18 Waits
18 Waits is the flagship store for the online menswear brand. They manufacture and tailor clothes right in Toronto and sell their items alongside other independent brands in this shop.
The brand is named after Tom Waits , who owner Daniel Torjman was listening to a lot as he was slaving away in the fashion industry in NYC. 18 is Torjman's lucky number.
If you're obsessed with quality button-ups, this is the place to find them. 18 Waits makes everything locally, but looks for the best fabrics from around the world to do this, sourcing not only from Toronto but also LA, Japan, and Portugal. One of their most popular prints, a day of the dead motif, is from LA and retails for $230.
Get that ultimate "I just stepped out of my steam-powered time machine" look with a newsboy hat for $140. The items here are meant to be instant classics, items any guy should be able to insert into his wardrobe. They're intended to be worn out, never finding their way to the back of the closet, making the price worth it. The motto here is "Live free. Travel well. Enjoy life."
For example, this waxed cotton jacket ($475) is a good alternative to a blazer, leather jacket or jean jacket, easy to dress up or down. It's lined but light enough that you don't have to take it off upon stepping indoors.
18 Waits collaborated with a local Toronto artist to make these funky, artsy lighters that I kind of really want ($90). 18 Waits designs have been hand-etched onto classic brass or matte black Zippos.
Misc. Goods has some accoutrements represented here, like these fun and practical flasks ($125). They're embossed ceramic with two leather straps and a brass stud and button.
Your glasses are the outfit your face wears every day, so make it a stylish one with these eyeglasses from Berlin company Lunettes Kollektion .
These watches range about $335 to $569, from independent Californian company Tsovet .
In their back corner kids section, 18 Waits carries baby hats made only with vintage fur ($50) by Headmistress .
Other kids' stuff comes from 18 Waits' Hopper Hunter line, like these cute graphic tees ($40).
A lot of stuff is available in both adult and miniaturized kid versions so dad and son can match when they go out for brunch, like this little flannel ($60).
Photos by Hector Vasquez