A Guide to Braided Leather Belts

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A braided belt is hardly a novelty, but we’ve been seeing a lot of them on our Instagram feed in the past few weeks; sure, it could be a sign of the imminent warm season, but it could also signal a desire for more elaborate accessories as humanity slowly emerges from months of isolation. If experts are right and we can expect the “Roaring 20s” to come back, we can reasonably believe that fashion trends will lean towards dynamic and creative styles to reflect the optimism that permeates our society.
Truth be told, in the realm of classic menswear a braided belt is as dynamic and creative as they come – if we choose to ignore fun ties and (gasp!) socks.
Even if social uniforms are getting more and more relaxed and braided belts might be something we can expect a manager to wear soon, this article will refer to braided belts as a traditionally casual accessory and we’ll feature outfits that treat is as such. But first, a bit of history for context.

Leather braiding is an ancient craft: it is hard to pinpoint a time and place in history when it started being used, but we know it was present in South America over four centuries ago and in South Africa even further back. The Moors introduced the craft of making leather and braiding it to the Spanish during their rule, and that was the start of Spain’s centuries-long tradition of leather craft. Mexico has a tradition of braiding leather as well, which was brought to California and adopted by cowboys to make headstalls, reins, and other horse gear. Ultimately, bolo ties –a Native-American neckwear style– are perhaps the most iconic braided leather accessory before braided leather belts were introduced.
The first machine-made leather braided belts were created in Italy by Manifattura di Domodossola. Originally, the company produced cables, braided trimmings, and ropes for ships, and only in the 80s did they introduce a machine to produce belts featuring braided leather and elastic material; before then, such belts were made entirely by hand.

What’s the appeal of a braided leather belt?


At first, it may seem like an unnecessary frill, since bridle leather belts have existed for centuries and serve the same purpose. However, while we’re not opposed to attributing the existence of something to purely aesthetic reasons (we are all drawn to beauty after all), braided leather belts do offer a couple of benefits compared to their plain counterparts.
First, there is the matter of sizing and holes. We carefully pick a belt based on our waist size only to get frustrated when weight fluctuations throw balance out the window. Braided belts remove this design limitation, as one can simply pop the prong in between the leather stripes to find the perfect length. 
Second, the elastic quality of braided leather, even if minimal, makes it particularly comfortable as some stretching occurs when the wearer sits down or moves around; this benefit is even greater if the belt is made of leather as well as elastic fabric, which stretches even further.

However, aesthetic reasons alone would be enough to justify the existence of braided leather belts: they introduce a textured element to the outfit, in many cases completing it. Below are a few examples picked from the #Styleforum hashtag on Instagram.

 

 

And here is a selection of braided leather belts in case we’ve convinced you it’s a piece worth of your wardrobe:

Handwoven: Nisolo

 

Suede: Anderson’s

2,5 cm: Anderson’s
Cotton/leather: J. Crew

Elastic structure: Farnese

The Best Sartorial Tip of All Time

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Sartorialists usually think rules ought to be either followed or broken, depending on one’s rebellious inclinations. The in-betweens are sometimes referred to as ‘a twist’, which still implies the bending of a fundamental rule. 

However, we should only call those instructions that we are compelled to follow for social reasons by the term ‘rules’; these might apply to uniforms, black tie, and other functional outfits that are collectively mandatory–you wouldn’t think of setting foot on a judo mat with a silk paisley belt, would you?

Sartorial tips fall under the umbrella of recommendations rather than rules: they’re mere guidelines to make your life easier. For instance, the Italian background, is arguably the most useful sartorial tip ever, especially if you have a taste for bold-coloured or patterned jackets.

The ingredients are very simple: light blue shirt and navy tie. 

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Wardrobe Maintenance Kit: Essentials

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It’s not about “babying” your clothes: the long-term goal of maintaining clothes regularly is to make sure the money you invested is not wasted and your material possessions will stay in pristine condition as long as possible. It is a practical and eco-friendly approach that has nothing to do with being “obsessed” with your wardrobe. Would you shame someone for taking their car for a check-up and an occasional repair?

This list is a starting point for building a maintenance kit that will serve you well as the occasional mishap occurs and threatens one of your prized menswear pieces. I am on a mission to convince people to not over launder and dry-clean their clothes, so you’ll find several tool that will help you stretch the time between loads.
Feel free to expand this list by suggesting other items in the comment section or on the forum.

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Last-Minute Gifts You Can Still Get Delivered By Christmas

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The clock is ticking: Christmas is on Friday and if you have not finished your Christmas shopping, your options are narrowing by the minute. Here are some last-minute suggestions for the loved ones you find hard to shop for, and for those persons you don’t like that much in the first place. I’ve only chosen items that, if you shop RIGHT NOW, can get to the intended recipient before Christmas, albeit at a premium and assuming the USPS doesn’t collapse in the coming days.

This year, it seems that Zoom family get-togethers are inevitable, and at the very least, you can avoid having to make awkward excuses and blame it on AT&T if you have to pull a figurative as well as literal plug on the virtual celebrations. Also, don’t bother asking: I don’t know how to get a PS5 either.

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Styleforum Gift Guide 2020: The WFH Warrior

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I read somewhere that in womenswear the cardi-coat -already a casual staple- has replaced the blazer as the WFH unofficial uniform in 2020. 
Men, at least from what I’ve witnessed on Zoom meetings, have adapted less well, and run the gamut from “I’ll going to wear a college tee shirt just like I did in college” to “Jacket and tie, pants optional”. Note that I’m just guessing on the pants part, but we’ve all seen enough pantless Zoom bloopers by now to know that this happens with alarming frequency.

Consequently, it might be wise this holiday season to give gifts that nudge men towards clothes that suggest a third way to dress, neither inspired by a dorm room nor by the pre-pandemic boardroom minus the pants. I think I’ll name it after Ryan Gosling “Ryan Gosling’s off-camera clothing” just so more guys will adopt the look. However, remember that you are not Mr. Gosling, and that results may vary.

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Styleforum Self-Indulgence Kit #1: “It’s Sunday But I Do Have to Take Out the Trash”

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If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, fall is probably winding down now. Outside of my house, it’s in the 30s and 40s, the trees are completely bare, and there have already been a few days of snow.
During this season, I like to keep on my pajamas, have a coffee and a donut, and maybe binge on some Netflix. Of course, this being 2020, time has lost most meaning,  and it’s actually Thursday, which is not unlike Sunday, except that I have to take Zoom meetings and take out the garbage.
Here are some creature comforts that might make the rest of the year seem like every day is a calm, lazy, Sunday, rather than an interminable Monday.

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Black Friday/Cyber Monday Menswear Sales List 2020

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black friday cyber monday sales menswear 2020

The Styleforum Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales list is back!
Browse over 200 menswear sales – some exclusive to Styleforum readers. If we missed a sale, you can let us know by posting on the Official Sales Thread on the forum. We are updating the sales throughout the weekend, so make sure to check back often!

Stay safe and shop mindfully.

https://bit.ly/33ej8Sx

STYLEFORUM AFFILIATE VENDORS SALES LIST

Allen Edmonds: 30% off sitewide
Canoe Club: 25% off store wide with code BLACKFRIDAY25
Carmina: special deal on a selection of models
Cobbler Union: 20% off sitewide with code CYBER2020
Drop93: *Styleforum exclusive* 20% off New Old Stock and selected Pre-owned items
with code: STYLEFORUM20
eHaberdasher: *Styleforum exclusive* additional 10% off up to 90% off with code SFTHANKS2020
Falcon Garments: 15% discount on all website orders with code BFCM2020 
Gentlemen’s Footwear: Black Friday deals on last pairs
GIIN: *Styleforum exclusive* 50% off with code SF
Grant Stone: Spend $400+ and receive 30% off your purchase. This applies to all products online with the exception of Shell Cordovan Footwear.
Italist: up to 60% off
John Elliott: up to 40% off
Kirby Allison: up to 20% off site-wide
Lux Gentleman: extra 30% off everything with code BLK30
LuxeSwap: *free shipping for SF members in the US and 1/2 off for our friends overseas* plus special drops on the shop starting Thursday
Meermin: 25% store credit on orders $220+; 30% store credit on orders $400+; 40% store credit on orders $600+; 50% store credit on orders $1200+
Nick Boots: 10% off accessories and select boots
No Man Walks Alone: up to 35% off
Once a Day: 30% off ALL accessories. *SF special offer* use the discount code  “SFmember” at check out and get a free gift with your order
Pediwear: up to 30% off select models
Proper Cloth: free shipping & up to 40% off
Ratio Clothing: Free US Shipping on all orders, plus 10% off $250+, 15% off $500+ with code GIVETHANKS
SARTORIALE: Our Biggest sale of the year: Enjoy an extra 30% OFF already reduced prices with code BF30, including clearance items and new arrivals.
Including: Brioni, Isaia, Attolini, Sartoria Partenopea, Canali, Castangia, D’Avenza, Lattanzi, Colmar, Belvest, and many more.
SF members will get a  Partenopea Shirt (with every $1,000 Purchase).
Self Edge: 15% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY2020
Skoaktiebolaget: 25-50% off selected styles now
Skolyx: up to 40% off a selection
Sons of Henrey: up to 30% off most models
Spier & MacKay: 20% off Storewide with code BF2020
Taylor Stitch: 20% off sitewide
Todd Shelton: pre-Black Friday 15% off
UNIFORM/LA: 25% off sitewide with code BF25
Yeossal: 10% off sitewide
ZFactorie: up to 50% off starting on Wednesday 

STYLEFORUM BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY MENSWEAR SALES LIST

18 Montrose: £100 voucher every £500 spent

A Fine Pair of Shoes: 30% off sitewide

Abercrombie&Fitch: 40% off entire website

Adidas: 30% off clearance with code BRINGJOY

Akashi-Kama: 20% off a selection

All Saints: 30% off everything

Allen Edmonds: 30% off sitewide

Alpha Industries: 20% off everything with code HOLIDAY20

Alternative Apparel: 40% off with code 40THANKS

Amazon: Black Friday Week with deals on clothing, appliances, and Amazon devices

American Trench: 20% off sitewide

Antonioli: sales on FW20

Arcido: Discounts 20 – 50% off

Asos: extra 20% off everything with code TAKEMORE

Aquatalia: deals on select styles

Bally: up to 50% off

Banana Republic: extra 10% off with code BRCYBER

Bather: up to 70% off select styles

Barbanera: Black Friday markdowns

Barbour: 25% off a selection

Batch: 20% off full price items, 40% off shirts

Baudoin & Lange: exclusive gift with purchase

Beckett Simonon: 2 pairs for $299

Bergdorf Goodman: up to 40% off designer sale

Begg: up to 30% off cashmere

Billy Reid: 20% off when you spend +$250, 30% when you spend +$500, 40% when you spend +$1000

Billykirk: 35% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY35

Blluemade: 20% off sitewide

Bloomingdale’s: $25 off every $125 spent + extra 50% off half off items

Blue in Green: 20% off +$300, 25% off +$500, 30% off +$800

Blue Owl Shop: 20% everything with code TURKEY2020

Bluefly: up to 70% off

Bluffworks: 10% off +$100, 15% off +$250, 20% off +$300

Bodileys: 30% off

Bombas: 20% off sitewide with code CHEER20

Bonobos: 30% off Black Friday week

Braun Hamburg: up to 50% off cashmere

Breda:  up to 45% off

Bridge & Burn: 25 off with code BFCM25

Briggs & Riley: $50 off +$199, $100 off $399

Brooklyn Tailors: 20% off $0-$200/25% off $201-500/$30% off $501

Brooks Brothers: 50% off sitewide

The Bureau Belfast: 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY

Butts and Shoulders: markdowns

Cable Car Clothiers: 20% off with code HOLIDAY20

Canoe Club: 25% off store wide with code BLACKFRIDAY25

Carmina: special deal on a selection of models

Champion: best sales of the year up to 50% off

Charles Thyrwitt: 40% off everything, 50% off suits, blazers, and coats with code HAPPYBF

Clae: extra 30% off with code SEMIANNUAL

Clarks: 40% off entire purchase with code CYBER

Club Monaco: 30% off everything with code HOLIDAY30

Coach: 50% off select bestsellers

Cobbler Union: 20% off sitewide with code CYBER2020

Coggles: 30% off select accessories with code COG3

Cole Haan: 50% off almost everything

Corlection: 12% off everything with code GET12

Corridor NYC: Black Friday sale up to 70% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2020

COS: 25% off when you spend $200+

Country Attire: at least 20% off accessories and gifting

Crown and Caliber: shop hundreds of price drops

Cultizm: 25% off all categories with code BW25

Cuts: 30% off sitewide

Daniel Wellington: 50% off select watches

Dapper Classics: buy 3, get one free

Dark Knot: 40% off with code BLACK40; 50% off with code BLACK50 for orders $199+

Dawson Denim: 25% off Trickers shoes

Dearborn Denim: 10% off with code BF2020

Devereux: 30-50% off apparel

Diesel: 20% off everything with code CYBERWEEK20

Drop93: *Styleforum exclusive* 20% off New Old Stock and selected Pre-owned items
with code: STYLEFORUM20

DSW: Gucci price drop – limited time

Duluth: 30% off everything

DXL: 40% off a selection + free shipping

East Dane: 20% off orders $200+ with code CYBER20

eBay: extra markdowns on refurbished brands 

Eddie Bauer: 50% off entire purchase

eHaberdasher: *Styleforum exclusive* additional 10% off up to 90% off with code SFTHANKS2020

Eleonora Bonucci: up to 50% off

END CLOTHING: 20% off everything

Everything Hip Hop: 25% off everything with code BFWEEK25

Evolve Clothing: up to 70% off

Express: 50% off everything

Falcon Garments: 15% discount on all website orders with code BFCM2020 

Farfetch: up to 50% off + extra 20% off

Feature: 20% off sitewide with code BF2020

Filson: $50 off +$250, $150 off +$500

Finish Line: 25% off select styles with code CYBER25

Flannels: £100 voucher every £500 spent

Florsheim: 25% off everything with code 2BCKF

Fossil: 40% off everything

Frank & Oak: 30% off everything with code CYBER30

Franklin & Poe: 21% off sitewide with code LETSGO21

Fossil: 40% off almost everything + 50% off sale items

fwrd: designer sale up to 65% off

Gap: 50% off everything

Gentleman’s Footwear: Black Friday deals on last pairs

Gilt: up to 70% off picks for men

Glamood: 25% off everything

Graduate: 30% off

Grant Stone: Spend $400+ and receive 30% off your purchase. This applies to all products online with the exception of Shell Cordovan Footwear.

Gravel Travel: up to 40% off everything

GIIN: *Styleforum exclusive* 50% off with code SF

GREATS: 25% off orders +$75

Guess: 30% off entire site

H&M: 30% off everything

Hackwith Designhouse: 30% off sitewide with code PIE30

HBX: 30% off with code TGS30

Himel Bros: “name your price” sale

Hockerty: up to 30% off

House of Fraser: £20 off every £100

House of St. Clair: markdowns throughout the site

Huckberry: up to 50% off hundreds of items

Hunter: up to 50% off

Il Gergo: markdowns on various styles

Independence: 50% off sale items

Indochino: Black Friday event – suits from $289

Isotoner: 40% off with code BF40

iTailor: Black Friday deals up to 50% off

Jack Erwin: 20% off orders $150+ with code THANKS2020

J Crew: 50% off everything + 60% off sale items

J Crew Factory: 60% off everything

Jachs: 70% off sitewide

John Elliott: up to 40% off

John Smedley: 30% off everything with code FFAW30

John Varvatos: 30% off sitewide

Jomashop: up to 75% off

Jos A. Bank: dealbusters + up to 80% off clearance

Julian Fashion: up to 50% off

Jungmaven: 20% off sitewide with code HEMP2020

KATO’: 50% off

Kirby Allison: up to 20% off site-wide

Lacoste: 40% off everything with code CYBER40

Lanieri: up to 30% off a selection

La Garçonne: up to 40% off

LL Bean: 15% off with code THANKS15

Ledbury: Black Friday markdowns

Leffot: 30% off pre-owned shoes with code THANKS30

Levi’s: 40% off + free shipping & returns with code CYBER

Lids: 25% off with code SHOWOFF

LNCC: extra 20% off sale up to 50% off

Lost and Found: 20% off select brands

LSG Denim: 50% off all jeans

Lucky Brand: 50% off everything

Luisaviaroma: 40% off everything with code BF40

Lux Gentleman: extra 30% off everything with code BLK30

LuxeSwap: *free shipping for SF members in the US and 1/2 off for our friends overseas* plus special drops on the shop starting Thursday

Maas & Stacks: CLOSING SALE

Macy’s: Black Friday early markdowns

Madewell: up to 50% off with code VERYMERRY

Malford of London: Black November sale ongoing

Mark Albert Boots: markdowns on select models

Marrkt: new items added to clearance

Matches Fashion: up to 50% off + extra 10% off with code EXTRA10

Mavi: 30% off entire site

Meermin: 25% store credit on orders $220+; 30% store credit on orders $400+; 40% store credit on orders $600+; 50% store credit on orders $1200+

Miansai: 20% off entire website with code BLACK2020

Midwest Boots: up to 40% off

Miloh Shop: 20% off with code BF2020

Milworks: 20% off sitewide with code BFCM

Ministry of Supply: 25% off with code 25OFF

Mismo: 20% off everything

Mission Workshop: 20% off with code BF20

Moda Operandi: up to 80% off a selection

Monitaly: 30% Off on Archive Items

MooseJaw: up to 30% off

Mott & Bow: 15% off any order; 20% off orders $250+; 25% off orders $500+ with code  CYBERSLM2020

Mr. Porter: 30% off applied at checkout

Namu Shop: 30% off almost everything with code GRAVY

Nautica: 50-70% off everything

Neiman Marcus: $50 off $200

Neiman Marcus Last Call: clearance items up to 80% off

Next Door: new styles added to the outlet

New Balance: 30% off + free shipping

Nick Boots: 10% off accessories and select boots

Nike: 25% off with code CYBER25

Nisolo: 25% off sitewide with code EXTRA25

No Man Walks Alone: up to 35% off

Nordstrom: Cyber deals up to 50% off

Nordstrom Rack: free shipping sitewide for a limited time

North & Mark: 50% off sitewide

The North Face: 30% off select styles

Notre Shop:40% off footwear with code BFCM40

Oipolloi: 20% off with code VANTABLACK

Old Blue: 10% Off & 20% Off site-wide

Oliver Wicks: up to $200 off with code BLACK

Oliver Cabell: 15% off sitewide + free bracelet

Once a Day: 30% off ALL accessories. *SF special offer* use the discount code  “SFmember” at check out and get a free gift with your order

Oneness: 35% off select items

Onia: 25% off sitewide with code SITE25

Orvis: up to 50% off

Outdoor Voices: 50% off select styles

Outerknown: 30% off sitewide

Pact: up to 40% off organic underwear for men

Parks Project: new items added to the sale

Paul Smith: 20% off

Pediwear: up to 30% off select models

Port Products: $10 off orders $65+ with code THANKS10, $20 off orders $100+ with code THANKS20, $30 off orders $125+ with code THANKS30

Proper Cloth: free shipping & up to 40% off

Puma: 30-50% off everything

Raen: 40% off sitewide

Rag & Bone: 25% off sitewide

The Rake: the Rake sale up to 50% off

Ralph Lauren: 40% off when you spend $125+

Rampley & Co.: 25% off accessories with code BF25

Ratio Clothing: Free US Shipping on all orders, plus 10% off $250+, 15% off $500+ with code GIVETHANKS

The Real Real:  up to 80% off

Reebok: 40% off classic shoes with code CL40

Rhone: 30% off sitewide

Rogue Territory: 30% off select styles

Rooney Shop: mid-season sale up to 50% off

Rubinacci: 40% off with code BF40

Saks Fifth Avenue: Up to 75% off Thanksgiving sale

Saks Off 5th: up to 85% off sitewide

Sandro: 40% off everything

Saturdays NYC: 25% off sitewide

SARTORIALE: Our Biggest sale of the year: Enjoy an extra 30% OFF already reduced prices with code BF30, including clearance items and new arrivals.
Including: Brioni, Isaia, Attolini, Sartoria Partenopea, Canali, Castangia, D’Avenza, Lattanzi, Colmar, Belvest, and many more.
SF members will get a  Partenopea Shirt (with every $1,000 Purchase).

Schott NYC: 15% off with code GOBBLE15

Scotts: up to 30% off

Self Edge: 15% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY2020

Shipton & Heneage: 15% off sitewide with code BLACK

Shoes.com: up to 50% off

SiiZU: 30% off

SK Manor Hill: 30% everything + free US shipping with code BLCK

Skoaktiebolaget: 25-50% off selected styles now

Skolyx: up to 40% off a selection

Slam Jam Socialism: 30% off selected items with code: BLACKJAM30

Snake Oil Provisions: 15% off entire order with code PUNKINPIE

Sons of Henrey: up to 30% off most models

SoSo Clothing: 40% discount on custom jeans, shirts and jackets with code BF40

SSENSE: sale up to 50% off

Stadium Goods: 15% off 

Standard Fair: 50% off everything + 25% off when you take a survey

Stutterheim: discount on the collection throughout Black Friday week

Superga Shoes: 30% off sitewide with code BF2020

Supply & Advise: 25% off sitewide

Spier & MacKay: 20% OFF Storewide with code BF2020

Stag Provisions: 20% off sitewide 

Stio: 30% off

Sunspel: up to 30% off

Sutro: 30% off boots

Svala: 20% off sitewide with code THANKYOU

Tanner Goods: 20% off sitewide

Tate + Yoko:  Black Friday special – best prices of the year + buy 3 get 1 free

Taylor Stitch: 20% off sitewide

Ted Baker: up to 50% off everything

Todd Shelton: pre-Black Friday 15% off

Tessuti: up to 30% off

The Tie Bar: daily deals on Black Friday Week

Theory: up to 40% off when you spend $700

Timberland: 30% off

Toad & Co.: up to 70% off

Todd Shelton: 15% off pre-Black Friday offer

Todd Snyder: up to 30% off when you spend +$500

Tommy Hilfiger: 40% off sitewide with code DIBS

Tommy John:  25% off everything

Topman: up to 50% off almost everything

Tradlands: Orders of $100+ get 20% off w/ code HOLIDAY20;  $200+ get 25% off w/ code HOLIDAY25

Tres Bien: 20% off  >€249; 25% off €250-€499; 30% off <€500

True Facet: Holiday event sale up to $300 off

Twillory: up to 65% off

Understudy: 40-60% off

UNIFORM/LA: 25% off sitewide with code: BF25

United by Blue: up to 50% off

Uniqlo: Black Friday kickoff event

Unmarked: 30% discount at check-out

Upstate Stock: 30% entire order with code 30FRIDAY

Urban Outfitters: $75 off orders $200+

The Urban Ties: Black Friday markdowns

Vekla: free sneaker kit with every sneaker order

Velasca: 20% off everything with code BF20

Venque: up to 70% off & free long-sleeve tee

Viberg: 10% of revenue from all Drop 2 purchases will go to the Raincoast Conservation Foundation 

Viccel: 30% off with code BLACK30

Vince: 30% off everything with code NOVEMBER30

Vincero Watches: 15-25% off

Vineyard Vines: 30% off everything with code FRIDAY

Volcom: 31% off for members with code VSRBF31

Watches.com: up to 70% off

Wilson & Willy’s: 30-50% off

Wilson Leather: extra 50% off everything

Wolf & Shepherd: 20% off sitewide

Wrong Weather: 30% off select brands

Yeossal: 10% off sitewide

YOOX: 25% off mobile purchases

Zadig & Voltaire: fall sale up to 40% off

ZFactorie: up to 50% off starting on Wednesday