As the days have been getting shorter, colder, and the overall Arctic.. warmth and convenience have started to take priority. I was recently introduced to athleisure brand Public Rec, and have been blown away by their garment’s versatility and comfort. As a layer, loungewear, for active-errands and bopping around town, I’ve found myself living in their staple pieces.
Public Rec is a Chicago-based technical leisure apparel brand that got its start from crowdfunding on Kickstarter in the summer of 2015. The All Day Every Day Pant was their initial offering – a pant that was so comfortable and versatile that you could wear it everywhere, nearly every day! Over the past year, they’ve been cranking and come out with some really stellar additions to the brand: The Crosstown Bomber, Go-to Henley, Go-to Tee.
The Crosstown Bomber is a perfect transitional layer, as it’s light and not bulky – especially for a warm bomber. The fabric is a blend of nylon and spandex, so it’s incredibly soft but also quite stretchy – which is surprising for a bomber jacket. I love it because it’s highly breathable and moisture-wicking, it’s a piece I could wear heading to the grocery store or a flexible layer to throw on for a run as well. I love the versatility in that! The zippers on the jacket are incredibly light and minimal. I really appreciate the option of zippered pockets. Another feature of the Crosstown Bomber is the chest zipper pocket has a media-opening within it, so you can string your headphones through the inside of the jacket and rock out… without looking like an Apple commercial circa 2004.
The same can be said about the All Day Every Day Pant, Public Rec’s staple garment. It’s made with this same fabric blend as the bomber and has the versatility – ideal for running some errands or traveling in comfort. Recently, Public Rec updated the sizing system of their pants, now you can get a more tailored fit with waist + inseam sizing – instead of “small, medium, large,” like the other leisure pants out there.
Since this shoot, I’ve been LIVING in my Go-to Tee and Go-to Henley. I wore the shirt three days in a row while traveling, and didn’t even realize it. When my sister saw it on me, she complimented the garment and loved how it fit. Then I made her feel it and got a verbal “Oh, wow.” from her. For me, it’s ideal as it retains heat, but is also light enough that I’m not sweating in it. It’s a casual layer but like any henley, can be easily dressed up!
If you’re anything like me, you like to touch and feel the materials and try items on before purchasing – and online shopping can be somewhat of a hassle. Well, you’re in luck! If you’re in Chicago, Public Rec just opened a pop-up shop at 67 E. Oak Street until the end of December. GET THERE! Feel how soft and light their fabrics are and how rad the fits look & feel! I’m swinging by this week to get some last-minute minute holiday shopping done there. Hope to see ya there!
Stay Risky,
-John
Photography by Tyler Adams
