e ssential shopping
Jazzman By Lauren Smith
On the 300 block of State Street, Jazzman has been a men’s clothing institution in Madison since its 1980 debut. And when it comes to the fashion found
inside the brick and mortar walls, you’ll notice it is fun to be a little different. That’s the philosophy Jazzman owners Craig Butenhoff and Paul Strong run their store by, and that sartorial credo is apparent the minute you walk through the door. More casual than dress, Jazzman offers pieces that have been kicked up a notch. From paisley and floral blazers and slimcut denim to uniquely patterned socks and a decorative array of bowties and pocket squares, Jazzman offers classic basics with a contemporary twist. You’ll find amped-up pieces from brands like Ben Sherman, Scotch and Soda, Original Penguin, Michael Kors, and Joe’s Jeans, to name just a few. And while some brand names register immediately with customers, others, such as Scotch and Soda out of Amsterdam, bring a little bit of something new and unexpected to Madison.
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Being in such a diverse city, the Jazzman customer ranges from 18 to 75 years old. The goal is then to offer timeless style and fashion that can carry a man from season to season with the occasional statement piece thrown in for good measure. “As a major university town, we’re afforded a fresh audience of people every year,” says Paul. “You get the student, the brother, the father; you get visiting teams and their fans; and the musicians that play at the local venues. The common denominators between them