Massif, which is known for its fire-resistant clothing worn by smokejumpers, is bringing a swanky civilian line to upscale stores like Bloomingdale’s. (
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This is taking “dressed to kill” to a whole new level.
Massif — a supplier of combat clothes to elite US military units — is launching a mens wear line at Bloomingdale’s, The Post has learned.
The details of the items are drawn from the high-tech outfits it makes for SWAT Teams, CIA operatives and war snipers.
That means stylish shirts, sportjackets and trousers are battle-tested for boardrooms and bars — with moisture-wicking technology, stretch fabrics, and stealth pockets in unusual but useful places.
“Snipers can’t be crawling around getting caught on branches and rocks,” said Scott Branscum, Massif’s general merchandise manager, noting the company’s high-tech sniper suits typically hug the wearer’s frame.
Those same stretchy fabrics, when assembled with the designer’s unique seam structures, gusseting and ergonomic shaping, can also make a pretty sharp-looking sportjacket, according to the exec.
This fall’s “Officer Coat,” which will retail for $595, is a navy herringbone jacket whose tweed is woven from a stretch wool blend calibrated to flatter the figure.
“It’s shaped — not fitted,” according to Branscum, who notes that Massif’s svelte designs are somewhat akin to those of rock ‘n’ roll men’s clothier John Varvatos.
“ ‘Fitted’ means, ‘It’s skinny and I can’t move in this,’” Branscum says. “‘Shaped’ means, ‘It doesn’t look too skinny and it doesn’t look too baggy.’ ”
Pockets are another key area of expertise claimed by Massif.
“We probably don’t want the word to get out on this, but Navy SEALs are great at sewing,” Larsen told The Post, noting that relocating shirt and jacket pockets to more useful places — frequently from the torso to the sleeves — is a common adjustment.
Massif co-founder Jeff Roberts, who started the Oregon-based company in 1999 with a line of flame-resistant shirts for forest firefighters, devised the idea of an upscale menswear line two years ago.