Vestis — Local services in Pittsburgh

Alright so I realize this review style might not be everyone's cup of tea which is fine or whatever, so for those who just want the TL;DR on Vestis:

1.) A dizzying selection (in a good way) of men's garments. 2.) Top-notch and knowledgeable customer service in a comfy atmosphere. 3.) Prices similar to or noticeably less than other online shops and even brick-and-mortar places¹.

My visit on 2/9/23 04:00 pm: This place IS the Willy Wonka chocolate factory of IYKYK clothing. Give me² an unlimited clothing budget but only one place to shop for the rest of my earthly time and it'd be this place easy peasy 1-2-3.

First time customers, definitely scope out the store website and IG before stepping in to get an idea of what you're looking for. Also, the shop has a really good vibe so take your time to peruse.

For Indiana Jones, it's the Ark of the Covenant. For others in the film Pulp Fiction, it's the suitcase. For me, it is the mega-grail item that I'm looking at today: Japanese brand Kapital's Century Denim No.9 5p Monkey Cisco³. Mud-dyed with sashiko stitching, it is in my humble opinion the nerdiest denim out there today⁴.

A simple but beautiful pamphlet is provided by Kapital detailing the centuries-old mud dyeing process as well as the unconventional labor that goes into preparing the garment⁵.

Not to be overshadowed, it is 100% worth mentioning that I was assisted by the shop's owner Phil. Courteous and knowledgeable⁶ of his collection, it is obvious to me that the philosophy here centers around stylish pieces meant to last - not the fast fashion of passing trends.

Gitman Bros. Vintage button-downs are 🔥

In a few months I'll probably pick up the Harago Forest Scene pants and a few Velva-Sheen loopwheeled tees for warmer weather. The Gitman Bros. Vintage camp shirts also look appealing for a father's day present - nearing age 70 my Dad just got into a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers and his first selvedge denim 👖

Overall, a top-tier shop with the "if ya know ya know" timeless brands, but also some fascinating and lesser-known brands worth checking out.

(っ◔◡◔)っ☮️❤ IG: curtisinhouston

𝕄𝕖𝕥𝕒 ℕ𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:

𝟙: 10-15% difference here in prices from the SoHo/garment district shops I visited in NYC two months prior.

𝟚: This reviewer is a discerning denimhead, menswear maniac, wannabe writer, and a commercial truck driver by trade. A working traveler with an obsession that's led me from the unpretentious Midwest to the deadass hipster dens of New York City. Of these independent and niche retailers, I've seen quite a few.

𝟛: Online forum lore on Century Denim states that as the delicate linen threads, a.k.a. "sashiko" lighten and break over time (along with the sick denim fadez), the jeans inherit a one-of-a-kind appearance unique to the person wearing them.

𝟜: The mashup of button fly denim Americana and traditional Japanese mud-dyed sashiko.

𝟝: The only downside to this item is the meteoric premium attached to it because of its production and attention to detail, as well as its scarcity among retailers outside of Japan.

𝟞: Phil's tip for nice socks I learned was to let them air dry after a wash. Heat from the dryer machine warps the cotton/acrylic blend. This has happened to me before and I never put the two together....

After a year or so of being open, Vestis has become a favorite shop of mine to check out when in Lawrenceville. The owner Phil is extremely knowledgable about literally every single item he has in his shop. His emphasis on USA made items along with items made locally here in Pittsburgh becomes obvious when browsing around. The quality and craftsmanship of the brands he carries is far beyond that of any other menswear boutique in this area. Knowing what you're buying will last you literally decades makes purchases totally worth it! Alongside the high quality standards, Phil has made the environment of Vestis super cozy and always very welcoming. I would gladly recommend Vestis to anyone looking for a great new shop to checkout in the bustling Upper Lawrenceville...

I've shopped at a lot of menswear stores - in person and online. I've seen a lot of clothes, and a lot of different ways of styling them.

Yet despite being in a city not exactly known for its fashion scene, Vestis stands near the top of them all. Phil has distinguished his humble store with an impeccable selection of small brands making truly phenomenal pieces. The shirts, jackets, and pants are made to last - not just from season to season - but from generation to generation. The fits and patterns would not only make your granddad green with envy, they'll have your grandkids stealing them from your wardrobe in forty years time.

Do yourself a favor. If you're into menswear and unwilling to settle for anything less than the best,...