Glein Clothing: Affordable luxury made in Vienna

What do you think of when you think of a luxury good? 

Even though times have changed since the economic boom, when bling-bling was rampant and conspicuous consumption a given, there’s still a tendency to award more value to objects that are expensive than to simple things made with care. 

A cotton t-shirt, made of a mix of organic cotton and modal, made in Europe, may seem like nothing special much, but in the hands of Glein that’s not the case. 

The Austrian brand headed by Sebastian Leitinger, based out of Vienna, adheres to just a few tenets, but is very principled about them. Firstly, comfort. The t-shirts, for example, are produced in two lengths, to accommodate different body types. Unlike other brands, they don’t just expect you to fit into the t-shirt. The blend they use is more comfortable than just a 100% cotton t-shirt. Unlike what people think of 100% anything, it’s precisely the proportion of materials that determines the comfort level. 

The same goes for Glein’s shoe offering. Made of soft vegetable tanned leathers, they are supremely comfortable, too. Taking care not to coat the insides of the leather, these are shoes free of harmful substances: good for the skin andthe foot’s humidity, as well as less polluting. 

A second way in which Glein has its customers in mind, is by keeping their prices down. Cleverly, they haven’t done that by using cheaper materials or paying their European producers less – instead they opt to sell their product in their own store only. 

This means a smaller production batch, no transcontinental transportation and no middlemen to pay. This keeps costs down all the while paying their staff a European wage, and keeps waste down by not overproducing. A win-win situation. 

Each item – a pair of ankle boots, a short sleeved t-shirt, a wallet – is minimal, perfectly formed and subtle, making them stand out in their simplicity. Step into their Vienna atelier and shop for a lesson in easy elegance and respectful commerce.