Other lifestyle brands

Combed cotton, jersey, fleece: reading a label

The composition of a garment speaks volumes about its durability. Combed cotton has had its short fibres removed: it pills less and has a smoother feel than carded cotton. Jersey, a fine and flexible knit, is used for t-shirts, while fleece, knitted with a looped or brushed back, provides warmth for sweats. The weight, expressed in grams per square metre, indicates thickness: around 150 to 180 for a light t-shirt, above 300 for a thick sweat. A small amount of elastane adds ease, but too many synthetic fibres in a cotton fabric encourages pilling.

Vulcanised sole or cupsole: the construction of a shoe

Two main techniques are used to assemble the sole of a sportswear style shoe. The vulcanised sole is glued and then baked in an oven with a rubber band that wraps around the foot: soft and thin, it gives an excellent feel for the ground, like on the canvas models made for the origins of basketball or skateboarding. The cupsole is a moulded sole shaped like a shell, in which the upper is sewn or glued: thicker and stiffer, it provides better cushioning and is used in models inspired by tennis or basketball from the 1980s. A visible stitching all around the sole, which reinforces the assembly, indicates a careful construction and makes future re-soling easier.

GOTS and OEKO-TEX labels, manufacturing and care

Textile labels help to verify a brand's claims. The GOTS, or Global Organic Textile Standard, certifies an organic fibre and oversees the entire manufacturing chain, from spinning to making, with social criteria. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100, created in 1992, ensures that the finished product has been tested against a list of harmful substances, without commenting on the origin of the fibre. To make these pieces last, wash less frequently, at thirty degrees and inside out for prints, and prefer air drying over tumble drying, which wears out the fibres and shrinks cotton.

The big brands

The big brands have their own page: adidas, Puma, Asics, New Balance, Saucony, Veja, Le Coq Sportif, Buffalo, The North Face, Rains, Herschel, Eastpak, New Era, Jack & Jones, Urban Classics, gathered on the brands page.

New arrivals and good deals

The new arrivals showcase the latest releases, the promotions highlight discounted items, and the items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The good deals, clearance and sales complete the offer.

Frequently asked questions

What is a heritage brand?

It's an old brand that draws from its archives to reissue models that can be several decades old, while respecting their shapes, materials, and details of origin. These reissues attract attention for their history as much as for their style.

How can you identify strong seams?

Gently pull on either side of a seam: it should neither open up nor let light through. Tight and regular stitches, double hems, and reinforcements in tension areas like shoulders or pockets indicate a garment that will last.

Why do some creators produce in small batches?

Independent creators often make items in limited quantities, either due to lack of large volumes or by choice, to avoid unsold stock. Their pieces are less widespread, and a sold-out model isn't always reissued.

How can you prevent a cotton t-shirt from shrinking?

Wash it at a maximum of thirty degrees and dry it flat or on a hanger, away from the tumble dryer. Pre-washed cotton shrinks much less during washing, which is sometimes specified on the label or product sheet.

How do lesser-known lifestyle brands fit?

Each brand follows its own sizing, whether straight, loose or fitted. Compare the measurements from the sheet, chest width and back length, with a garment you already wear, rather than relying solely on the size letter.