Skip to main content

Stanley & Sons — A New Generation of American Made

stanley sons new generation american made 5
Image used with permission by copyright holder
We here at The Manual, love true brand heritage, as does Chris Grodzki.  Chris is the founder of Stanley & Sons Apron & Bag Supply Company.  His grandfather (Stanley) had an apron and supply company two generations ago.

Based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and dedicated to bags and aprons all made by hand, this new venture is a true passion. Chris went to school for photography, then started his brand, to which he devoted evenings and weekends, while working in digital retouching.

Recommended Videos

Since 2008, Stanley & Sons has offered great bags. What makes them great you might ask?  It’s a combination of dedication to a craft with legacy, and the use of materials that will keep you carrying them, year after year. They added in aprons and other small leather goods, such as key fobs, and several sizes zippered cases, that are just the right size to hold those items you don’t want loose in your bag.  Craftsmanship, passion, and integrity are three words that accurately describe what Chris embodies in his small workshop.

Using hand-hammered copper rivets, combined with waxed cotton, and hand-dyed leather, this brand brings an artisanal approach to the art of manufacturing.   Each bag is made to order, so it can take 4-6 weeks from the time of placing your order on their website. This is just one more, great Made in America story, where every apron and bag is built to last.

Tom Handley
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Tom Handley is a contributor for TheManual. As a professor of public relations and social media strategy at Parsons The New…
Classy men’s winter fashion: Timeless staples to elevate your cold-weather style
Stay stylish with these timeless winter staples
Man in suede coat in the snow

The winter is here, and you are undoubtedly deep into your winter wardrobe as you find ways to guard against the cold. Every man's wardrobe needs specific staples that carry him from one season to the next, and the winter is no different. But it isn't just about buying new things every winter; it is also about picking up the right things that will last for years and never go out of style. It isn't about the trendy year-in and year-out items. It is about picking up those classic items that you can pass on to your kids after you invest in quality garments because they are iconic and never go out of style. Don't worry, we put together a list of classy men's winter fashion items that you can shop and elevate your cold-weather wardrobe.
The legendary flannel

There is no more iconic men's cold-weather staple than a good flannel. They are the ultimate in outdoor wear. While they started as a hardworking Welsh fabric to guard against the weather in the dreary UK, it has established itself as the quintessential American masculine shirt worn by everyone from lumberjacks to dockworkers.

Read more
JJJJound and adidas announce the release date for the Superstar remix
adidas, JJJJound announce new sneaker
side view of black leather adidas superstar sneakers

Any shoe with the influence and impact as the adidas Superstar sneaker will always see redesigns and remixes. Throughout the years, this sneaker has seen many differing versions, adding to its legacy as one of the hottest sneakers in recent seasons. Although it’s hard to replicate the same impact as the original design, JJJJound is taking on this iconic silhouette and creating a new sleek design. Although much of the silhouette doesn’t change, this collaboration adds new touches and materials that elevate it to another level. A more sophisticated look for the Superstar sneaker, this collaboration is perfect for those wanting to infuse their street style into any occasion. 
JJJJound x adidas Superstar 90 “Made in Japan”

Donning an all-black look, the collaborative Superstar sneaker uses JJJJound’s recognized Japanese leather for a soft and elegant look. Rather than add new features to the original shoe, this collaboration sees fewer details for a scaled-back appearance. In this latest iteration, the Superstar sneaker appears without its tongue logo and sans emblems on the heel tabs. Besides removing these features, the text “JJJJound” replaces the golden “Superstar” text along the side of the iconic three white stripes. A lowkey and subtle switch-up on a classic sneaker, this collaborative shoe draws a statement from how sleek and modern its appearance is. Ideal for those looking for a more sophisticated everyday sneaker, this collaboration is set to hit the shelves on February 1, 2025. Fans looking to purchase these sleek sneakers can do so via JJJJound’s web store.

Read more
Oak & Oscar releases rugged Humboldt GMT SAR watch for outdoor adventurers
A trip to the woods with the Humboldt GMT SAR Edition
Oak Oscar Humboldt GMT SAR Edition

Oak & Oscar has always been popular for its outdoor inclinations, which is one reason why it created a watch that aligns with the outdoorsy vibe: the Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT SAR Edition. For this limited edition watch, the brand teamed up with the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, which patrols northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) and the entire St. Louis County region.

Covering a piece of land stretching over 100,000 acres, the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe area consists of woodlands with natural streams and lakes—a peaceful haven for getting in touch with nature.

Read more