It's Spring preview time in the world of menswear, and while those slicing arctic winds may suggest the opposite, trust me: Now's the time to meet the brands that'll be selling fast come rain season.

And speaking of which, let's start with this sailor jacket from CREEP, a line that, aside from reminding us of that lovely ditty by Radiohead (or TLC, you pick), is technically Japanese, only with an interesting Toronto twist. A little over 10 years after founding the label CREEP in 1997, Kiyofumi Awai, decided to hand the design reins to his Toronto-based brother Hiroshi, who, for a dude who had zero experience making clothes, has since taken the line to newer, more stylish heights.

Echoing CREEP's standard aesthetic, the jacket fuses elements of American workwear (note the utilitarian array of pockets, for instance) with progressive Japanese design, and will surely charm those who prefer practicality over panache. That said, don't be afraid to contrast the jacket's technical vibe with something dressier, like, say, some brogues and a pair of worker trousers. Remember, when it comes to style, opposites often get along, and well.

$315. Available on line at Uncle Otis, 26 Bellair St., 416-920-2281