Mr Marvis on wanting to become the number one shorts-and-trousers brand on Earth
The Amsterdam brand’s creative director, Steven Vrendenbarg, talks to us about crafting the perfect pair of hot-weather essentials and the importance of sustainable creation
Words: Josh Lee
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It’s hot out there, and with the high temperatures comes the need to dress accordingly. At Gentleman’s Journal, as the mercury continues to shoot up, we’ve been turning to linen shirts to keep everything breezy, having our favourite sunglasses on rotate to make sure our peepers are well protected, and, like many other menswear enthusiasts out there, we’ve been lacing up our go-to pairs of minimalist white sneakers.
Then, of course, comes the topic of shorts. For years, we’ve put myriad options through rigorous testing, from slim and trim models to those with slightly oversized fits – yet, like a well-tailored navy suit, one brand we tend to fall back on when needing something reliable and failsafe is Mr Marvis, for the fact that it seamlessly brings together sleek silhouettes with a revered eco-friendly approach.
When it launched in 2016, the Amsterdam-based maker began with a simple mantra: to create the perfect shorts. “When we originally set out to develop the prototype of our first pair of shorts, we had a few key elements in mind,” says Steven Vrendenbarg, the company’s creative director. “They needed to be high quality, timeless, and perfect for any sunny occasion.
Consideration of fit, too, would also help cement the label’s products – all of which are made in Portugal with high-quality craftsmanship in mind – as top tier.
“At the same time, we also knew that shorts are only as good as they are comfortable. That’s why we also placed a lot of emphasis on the fit and feel of the shorts. The idea was that the perfect shorts should be able to go from the beach to the boulevard, and everything in-between.
“Eventually, we landed on ‘The Originals’, our vision of the perfect shorts. Today, the same shorts are still available, and the ultimate fit and feel hasn’t changed one bit,” says Vrendenbarg of the company’s signature range, one which proffers items in stretch-cotton – a flexible material suitable for a range of body types – that are mid-length, feature an above-the-knee hemline, and, within an hour of wear, mould perfectly to the contours of the area on which they’re worn.
Since the establishment of its core products, Mr Marvis has, like other ambitious menswear brands, blossomed its offerings, both in terms of materials used – “now, we have shorts made from piqué, seersucker, corduroy, linen, and more” – and colour: “Our colour choice is broader than ever before. For ‘The Originals’ alone, we now have over 40 marvellous colours and prints to choose from!” (Additionally, as with all products, once a fit or design has been launched, it’ll never be altered.)
But, fit and form aside, what’s also helped Mr Marvis make its mark on the industry is its ethical spirit, which shows itself, for example, through a slow-fashion approach that prevents rapid-turnaround collections and, therefore, more landfill. “Each style is thoughtfully designed and crafted right from the start. We take plenty of time for the design and production process and don’t rush through a full collection in a matter of days,” states Vrendenbarg. “This results in a very well-thought-out product that can be enjoyed for a long time. At the same time, we try to keep our products as affordable as possible, especially considering their premium materials. Additionally, we also never sell through retailers: every Mr Marvis is solely purchasable from our own physical and online stores.
“As a company, specifically in the clothing industry, we feel that it is our duty to minimise our environmental impact wherever possible,” says Vrendenbarg, expanding on the company’s green-fingered approach.
“It’s about using our business as a force for good. Not only by minimising our negative impact on the planet, but also by maximising our positive impact on everyone interacting with our brand. We are very proud that, since March 2023, we can call ourselves a Certified B Corporation. This certification covers various impact points of our business, from fair and inclusive working conditions to charitable giving to environmental impact.”
As part of its medium- to long-term goals, Mr Marvis is aiming to be net zero by 2030 – notably, to achieve this goal, the company is stepping away from conventional cotton to organic cotton, which not only reduces the carbon emissions involved in the process, but also lowers water consumption, as well as the use of harmful pesticides and fertilisers.
Other sustainable measures include the notion of never overstocking or incinerating – “every Mr Marvis made will eventually find its way to our customers” – only recycled paper is used for the packaging, swimwear is crafted from recycled polyamide, and extra buttons are provided only when needed.
Of late, Mr Marvis has launched its SS23 campaign, ‘A Marvellous Summer’, a range that’s partly made up of two new styles – ‘The Linens’ and ‘The Short Cords’, both of which are meant to be worn when off-duty and enjoying the good weather – and fully showcases vivid, spirited colours that speak to the season’s feel-good climes.
When it comes to the former additions, ‘The Linens’ are a breezy, light selection of legwear – made from 70 per cent Belgian linen and 30 per cent cotton – that can be worn from your early-morning trip to the café to the deck chair on the coast, all the way into the evening at the local bar. The nine shades on offer – from light-blue to dark-grey – simply heighten the versatility.
Then, ‘The Short Cords’ make use of a lightweight corduroy fabric that injects a subtle ribbed texture into a summertime essential; features two adjustable drawstrings, which, in effect, offer a retro slant; and, once again, are done out in a diverse palette, this time in ten colours, including the bold, bright-green ‘Luckies’ and the neutral beige ‘Gazettes’.
Following the conclusion of summer, and beyond its already ambitious aim of becoming net zero by the end of the decade, Vrendenbarg also offers insight as to what other goals the company has in mind.
“We’re on a mission to become the number one shorts-and-trousers brand on the planet!” he proudly states.
“In the short term, an important step in that ambitious goal is the opening of more physical stores. Right now, that means growing and expanding throughout Europe. We already have a store in Antwerp [there are also three spaces in the Netherlands], but, later this year, we’re also looking forward to opening our first location in Munich, Germany. We’re also constantly planning well-thought-out additions to our growing collection. At the same time, we want to grow responsibly and stick to our promise to drive conscious decisions.”
“In the longer term, we’re looking to continue our goal of spreading positive energy in the world.”
Looking for more summer-related content? Here’s how to dress (and what to pack) for a long-haul flight…
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