For The Suits Essentials: The Suit

[caption id="attachment_4279" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Van Cleef, For The Suits boss man, own tonik suit as made by Thick as Thieves LA. Fabric from Ace Face Clothing.[/caption]

This is serious business here. Real serious business. We're talking suits here at For The Suits.

The Cafe

Sat outside a cafe, your mind reeling. It'd been a long night. Aggro had, for once, managed to pass you by. It seemed to be the sort of thing that was happening less and less frequently. Whether it be on the terraces, in a pub or at a dancehall it seemed to follow you around. A shadow you couldn't be rid of. A stench surrounding you and your lot.

Last Chances and James Kirkland

The kind of brutal punching power supplied by James Kirkland is so rarely seen. For all the glory that goes with putting your opponent into a concussive state, very few are able to muster the kind of strength required to do so

The Silver Lining

We traveled to Anfield more in hope than real anticipation. We left it in shambles, putting on what was an absolutely dire performance and perhaps the worst of the season.

First Cut: Treasure Isle

http://youtu.be/18AoqJn4M1A

So this one might actually win for best First Cut. We're of course biased in that we love both The Techniques and Pat Kelly. And this is one of his finest performances.

Situation Critical

It's like staring down the barrel of a gun. You don't know for sure what's going to come out in the end, but there's one outcome you most definitely don't want. Such is the lurch West Ham United are in at the moment.

King Stitt Performs Fire Corner

http://youtu.be/dqqEAH04qjg

File this one under "exciting finds". King Stitt doing his thing. From the narration all we gathered was "King of the DJs" and "King Stitt" so at least we know they got it right. The man left an indelible impression on the Jamaican music industry and was one of the finest at his craft, so it's a special treat to get to see him actually perform at the peak of his powers. Enjoy.

Gennady The Destroyer

Gennady Golovkin is a destroyer of men. One only needs to watch any of his last fifteen fights to figure such a thing out. His congeniality is offset by his sheer brutality in the ring. He hurts men, very badly, with a smile on his face.

This Is It.

It's a way of life. It's sweaty all nighters. It's brand new button downs. It's marvelling over the sheen of a 45. It's every day being an agonizing wait for Friday. It's all the little details coming together. It's something many claim a part of, with very little understanding of it. It's the never ending hunt for the perfect shirt, the perfect record, the perfect everything. Good enough is a phrase that doesn't exist. If you've ever spent a weeks wages on a tune. If you've ever shaken with excitement when digging through a vintage shop produced an original Ben Sherman. If you've ever spent all night on a dancefloor. If you've ever truly lived. That's what this is, that's what this means and has meant for years. Some get it, the majority doesn't. If you're part of it, take pride. If you take no pride in it, stop wasting your time.

FNF: Nino Benvenuti versus Carlos Monzon I

http://youtu.be/Op3V6ffKXeY

A different level is brought to any fight when the animosity is real. One becomes so use to manufactured animosity being simply another marketing tool in a promoters arsenal. To see two men with a genuine dislike for one another go at is a rare spectacle.

End of An Era

This past Friday marked the end of an era, with Ace Face Clothing Company announcing they were closing up shop. Purveyors of the absolute finest tonic available on the market, the business was proving to be an all too time consuming hobby and thus time was called on the venture. But fear not, the company is still trying to get its one of a kind tonic out to the masses with a massive sell off. A range of top notch fabric is still available, so be sure to head over to their site and pick some up. We can say with certainty there isn't a better tonic you'll come across.

HBO's "Legendary Nights" is Ready For A Comeback

http://youtu.be/adS5grDuZE8

It was announced some time ago that Legendary Nights, HBO's show dedicated to remembering some of the biggest nights in the history of the fight game, was making a comeback. Cue excitement. It turned into borderline hysteria for many fight fans when it was announced the epic first showdown between Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti was to be the bout featured. Next Saturday the show officially makes its comeback, and HBO has given us a sneak peak. We'll be watching.

Another "I Am The Gorgon" Teaser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kmNYtFfHLQ&feature=youtube_gdata

What a nice little Sunday treat we have here, a new clip running just under 3 minutes from the Bunny Lee documentary. This one outlines a bit of the rivalry between Striker and Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. Early reviews thus far have been very positive, meaning we're hoping the film gets a more widespread release in the near future or a DVD release sooner rather than later. You can never get enough Bunny Lee.

Time For A Change

Now don't let the headline fool you. This isn't another article recommending we get rid of Big Sam, proclaiming the season to surely end in relegation if he stays. But there are enough worrying signs about that point to a change certainly being needed.

The One: Aftermath

People want to see Floyd Mayweather beat; it’s as simple as that. Beating him is a whole other story all together. He proved it again on Saturday evening, the MGM Grand Garden Arena once again where a virtuoso displayed his finest.

More from Mikkel

After their first run of stripes was a bit disappointing, compared to the sort of quality we've grown accustom to Mikkel Rude displaying, the man seems to have hit his stride in the stripes game. Above is our favorites out of the Autumn/Winter collection for 2013. The blue striped number and mint green Oxford are the two must have in our opinion. You know the drill by now.

Born Ready

I was born ready

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez knows very well that those words could go on to live in infamy. He stands only a few hours away from the sort of oppurtunity very seldom presented to a man of his age. Time will tell if is indeed prepared for what lies ahead.

For The Suits Profile: "Hoxton" Tom McCourt

In modern parlance, there is few greater terms one can use to describe someone than that of icon. They, the representative symbol of whatever it may be that so many regard them as the embodiment as.

Welcome Back Carlton

News abounds tonight with stories of Carlton Cole's imminent return to the Boleyn Ground on a short term deal that will give the club a desperately needed third striking option.

Disappointment.

Disappointment. That one word sums up how the transfer window has winded up for West Ham United. It was a tough choice for a one word summary, being torn between "disappointment" and "failure".

FNF: Michael Carbajal versus Humberto "Chiquita" Gonzalez I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQnyKC5cvCE&feature=youtube_gdata

There's something to be said for the anonymity afforded to fighters that reside in those weight divisions south of featherweight. While, to be sure, there is likely no fighter residing in those divisions that does not envy the sort of money and fame which larger fighters are privy to at the same time their inevitable exit from the ring must provide a softer landing.

2013/2014 Season Preview

So here we stand on the eve of another Premier League season. Transfer activity for most clubs in England’s top flight has been eerily quiet, perhaps leading towards a calm before the storm.

FNF: Kennedy McKinney versus Marco Antonio Barrera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc-fZpJvzCc&feature=youtube_gdata

One of, if not thee, most impressive traits any great fighter possesses is the ability to dig deep. To find something within themselves, when it seems as though all other options have been expended, to keep on going.

Much Ado About Nothing

With the way some West Ham supporters are moaning, one would be excused for thinking we've had the most disastrous transfer window in recent memory. That's far from the case.

For The Suits Label Guide: Collins Down Beat

For all his considerable talents in the art of record production, Clancy Collins is a name sadly only known to the serious reggae collector. It's certainly not down to a lack of quality sides attributable to the man, but rather a lack of a strong period of hits to have really brought his name to the forefront.

I Am The Gorgon

http://youtu.be/7Sm-N7u0XVA

Bunny Lee is, without a doubt, the house favorite producer here at For The Suits. Needless to say we're a little bit excited there's a documentary slated for release in a few months time. His output has been prolific, and the quality has hardly waned from fantastic, and there is very few people in the Jamaican music industry he hasn't worked with or influenced. So now that we have an opportunity to have it all laid out, straight from the horses mouth, in a documentary makes the anticipation hardly bearable.

Analyzing Andy

With the signing of Andy Carroll, on a six year deal, confirmed yesterday, West Ham United have entered a new era. While much has been made on this site of the ambition displayed by owners David Gold and David Sullivan as well as manager Sam Allardyce, yesterdays acquisition was the surest sign yet.

Jandisc Makes A Splash

http://youtu.be/DNpTqWOJ54o

California based label, Jandisc, has recently put out what may be the finest slab of reggae vinyl in quite sometime. The label, originally started in 2007, boasts an extremely talented house band in The Black Emeralds and on the A side of this one they have Dennis "Scorcher" Williams doing one of the best intros this side of the sorely missed King Stitt.

Our Favourites: Rude Reggae

Jamaican music has a long history of sexual lyrics dating back to the calypso and mento tunes from the likes of Lord Kitchener and Count Lasher. Often termed "rude" reggae its legacy is still evident to this very day, a part of the Jamaican musical culture that began with its arrival and persists to present day.

Brutus is Back

Good news: the four of these shirts should be available for pre-order by the end of the week. That is all.

You Need A Mac

In our continued endeavour to make sure our readers are the smartest dressed bunch around we've decided to start bringing you the best bits available as they pop up. This week we have a fly front Mac's on sale from Uniqlo. Since we posted our spring/summer style guide we've received many inquiries as to where to find such a coat. Here it is, and it's on sale. Sizes are going fast so be quick to act. Follow the link.

No Respect for Floyd

His record stands at 44-0. He's won World titles in five different weight classes. He's widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time. And he can't get any respect.

Can't Wait Til June 20th?

We know our readers well. And like us the anticipation on exactly what the new Adidas kit was going to look like was overwhelming. Well here we have it. Away kit is especially class but both tops are nice. It's good to be back in Adidas. All credit to @djleon1983 on Twitter for the snaps. Next season can't come soon enough.

First Cut: Caltone

http://youtu.be/Af2ZRfVmu0c

We all now know Ken Lack's Caltone label as one that is responsible for numerous rocksteady classics. It wasn't always so, as those who've been collecting for any number of years can attest.

FNF: "Sugar" Ray Leonard versus Roberto Duran

http://youtu.be/d41GgTIFc9A

Today marks the 57th birthday of "Sugar" Ray Leonard, one of the biggest sports personalities of the eighties. After winning a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal Leonard began a quest to becoming an entire brand onto himself.

Bless Brutus

Exciting news for those of us who can't get enough of Brutus: They've got eleven new checks lined up. One gets the feeling those tragedies they released earlier in the year didn't quite fly off the shelves and they've returned back to their roots. A fair few standouts in the lineup as well, start saving your pennies now. Between Brutus and Mikkel Rude, who needs to moan about Ben Sherman losing the plot anymore?

Trouble In The Town Pt. 2

Running down Rycroft Way, just off Tottenham High Road, the plan was to turn off down Somerset Road and get back onto the High Street. It'd been better to be their from the start by the coppers hadn't given you that choice had they?

Those With A Discerning Eye

It starts out harmless enough. You get a proper shirt and you feel ten feet tall every single time you put it on. Never looked this smart in your life. How could it possibly get any better?

All Dressed Up & Going Nowhere

http://youtu.be/-lyVzYjHMMY

Don't let the head of the Hairies brain trust scare you off at the start, this a good documentary from 1971 focusing on the Scotswood Aggro Boys and their rivals the Hairies. Yes that's the genius name they came up with for themselves. We've given the "northern" look loads of stick on here in the past but there's certainly some sussed lads in this one and of course a few dodgy 'taches. And who wouldn't want to bash one of those Hairy mongs in the mouth for their haircuts if nothing else? Check it out.

First Cut: Coxsone

http://youtu.be/iegW2jGijVo

It's near impossible to measure how dramatic an impact someone like Clement "Coxsone" Dodd has had on the Jamaican music industry. Countless words have been both spoken and written about that impact but words can only do so much.

Welcome The Rat!

The squad strengthening has already begun in earnest, with West Ham signing Romanian international Razvan Rat on a free after his contract expires in June.

Kamakura Goes Live

Kamakura has finally launched their online shop, after much anticipation. While the selection on offer isn't as elaborate as, say, Mikkel Rude or Brutus, the two above represent he collection at its best. As ever, expect the highest quality cotton in these shirts and a great slim cut. All interested should click here.

Judah's Redemption

Tomorrow evening provides, very likely, the last chance for Zab Judah to to redeem a career that has been stuttering since he reached the pinnacle of the sport way back in 2005. It was that year he became the undisputed World Welterweight Champion. It's been a tough ride ever since.

The Proving Ground

The ring is perhaps the toughest proving ground of them all. It's cold and cruel, totally unforgiving. The canvas has very little give. Those who step between its ropes are trapped within them thereafter. But the very same ring that came provide a man with hour upon frustrating hour of punishment can also provide him with an unparalleled joy.

First Cut: Giant

http://youtu.be/PxsZpHZ3Yuk

Giant only released 41 singles, and two more non reggae sides, over the course of 1967 and 1968 but it's held in high esteem by record collectors around the world. Certainly a lot of that acclaim is down to the legendary "The Cooler" single, by the Wrigglers, seeing release on the label in '68 and the numerous Dandy produced and likely Dandy featuring sides that also featured. But that's only part of the story.

Trouble In The Town Pt. 1

Loafers weren't exactly a treat to run in, now were they? Looked the dogs bollocks but when you're taking off down the street trying to avoid the Old Bill they didn't come in handy. Getting rid of 'em would probably be quicker. But they're brand new, ain't they? Not tossing these ones away.

Happy Birthday Bobby!

http://youtu.be/NK1LLV8uRAM

On what would have been his 72nd birthday, here's 12 minutes of Bobby at his best. From Barking to Wembley, he is a legend in every since of the word. Too often that term is tossed around, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone who has done more to bring prestige, honour and success to West Ham United and English football in general.

FNF: Flash Elorde versus Sandy Saddler

http://youtu.be/Bs02Uf23h18

It's become somewhat of a tradition for our Friday Night Fights feature to take inspiration from an upcoming fight. This evening is no different. With Nonito Donaire, one of the best in the fight game at this very moment, preparing for a showdown with what many consider to be his most dangerous opponent yet, Guillermo Rigondeaux, we figured it was time to hop in the time machine.

Rude Is Back

Mikkel Rude has an exciting new range of Oxford cloth shirts, just in time for summer. If you've read our Spring/Summer style guide then you already know Oxford shirts come highly recommended in the next couple of months. It's even better when the shirts are from Mikkel Rude and in a range of exciting designs. The two standouts would certainly be the Bengal stripe and the Classic stripe on offer. After so many great designs when it came to Gingham, Tartan and Checks it was a bit disappointing what was released as initial stripes. These make up for it. Between these and the upcoming launch of the Kamakura Shirts site we suspect many a reader will be pinching pennies.

Our Tribute to Harry J

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIOeTqeLTxMupJz6ixiQx4nhVi7Sr6SjY]

When you're trying to come to terms with exactly how to sum up the career of someone who had as illustrious and everlasting career as reggae producer Harry J, the task can be daunting. Words can never truly express his profound impact on the Jamaican music industry, nor can them sum up his prodigious talent in the studio. So we decided the best way to honor the man is through his music doing the work for us, standing up and standing out on its own. You can't help but enjoy.

Aaron Pryor, Supernova

Aaron Pryor was more than a star he was a man whose career is eerily reminiscent of a supernova, that great cosmic event where for a few moments in time an explosion in a galaxy outshines everything around it until fading away.

First Cut: Prince Buster

http://youtu.be/4Ctu-X0Ivgw

You know Prince Buster. If you don't, and you're at this website, you missed some steps along the way. He's undoubtedly one of the foundation artists for the Jamaican music industry, releasing his first single in 1961 although he had been involved in the budding industries sound system wars for years before. A former boxer, Buster and his friends provided a special kind of service for Coxsone Dodd during his dances.

FNF: Mike Alvarado versus Brandon Rios I

http://youtu.be/5MH8kq8wGOo
It's like Christmas Eve at For The Suits headquarters. Why you ask? The excitement could be down to the fact it's Friday night, or the three cups of tea slammed back one after the other. But if you're a boxing fan, you know exactly what is up. Tomorrow evening all us boxing heads are going to be treated to Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios mixing it up in their second encounter. So the Friday Night Fight this evening is their first encounter in its entirety. It didn't last too long but they managed to pack about 24 rounds of action into the six it did last. If you had plans for tomorrow evening, cancel them.

Get Acquainted With Kamakura

A shirtmaker we have to hold up our hands and admit we didn't even know existed until one of our readers brought them to our attention is Kamakura. The company has been around for a number of years, based out of Japan with a store in New York City.

Our Thoughts on The Move

March 22, 2013. The day it all changed, for better or worse. A week ago today the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced that West Ham United Football Club had been chosen as tenants for the Olympic Stadium.

For The Suits Essentials: Reads

Now we normally cover clothing in these things, as regular readers will know. But we also enjoy some more shall we say, cerebral, pursuits. With that in mind we've decided to sort through the good, the bad and the ugly of the books on offer for those of a similiar ilk. We promise not to disappoint.

Brutus meets The Good Doctor, Round 2

Brutus is back with a second collaboration shirt with the bootmaker in all our hearts, Dr. Martens. After the atrocities they had released a few months ago, which we cleverly labelled Brutus Grimfit, they've come back strong with this beauty. All the details are there, including a collar that gives Brooks Brothers a run for their money, and pre sale orders are taken starting Friday. We have a feeling this one will be just as popular as the first go round.

For The Suits: Spring/Summer Guide

Could that be, the, the, the sun!?! Spring is just around the corner (not from where we're sitting mind you) and so it's time for another For The Suits season guide. You know the deal: we outline our personal favorites for the season and you run out and buy them. Or wear them if you already have the gear. We like to think so at least.

FNF: Ruben Olivares versus Chucho Castillo

[youtube=http://youtu.be/swj_FjOQWgw]

What better accompaniment to our last piece that getting Friday Night Fights back on track by showcasing one of the grittiest matchups in the storied career of Ruben Olivares. It's April of 1970 and the Inglewood Forum is once again a showcase for fanatical Mexican-American boxing fans and two of their favorite sons. Only this time they were to step into the ring and do battle with each other. The fans had rioted when Castillo lost a split decision to Lionel Rose and went nearly as mad when Olivares defeated Rose by a fifth round KO. No easy pick for them here. It was as close in the ring as it was in their hearts.

A Wilted Rose

As Lionel Rose stood in his corner waiting for all the pomp and pageantry to subside, there had to be a certain fear within him. It's oft said when a boxer loses that fear of his opponent, that's when he really is in trouble. Nerves would have certainly been growing and growing, making him ever more anxious as his time of reckoning grew nearer.

Time To Light The Fire

Let's pretend we all have a time machine for a minute. We'll take a journey back to January of 2011. Whatever happiness any West Ham supporter happened to be experiencing in their personal lives it certainly was most likely juxtaposed with an extreme case of nerves due to West Ham's place in the table.

West Ham 2 Norwich 1

Bit weird to be on the other side of the calls isn't it? While saying West Ham were lucky to do would certainly be a stretch, Mark Clattenburg definitely did us a bit of a favor in awarding a penalty to the Hammers with barely a minute gone in the match.