Ministry of Supply Performance Professional Line
Office wear inspired by James Bond could soon become the norm according to Ministry of Supply. The ‘Performance Professional Apparel’ line, headed by the former design director of Brooks Brothers tailors, is harnessing the technology and style of the spy to create a range of functional and fashionable pieces. A team of engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in America, led by Gihan Amarasiriwardena, have worked alongside designers at MOS since 2012 to create the pieces. Some of the team’s earliest work includes a line of clothing that incorporates ventilating and cooling technology without compromising on aesthetic. The minds behind the brand – including engineers, designers and material scientists – base their ideas on the work of Charles Fraser-Smith, who operated in the British Special Ops. As a quartermaster, Fraser-Smith was charged with designing clothing and gadgetry for agents in the field during WWII. The AEON is a slim-fit sweatshirt made of moisture-wicking fabric with the feel of soft cotton. The textile works alongside coffee beans infused within the sweater to absorb odours. The piece features a brushed lining to maintain its soft texture after multiple washes. The AEON is available in a crew or v-neck in a pewter or midnight purple colour way:
The brand’s ATLAS socks are standard trouser socks designed for the man who has to wear dress shoes for long periods of time. To avoid sweat, they are made of a recycled polyester knit that is again infused with coffee to filter and absorb odour molecules. Robotically knitted, pressure mapped and constructed with the aid of thermal imaging and strain analysis, the ATLAS socks are designed for maximum ventilation, comfort and cushioning:
AVIATOR chinos are designed in the same way classic examples are. However, the trouser’s mesh-ventilated, wind-resistant and water-resistant properties keep them fresh. They also boast a comfortable brushed lining interior and urethane seam tape on the inner waistband, ensuring the shirt is also at less risk of becoming untucked:
Space-age clothing from Ministry of Supply is currently only available online at MinistryOfSupply.com and retails at $18 (£11) for the ATLAS socks; $98 (£60) for the APOLLO shirts; and $118 (£72) for the AVIATOR chinos.
