Microsoft as a company is perhaps best known for their software, like Windows and Microsoft Office. Their hardware meanwhile is also rather popular, such as the Xbox game consoles and Surface devices. But what about Microsoft’s Hardwear?
Now before you comment about how I made a typo there, that’s no mistake. Microsoft has indeed released a new clothing line called Hardwear. Specifically, the Redmond company is calling it their first ever ‘capsule collection of clothing and merchandise’ under the Microsoft brand. Leading this new clothing line is the famous designer Gavin Mathieu, whose previous work includes 4Hunnid Records and Supervsn Studios.
Microsoft Hardwear debuts with nine pieces of clothing and accessories for now, which includes everything from a USD45 Hardwear Hat, a USD80 pair of Hardwear Sweatpants, a USD135 Hardwear Green Utility Jacket and even a USD60 Hardwear Blue Sky Green Hill T-shirt. That last one in particular is probably one of the most interesting ones, as it has the iconic green hill wallpaper synonymous with Windows XP plastered on the back of the of it.
As Microsoft’s Amanda O’Neal writes, they worked together with Mathieu partly due to their shared philosophy. Both Microsoft and Mathieu want to create to uplift and empower others, with the Hardwear clothing line reflecting that with its ‘normcore’ style and aesthetic. Mathieu in particular even used MS Paint as a design element when crafting out Hardwear. And speaking of the Blue Sky Green Hill T-shirt with the classic Windows XP wallpaper:
“I grew up with this iconic image as a symbol of potential, opportunity, and hope. A nod to thinking outside the box,” – Gavin Mathieu
If you’re keen on getting one of these cool new pieces off the Microsoft Hardwear lineup, you can pre-order them now already, though they will only ship in August. You can click here to see the entire Hardwear collection on the Microsoft shop.
