by Quin Woodward-Pu

Concerned I was getting into a fashion rut with my never-ending dress, heels, and clutch routine, I decided to change things up a bit by giving the sporty look a try. I didn’t want to overwhelm myself in a quest for sartorial upheaval, so I started with baby steps, which led me to a couture T-shirt haven, unexpectedly located in an area known for its prepsters, trust fund babies, and pretenders to the Lilly Pulitzer legacy—of course I’m talking about Georgetown. I was pleasantly surprised to find Solbiato Sport, a part hip hop, part dandy boutique, a refreshing option for those who are looking for something other than a silky blouse or overpriced, mass produced sandals.

Solbiato is both a boutique and a clothing line, both of which are based in DC. There are three parts to the Solbiato brand: Solbiato Sport, Black Label, and Solbiato Kids. They are a relatively new label, but are quickly gaining credibility for their innovative T-shirt designs and hipster-cool hoodies and zip-ups. Screen prints feature graphic designs like graffiti and screenprinting, similar to the style which gained popularity during the 2008 presidential election with the Obama campaign’s take on iconic socialist propaganda artwork. While T-shirts, especially short sleeved ones, seem to be the “bread and butter” of this boutique, Solbiato offers other kinds of apparel, such as sweaters, sweatpants, and general outerwear and a line of jeans to be sold in the near future.

Because Solbiato is such a neophyte on the fashion scene, the store offers other high-end designer clothing, for example Armani, to provide a variety of options. All the clothes have a unified look, however, with the street chic aesthetic and the insouciant coolness that comes from being envisioned by designers that could spend much of their time around U Street. Its Georgetown location makes it that much more awesome, and watching pastel clad shoppers walk into the store is a bit like watching a dog walk on its hind feet.

Just because Solbiato sells T-shirts and other sports related apparel doesn’t make it an inexpensive store by any means: just one tee will put you back at least $100, with most being even more. Even Solbiato Kids shirts cost this much. To offset the pain to your wallet, however, each design has a cool, one word name, like “Symptom,” “Panno,” and “Lights,” which only coyly hint at the actual design featured on their namesake. Plenty of appeal to Solbiato clothing is knowing about this new store and all its designs.

I’ll probably stick to my sundress and sandal uniform for now, but should I ever want to channel my streetwise style, I know exactly where to go to look for clothes. Be on the lookout for Solbiato to explode in popularity, with its grasp on great style, obvious functionality, and mass appeal to both designer snobs and the fashionably unconcerned alike.

Save up to 68% at the End of Season Sale at Charles Tyrwhitt! Shirts start at just $39. Expires 8.16.09.