The return of velvet

Velvet has long been associated with richness, depth and refined tailoring. This season we see it returning to menswear in a more relaxed and understated way, and it has found its place in our collection again.

A short history

Velvet was once woven from precious silk and reserved for those who could afford the extraordinary amount of craftsmanship it required. Its origins can be traced eastwards, with early forms appearing in the Middle East and Asia. By the Renaissance the craft had found an important home in Italy, where cities such as Venice, Florence and Genoa became celebrated for their silk velvets, often woven with intricate patterns and even threads of gold and silver.

What makes velvet distinctive is not only the fibre, but the way it is woven. A dense raised pile gives it its softness and lets the surface catch the light differently with every movement.

The look

For this look we layered the Universal Works Dockside jacket in navy velvet over the soft Lancaster gilet in a mohair blend. The Dockside is the brand's four-pocket chore jacket with a boxy, easy fit, here cut from cotton velvet for more depth and a slight sheen. Underneath, the indigo Duke Pant in organic cotton creates the contrast: a wide leg with a single pleat, structured and honest, and designed to develop more character with wear.

Three materials, each with their own texture and history: velvet, wool and dry denim. Together they keep the outfit from feeling formal.

Wearing velvet every day

Wear the jacket open over a T-shirt, or with the matching Oxford Pant in navy velvet for a tonal set. Today we love velvet for something simple: its depth, its texture and the way it can lift even the most understated piece.

All pieces are available online and in our store in Arnhem. More from the brand is under Universal Works, and the original post is on Instagram.