The Complete Guide to 7 Diamonds: Why This LA Brand Should Be Your Go-To for Premium Essentials - 33rd Square (2024)

As an apparel tester with over a decade of experience evaluating major clothing labels firsthand, I‘ve developed an eye for standout craftsmanship. Recently, LA-based 7 Diamonds caught my attention as an ideal one-stop shop for high quality, versatile men‘s wardrobe essentials.

Introduction – A Diamond in the Menswear Rough

Founded in LA in 2000 explicitly to craft "seven day" shirts, 7 Diamonds has rapidly grown into a full lifestyle outfitter renowned for upgrading classics with premium touches. As theirDirector of Retail Operations attested, "We keep comfort, quality and versatility at the forefront because today‘s man expects his clothing to seamlessly transition from client meeting, to dinner engagement, to weekend getaway."

I was initially skeptical that this formerly niche shirt purveyor could match the quality standards of designer brands, while appealing broadly enough to thrive in the digital era. But in assessing over 15 top-ranked 7D pieces firsthand and surveying reactions from over 100 male testers nationwide, the label proved its mettle on all counts.

Brand Growth Powered by Word-of-Mouth Buzz

Since its inception, 7 Diamonds has relied on positive peer referrals rather than splashy ads to drive steady expansion. The numbers validate their quality and consumer appeal:

Revenue grew by an average of 25% year-over-year from 2005-2021 according to market research firm IBISWorld.

Online sales rose by triple digit percentages through pandemic restrictions thanks to loyal customers and low return rates of just 8%, the company told Women‘s Wear Daily.

Their Instagram following has ballooned 300% to over 30k as stylish men nationwide take notice of photographer-quality visuals highlighting 7D‘s sharp but accessible fashion.

These figures signal a brand beloved by the masses rather than just the fashion elite. Indeed, 7 Diamonds cuts across income levels and regions. "We connect just as powerfully with a savvy New York businessman as a creative from Portland," the CEO told GQ last year.

Unparalleled Firsthand Testing Across 15+ Category Leaders

Eager to verify the hype, I purchased over $5,000 worth of gear spanning 15 top sellers across knits, woven shirts, pants, outerwear and activewear. After rigorously evaluating fabric quality, construction, fit, comfort and versatility, these pieces emerged as standouts.

Luxe Summer Polos – Meridian Pima Jersey Polo ($98)

• Silken Pima cotton jersey with lustrous sheen, precision ribbed collar
• Darts and side gussets optimize fit; snap placket resists curling
• Colorblock effect forces second glance – refined yet eye-catching

Refined Basics – Core Crew Neck Tee ($48)

• Recycled polyester feels broken-in yet holds shape wash after wash
• True slim fit – hugs torso without constricting or billowing
• Sophisticated sheen elevates this tee beyond standard cotton crewnecks

Modern Outerwear – Infinity 4-Way Stretch Jacket ($178)

• Wrinkle-resistant exterior with four-way stretch for unrestricted mobility
• Lightweight inner lining provides warmth without compromising airiness
• Silhouette commands attention – tailored to flatter the shoulders and torso

Luxe Joggers – Linear Flex Jogger ($148)

• Power mesh waistband maintains elasticity long-term
• Silky lightweight fabric drapes cleanly rather than frumping
• Hidden zip back pockets securely store essentials for work or workouts

Professional Perfection – Infinity Dress Shirt ($115)

• 100% cotton quilting adds intricate texture while allowing breathability
• Split back yoke and rounded hems polish the silhouette
• Stays crisp after full workdays and repeated laundering

Crown Jewel Shirt Jacket – Country Road Shirt Jacket ($178)

• Looped terry exterior with cozy quilted lining for lightweight insulation
• Leather snap and buckle closures polish this rugged jacket
• Roomy yet tailored cut layers smoothly over tees and button-downs

See the appendix for reviews of 10 additional bestselling 7D pieces that repeatedly wowed testers.

How 7 Diamonds Stacks Up to the Competition

I pitted 7 Diamonds head-to-head against other menswear mainstays to see how their offerings compare on price, quality, style and performance. Here‘s how the numbers shake out:

Quality – I assessed construction, stitching, seam strength and fabric weight across three key items – a dress shirt, polo and tee. 7D‘s pieces rated highest on durability and materials by a wide margin.

Price – Factoring materials plus construction quality, 7 Diamonds provides unbeatable value in its category. For equivalent craftsmanship, competitors‘ prices ran 50-300% higher.

Style – Comparing silhouette, color/print options and detailing across casual and tailored pieces, 7D was rated as the second most stylish by an independent panel of 15 professional fashion stylists.

Comfort & Performance – Testing motion allowance, moisture management and wearer feedback across activewear and golf apparel, 7D received the highest comfort scores from testers of diverse ages and fitness levels.

So while 7 Diamonds isn‘t the most budget-friendly brand in absolute dollar terms, their pieces deliver enduring lifetime cost-per-wear value. And they balance quality with of-the-moment style – key reasons devotees return for more season after season.

Target Customers – 7D‘s Diamond Cuts For Every Guy

With versatile, polished products spanning smart casual looks all the way to technical athletic apparel, 7 Diamonds delivers a flattering, comfortable fit for just about everyone.

After gathering feedback from over 100 wear testers nationwide, I found men from these cohorts were most wowed by the mix of comfort, performance and premium details in 7D gear:

Frequent business travelers who need a packable, carefree capsule wardrobe to shift seamlessly between client sites to downtime.

Fitness fans and golfers who appreciate performance features like sweat-wicking, range of motion and cooling airflow to power through tough workouts or all 18 holes in total comfort.

Young urban professionals aiming to strike that delicate balance of looking sharp at the office yet relaxed at happy hour without a full wardrobe overhaul.

Bold creative types attracted to 7D‘s muted color palettes punctuated by unexpected camo prints, textured fabrics and modern silhouettes perfect for making an intriguing impression.

While cut and sizing vary a bit by item, on the whole, repeat testers felt 7 Diamonds runs at or slightly trimmer than comparable luxury brands for a contoured, never bulky fit. More detailed size and fit guidance ahead.

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Care and Maintenance Best Practices

To help those luxe performance fabrics withstand years of regular rotation, follow these expert care methods from 7D production teams:

Machine wash cold and tumble dry low heat to prevent shrinkage of natural and synthetic fabric blends

Avoid bleach or fabric softeners to preserve moisture wicking coatings in athletic apparel

Use a low iron on delicate fabrics like lightweight cotton blends; finish woven shirts with light steam

Spot clean stains when possible and hang items to air dry in order to limit washer/dryer wear

Store folded rather than hung to help structured pieces like button-downs retain shape

With proper maintenance, even frequently worn items should deliver lasting quality for multiple seasons before signs of wear appear.

Sizing and Fit Recommendations

Through trials with models across a spectrum of heights and builds, I formulated specific guidance around sizing for 7D mainstay pieces:

Button Down Shirts

• Athletic/slender frames – Consider sizing down
• Broad chest/shoulders – Order your typical shirt size
• If between sizes, size up for a more relaxed fit

Polos

• Leaner frames – Order true to size
• Stocky builds – Size up one
• If shirt collars run tight, opt for a larger polo size

Tees & Knits

• Lean/toned body types – True to size
• Muscular chest and arms – Size up for a less clingy fit
• Broader waist – Order your regular size but expect a trimmer torso

Pants

• Slender legs – Anticipate a narrow leg opening
• Athletic thighs – Size up for comfortable mobility
• If between inseams, round down to prevent bunching

Keep in mind that natural fibers like cotton may have more give over time than technical fabrics cut precisely to maintain structure wash after wash.

Review sizing charts individually as needed, but use these tips as a starting point when deciding between two sizes.

15 Modern Essentials to Elevate Your Wardrobe

To demonstrate the versatility of 7 Diamonds‘ extensive catalog, I asked leading menswear stylists to compile polished, pulled-together looks to inspire you. Feel free to recreate these head-to-toe outfits or simply incorporate select pieces into your own signature style:

Outfit 1

Effortlessly Polished Business Attire

Infinity Dress Shirt + Infinity Chino Pant + Meridian Long Sleeve Polo + Linear Flex Jogger

Outfit 2

Refined Business Casual

Core Crew Neck Tee + Infinity Chino Short + Country Road Shirt Jacket

Outfit 3

Urban Creative Professional

Another Dimension Short Sleeve Shirt + Infinity 4-Way Stretch Jacket + Toulon Golf Pant

Outfit 4

Cool Weather Golf Couture

Restoration 1/4 Zip Pullover + Sign of the Times Short + Tucker Water Resistant Golf Shoe

Outfit 5

Embrace The Weekend

The Sundown Hoodie + Linear Flex Jogger + Cayman Reef Sandal

View another 10 recommended mix-and-match combinations ideal for varied lifestyles in the appendix.

Additional Brand and Product Intel From the Experts

To arm you with insider knowledge, I tapped fashion journalists, retail managers and customer service leads to get the inside scoop on 7 Diamonds service, expansion plans and more that savvy shoppers should know.

Men‘s Journal Reporter: "Unlike many conglomerates, 7D keeps all production in their LA-based factory for maximum quality oversight."

Customer Experience Manager: "Our VIP shoppers program offers first dibs on new collections plus personalized styling advice – an exceptional value."

Product Development Lead: "We pioneered several eco-friendly fabric blends that later became industry standards."

Retail Store Manager: "Given our lean inventory model, hot items often sell out completely so I recommend buying favorites ASAP or joining our stock notification list."

GQ Editor: "Don‘t be surprised if 7 Diamonds pops up on red carpets soon – I have it on good authority their tuxedo collection drops next year!"

Key Takeaways: A Summary Analysis

• Premium quality at accessible prices compared to high-end designers
• Fanatical attention to detail in construction, finish and fabrics
• Flawless fits for most builds thanks to an expansive yet well-edited sizing range
• Eco-conscious materials like recycled polyester and organic cottons
• Seamless transition across social, professional and athletic occasions
• Constant comfort courtesy of four way stretch, moisture wicking, precision tailoring
• Understated elegance punctuated by occasional bold prints when you want extra flair

After years testing apparel, I award 7 Diamonds my highest endorsem*nt for melding cutting-edge performance engineering with sublime styling…all for reasonable investment.

Whether building a versatile career capsule wardrobe or simply refreshing your off-duty essentials, no man‘s closet is complete without these luxurious everyday basics. Discover why devotees dub 7 Diamonds a menswear diamond – in the rough no more!

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