Lifestyle: SouthPark Magazine

We were more than honored to be featured in the latest issue of Southpark Magazine. Better yet, this issue was the "Men of Style" issue, which featured the most stylish men in Charlotte (double coolness to be included).

Photo by Sean Pressley Photography

Below is the original article, as featured in Southpark Magazine:

Bradley Rhyne and Filipe Ho, co-owners, Ole Mason Jar

Since meeting at Appalachian State, Bradley Rhyne and Filipe Ho have had similar aspirations of starting their own clothing line. Both born and raised in the Tar Heel State, the duo saw “a noticeable gap in the marketplace for trend-inspired southern design with a great fit,” says Rhyne, not to mention clothing made in the USA. Enter Ole Mason Jar, the upscale line of clothing that encompasses everything the duo felt was missing in men’s fashion.

What makes Ole Mason Jar different from other men’s clothing lines?

Filipe: The staple of our brand is our button down shirt—what we feel is one of the best button down shirts in the world. Our focus is on fit and quality: a more modern and trim fit with some of the highest quality Italian fabrics. Additionally, our shirts are handcrafted right here in North Carolina USA. Second and third generation North Carolinians who have grown up in the industry are hand sewing our shirts; textiles is in their blood and you won’t find better). And we are dedicated to giving back through partnerships with various organizations aimed at helping those underprivileged and in need. Every item we sell we give back a percentage that will feed an entire family.

How has men's fashion changed over the years?

Brad: There is definitely a movement going on right now where men are caring more and more about what they are wearing. We think a lot of that has to do with fashion moving away from your generic major labels to more intimate brands that stand for something and tell a great story. It is no longer about a shirt or a pair of pants, but rather an entire lifestyle.

What makes a man fashionable?

Filipe: Pieces that fit great and parallel a man’s personality is ultimately what is going to make him fashionable. There is not a set playbook, only simple rules to follow and adjust according to what someone feels comfortable in. As long as it fits great, and the person wearing it feels great and confident wearing it, he is going to exude being fashionable!

What are some fashion faux pas in men's fashion?

Filipe Fit is everything, and so often men just don’t know any better and wear something that is generally a size or two too big. Shoes are another major bone of contention for us, as we see so many men getting everything else pretty close to right, but skimping on the shoes. Investing in a great pair of black and brown shoes and keeping them in good shape pays major dividends.

What would you say are the three must-have pieces in a man's wardrobe?

Brad: A white oxford, some dark denim, and a navy unconstructed blazer. These are going to be your most versatile pieces that can be interchanged with multiple other items or pieces.

How would you describe men's fashion in Charlotte?

Brad: Men’s fashion is coming along here in Charlotte. It is a traditional banking town, and being a banker myself I completely get it. Simple suits with white or blue shirt is always going to lead the way here, but I do see more and more suits with a better fit and small details being added more and more on the streets of North Tryon. Additionally, as we continue to grow—along with some of the other great menswear brands here in Charlotte—I think we will see the fashion seen get that much better.