With & Wessel

Profile

Both minimalist and homey, this wool-focused boutique is all about comfortable, high-quality casualwear. The brand’s single Nolita location houses a limited but well-edited selection of knit tops, bottoms, and scarves, all of which are made in Portugal either from 100 percent merino or a wool blend. Norwegian co-owners—and husband and wife—Stian Tolnaes and Cathrine Wessel originally developed the concept after noticing that, in Scandinavia, people wear wool year-round; the material’s absorbent properties allow the body to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool also happens to be odor-absorbent, antibacterial, renewable, and biodegradable, facts conveniently listed on the store’s shopping bag. The space itself is neat and serene, with white walls and earthy decorative details like wood and rope providing a neutral background for the wares, which come in mostly muted colors, though the occasional striped tee peaks through. For men, there is a small selection of pants and shirts, as well as underwear and socks; women can choose from versatile garments like ultra-lightweight wrap cardigans and floor-length tank dresses.
— Jasmine Dilmanian