It can be difficult to describe the appeal of BEAMS PLUS' collections to someone who isn't already a fan. As the Japanese mega-retailer's most approachable menswear collection — BEAMS PLUS has the widest international distribution of any BEAMS sub-label — there's some difficulty in describing the appeal of wearable, fairly well-made, Americana-inspired apparel.
But BEAMS PLUS' Fall/Winter 2023 collection is a balm to banality, what with its kangaroo scarves, plant-printed jackets, and plaid pants.
The entire offering is no less wearable than anything BEAMS PLUS has ever done before, it's just extra-vivid.
BEAMS PLUS FW23 even introduces some co-ed styling, a first for the menswear label.
But, yeah, the paisley cardigans, bi-color gingham shirts, batik bombers, deep pile sweats, and washed-out and flared jeans aren't for the faint of heart. Their stylistic exoticism is balanced by the rote BEAMS PLUS favorites.
I mean, if all you want from BEAMS PLUS is preppy cricket sweaters and flannel overshirts, basically any BEAMS PLUS collection will satisfy. It's just that FW23 offers a (slightly) more exciting range of textural, patterned clothing. Not that patterns are new for BEAMS PLUS, either, but FW23 sees the brand deploying them in impressive numbers.
As BEAMS itself explained in a statement, BEAMS PLUS FW23 is demarcated by jacquard-woven textiles that pervade the collection. These fanciful fabrics are the heart of the collection and ought to be embraced for the sake of seeking a more exciting wardrobe.
You can seek solace in simplicity, if you so desire: there are plenty of anonymous down jackets and canvas hunting pants on hand.
This being the bread and butter of BEAMS PLUS, I could see the brand coming off as a little boring to outsiders, especially if you only see BEAMS PLUS' beige chore coats and chambray shirts.
Those are the classics, after all, and given BEAMS' timeless Americana design ethos, those are almost certainly the brand's most popular pieces.
But, just like contemporary J.Crew, BEAMS PLUS rewards anyone willing to push their stylistic envelope, even just a little bit.
