Reviewing Huckberry's newest brand with designer Aaron Levine
A deep dive on Trumbull, perhaps some of the greatest USA-made basics in the game right now.
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Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Aaron Levine
You may be familiar with Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon a playful game from the ‘90s showcasing Hollywood actor's interconnectedness. It’s the idea that any actor is somehow linked to Kevin Bacon in six steps or fewer through co-starring roles.
The fashion industry equivalent would be Six Degrees of Aaron Levine.
Renowned for transforming Club Monaco into a formidable menswear line, reshaping Abercrombie & Fitch's identity, and earning the status of everyone's favorite fashion consultant, Levine's influence extends across established and emerging brands in the industry.
Huckberry and Levine collaborated to introduce Trumbull, a collection of elevated basics named after a street in Detroit where the garments are manufactured.
From a pair of soft-ass sweatpants and vintage-washed T-shirts to quarter-zip fleeces and heirloom-esque crewneck sweatshirts, it’s all gravy.
The driving force behind the brand was to craft the perfect crewneck sweatshirt.
And as Levine explains to Huckberry, "these are 100% cotton, pigment dyed, garment dyed, washed, and you can beat them to hell, and they’re only going to get softer and better."
"You can beat them to hell, and they’re only going to get softer and better."
Manufactured in the USA for a lifetime of wear, the focus goes beyond just the fabric; Levine emphasizes the silhouette, recalling how “90s fits were much more generous across the board… These are updated to have that boxier, roomier design of those pieces."
Incorporating a ‘90s aesthetic, meticulous craftsmanship, and the touch of a fashion luminary, Trumbull encapsulates everything we need and want, but don’t deserve right now.
We road tested a handful of pieces from the collection and can attest that they’ve become inseparable since.
So here’s what we think—
Vintage wash pullover sweatshirt $148
Fit
Casual and slightly boxy in design, the lower hem falls perfectly at the hips. Opting for my usual size (small) resulted in an ideal sleeve length. However, my minor gripes; the drawstrings could be shorter, and a slightly larger hood would be preferable—nonetheless, sizing up would be the likely solution.
Fabrics
The complete assortment is crafted in Detroit using 100% cotton, followed by garment dyeing in neutral tones and a subsequent wash for a lived-in texture. Describing it as having a soft feel is an understatement; it exudes the cozy charm reminiscent of a treasure unearthed at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.
Price
Clocking in just under $150 suffices for the hoodie's quality. When factoring in its place of manufacture and the strenuous washing process involved, it could honestly be around the $220 range.
Wearability
Aaron Levine wasn’t lying when he said you can beat these to shit, and they still look fire! I wear this for casual outings to the park with my son, quick grocery runs, and as an extra layer while lounging on the couch during NBA games. I firmly believe in always keeping a hoodie in your car no matter the season, and that’ll be the one I grab for the foreseeable future.
Wearing after a wash
The brand was playing chess and not checkers when they made these because they have been washed for pre-shrunken wear. I wash this by itself and hang it to dry. They’re already soft upon wearing for the first time, but after washing, they somehow get softer—a genuine testament to the quality of construction, ensuring that with every garment, these garments maintain but enhance their comfort over time.
Vintage wash crewneck sweatshirt $138
Fit
This vintage-inspired crewneck is exceptional in its fit. The waistline hem lands perfectly at the waist, while the reinforced neckline sits comfortably high and snug. What sets it apart is the subtle yet impactful detail of the drop shoulders, which add a touch of exaggeration to achieve the sought-after '90s silhouette that Levine and the team were after. Picture your favorite college football coach confidently sporting this piece on the sidelines back in the day.
Fabrics
Like the hoodie, the crewneck is crafted from 100% cotton and undergoes garment dyeing in neutral tones, followed by a subsequent wash to achieve a lived-in texture. However, a noticeable distinction lies in the interior fleece, which appears thicker and more plush than the hoodie.
Pricepoint
The fabrics are outstanding for the price, but what you're investing in is the impeccable fit. While I may not frequently explore secondhand options, the image that comes to mind is someone stumbling upon their cherished vintage sweatshirt, and the fit is like this one. Crafted in the USA and subjected to a thorough wash process, the price aligns perfectly with the quality you're getting.
Wearability
Honestly, I haven't taken this off since I got it. It complements my everyday style, worn casually over a T-shirt paired with jeans or cargos. As the weather warms up, I plan to layer it beneath a denim jacket in spring, and during summer evenings—I'll pair it with nylon hiking shorts. Each color is neutral for a reason—they want you to put that sh*t on with everything.
Wearing after a wash
Each item in this collection is pre-shrunken, alleviating concerns about shrinkage. Nonetheless, I opt to air dry for an added precaution. I selected the ivory colorway and washed it separately to prevent any transfer of indigo or red hues. The sweatshirt's texture becomes softer, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it’ll continue to patina over time.
Vintage wash double front sweat pant $148
Fit
The double-front sweatpants combine the comfort of your favorite double-knee pants with the relaxed fit reminiscent of OG-107 fatigue trousers. Opting for a size small, I find the pants sit comfortably on my waist. They feature drawstrings for adjustable tightening and cinched ankles, adding a sporty flair. I prefer not to tighten them, as I appreciate the laid-back aesthetic. The length of the pants falls just over my shoelaces, providing a comfortable and stylish feel.
Fabrics
The washing technique imparts a captivating charcoal hue to these sweatpants, a current favorite of mine, particularly with denim. These are crafted from a midweight fleece to ensure comfort and warmth and boast an added layer of cotton meticulously sewn over the fleece, creating a distinctive workwear aesthetic. The result is a perfect blend of tactile appeal and coziness.
Pricepoint
Priced at $148, you can feel the attention to detail with these sweatpants. The added layer of cotton, expertly sewn to enhance the fabric's durability, is a testament to the creation of a pair designed for enduring wear. The price authentically mirrors the quality craftsmanship invested in making these unique sweatpants.
Wearability
Given their laid-back style, I usually opt for a more tailored sweatshirt or jacket to achieve an evenly proportionate look. Instead of treating them as typical sweatpants, I approach them like a pair of black jeans, finding that they pair effortlessly with a down jacket and an overcoat. I'd skip the boots for thick-soled sneakers or Birkenstocks to enhance the comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Versatile enough to transition from bedtime to grabbing lunch, these bottoms offer a stylish and comfortable choice.
Wearing after a wash
Similar to the other two items I've tested from this collection, these pants improve with each wash. It's only after the initial wash that the garment truly starts to feel like a personalized possession. These pants exhibit no signs of shrinking or pilling; however, I anticipate a gradual fading over time due to their pigment-dyed nature. I'm excited to see what they look like in six months and even a year from now to witness how they evolve into a full-grey shade.
A note on the Basics Program
We started this content series to help you make better shopping decisions when purchasing high-quality basics.
We review products from brands that make great essentials—t-shirts, hoodies, socks, briefs, etc—and review them for you.
We’ve already reviewed:
Good intro of some great looking clothes