Polar & Friends
Capturing the energy and spirit of the season, the much anticipated Polar Skate Co. Summer 20 collection acts as a signal for longer days and good times. The memorable oversized silhouettes which have helped Polar to stand out amongst the crowd of an ever-growing number of independent skate brands emerging from Europe have been kept firmly in place, enhanced by new graphic prints, custom artwork and lightweight fabrics. Revised core styles such as the Karate and Surf Pants, Big Boy Jeans and Stroke Logo T-Shirt act as familiar essentials that are favoured for their quality and versatility whilst new designs demonstrate Polar’s experimental and often playful approach to design, with strong references to skateboarding fashions of the ‘90s.
Whilst Polar are celebrated for their creativity and independent spirit, what stands out above all else is their sense of community. The brands own selection of team riders are located internationally, from Malmö, Sweden to the USA to the south coast of Japan - all with a shared vision for unique skate styling and individual expression which for some extends to their own artwork being presented across apparel, accessories and skate decks. As the most celebrated event of the spring, Chigasaki native Shin Sanbongi has been officially welcomed to the team having caught the attention of Polar founder Pontus Alv with his organic, surf-inspired skate style developed through his upbringing on Japan’s southern coastline. Artwork by guest artist Isaiah Kennedy helps to mark the occasion across t-shirts and an official pro Sanbongi surf skateboard model designed by the rider himself.
Inspired by the easy-going mood of summer, we’ve pulled out a selection of key pieces from the SU20 drop and paired them with new arrivals from the likes of Carhartt, adidas, Patagonia and Vans to help guide you through the best picks of the season.
Polar Jean Jacket | Carhartt Pocket T-Shirt | Nike SB Sunday Shorts | Nike SB Blazer Low GT
Taking us back to beach days during the early ‘90s, this season Polar has experimented with different wash effects to achieve a distinctive retro look across otherwise simple silhouettes. As a rework on a timeless denim outerwear style, the Polar Jean Jacket has been treated with a vivid bleach effect that has a certain nostalgic edge thanks to its similarity to popular acid wash styles of the early ‘90s. Going hand in hand with a new tropical print chosen for the Nike SB Sunday Shorts, the Carhatt Pocket T-Shirt acts as the perfect base to show off both the jacket and shorts and of course no old school inspired outfit would be complete without a pair of Nike SB Blazer Low GT Shoes with a low-cut silhouette and contrasting side Swoosh tick decoration that have been pulled from an archival design.
Civilist Chakra Dyed Crewneck Sweatshirt | Polar Seersucker Swim Shorts | Civilist Pusher Bag | Carhartt Chase Socks | adidas Coronado
Suitable for wear in and out of the water, the Polar Seersucker Swim Shorts are a bright new addition to the season with a lightweight, quick-drying finish and simple embroidery on the left leg that makes them a true summer essential for spontaneous ventures. The distinctive berry colourway pairs particularly well with the Civilist Chakra Dyed Crewneck Sweatshirt and the practical purple Pusher Bag, two new colour-pop additions from Alex Flach and Andreas Hesse’s Berlin based label. Helping to accentuate the fruity tones, double up on crisp white accessories with Carhartt Chase Socks and the adidas Coronado Shoes which have smooth uppers and suede detailing for a premium finish.
Patagonia P-6 Label Trad Cap | Polar Stripe Surf T-Shirt | Parlez Kirby Hipbag | Poetic Collective Painter Pants | Converse Louie Lopez Pro Ox
Equipped with utilitarian pockets, Poetic Collective introduced their own version of a classic Painter Pant style this season with a loose fit and wide legs that suit the oversized silhouette of Polar’s Stripe Surf T-Shirt. No doubt inspired by late ‘80s designs, the all over monochrome ‘Surf’s Up’ print acts as a more experimental take on the classic stripe with an exotic tiki-style look that is reminiscent of vintage resort wear and brings a new character to a style with a custom cut that makes it an all-important player within any Polar release. Best accompanied by low-key accessories, keep to the monochrome theme with the practical Parlez Kirby Hipbag, the 100% organic cotton Patagonia P-6 Label Trad Cap and the Converse Louie Lopez Pro Ox Shoes which have rubber backed suede uppers which provide an impressive level of abrasion resistance when worn across a variety of terrains.
Patagonia Go To Shirt | Polar Cord Surf Pants | Vans Slip-On Pro
Refreshed in a smoke colourway, the Polar Cord Surf Pants offer relaxed everyday comfort thanks to their freedom fit, adjustable waistband and rollable hems. Sure to become your new favourite trouser style, the selected fine wale cord is naturally durable so it will stand up to skate induced abrasions and the new earthy colourway easily pairs with similar organic tones as seen on the Patagonia Go To Shirt, an easy-going style made from a lightweight, breathable blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester that is further enhanced by an all over flower-inspired print. The cut of the trousers work with a variety of footwear styles such as the Vans Slip-On Pro Shoes with pearl coloured uppers and a gum rubber outsole equipped with the famous Vans waffle tread for reliable traction.
Polar Big Boy Long Sleeve T-Shirt | Polar Zip Neck Sweatshirt | Patagonia Baggies Lights Shorts | adidas Matchbreak Super
As modern takes on activewear essentials, the vibrant blue, yellow and orange colour pop accents within this ensemble pack a punch whilst making for go-to everyday picks. As a versatile base, the Patagonia Baggies Lights Shorts are made from a 100% recycled material with a smooth, quick-drying finish that allows for easy mixing and matching with a selection of tops. Depending on the weather, take your pick from the Polar Zip Neck Sweatshirt which has a protective raised collar that offers coverage during cooler evening skate sessions whilst the Polar Big Boy Long Sleeve T-Shirt is cool and comfortable with a bold graphic print highlighted by a bright flash of colour. As the highest-quality vulcanised style to date within adidas’ skateboarding line, the Matchbreak Supers feature a detailed, grip-focused tread pattern making it the perfect shoe for all day comfort whether you’re by the coast or exploring the city.
Throughout new releases for 2020 the feeling of streetwear becoming progressively more refined is prominent with subtle detailing and custom features that demonstrate a consideration to versatility and timelessness. The creative vision of the skate industry’s most successful independent brands continues to be expressed within custom prints, graphics and colour tones whilst the latest innovation and skate performance features from the great Nike SB and adidas never fail to impress. With big moves being made within the industry for greater sustainable practise and transparency, we’re eagerly waiting to see what our go-to brands think of next.
The Polar Skate Co. Summer 20 collection releases on Friday 26th June at 9am.
Shop all Polar Skate Co. at Flatspot.
