and chilly autumn days).
If you are a dame and the idea of unisex clothing doesn’t immediately appeal to your more ladylike disposition, consider that the boyfriend jean, the blazer and the loafer all originated from menswear, not to mention the undeniable feminine allure of a woman in a men’s dress shirt.
This jacket, along with Muttonhead’s entire collection, is also manufactured sustainably and sweatshop-free. With guaranteed fair trade practices and a focus on “slow design” over fast fashion, Muttonhead offers classic pieces produced from high-quality and eco-friendly fabrics, and as such is a label that’s very easy to love.
$232. Available online at muttonheadcollective.com