Wrenchmonkees is best know for their unique custom bikes, but for a long time the three founders have been dreaming of functional motorcycle clothes that would fit their way of life working in their garage and riding their bikes. This fall, the dream has been realised with the launch of the WM A.C Nordic Workwear label in collaboration with KANSAS, established supplier of authentic Danish workwear since 1952 and the no. 1 choice of workers for generations. The clothes are crafted to withstand hard work and designed to be worn with pride when you ride your bike.
The main focus of the WM A.C Nordic Workwear is practicality. It all started with the idea of modifying and redesigning the KANSAS pieces that the guys were using in the garage anyway. A hand picked selection of classic workwear garments constructed from tough canvas materials and built for function and contemporary use is the result of a close work and development relationship between the Wrenchmonkees team, headed by co-founder Nicholas Bech, and KANSAS.
The classic chore coat has been turned into a functional motorcycle jacket with reinforced panels, wind-stopper cuffs, quilted lining with a hidden “pocket” for protection pads, zip closure and an easy-access chest pocket for your passport and wallet. The colour palette is centered around the traditional khaki and blue workwork colours in addition to the matte “biker” black.
In the ad hoc DIY and no-need-for-pretty-faces-spirit of the Monkees, I modelled for the shots myself on a cold October morning.
Monkesstrippin’ through Europe on their bikes testing the clothes, the guys soon realised that small details like the quality and size of the zippers make a huge difference when you wear gloves and ride your bike in harsh weather conditions. Likewise it matters where you put the pockets when you have to operate a motorcycle across boarder controls, paying road tolls and bringing tools and spare parts with you along the way.
This is the Casual jacket in khaki with horn buttons and plenty of room, another version of chore coat.
The waistcoat is versatile and works well it almost any outfit.
The original carpenter’s trousers now feature a “tool” pocket fitted for your iPhone.
The belt and lanyard are part of another WM A.C collaboration with For Holding Up The Trousers.
The WM A.C bûcheronne is a slightly more fitted take on the classic worker blouser with elbow reinforcements and zippers in the side seams.
For a more relaxed look, a light blue chambray shirt matches the casual khaki chino perfectly.
Wrenchmonkees had to custom make everything about the shirts including buttons. What sets WM A.C Nordic Workwear apart from its competitors is the fact that it’s Nordic. Apart from the shirts that are made in Portugal, everything is milled, cut and sewn in Riga, the capital of Latvia.
Prices range from DKK 700 (approx. €95) for the navy work shirt to DKK 1800 (€240) for the motorcycle jacket.
Buy online here.
Thomas Bojer
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