La Paz
Inspired by the Atlantic, La Paz offers handsome yet rugged staples in earthy and coastal colors. This wool bomber will keep you toasty after your swell session.
Moreda sherpa bomber, $264.75
Made in Portugal
With a long tradition of craftsmanship, Portugal’s become a hotbed for modern menswear
There's a place in Western Europe where the sun shines, the surf pumps and there's creativity in the air. Portugal has always been a great place to visit. Uncomplicated food fresh from the Atlantic, miles of beautiful sandy beaches and some of the world's best waves draw visitors from all over the world.
Portugal though is not resting on its laurels. Lisbon has become Europe's place to be for tech. The popular Web Summit is held there each year and startups have flocked to the city, taking advantage of the proximity to the beach and the international airport.
What interests us though, apart from our long held desire to visit the place and munch on pastel de nata, is that this spirit of innovation and adventure has extended to menswear. Where adventurers once set off westwards in search of foreign lands, now entrepreneurs and brands are coming here to tap into the spirit of creativity and the abundance of traditional craftsmanship.
The Portuguese countryside has always been home to some of the world's finest manufacturers. And now, with the adoption of new technology and renewable energy, these factories are more accessible and more productive than ever to brands wanting to marry style, sustainability and years of hard-earned expertise. Here are some brands doing exciting things in Portugal with our favorite pieces picked out for your pleasure.
Portuguese Brands
to Know
Poente
Poente, rather poetically, means "sunset" in Portuguese. Fueled by streetwear and the art scene of its city, the Lisbon-based brand offers a refined yet modern take on classic eyewear.
Gambino sunglasses, $174.49
Labuta
Labuta is a relatively new brand that prides itself on doing things the old fashioned way. These handcrafted boots, based on an old miner's boot, epitomize the brand's philosophy of marrying the robust and traditional with the modern and stylish.
Mineiro leather boots, $241.58
Ideal & Co.
Based on principle of functional minimalism, Ideal & Co. specializes in creating bags and accessories that provide everything you need and nothing you don't. These bags are handmade with the very best leather (tanned using only natural materials), sewn with exclusive selvedge canvas and finished with a label that's signed and dated by the artisan who made it.
Pedreira backpack, $284.93
Portuguese Flannel
Brothers Antonio and Manuel Magalhães come from a long line of fabric manufacturers. Which is why their label, Portuguese Flannel, has their shirts made by master craftsmen in the old towns of northern Portugal using traditional fabrics. They've eschewed trends to the point that they're on trend—since these shirts are sustainably made, avoiding any plastic and built to last years.
Bravo shirt, $123 / $85.98
ISTO
Luxury, organic yet affordable basics that exist outside of any seasonal schedule? ISTO is the Everlane of Portugal. The Lisbon-based startup brand is doing its own thing and gaining devoted fans thanks to the quality and versatility of their clothing.
Loopback sweatshirt, $76.25
We Are Underdogs
An amazing concept in sneakers: Each month, We Are Underdogs launch a new, limited edition style from a different designer. And every pair is handcrafted by Portuguese shoemakers.
Turbo sneakers, $199
FYI
Portugal is one of the world's top surf spots. With more than 497 miles of coastline, it boasts year-round surfing.
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