Blue Tattoo to Bow Men's Line

Blue Tatoo is entering the menswear market with a line of tattoo-inspired sportswear and denim that will debut for Holiday 2004.

The 3-year-old apparel maker will produce its denim and casualwear at a vertical production facility near downtown Los Angeles.

Blue Tattoo menswear is influenced by the counterculture lifestyle of old chopper motorcycle and classic hot rod enthusiasts, said Jim Shaffer, designer at the Los Angeles– based apparel company. “The vintage designs have an edgy tattoo twist that most men would be inspired to wear,” he said.

Blue Tattoo’s better casual, yet edgy apparel line for men offers long-sleeved, shortsleeved and sleeveless T-shirts in 8-ounce 1x1 cotton knit and 7-ounce jersey knit. The company emblazons its signature tattoo-inspired screen prints on each style.

Additionally, the line offers three denim styles: a basic, relaxed fit; a low-rise, boot-cut look; and a vintage Western-style jean with flap pockets and custom stitching. Blue Tattoo men’s denim is made with rigid and wool-denim fabrics and finished with novelty treatments including dye washes and sandblasting.

With retail price points between $40 and $120, the line will be sold at better department stores and boutiques such as Saks, Macy’s and H. Lorenzo.

For more information, visit the Tool Box showroom at 127 E. Ninth St., suite 501, in downtown Los Angeles, or call (213) 624- 8665. —C.F.