Spring Button-Downs With An Affliction

There aren't many brands willing to give women's springtime apparel some ruggedness, which is why there is one series of button-downs that stand out this season. For the past several seasons, Affliction Clothing, once better known for women's baby tees and short dresses, has come around with something tougher.

The button-downs they make draw inspiration from country as much as rock and roll. Much like their men's line, the attention is often in the details, especially if you are willing to wade past the more predictable trademark emblazoned designs. These shirts are made to be worn in rougher settings, especially those that involve motorcycles.

Three rugged button-downs with an affliction. 

Some of of the shirts are largely straightforward like the Rock Out LS (above). Rather than carry any brands, the button-down adds its first layer of toughness with some stitched square panels down the front. After that, metallic stud embellishments adorn both the pocket and sleeves.

Down the back, the shirt starts with another series of studs that taper away as they roll down the back.  The black, with the slightest sheen, comes across almost charcoal. Caring for it is easy. Machine wash cold.

Some of the patterns aren't nearly as subtle and they don't have to be. The Riding Wheels Woven is based on a classic Western button-down that gets completely renovated as West Coast motorcycle wear. They accomplish it with contrasting shoulder yokes and a few well-placed stud embellishments.

Aside from contrast stitching and contrast lining, most of the action happens on the back. Emblazoned with something reminiscent of the Southern cross with well-placed studs, the shirt manages to reflect a harder edge despite being a bit busy.

The shirt, like most of those made by Affliction, is 98 percent cotton and 2 percent Spandex. The addition of Spandex gives the material its characteristic give. Just don't size down too much as all button-downs are meant to fit without being too snug against the buttons.

Some shirts, like the Westwood LS Woven, don't have any Spandex added. In fact, the 100 percent cotton shirt is slightly different than the rest because it adds a feminine touch with floral lace panels and shoulder yokes. It's a surprisingly smart combination.

The back of the shirt is decorated with one of the American Customs Motor Club designs. The roaring puma feels almost too pronounced, making me wish we could have seen one without even if it works nonetheless. The bottom line is most shirts aren't made with enough toughness but these three and about a dozen more are.

Tom Atencio is at the heart of design for men and women.

Affliction Clothing is fast approaching its tenth year as the manufacturer that made a business out of clothing with tribal tattoos, skeletal jewelry, and a toughness borrowed from mixed martial arts, metal, motorcycles. and muscle cars. Think about the brand as more under the radar than Ed Hardy but more accessible than Von Dutch.

The company itself was started by Tom Atencio, Todd Beard and Eric Foss. The three stepped outside of design industry standards and found an audience within the mixed martial arts crowd. The company is still evolving, especially as it has expanded its line for women.

Button-Downs For Women By Affliction Snap 7.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

When most people think about Affliction, they think about the marketing with fast cars, sultry women, and super-charged testosterone. But like most things, that is only part of the story. There are an increasing number of women who are just as tough as the men and Affliction is finding them.

Affliction continues to expand its global presence, opening stores in Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, and Sao Paulo. You can also find them online, placing any orders from the company direct. To browse the newest additions to their spring line, shop Affliction Clothing.

Affliction Finds A Fit For Cargo Shorts

Although the Seal Beach clothing line is hoping to make a splash with board shorts, the best summer additions from Affliction are cargo shorts. The wildly detailed but streamlined look removes most of the excess bulk associated with cargo shorts for a cleaner, fitter look.

Unlike most cargo shorts, it all works together. Affliction took a slim fit shorts cut and added side slash pockets and back welt pockets for a relaxed fit. Fit is the operative word as most cargo shorts have added bulk instead.

Affliction streamlines the cargo short for a better fit. 

Taking what they have done so well with denim and applying it to shorts is what the summer needed. These shorts are comfortable but rugged, made with a durable 100 percent cotton fabric. There are also some signature stylings such as reinforced stitches, metal buttons, and ornate rivets.

These simple embellishments help the shorts stand out, making them more wearable than board shorts but just as comfortable. Green isn't the only color. Although each variation carries different stylings, Affliction adds additional character with charcoal, black, and steel gray.

But if you want something that stands out and is noticed even more, Affliction added plaid cargo shorts into the mix. With a slim fit and 22-inch inseam, the plaid prewashed fabric adds something more to cargo shorts. It also gives plain plaid shorts the extra carry space they were missing, but without the overtly bulky pockets.

The Take Back Plaid Walkshort is one of the sharpest deviations from the solid colors, but the darker blue Mystery Knowledge shorts work too. Either provide a distinction between the original 1940s design inspired by the military and adopted for hunting. The shorts are rugged, but with an urban sense.

Another interesting aspect about the new line of cargos from Affliction is how understated the brand has become on some products. The change isn't only limited to shorts. Many recent looks have placed the emphasis on the design element over the brand, which will be smart over the long term.

A few additional graphs about Tom Atencio. 

Affliction Clothing came on the scene in 2005, with an emphasis on tribal tattoos, skeletal jewelry, and a toughness borrowed from mixed martial arts, metal, motorcycles. and muscle cars. In some ways, it was more under the radar than Ed Hardy and more accessible than Von Dutch.

Tom Atencio really built the business with Todd Beard and Eric Foss out of the design industry and then shifted toward clothing by sponsoring mixed martial arts competitors. As more competitors requested sponsorships, Affliction quickly grew into clothing readily associated with the sport.

Ask him why he thinks he is on top, and Atencio points to partnerships first and all other things associated with the brand second. This includes smart marketing, quality products, and innovative designs. The company even owns its own manufacturing facility, which allows it more design flexibility as well as the ability to put as many as 20 to 30 new designs into production every month.

The Slim Fit Cargo Shorts From Affliction Cut 8.5 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

For anyone who who is closer to lean than bulked, the Affliction cargo shorts are a welcome fashion addition as standard cut cargoes are typically too baggy. Even those that aren't bulky have too much pocket material. The slim fit cuts give the body a much more tapered look, especially when wearing a shirt that might be cut comfortably bigger.

Sometimes you can find Affliction from other sources, but always be alert for knockoffs. So while it is often useful to visit other sites for price comparisons, consider visiting the clothing line's buy direct site, which eliminates any concern. On average, the cargo shorts are about $85. Affliction also recently added sweat and fleece shorts for about $55. Occasionally, you can find some savings on Amazon, especially on previous lines.

Affliction Adds Attention With Denim

The Seal Beach, Calif., clothing line Affliction is putting an emphasis on denim. It isn't alone. Several signatures are setting their sights on the comfortable and classic ruggedness of denim.

Where Affliction has always stood out with denim is in the detail. Big pockets, artistic top stitches, big back pockets, metal buttons, and ornate rivets. It's these embellishments that help the jeans stand out, making them more wearable for concerts and events.

ACE takes the lead for Affliction jeans. 

Almost always among the best sellers at Affliction are ACE labeled jeans. They are characterized by the detailed back pockets, side stitches, and cross emblazoned buttons and rivets. While pre-worn abrasion has taken a back seat among other lines, Affliction keeps the look intact by not overdoing it.

The best of the bunch are the ACE 3-D Flap Capitals because they sport the button-down back pocket. But not all ACE jeans have the flap. The darker blue Basque Repo adds a scoop pocket instead. The fit is slimmer in the thighs but opens into a bootcut flare. The abrasion varies, but remains mostly light.

Other Affliction lines also include Blake and Cooper. While there are some variations and crossovers, the Blake frequently adds a fleur-de-lis to the back pockets instead. The Cooper sticks with the classic "V" but adds some variations to what otherwise looks like the ACE design. All men's jeans are 100 percent cotton.

Affliction denim isn't made for just men. 

Although Affliction is generally a masculine line, it does make a limited selection of jeans for women. One of the more interesting designs (perfect for concerts) is the Jade Patriot. It also carries a bottom-down back pocket like the ACE line, but with more artistic embellishments in the patchwork and embroidery.

The Jade Patriot is particularly interesting because the abrasion on the front breaks away to reveal an American flag. It's a unique look, but also pays tribute to where the jeans are made. While not everything by Affliction is made in the USA, its jeans are made stateside.

If you are looking for something a little more understated, then the Raquel label might be a better fit. The skinny jean style carries the patchwork and top stitching. The alternative is more relaxed and straightforward. Affliction also adds a slight variation in the material blend, adding 2 percent Spandex to the cotton for a little more stretch.

An alternative to Affliction from across the pond. 

If these American classic cuts won't fit a more urban look, then consider some of the recent entries from the United Kingdom. Voi Jeans have been on my radar for awhile, with a variety of styles for men and women from this designer in Preston, Lancashire.

For men, the look carries a baggier fit in the thighs before tapering in at the ankles. Many of them break with the traditional 5-pocket classic, adding more to the front like cargo pants or sometimes just a single coin pouch. The styles are more limited for women's jeans, but include some interesting variations like elasticated cuffs on an otherwise loose-fit jean. For more diversity, try DL1961 Premium Denim.

How things kicked off for Affliction several years ago.

Sometime in 2005, Todd Beard and Eric Foss grew tired of selling designs for other major labels like Hurley and Quicksilver. Tom Atencio came on shortly after, not only because he once owned his own design firm and silk string company, but also because of his affiliation with fighters.

But there is something else about Atencio some people don't know. The Affliction story isn't all luck. There was a lot of hard work behind the brand, with struggles inside and outside the ring.

"You have to make sacrifices. Everything takes hard work. It takes time," he told the Sports Courier last March. "A lot of people want to just work the 9-5 or ideal hours and just get what they want as it comes along. That can work to an extent, but to be truly successful, you have to really work hard."

Affliction Fall Denim Looks Up At 6.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

I've always been a fan of Affliction, even if the brand sometimes overpowers its smart designs. This isn't the case with its jeans, which tend to carry subtler markers (like its jackets and other accessories). In my opinion, this is when Affliction still works better, giving jeans what they need.

Sometimes you can find Affliction elsewhere, but be weary of knockoffs. The best rule of thumb if you don't buy direct is to always make detailed comparison. For some of the other jeans mentioned, visit DL1961 Premium Denim or Voi Jeans. Both brands are reasonably priced.

The Ryde Gets The Button Down Right

If you want to wait longer in the season before adding a jacket, this is a great year to do it. While women are adding layers, long-sleeved shirts with a heavier construction are the better bet for men.

There is an underlying corps and construction worker influence in some of the better picks, with closely tailored fabrics and a more uniform look. While many of the styles convey a work-oriented feel and more serious look, the best of them add details for a laid-back attitude, even among designers better known for summer offerings.

Two long-sleeved styles designed by The Ryde.

The Ryde might have been founded by Matthew Allen and Mike Figueroa with an art-based approach to the surf scene around Laguna Beach, Calif., and a few long-sleeved shirts they did design have that attitude. One of the best of of them is Amistad Woven, which clearly conveys a military tone but doesn't sacrifice a few stylized elements.

Some highlights on the Amistad include pearlized snaps down the front and at the pockets. The shirt also has a contrast pattern to the inner yoke, at the cuffs, and near the bottom hem. The contrasting red against the gray-green is striking, especially around the chest pocket vents. The shirt is a polyester (65 percent) cotton (35 percent) blend, which gives a little less heaviness that is made up for in its smartness.

Along with the Amistad Woven, the Nautilus Woven carries a similar look with a contrasting red around the collar against the black fabric. It is heavier, made from a 100 percent flannel cotton. There is also a red stripe flare on the right side pocket, and instead of pearlized snaps, the shirt carries metallic sheen buttons.

The only thing I could take or leave on the Nautilus Woven are the shoulder epaulettes. I've never been a fan of ornamental shoulder pieces, and generally avoid them, which is why I think the Amistad Woven is the better of the two great designs on the outside. On the inside, the Nautilus has an Allen illustration included on the liner. Cool.

The only real down side is that there aren't many of the shirts left to be found. Even some of the retail outlets carrying them have limited sizes left. It makes sense, but only because The Ryde focuses its fashions on spring and summer. These shirts are two of four released last year.

Alternative long-sleeved designs to look for in the weeks ahead. 

Almost nobody does industrial like Dickies, so they are always a safe alternative when nothing else is available, with one exception. Sometimes the shirts feel like they fan too far outward toward the bottom, detracting from the appeal of the shirt. They are also a little too straightforward at times.

Ironically, you can avoid this issue by taking longer to look around. Because European shoppers appreciate diversity a bit more than the U.S. , the United Kingdom carries some products that you may never find in a U.S. store.

Urban Industry is one of the U.K. storefronts that do. One of the Dickies shirts found there is the Kingfisher. It has the characteristic dual chest pockets, but offers a slimmer fit that almost eliminates having too much material at the waist. The store also carries other brands not so accessible in the U.S.  and they do price and ship internationally.

Likewise, Affliction Clothing carries several worthwhile button-down long-sleeved shirts. One of my favorites this year is the Sentine LS Woven. It has a slim fit, tapering in at the waist, but what I like even more is that Affliction gave one pocket a zipper front.

It's less functional than it is stylish, but it's the addition of the hardware that really makes it work as something different. While the Sentine does have epaulettes, they are smaller and much less noticeable. It looks more like ribbed construction than something you iron down.

The Sentine is made from poplin cotton, which is a stronger fabric added within plain weave and makes the shirt more durable. It's another reason I've always liked Affliction. Many of their designs have a longer shelf life.

As for epaulettes in general, if you are going to wear a shirt with them, Affliction generally does a better job making them part of the overall look, with heavier stitching. (Check out the Mil Spec Button Down to see what I mean.) When added to heavier construction shirts, they work better because they don't look like a random add on.

Long-sleeved Designs By The Ryde Work At 7.6 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

It's anybody's guess when The Ryde will make its next limited line of button-down long-sleeved shirts. As mostly a T-shirt and board short designer with an affinity for simple non-branded designs, they usually create their fashion leading into the summer. I hope they continue to add more designs to their long-sleeved offerings.

You can find the Amistad Woven (about $60) and Nautilus Woven (about $55) at Becker Surf. For the alternatives, visit Urban Industry for slimmer fit Dickies (like the Kingfisher, about £50). The two picked from the Affliction line include the Sentine LS Woven and Mil Spec Button Down.

And if you do want to see Matthew Allen's art off the shirts and shorts, visit his website. He has some incredible and amazing print work. He's also an accomplished photographer. Anyone familiar with Surfer Magazine already knows his work.

Layers Ease Into A Relaxed Fall

Not everyone is ready for summer to be over, let alone shop for fall fashions. So I asked several friends what they were planning to do and they suggest easing into it all with layers.

Most are looking for mid-length dresses, mid-sleeve tops, or light jackets to add some life to summer tunics, which will eventually be traded in for warmer pants and dark denim. Just remember to keep it simple. Stick to light basics as a foundation to avoid too much bulk.

It also makes more sense to keep lighter foundations neutral, relying on accessories to provide a prop of color. The same can be said for textures. Anything with textures or more bulk will look better on the outside. The one exception is wearing a short jacket over a longer cardigan. (But honestly, I think it only works for smaller, slender women).

Three looks for fall foundations and layers from Free People.

Free People, which frequently carries more bohemian and vintage looks, is one of the better retailers who understands and appreciates layering. I covered them in late spring and early summer for a similar late spring season, giving summer fashions a reason to come out early.

For fall, Free People has plenty of layered looks that work well together. One example is about town cardi. The cardigan is soft, light, and reduces bulk because it can be easily swept to the sides. The original design, with cropped sides, allows the bottom to be styled tied, and features two front pockets and button placket closure. It is made with cotton blends, and can be machine washed.

If you want something more dramatic or bohemian in its styling, the marled fringe cardigan provides significantly more pattern and sports a knotted fringe trim. It's cute, borrowing more from a pullover than a cardigan. The unlined outerwear is a blend of cotton, linen, acrylic, wool, and mohair. The only downside is its hand wash cold only instructions.

Conversely, using something like the cable tunic as a foundation and then accenting it with the right jacket makes for a smart effect. The semi-sheer sweater tunic works as a dress with scoop neck front and deep v-neck back. But the v-neck makes it less wearable into the fall, unless you purchase a jacket. The one matched to the hero shot above is a tan biker jacket.

But other jacket styles might better match the different colors. For example, the jade green (one of this season's colors) might look better in black. Perhaps with an unzipped fleece jacket by Affliction or, for a completely different look (sticking with a more neutral tunic), a Sacha military jacket by Marrakech, which can be found at the National Jean Company.

Always keep in mind that most layered looks work for thinner women. Women with curves have a greater need to accentuate their waistlines. The examples I used keep things simple, focusing on layers. A third layer could be a scarf or small vest, taking care not to add too much girth in the middle.

Free People Layers And Foundations Stack A 7.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Layering has worked for a few years, especially as the days run hotter and the evenings cooler or if you have to move from the colder outdoors inside warmer stores or offices. But where layering requires some thought is in that it looks great, provided the layers are thought out for body size and the bottoms are kept reasonably slim. The point is to look comfortable, not bundled.

Free People frequently changes and adds to it's collection. For the newest fashions, look for the collection at Bloomingdales. The fleece jacket (about $108) can be found at Affliction and the Sacha military jacket by Marrakech (about $148) is at National Jean Company. Sometimes specific styles are limited, in which case any links will default to the storefront.

Reinventing The V-Shirt With Affliction

There has always been a love-hate relationship with T-shirts. Everybody wears them, but few people consider them fashion. Not really, even if one of them happens to be your favorite.

It might have something to do with how they started. Around the Great Depression, it was the default garment worn by farmers and ranch hands. That didn't change so much until Marlon Brando wore one in A Streetcar Named Desire as a precursor to their popularity in the 1960s. Two decades later, the 1980s heat-transfer look made them uncool. It took the 1990s to rescue them again.

What to watch for this summer is a return to the retro styling of V-neck T-shirts. While it was common as a work shirt in the 1940s, the V-neck became more popularized for its sports applications. This time around, it's one of several detailing features that help take T-shirts up a notch.

Neckline cuts from split crew to V makes tees more interesting.

While designers have always wanted to make better tees, it has been the greater emphasis on the neckline helping some people appreciate the tee again. Affliction has known it for some time. It's how the clothing designer originally made its mark.

Their new summer line has some interesting twists, but many of the designs look better with a V neck. The Cedar SS V-Neck Tee (above) is just one example with silver foil on black and the design offset from the center. But when you look at the greater body of work being done at Affliction, you'll see plenty of other elements in the mix.

When you browse the various designs, you'll note that some include black yarn stitching around the sleeves. Others include a seam down the front like the Warbird Squadron SS V-Neck Tee, creating the illusion of a button down. But all of them, even if the traditional scooped crew still carries the top tab, work with the V-neck stylings.

Of course, Affliction isn't the only one increasing its selection of V-neck tees. I spotted a Volcom V-Stain Tee sporting a regular fit V-neck to its line with allover stain pattern this weekend. And Ben Sherman had added an SS Henley T with 4-button placket with allover heathered detailing. Sure, the Henley is a design unto itself, but this shirt relies on the V-neck as much as the placket.

All of the T-shirts are 100 percent cotton. However, Affliction's blend tends to feel lighter and fit tighter than other brands. But once you know how the shirts fit, it's easy enough to order them any time, online or off.

A quick flashback to how every Affliction design gets its start.

While not everyone appreciates the designs, Affliction tends to fit because many of its T-shirt designs originally grew out of a concept based on tattoos and biker art. All of the designs start out as hand drawn black and white illustrations before coloring, layers, and dyes are mixed for the final designs. Their team has insane talent, often setting trends to watch for.



Originally opened in 2005, the company started with simple skull and crossbones designs before branching off into other Xtreme-related genres, including mixed martial arts. It was by sponsoring several UFC fighters that the small clothing line grew into the multi-brand company it is today.

The V-Shirt By Affliction Draws A Line At 7.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Affliction Clothing recently opened its 2,500-square-foot flagship store near its corporate home in Seal Beach on June 4. The opening was attended by dozens of tattoo artists, metal artists, and leathersmiths. Live music was provided by The Black Cloud Collective. While I missed the opening, I visited the store last week. It's smartly industrial and spacious.

The Cedar SS V-Neck Tee is available from Affliction Clothing direct for about $54. So is the Elevated Truth SS Tee ($58) and Warbird Squadron SS V-Neck Tee ($58). You can also find the SS Henley T ($59) at Ben Sherman and the Volcom V-Stain Tee ($22) from Becker Surf.

The Detail In Almost Famous Denim

Denim has been around a long time, but it wasn't until the 1950s that what was once known as "working people" pants picked up momentum as an everyday casual. Looking back, it almost seems ridiculous that some people considered denim a fad. No one can make the case now, 60 years later.

That is not to say denim doesn't go through its phases. Almost everything is on the market today: skinny, tapered, straight, boot cut, distressed, destroyed, and flare. But the best of denim isn't about the cut as much as the detail work.

The denim to look for is in the detail work.

Almost Famous jeans has garnered some attention since it was founded in 2006 because the designs and styles are smart and surprisingly affordable. Some people have offered up cautions that not all styles are true sizes, which means you might want to consider one size up.

However, the Rhinestone Destroyed Flare Jean does contain 24 percent polyester and 2 percent spandex in the material to add some stretch without making them overly constrictive. These jeans were picked to illustrate the detail work. They have heavier stitching, including the back pockets, and rhinestone buttons above the front pockets as well as the back.

These jeans do have a flare, but fit tighter around the thighs. Unlike other brands, the stitch on the back pockets doesn't brand the jeans. Almost Famous sets its stitch and detail to the style of the pants, which makes it less likely for everyone to look the same. (About $35.)

For a comparison, look at the Siwy Denim Harley bootcut jean. While the jean has the signature contoured back yoke, tulip-shaped pockets, and higher back rise (all good), the back detail doesn't seem as striking for women's jeans. (About $216.)

Although harder to find, there's detail in men's jeans too.

For guys, you have to look harder for jeans with the right detail work. And the one brand that measures up is Affliction, because the jeans fit better around the hips and waist but maintain enough looseness in the rest of the pants.

The detail work isn't as dramatic on the front (which you don't really want), but there is some attention to detail on the back with a heavily stressed seam. On the Cooper Raw Flap Denim, the pockets also button down, making it better for anyone who rides a bike.

Almost all Affliction jeans fit the same with a relaxed fit. The difference is usually found in the style and shade. And while every pocket does brand the jean, Affliction varies the presentation. (About $134).

For a comparison, look at Diesel Men's Bootcut Jean at Amazon. The jeans are nice, but the look just doesn't feel the same.

Almost Famous Jeans Get Noticed At 6.5 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Almost Famous is the hero of this review, with its variable denim stylings that don't rely on a singular design. But Affliction also gets another nod for doing something for denim that other designers just haven't done. Both are great denim solutions, as are Siwy and Diesel. But the former two bring something a little better to the mix.

In lieu of Rhinestone Destroyed Flare Jeans, you can find Stud Detail Bootcut Jeans by Almost Famous at Buy.com. It retails for about $38 and they have other styles. The Cooper Raw Flap Denim comes direct from Affliction for about $134.

With denim back in fashion (not that it ever leaves), you can sometimes save significant money on sale events from Modnique. Within the last two weeks, Modnique has hosted two denim sales. One included dozens of brands, including 7 For All Mankind. The average savings on the latter was 50 percent off.

Make Your Next Leather Jacket An Affliction

Located in Seal Beach, Calif., Affliction has always been known to set a higher bar for indulgence fashion. While Affliction is already sharing a sneak peek of its upcoming spring line, its jackets are worth a look for later winter and early spring.

For men, the Spinal Tap lambskin jacket with studs down the spine and on the shoulders makes a statement. For women, the Sinner textured leather jacket with two-way front zippers sets a tougher style.

What sets these jackets apart is that they capture what owner Tom Afencio and team have always done best. They masterfully blend element of tattoos, rock, and fight cultures to create a brand with more attitude. Afencio takes his work seriously.

Heavy pleats bring in the back on the men's Spinal Tap jacket.

What is striking about the men's Spinal Tap jacket is the stylized, form-fitted detail look, giving it a lighter look and feel than most biker ensembles. The name, Spinal Tap, comes from the design. In addition to studs down the spine of the jacket, Affliction has added more depth with heavy pleats to frame them.

Along with pleats down the back, the jacket has topstitched patches on the elbows and lower back. It's not just about the look. It beings in the fit instead of allowing the jacket to flare out as they do with so many other designs. None of it is overdone, making it right for anyone who wants something lighter on their bike as the weather warms up. ($598 from small to 2XL).

A fitted design adds shape to the women's Sinner jacket.

Since studs can sometimes be too much for a woman's leather jacket, Affliction hits the the mark by adding two-way front zippers for a better fit while adding more form with adjustable panels. The smartly considered welt pockets help minimize puckers.

Another design detail that makes sense is the addition of roll-up sleeves with zipper plackets. The leather is synthetic, which makes it easier to clean and maintain. The low-sheen look and texturing removes all concern for the look while making the jacket obtainable for a more attractive price. The material also adds more elasticity. ($168, ranging from x-small to medium.) Affliction also does carry a leather lambskin jacket for women with a foiled front.

Affliction continues its expansion with a new store in Seal Beach.

Affliction has been thriving with the addition of new designs and expanded lines. By the end of the month, Afencio expects to open a new 2,500-square-foot flagship store near its corporate home in the Seal Beach area. The Seal Beach store is only the beginning.

There are plans to open more stores worldwide in the next few years in places like New York, Chicago, and Hong Kong. There are only a handful of standalone stores right now. Its first was opened on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles in 2008, a few years after the company opened.



What I like best about Affliction is that it still sets a high water mark, giving people like me a chance to buy more spirited clothes without sacrificing quality. The expansion of the line to include jackets, denim, and woven shirts make for more to look for in the months ahead.

Affliction Jackets Hit The High Water Mark Of 8.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Earlier this month, former UFC light heavyweight champion Randy Couture made an appearance at the Affliction store located inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Afencio has been a longtime supporter of the UFC and mixed martial arts. Affliction opened in 2005.

You can find the men's Spinal Tap jacket (under $600) and the women's Sinner jacket direct from their store at AfflictionClothing.com. Guys might want to consider the lighter Turbulence jacket for savings ($205).

Sometimes you can find Affliction clothing on Amazon after their seasonal debut. Guys might want to keep an eye out on the new Mad Max jacket (above) out this Spring.