There are more functional outerwear brands on the market today than you could shake a freshly foraged stick at. But some stand out more than the rest. Among the cream of the crop is Ten c, the Italian brand known for its expertly crafted outerwear.
Founded in 2010 by Alessandro Pungetti, former C.P. Company employee, Ten c adopts a “less is more” ethos underpinned by the idea that a garment should be built to last as long as possible. Ten c’s first collection consisted of just seven pieces created out of Original Japanese Jersey (OJJ), a material that, like denim, is stiff to begin with and becomes more supple over time as it adapts to your body.
Ten c’s seasonal collections are now much more comprehensive, with everything from Bermuda shorts to tees and down jackets. But the core thinking remains. Ten c is all about slick, superior outerwear that you’ll want to wear season after season. Trends are of little interest to the brand, and there’s no overt branding or logo prints in sight. It’s all about guaranteeing longevity through considered materiality, cut, and color. As Creative Director Alessandro Pungetti said in an interview for Highsnobiety: “[Ten c] pieces are intended to last forever; these timeless and iconic garments are created to age with you.”
Most Ten c garments are made of OJJ—the material used in the founding collection—or Nylon Tactel, used for down jackets. Both fabrics are versatile in their own way. OJJ changes shape and feel depending on the weight and execution, and can reach astonishing depths of color. Meanwhile, Nylon Tactel is extremely versatile, and the dyeing process can completely transform it—from totally transparent to opaque, dark hues.
This season sees the introduction of several new fabrics, including a crinkle rip-stop nylon and a silver laminated nylon—an ultra-light material with an internal silver foil that catches the light, creating a shimmery effect. The color palette takes inspiration from plaster and how it transforms over time as it’s exposed to the sun and collects a layer of patina. There are shades of greyish teal, dusty mauve and peach. A rich burgundy gives a punch of deep color, and there is plenty of black—the ultimate timeless shade for long-lasting wear.
Shop our selection:
Shop the full collection at tenc.com.
