RVCA Clothing: Not yet Sold-out

There's a little-known artist network program that's turned into a serious clothing retailer, and its name is RVCA.

RVCA (pronounced Rooh-Kah) features some of the most exciting clothing designs to come out this millennium. What's so exciting? It all starts with the company's aesthetic: RVCA realizes that sports clothing can only go so far, and I agree. Let me explain...

Because brands like Nike and Adidas are primarily sports-focused (they might be called sports-minded, and therefore associated with jocks among younger demographics), the designs are considerably restricted. Whereas a t-shirt design by Adidas Originals might feature a young woman wearing very little clothing, the logo comes first and foremost. And, depending on how you look at it, that logo (the trefoil, in this case) bears a heavy weight.

Now, on the other hand, a company like RVCA approaches this fashion paradox from an entirely different angle. Because RVCA chooses to approach the same product (sports clothing that is appropriate for wear on the streets) from a standpoint that is originally based in contemporary art, the message translates differently. Whereas the aforementioned Adidas shirt might not be able to be taken seriously on the streets, an RVCA shirt may be taken seriously on the streets-but not taken seriously in sports.

And that's exactly how RVCA wants it. It's the art that matters to RVCA! This is a company that doesn't project itself through yuppie ad campaigns or bogus slogans; rather, RVCA chooses to let its designs speak for themselves.

RVCA designs, specifically their t-shirts, have featured the art of Matt Costa, Brandon Bird, Christian Jacobs (The Aquabats), Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), and Ed Templeton. Obviously, the company's roots lie in a more subversive aesthetic.

This doesn't mean that the clothing can't be worn by everyone, however. In fact, RVCA clothing has even shown up in Nordstrom's, of all places!

But just because RVCA clothing graces the racks of an upscale joint like Nordstrom's doesn't mean that the clothing is necessarily expensive. Sure, it's not the cheapest, but it is definitely worth it.
Here's why: for one, the t-shirts are ultra-soft and thin. That means that someone won't have to wear then for years just so he or she can break them in. No, they're constructed with comfort in mind. RVCA shirts, I believe, are printed on American Apparel t-shirts, which are indeed very comfortable and, best of all, made right here in America. RVCA: American-made.