The Thomas Dean menswear brand gets its name from founders Dean Holly and Thomas Bonomo. Holly and Bonomo are both industry vets who bring a lifetime of men’s fashion knowledge and their own unique style to the brand. Founded in 2009, the brand can be found in the likes of Nordstrom, Dillard’s and top haberdasheries across the country.
What I like most about Thomas Dean shirts are their bold, vibrant patterns that to those who know the brand are highly recognizable. I can’t say that about many menswear brands. Every Thomas Dean shirt I own feels terrific on the skin and stays crisp throughout the day. They have certain finish they use on their shirts and I believe this is what helps to give the fabric its refreshing feel.
While they are technically sport shirts I have worn them with a tie on multiple occasions and they served me well. Their shirts are also pattern matched throughout to ensure pattern consistency — a perfect touch for anyone who leans towards being OCD, such as myself.
I wouldn’t normally write about boxers, yet their boxers also have the same finish as their shirts. Since moving to hot and humid Saigon a few months back I have been using their boxers as pajamas since they keep me cool and comfortable throughout the night better than any of the pajamas I brought with me.
To my regret, I can only claim ownership to one pair of Thomas Dean shoes, a wool felt chukka, that is the lightest pair of casual shoes I own. They are an absolute joy to wear. A superbly nice touch is that each pair of shoes comes with a shoe bag (great for traveling) and a handsome faux tortoise shell shoe horn. Oh yeah, they’re also Italian made.
Here are some of my favorite shirts and shoes from Thomas Dean’s latest collection:
Blue Poplin Plaid Button Down Shirt
Price: $110
Stunning with a navy suit and tie, this blue plaid shirt can be worn equally well relaxing with a gin and tonic on a breezy Saturday afternoon. The contrasting inner collar and cuffs give it the perfect amount of extra flair.
Purple Check Button Down Collar Sport Shirt
Price: $110
The combination of this check pattern with purple make this a unique piece you will turn to again and again. Easily suited to wearing on the weekend or in a meeting, this check sport shirt signifies the dual utility of many Thomas Dean shirts.
Green Geo Print Sport Shirt
Price: $110
Perhaps not appropriate for church (unless your wife is forcing you to attend), this geo print shirt is definitely outgoing in both pattern and color. Roll up the sleeves and pair it with a pair of navy khakis and brown loafers (see below) for the perfect weekend look.
Brown Suede Chukkas with Navy Sole
Price: $335
The most subtle of the shoes shown here, if you live on the west coast you may be able to get away with wearing these brown chukkas work. This shoe’s soles are dark enough to allow these to be worn with just about any casual outfit.
Brown Pebbled Loafer with Green Sole
Price: $315
These casual loafers are proof that Thomas Dean shoes are fun, fun, fun… I’d wear these with either the first or third shirt shown above. As long as the shirt you’re wearing doesn’t clash with the green on these shoes, they’d go perfect with khakis or jeans.
Navy Suede Chukka with Pink Sole
Price: $335
These shoes are what I would call a sole mate to your favorite GTH pants. Whoa… pink soles and laces… you’re darn right they did! Strap these suede chukkas on your feet and parade around the block with confidence.
View the entire Thomas Dean collection here.
Stay true to yourself. Be kind to others. Define your own style.