Rock and Ride: Apparel with Swagger

Clothing bores me...Most is devoid of character, or more importantly, swagger. And as an editor, I needs me swagger. It seems like all companies do is throw some kind of weird saying and heavy design on a shirt and then all the douchebags come a running. It's worked out for Ed Hardy and TapouT, why shouldn't it work for every other apparel company in the free world. I recently came across an apparel and accessories company called Rock and Ride Authentic Lifestyle, and must say I was pleasantly surprised.

Based out of good old Pittsburgh, PA (My old stomping grounds) RRAL has taken a "real world" approach to designing clothing. "It's Not Old School, It's Not New School, It's Just How We Roll" is one of the taglines, and must I say...quite refreshing. No over processed graphics with skulls and snakes that say “Love Kills", it's just a simple approach, done well.

Don't get me wrong, some of the designs I'm not a huge fan of, like the Love, Live, Ride women's tee. The text size vs. the shirt size seems a little out of whack, plus the back graphic seems to be lost in no man’s land. Unfortunately, the RRAL team did fall into the skull trap with their "Ride or Rot" tee. The graphic dons a tattooed female skull with a snake, and yes, there's a rose. Fail. Don't get the skull thing, and I never will. And while I’m on the constructive criticism train, I'll stop off at the abbreviation, RRAL. It doesn't make much sense. I think R&R would look much better on a belt buckle. RRAL reminds me of an industrial water treatment plant, not something I would want to wear on a tee or belt. Rock and Ride makes a strong statement.

Other styles really make the brand stand out above the rest, like the argyle Rock and Ride women's sweater. It has a great Cafe Racer/ Sockhop kinda feel. I love the star they’ve implemented into the logo. The women’s tank top, few of the men’s tees, and field bag also rock the star. I’m also a big fan of the spark plug girl, inspiring design and execution. The rest of the men’s t-shirt designs are very competent. Racing Hearts, Radio Active, No.11, and Piston Religion are amongst my favorites. My number 1 is definitely the track jacket. Very relevant cut and useable for everyday without getting bored.

Price point is right in line for the quality and design at roughly 17-19 dollars. Rock and Ride has a great vision and feel for creating a lifestyle based clothing line. It’s quite difficult, but they’re on the right track.