Historically, cashmere gathered from the Kashmir goat, which is indigenous to high plateaus of Asia. Keeping the goat warm during the chilly winter season are the ultra soft hairs that grow on its underbelly. The cashmere is then trimmed and finely pulled apart from the rest of the goat hair. Because usually less than half of all the fiber harvested can actually be called pure cashmere, the process of making a cashmere sweater is both very costly and time consuming. When mixed with a more common (and readily available) fabric, such as cotton, the item becomes much softer and more comfortable.

Fortunately, with the new Universal Gear cashmere blend sweaters, you can get the best of both these fabrics in one beautifully manufactured garment. Regardless of whether you're rocking a v-neck, crew neck, or scarf, you can rest assured that this fascinatingly fine fabric will leave you looking flawless!

Last Thursday, crowds gathered at Universal Gear Washington DC in heavy anticipation of the fall underwear sale runway event. After dropping their own name at the door, those who "checked in" to social media sites from their mobile device were eligible for a gift bag - a fan favorite at any fashion show.

Fox 5 News Anchor and fashion show host Will Thomas kicked off the event, explaining to the crowd the ins and outs of the fall underwear styles - all taken from a jewel color palette, the newest products are meant to be bright and colorful, while comfortable at the same time. Thomas also presented SMYAL, the charity receiving proceeds from the event. As the only non-profit in Washington DC that focuses on assisting LGBTQ youth, guests were eager and excited to contribute to the cause.

After all the formalities were out of the way, the runway event was ready to begin! Next to friends and lovers, with tasty drinks in hand (thanks to MOVA DC), attendees previewed the latest underwear styles from leading designers such as Timoteo, Andrew Christian, 2xist, Cin2 and Private Structure. And because DJ Matt Bailer from Mixtape was spinning from start to finish, guests kept the party rocking long after the models left the runway.

Even though the rain started to fall, nothing could stop the Universal Gear celebration train - following the festivities at our Logan Circle store, the crowds headed over to MOVA DC for the after party which extended into the early morning.

Friday morning may have been a struggle for those who attended the show... but with guys this hot, we all know it was well worth it.

At Universal Gear, we aim to please. That's why we're kicking off our semi-annual underwear promotion with an in-store fashion show! On September 27th, models will walk the runway donning the latest styles from Timoteo, Andrew Christian, 2(x)ist, and Cin2, highlighting the products featured in the three-week long sale. (From September 27th to October 17th, we're offering all regularly priced underwear for 25% off!)

As if the eye candy wasn't reason enough to attend the soiree, rest assured that music and an open bar will also be provided--as DJ Matt Bailer (Mixtape) spins, MOVA DC's hottest bartenders will be pouring drinks all evening long. And because a portion of the day's sales will be donated to SMYAL, a local non-profit organization that provides assistance to LGBT youth, you can feel good while indulging in your baddest desires! (Sexy boys, clothes, and mixed drinks, of course. What were you thinking?)

Doors: 7PM
Fashion Show: 8PM
1529B 14th St NW, Washington DC 20005
RSVP@universalgear.com

Hosted by: Fox 5 Anchor Will Thomas
Sounds by: DJ Matt Bailer (Mixtape)
After Party & Drinks by: MOVA DC

While having options is never a bad thing (especially when it comes to clothes), the higher number of products available leaves more room for male confusion and error when it comes to picking them out. Even though jeans are among the most commonly owned piece of clothing, many are still clueless when it comes to picking the size, fit, and color best for them.

Fortunately, Universal Gear is here to help! In honor of our Fall denim sale, we're offering the following reminders for gents looking to don denim this season:

Picking the Right Jean Size

Before even looking for denim, it's important to know how to size yourself. Remember that men's jeans are measured by two things: the waist size and the inseam size. If you're unsure, take a tape measure to figure out the size of your waist--this is the first number on the tag. Afterward, use it to discern the measurement of your inseam. This will be the second number on the tag. (For example, 34x34 or 34x32)

An added benefit to men's jeans is that they are made in a variety of inseams. To get the right length, the hem of the pants should fall right at the edge of the shoe. If they're any longer, it's likely the jeans will drag or get caught during use. If the jeans are shorter, it's probably a sign that you should go up an inseam size.

Picking the Right Fit

Our favorite cuts for men's denim are the following: straight, skinny, and boot cut. (Regardless of what cut you choose, it's always best to go with a low-rise fitting jean--they'll work to hug and shape your front and bottom perfectly, giving you a slimmer, more silhouetted look!)

Low-Rise Straight

While there are many excellent qualities to the low-rise straight leg jean, the best feature is that they look great on just about everyone. Designed to be slender and straight throughout the entire leg, low-rise straight leg denim are among the most versatile available-- and with the right wash and a eye-popping dress shirt, they're perfect for a casual work day or a first date.

Brands to Try: Levi's Slim Straight, G-Star ATTACC Straight Leg, Diesel Viker, Hudson Byon, or the DL1961 Vince.

Low-Rise Skinny

Taking straight leg denim to the next level, low-rise skinny jeans are increasingly fitted and slender throughout the entire pant. By wearing this tapered cut of denim, one can easily capture an edgy look. (And because there is a bit of flare slightly cuffing the bottom, low-rise skinny jean show just a bit of ankle--ideal for a brightly colored sock!) Even though they're among the most popular and "in" type of jeans on the market right now, that doesn't mean they fit everyone well. Low-rise skinny jeans are ideal for thin, averagely proportioned men who are looking for a trendy yet raw look.

Brands to Try: Levi's Skinny Straight Leg, Diesel Safado, Scotch & Soda Ralston, or the DL1961 Russel.

Low-Rise Boot

Just like the low-rise straight leg, boot cut jeans are awesome because they're made to fit nearly every body type well. And while they're just as versatile as the straight leg, the boot cut is an excellent fit for a man with more meat on his bones. This fit works to create a visual illusion which evens out the top and bottom of the pants to perfection. And because there are a variety of washes available, it's easy to find a boot cut denim that is workable for a casual day at the office or a night on the town.

Brands to Try: Levi's Low-Rise Boot Cut, Diesel Zathan, or the Diesel Zatiny.

Picking the Right Color

Generally, one can't go wrong with denim color--all you have to do is pick one! One of the most noticeable denim trends this fall are the added splashes of color! No longer manufactured in only the staple "blue," men's designer jeans are now offered in a plethora of colorful options based on a fall jewel tone palate. Working together to add drama and intrigue to any outfit, colored denim requires minimal effort to pull off--regardless of how daring your fashion sense is! For those who are slightly apprehensive of colored jeans, try pairing them with a neutral colored top such as beige, grey, or white. (Accessories are excellent ways to add further splashes of color!) For the bold fashion-minded man, colored denim works well with a bold printed shirt. Instead of making the bottoms the focus of the outfit, this pairing option spreads color throughout the outfit and makes more of a statement. Just be sure not to overpower the look! (To prevent this, neutral-colored accessories work best to accentuate the colors you're already working with!)

(Washington DC, September 5th, 2012) - With Labor Day gone and fall right around the corner, the Washington DC-based men's fashion retailer, Universal Gear is introducing color as the new blue this fall, with their semi-annual denim promotion.

Universal Gear - home to G-Star, Diesel, Levi's, and Hudson - is pushing fashion forward with more colorful denim options this fall. "The customer has been asking for something new in denim and so we went out to find the very best examples of this for our fall push," says buying manager Chord Bezerra. Using inspiration from the runways, denim designers have adapted the jewel tone color palate to a new denim canvas. With hues of burgundy, navy, forest, and grey, there are color options for every man. "Colored denim is one of the newest style trends and will only gain momentum and popularity as we move into the holiday season, eventually exploding into spring," explained Universal Gear co-founder and owner David Franco.

Running from Thursday, September 6th until Wednesday September 26th, the Universal Gear semi-annual denim promotion is offering 25% off all full-priced jeans available at any of their flagship stores (Washington DC, New York, and Delaware) or on their website. (http://www.universalgear.com) While already discounted styles are not included in the seasonal sale, the promotion makes usually pricey denim more affordable, and therefore more widely available for the public to purchase.

Universal Gear, founded in 1993, is a premier retailer of clothing and accessories for the fashion-conscious man and whatever it is he may be doing. "It's for the man with the universal lifestyle," said Franco. Its top brands include G-Star, Diesel, Scotch & Soda, Levis, Ben Sherman, ES Collection, Penguin, 2(x)ist, Andrew Christian, Anthony Morato and many more. They also market a private label line of t-shirts, athletic wear, cashmere sweaters and board shorts under the Universal Gear label.

Born in in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1958, Keith Haring was a world-renowned artist that was dedicated not only to producing art for the people in very public forums, but also pieces that depicted strong social messages. While studying at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Haring experimented with several mediums such as performance, video, installation, and collage but always remained committed to his first love: drawing.

It was also during this time that Haring developed close collaborative relationships with other performance artists, musicians, and writers who were also members of the burgeoning art community--like those he surrounded himself with, Haring was determined to find an effective canvas for which he could spread his art (and social messages) to the masses. Eventually, Haring began creating chalk drawings on blank paper panels throughout the subway system. Between 1980 and 1985, Haring worked feverishly on his subway drawings, producing hundreds during that time period. He also became well-known with the public, as several New York commuters would engage the artist in conversation as they passed by.

Even after being diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, Haring continued his endless efforts to spread art and awareness to the public around him. The next year, he founded the Keith Haring Foundation--an organization dedicated to providing funding and imagery to AIDS organizations and children's programs, while also expanding the audience for his work. During the last years of his life, Haring used his artwork as a medium to speak about his illness as well as raise awareness about AIDS.

Although Haring sadly died in 1990 from AIDS-related complications, his brief but intense career that spanned over the course of a decade has made him a cornerstone of American art and pop culture. Since his death, Haring has been the subject of numerous international retrospectives and has his art featured in major museums worldwide.

It is because of his beautiful creations and relentless dedication to social messages that Reebok has decided to produce a very small number of limited edition sneakers that will feature Haring's cartoons. Universal Gear is very excited to have a limited number of these shoes coming to our stores in Spring 2013 and look forward to honoring Haring's legacy to social awareness and creative integrity!

If you're going to violate any of the age-old pieces of stylish wisdom, the best one to choose is the overly outdated "no white after Labor Day" sentiment. Not only is winter (or fall) white more socially acceptable in today's fashion forward world, Labor Day is your last chance to sport lighter clothing before being forced to wear layers of wool and fleece. And with the season ending, now is the best time to get great deals on summer fashion essentials. Treat yourself to something new for the weekend and then tuck it away until next year--that way, you'll be ready to exercise your right-to-wear-white all season long.

Here are some of our favorite white pieces that are great for the holiday weekend:

Comfortable shoes are something that every man should have in their wardrobe, and white is no exception. These Fred Perry slip-ons are cool and cozy all at the same time, while being ideal options for the beach or bar. Worried about keeping them clean? Don't be. After all, a man on the go should have a few battle scuffs! (If you're really concerned about keeping their bright-white color, the canvas material is machine washable!)

White pants are a fashion must, especially on beach weekends like Labor Day! (And we absolutely LOVE these Scotch and Soda pants, now available at Universal Gear) In addition to being incredibly easy to match with other staple pieces, you can roll them up and run around worry-free in the wet sand. Sure, they will get very dirty--but again, that's a simple fix as well. Just throw them in a wash with warm water and bleach and they'll come out softer (and brighter) than when you bought first bought them.

For those of you that are a little intimidated by white on bottom, you can play it safe by donning it on top. In addition to being one of the most basic pieces in a man's wardrobe, a white polo shirt (like the Ben Sherman one featured here) can be worn with just about everything, all year long. And because it gives you a cool look that's easy to put together, a white polo is great for any venue or occasion. Take it off at the beach, put it in your bag, and throw it back on before happy hour. Regardless of where your day takes you, your white polo will serve you well. Guaranteed.

People always say, "when you look good, you feel good." At Universal Gear, we believe that's true--including what you look like underneath your clothes! When running between your various destinations this weekend, you want to make sure your underwear will stand with you every step of the way. After all, a good pair of mens underwear should be like a friend: light yet supportive. All of the styles featured above (Andrew Christian, Rufskin, and Timoteo) provide great coverage and support without being too constrictive. Whatever shenanigans you get into this holiday weekend, your white underwear will stand by you every time.