When you enter the space at 254 Broome Street in New York City, you can’t help but to feel the warm embrace of cotton, linen and wool. This stretch of Chinatown / Lower East Side is home to Save Khaki, a simple collection of clothing that could easily make up the backbone of any stylish guy’s wardrobe. The gent behind the label, Mr. David Mullen took some time out of his day to walk me through the store and chat about the goings on at the brand.
The Broome Street outpost is the third of Save Khaki’s stores (or 2.5 as they like to say), and is mainly a destination for what Mr. Mullen and the folks there call SKU, or Save Khaki United, a collection of goods that are sourced and manufactured domestically. The items are well-updated takes on some classic items – wool CPO shirt jackets, chambray shirts, knits and of course all sorts of khaki pants. The line also includes a really nice pair of jeans, the irony of which is not lost on the Save Khaki folks.
There are a lot of chambray shirts in the world and what really makes Save Khaki stand out is the attention to detail. “We spend a lot of time getting the product right” says Mullen who is originally from Pittsburgh. “We have been working on some things for three years now, trying to perfect them” At the end of the day, the fit and finish are what make Save Khaki special. Not to ignore the fact that the value for money (especially on the SKU range) is definitely there. Even I couldn’t make it out of the store without buying that CPO jacket. Next time you are in the LES, pop on by and see for yourself.
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Oh, and one more thing. A little side project David Mullen is working on. More info coming soon, but I will say that it will be made in the same Pointer Brand factory in Bristol, Tennessee…
254 Broome Street (between Ludlow St & Orchard St) | (212) 614-7283
Yes, very nice clothes, but still under many peoples radar. There is no excuse buying something from JCrew when this place is around the corner.
Ahhh, this look fresh in comparison to a lot of the overly pocketed, overly detailed and overly stiff movie set clothing that’s out in the market.
Enjoyed the post. Thanks for the headsup on the SKU line of goods. It’s always nice to know where (and support) where clothes come from.
That Pointer stuff is sick….with these guys sold on line.
Stuff looks really great. I’ll make sure to stop by next time I’m visiting the city.
Anyone know if the line is available in L.A., or online?
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/thom-browne-said-to-get-new-money-from-investor/?src=twt&twt=nytimesdealbook
Come Jan 1st, you owe me a case of beer, Mr. Williams
I’m interested to see/hear why their chambray shirts actually stand out due to the attention to detail? Wouldn’t you be able to say most good brands have attention to detail these days?
What kind of details Michael?
Most good brands would SAY that…
I like their stuff, but is it really necessary to pay over a US$100 for a pair of khaki that are hemmed too short.
This store is great – I wish he would bring back Double A though. Loved that line.
wow! how does the wool CPO shirt jackets compare to filson’s Jac shirt?
whats the story on the pointer? is it a joint effort? thanks, M
people would go to jcrew because it’s relatively cheaper. shirts there are $59 compared to shirts at save for a hundo. my only complaint is things look a little too “weathered” for my tastes. i’ve never actually bought any shirts here for that reason. would give em a shot though. i got a nice chambray scarf and a really amazing shawl collar cardigan in thick merino.
Thanks to everyone for the kind words. Some of the line is available online through Barneys and Ron Herman; although, the SKU line is only available through the stores themselves (mostly the Broome St. location).
In regards to the hem, I’m sorry if you weren’t able to find something–we’d obviously love to have everyone in a pair of Save Khaki pants. Our standard hem is 33.5 inches, and we offer a cropped pant that’s shorter, as well as a more office-friendly version in 30 and 32″ inseam lengths. It fits most but the tallest customers, which is unfortunate. But, we’re still building out the line and that will be addressed in time.
We also announce product on twitter occasionally (just click on my name if you’re interested).
Thanks to Michael for featuring us!
I called the store for the SKU sweatpants. They killed me on shipping ($20) to NC, but I can only say that they are impeccably made and well worth the investment.
I’ve known this brand from day one and the phrase “attention to detail” should not be overlooked when in comes to Save or SKU. David truly puts his heart and soul into everything he does and it shows in the product. Amazing washes, and colors to go along with great fits. Not to mention the stores are beautiful as well.
When I first went to find the Broome St. store it was a bit of a safari (coing from uptown), but I was really impressed with the SKU line. I too, loved the CPO shirt. I really try to patronize stores with real american made brands. They even had Mills bags available in the store. With only about 2% of available apparel coming from american sources these days I think it is important to support the innovation and style that exists in our hometown. It is everywhere if you look for it. SKU and Save Khaki are a key example. Thanks for bringing them to notice.
everytime i’ve checked Save Khaki wasN’T made in the USA disappointingly…
Great store. I’m one of the taller customers unfortunately. I’ve tried on a couple pairs and the inseams a bit shy for my taste. Hell of a trouser quality wise though.
Does anyone know what brand of rainboot is pictured?
I just picked up three of their, light weight, button down (1pocket) shirts at Barneys. Immediately I noticed the fit and I bought one in every color they had in stock. The malt and black are really cool. $100 each is fine. The weathered low key fabric is great. Unlike others that have commented, I am 5’9 (shorter side) with a slender athletic build, and man, were these shirts ever designed for my body type. Jcrew and well, really just about every other generic designer just fits some other guy, not sure who that is, but their shirts do not fit me well at all, plus they are just too long if you decide to wear untucked. All a man needs in a few of these save khaki shirts and a few Seize Sur Vingt dress shirts and you have a complete wardrobe for every season..Sadly I’ve had to spend $100’s if not $1000’s of dollars figuring out what designers make the right things for my body type. This is not “hipster” type of gear/fit which is good! You’d be hard pressed these days to find a store in Manhattan that has merchandise like Save Khaki does. Hopefully they don’t tamper with their styles, cuts in the change of season.
As someone who wears a Band of Outsiders small or xs, I’m really interested in their lines. I’ll definitely check out the store when I’m in the city again.
The Pointer collab looks great. Any idea on when it will arrive in store?
Save Khaki United, or SKU, is all made in the USA. The Broome St. store is comprised mostly of SKU merchandise, which is why all the made in US talk.
The Save Khaki line (no “united”) is made wherever makes sense for the particular garment. Sometimes it’s done to keep costs down (khakis, for example), others because there’s no access to the material–cashmere, for example–or construction technique necessary here in the US.
We do as much as we can in the US, so long as it makes sense.
So wicked! I also love Khaki suits..Interesting option for the hot whether of summer. :)
Can anyone share any insight to the Pointer Brand project for me?
love the hue!
I’ve shopped at the west village location. While I was looking around, somebody came into the tiny store and asked “How much are the tees?” and the clerk answered, “$40.”
“40 bucks for a tee!” the guy exclaimed and walked out.
I guess a lot of people are not willing to pay more for American-made, quality clothes.
Sure, you can spend less at JCrew or Banana Republic, but is that shirt or sweater going to stretch out and not fit you a month later?
My only criticism about Save Khaki is that it’s very casual. This is pretty much weekend wear if you are over 30. Lots of tees, sweats, ribbed cashmere sweaters ($300 and up), and wrinkled shirts and khakis.
I also didn’t see any clothes for colder weather (except for cashmere hats by the brilliant Meg Cohen), but I visited in November, so maybe there’s something warmer than thin cotton khakis now.
Also maybe Broome St. has a larger variety. I will check them out.