Interview | The Duo Behind Criquet Shirts

The polo is an essential piece in every man's wardrobe which is why you should meet Billy Nachman and Hobson Brown the duo behind Criquet Shirts. They've made the American classic even better. Billy took a moment to answer some questions about Criquet Shirts and who the Criquet man is.

Did you guys work together before Criquet Shirts? How has it been working with your best friend on Criquet Shirts? Hobson and I did not work together before Criquet, but we have always been looking for a way for us to collaborate and capitalize on our skill sets. Hobson's background is in e-commerce and online marketing, while my background was in design, specifically architecture (with a family history in apparel).  We thought that Criquet presented an opportunity for the two of us to work together and grow something special. Of course working with your closest friend is amazing. Not without challenges of course, as working relationships are different than friendships, but we have done a great job of balancing the two.  

Why is Austin your hub as opposed to NYC or LA? I moved to Austin back in 2007, after having lived in California and Oregon for the previous 15 years. Hobson was living in the Bay Area at the time the idea for Criquet was conceived. Having worked remotely for around a year and a half, and approximately 8 months before the official launch of Criquet, Hobson, and his expectant wife, Blake, moved to Austin. The move allowed them to be closer to both of their families, as they raised their son, and also positioned Criquet in one the fastest-growing, coolest cities in the country. Austin is a small city with a global reach.  It's an incredibly supportive town, with a great entrepreneurial spirit and a community of talented, creative thinkers. NYC and LA are obviously the epicenters for fashion and apparel/ fashion brands, but being in Austin allows Criquet to separate itself, as a Texas based lifestyle brand that appeals to a national audience.  

Who is the Criquet man? He is a classically styled, forward-thinking man. He cares how he looks, yet doesn't take fashion, or his style, too seriously.  He loves the game of golf, but understands that its more about the camaraderie than the competition. He appreciates clothing that works as well at the 19th hole as it does on the 18th. He walks 36. He mixes a mean cocktail and knocks back a beer with equal gusto. He takes care of business. He gives a damn.  

You started out doing men's polos and now are doing boy's polos. Do you see yourselves doing women's polos in the near future?  We launched back in November of 2010, with a women's line, The Lady Players Shirt (pics attached).  We loved the shirts, but they did not sell as well as the men's shirts, primarily because Hobson and I are far better at speaking and marketing to men (go figure).  That being said, 25% of our customers are women buying for their men, so we have every intention of bringing the Lady Players Shirt back in the fold.  It's a matter of timing at this point.  

Hopefully they'll bring these polos back.

Make sure to check out Criquet Shirts' website and stay connected +Criquet Shirts on google plus, @CriquetShirts on twitter and on Facebook.

You Can Take The Boy Out Of The City

....But you can't take the city out of the boy.

On my latest trip to San Diego the first things I grabbed were all dark items something that is totally not part of Southern California's fashion culture. My travel essentials for this trip include a  Retro Fox classic pique polo because no matter where you are in the US it's a step up from a t-shirt. The Jacob Davis raw denim jeans make everything I wear look cool and they're perfect for fall. For shoes I chose my beat up Chuck Taylors, they're like a fine wine and get better with age. And I recently got the bracelet from Giles and Brother and it immediately became one of my staples. When I travel I avoid looking like a tourist at all costs and find that pieces like these do the trick.

Polo- Retro Fox | Denim- Jacob Davis | Sneaker- Chuck Taylors | Bracelet- Giles & Brother

How To Balance Out A Bold Pattern

Polo- Uniqlo x Michael Bastian | Chinos- JCrew | Sneakers- Sperry (similar)  | Bracelet- Hearts

Bold patterns are a big trend right now. For someone whose never worn a bold pattern that can be a very daunting and even scary thought, at least it was for me. When I looked at the huge array of colors, styles and patterns available at the Uniqlo by Michael Bastian collection ( Note- There are only a few left!) I was confronted with a tough question, do I go bold? I got out of my comfort zone and chose the navy polo with the white pattern. I love it. I paired it here with chinos to tone down the pattern so there is nothing competing for attention in my look. If you wear a bold patterned shirt, polo, or T-shirt pair it with jeans or chinos in neutral colors- khaki, gray, navy, black and white. Guys, don't be afraid to go bold.

Unas de las tendencias del momento son patrones llamativos. Para alguien que nunca sea puesto un diseño llamativo eso puede ser algo nuevo que traiga in poco de ansiedad, por lo menos no lo fue para mi. Cuando vi los diferentes estilos, colores, y patrones disponibles en la colección de Uniqlo por Michael Bastian ( ojo- quedan pocas cantidades) me pregunte a mi mismo, "escojo el patrón llamativo?" Decidí que si y me encanta! Me puse el polo con unos chinos color kaki para que nada este en competencia para llamar la atención. Si te vas a poner una camisa, polo, o camiseta con un patrón/ diseño llamativo ponte jeans o chinos de un color neutral- kaki, gris, azul marino, negro o blanco. Caballeros, no hay que tenerle miedo a los patrones llamativos. 

3-Ways To Wear A Suit

3 maneras De Ponerse Un Gabán

You already know how to wear a shirt and tie with your suit. Here is how to maximize what you already own or will own in the near future. As soon as I laid eyes on this ASOS suit I knew I wanted it and all these different ways to wear it came to mind.

Ya sabes como ponerte tu gabán con una camisa y corbata. Aqui vas a ver cuantas maneras hay para utilizar lo que ya tienes y tendrás entre poco. Cuando vi este gaban de ASOS enseguida supe que lo quería y pense en todas estas maneras en como ponerme lo.

Use the blazer as a sports coat. If you get a neutral color like grey, navy and khaki without a particular pattern like herringbone or pinstripes you'll find it easier to use as a separate. In some parts of the country the temperature drops in the evenings. This look is great for a night out and you can opt out of the cardigan and still look sharp.

Usalo como un jacket. Escoge un color neutral como gris, azul marino, o khaki sin diseño para que sea mas facil de combinar. En algunas partes del país todavía hace frío cuando oscurece. Este look es perfecto para salir en la noche y fácilmente te quitas el cardigan y todavía te veras bien. 

I wore this look for an event and felt so comfortable, even though I was wearing a suit I wasn't over dressed. Note- here is another use for your stripe t-shirt. If your like me you probably have half a dozen of them.

Yo me puse este look para un evento la semana pasada y me senti tan comodo. Aunque tenia puesto el gabán no me sentí muy formal. Ojo- aquí hay otro oportunidad para ponerte tu camiseta de rallas. Si eres como yo tienes algunas cuantas. 

A polo can go a long way, keep it chic and simple with a black, navy or grey polo. Want to be bold go for green, yellow and red. Remember a smile is the perfect accessory it shows that you're comfortable and people will take notice.

Un polo realmente es esencial, manten un look chic con el color negro, gris, y azul marino. Quieres ser mas llamativo? Ponte uno de color verde, rojo o amarillo. Recuerda que una sonrisa es el acesorio perfecto eso muestra que estas comodo y los que te rodean lo van anotar.

These are  similar suits from ASOS, JCrew, Polo Ralph Lauren

Read More 3-Ways to wear:

Bucks

Gingham