Sartorially Inclined: Albam

Fall is crew neck sweatshirt weather if there ever was any so it's just about time to lock it down. I'll admit that this should be an easy process in theory, but it's actually a pain in the ass - the sweatshirt market is heavily segmented much to the dismay of guys trying their best to look 1/100th as put together as Steve McQueen. The cheapest of the cheap, such as your standard Champion joint at Kohl's or whatever, is going to fit like shit in most cases even if you size down. If you up your budget and hit J. Crew or Lands End Canvas you're going to find better options, but, once again, fit is tailored to cast as wide of a net as possible. This still leaves lots of guys with sagging arm holes and a blousing effect at the waist. Finally, if you bite the bullet and turn your sweatshirt focused gaze to Japan you are going to find a ton of great options, but who really wants to spend $200 or so dollars on a gray sweatshirt even if it is loop-wheeled. So where can one find quality materials, construction and fit for around a single Benjamin? I'm thinking Albam.

I discovered Albam about a year ago when I was looking for the perfect yellow rain slicker (not unlike this similar hunt for a gray crew neck). They had it, but it was sold out. As you can imagine, I was bummed. Regardless of walking away empty handed at that particular time, Albam has stayed on my radar as one of the great new brands out of the UK specializing in classic inspired, minimalist gear (Oi Polloi compares them to APC). Well, it looks like I may be able to redeem my rain slicker travesty. Right now Albam is selling what appears to be the answer to any and all gray crew neck conundrums. Their Athletic Crew Sweatshirt sells for about $107 (before shipping) and hits it all the right places. The classic detailing is there (v-stitched placket, no branding) as well as some new aspects like side rib paneling to allow for extra movement and flat locked seams (let's hear it for sweatshirt technology!). The most important thing, fit, is also apparently taken into account. Albam has "improved the cut" of their previous models to keep things streamlined. Add a washed "lived in" softness on top of all that and you have yourself what appears to be a pretty damn good option for next season. The only downside to this (and it's kind of a big one) is that those of us who don't live in England can't try it on as far as I know (update: South Willard with be stocking Albam this Fall). If you can get hands on with it, don't think twice. If you cant, but are feeling nasty take the plunge - you can always return it. Sadly, I find myself in the latter category, but at this point anything is better than walking into a Kohl's. I'll let you guys know what I think of mine when it arrives.