The Best Damn Garms of 2025
Dressed like I just come from P.E / You're dressed like you just come from church / Better do your research
It was a banner year in Banging Garms. We’re recapping our favorites of 2025 on TWR this week. Perceptive Soldiers may notice we’re missing Footwear, Soldier, and Enemy of the Year. We’re saving the best for last, so stay tuned for those awards coming soon. Happy holidays from Fort TWR!
💥TUESDAY MEANS WAR💥
THE BEST DAMN GARMS OF 2025
HEADWEAR
Baseball Cap in Baystripe by Archie for Mount Analog Bookshop
NINETY FIVE AMERICAN DOLLARS FOR A BASEBALL CAP????????? Yes. And it could easily be more. This is a real Stunna from a brand we probably wouldn’t have known about if not for our friends at Understory in Oakland. The Good Homie linked up with Archie for a true Three Hundred and Sixty Degree partnership, consisting of bespoke retail experience within Understory featuring curated reading materials for the modern adventurer accompanied with an assortment of embroidered-on-Camber merch and truly exquisitely crafted baseball hats. We copped the Baystripe jawn to add a little color to our Headwear Locker, but also for the interesting mashup of Japanese wool and linen. It’s a Banging early summer cap that’s lightweight and breathable. The brim isn’t quite Long but it’s also not Regular, which is a nice little flex. The War Report lives by a simple motto: “No Basic”. Regarding the price, we can’t help but laugh when a Pleb is shocked at how much a Real Garment costs. Mark Smith Clarke, founder of Archie, sources his materials directly from Japan, makes his patterns by hand, and produces everything in New York City. If that is not enough for you, perhaps you would like to try a different piece of headwear?
[From the June 10th edition of TWR]
OUTERWEAR
Down Hoodie in Windthrow Check by Crescent Down Works
This is one to keep in mind for winter (if it’s still around). Crescent Down Works is a family-run manufacturer of The Highest Fucking Quality down outerwear since 1974, and it’s all made in Seattle (our former homebase). Windthrow opened it’s doors just two years ago and quickly became The destination for Good Outdoor Shit (to be used for looking good indoors as well). A Legendary Linkup by every measure! They worked up a Perfectly Puffy down hoodie with a two-way zipper (underrated feature) and a classic-but-not-goofy plaid fabric. Crafted by and from Rain City so you know it’s built to last.
[From the July 4th edition of TWR]
UPPER UNIFORM
Buffed Cardigan by Pearl
Unbelievable apparel developments are occurring in the Pacific Northwest. No, not in the footwear skunkworks of Portland. We’re talking about the cultural epicenter of Capitol Hill, Seattle, Washington, USA. Born from the creative powerhouse that is 35th North Skate Shop, Pearl is the brainchild of Dane Nomellini, Andrew Nedimyer, and Griffin Gass that has been producing garms of exceptional quality since 2022. Initially rolling out assorted tees and sweats that emphasized Made In USA craftsmanship and hand-sewn detailing, the line has steadily expanded over time to include socks, beanies, custom-made bags featuring the same attention to detail and artisan craftsmanship we’ve come to expect from the perfectionists behind Pearl. Winter 2025 just hit the scene and the headline garm is an absolute statement - the Buffed Cardigan. We’re not shy about our love for cardis, so this one was destined to be a hit at Fort TWR. This one boasts a brushed mohair blend knit in grey and taupe patchwork, an eye-catcher even before you notice the silhouette of a sweater with cardigan details, a subtle twist that refreshes a garm that’s usually only spruced up by detailing. The detailing on this is not taken for granted either, with Mother of Pearl buttons down the front and hand-sewn custom labeling at the neck and interior pocket. As Pearl puts it, “Those who seek beauty will find it.” Look no further.
[From the December 16th edition of TWR]
LOWER UNIFORM
Cross Stitch Double Knee Jeans by The Star Team
Despite our advancing age, we remain eternally tapped in thanks to the fountain of youth that is skateboarding. Whether it’s at the park or the spot or the gram, skateboarding has always brought together Youths and Olds from all walks of life around a love of getting clips and kicking it. Yeah, we’re seeing fewer youngsters getting into skateboarding these days, but the ones who are finding it seem to be even more creative and Fun than any other generation. Kyota Umeki has been leading from the front since he first hit the scene, mixing a keen eye for spots and tricks, a FTW attitude straight out of his East Village upbringing, and a unique fashion sense. It didn’t take him long to begin The Star Team, producing interesting accessories reminiscent of early 2000’s Supreme remixed for the TikTok generation. The Star logo and little mushroom fella mascot have been plastered all over everything from hacky sacks and backpacks to ping pong sets and Venture trucks. But the real Star of the show has always been the Pants. We’ve owned a few pairs, but just got the new Cross Stitch Double Knee jeans. They blew our dome when we pulled them out of the package. The best part of Star Team pants is always the fit, and these are exceptionally on point with a baggy silhouette and a slightly tapered hem to hit the shoe perfectly. The stitching detail isn’t as bold in person as it looks in the photos. Our favorite details are the bonus pockets cleverly hidden at the top of the double knee, just the right size for an iPhone or Sidekick or whatever the Youths are using these days. It’s rare that the online photos and descriptions still allow for surprise when they land, but we expect nothing less from The Star Team. The site’s down, no doubt being re-loaded with some more Gas, so stop by The Star Team shop in the East Village while you wait for the update. It’s a fun time every time.
[From the November 4th edition of TWR]
EQUIPMENT
Sci-Fi Daily Tote by Sci-Fi Fantasy
Most Soldiers get by with a backpack no matter what the scenario. As we spend more time in The Streets of Life, our baggage grows in more ways than one and we need to equip accordingly. It’s so much easier to get what you need from a tote when you’re Maneuvering compared to a backpack. This Sci-Fi one is perfect for every possible Operation. It’s big but not huge and the strap hits right for lugging it around. There’s a laptop compartment on one side and a large zippered compartment on the other with some storage pockets for whatever. You could pack 2 water bottles if you wanted, and the stash pockets on each side are great for keys and stuff. Once the Important Shit is secure, you can cram all the Other Shit in the middle and don’t sweat as much about it all bashing together. Sci-Fi Fantasy is the preferred bag manufacturer of The War Report because they’re well built with thoughtful details. Plus they look Tight. Sci-Fi is quietly the best at everything they do.
[From the May 12th edition of TWR]
You’re now up to speed on the latest from the battlefield. Use this intel wisely and pass it on to others who may need our guidance. We can’t win the war unless we’re in it together.