Is that a good Diesel? © Diesel

Well my love of Diesel is getting me a bit of a following in my shop. My customers know that I write this fashion blog and it’s a running joke that I always tell people to buy Diesel. Well hold on to your hats, because today I’m pointing out some of the bad things about a Diesel t shirt, and helping you find the good ones.

Bad Diesel t shirts
I’m talking about the ones you’d see pirated in a market in China - a standard t shirt with a big Diesel logo on it. They don’t look good, they’re tacky, they’re not stylish so just stay well away from them.

Another thing I like to avoid with Diesel is the obvious, mass market lines. Last year we had the Diesel t shirts with the lorries on, and the Native American head seems to have been on the scene for years. Lads buy these because they know they want Diesel but can’t choose a good one.

There are dozens of Diesel t shirts out at any one time, and you don’t want to be wearing the same t shirt as another bloke when you’re out. Pick a different style, and if there isn’t a different style, get another brand.

So what makes a good Diesel t shirt then? This is what:

Good Diesel t shirts
Subtlety. A lot of Diesel t shirts are a bit flashy, or a bit weird but they make some great subtle designs too. Just ‘cos it’s a Diesel you don’t need to scream it out. Keep it subtle, and the people who matter will notice.

For a smarter look, maybe even go for a plain black t shirt, or those marketed as vests or underwear. You’ll get a good quality, tight fitting Diesel t shirt that doesn’t need to self-publicise.

Peter

Rated: from 2593 votes

Vintage tee by Quicksilver © Quicksilver

You don’t often get designer brands that do retro t shirts – mostly they are own brands and mockups of the originals. You can get retro t shirts from most t shirt shops, from the A-Team to retro Olympic images and slogans. There’s one I’ve never seen though, and that’s one of Superstars – the TV show in the 80s where Kevin Keegan fell off his bike and Daley Thompson obliterated everyone around him. If I ever see a big red and blue S I’ll be first in the queue - for a child of the 80s that’s totally cool.

But what about retro designer t shirts? Let’s face it, they don’t make t shirts to last 20 years, no matter what you pay for them, so you’re going to struggle to get original retro designer t shirts. I remember Diesel did some nice bright retro-style t shirts a few years ago, but as a fashion conscious man you’ve usually got a choice between retro or designer.

The designer brands are catching on though by reproducing their old designs and creating new garments that look old. I like Quiksilver for reproduction retro t shirts, and some are even rolled to make them look like proper vintage t shirts. As a skating and boarding company, Quiksilver are the reason I had no money as a teenager and I’m still a closet admirer of their designs now.

Peter

Rated: from 2869 votes

© Diesel

People often ask what my favourite brand and worst brand is. It’s just my opinion, but here is it – promise you won’t think any less of me!

My favourite men’s fashion brand.
It’s Diesel. There are often only a few pieces from each collection I really like, but I just love them. The jeans are a mainstay in my shop, the trainers are bold and fun, and there’s an overall kookyness and coolness to the brand that I just can’t put my finger on. It’s men’s fashion that works for everyone because the brand isn’t pigeonholed. Where Armani is bling and Bathing Ape is hip-hop, Diesel is just cool men’s fashion.

My least favourite brand.
I’ll tell you what, Bench as leader in men’s fashion has passed me by – I don’t know if it’s cos I’m a bit older than the teenagers that buy it, but what is it with Bench? To me they look like standard t shirts with a big logo that I just don’t like. I’m not the target market, but who is? And cos I’ve got my own men’s fashion shop, I’ve got the power not to stock it, which I don’t.

You think I’m wrong? Probably, so let me know what you think.

Peter

Rated: from 2291 votes