Sustain Stories: Nils Romeborn
Sustain Stories: Nils Romeborn
Nils is a medical student who, outside of work, trades white uniforms for something more personal. Style has become a way for him to express who he is through garments made to last, worn with care and sometimes passed on. With a focus on classic cuts and quality materials, he has built a wardrobe that is constantly evolving.
How would you describe your style?
I like classic menswear, especially styles from 50 or 60 years ago. Wide trousers, broad lapels. At the same time, I’m quite expressive and enjoy playing with colour, shape and different fabrics. I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and creators with a similar approach. More timeless than trend-driven. I try to think long-term.
How has your style changed over time?
When I was younger, it was more about brands and logos. Now it’s more important that I genuinely like what I wear and actually use it. I’m much more aware of fit, quality and materials today. And I appreciate garments that have a story.
What do you look for when buying second-hand?
First of all, that the piece feels right for me. Good quality, a nice colour, and something that complements my wardrobe rather than replaces it. I also think about whether it can live on if I decide to sell it later, so I avoid pieces that feel too tied to a specific trend.
Why is material so important to you?
Material makes all the difference. Wool and cashmere are comfortable to wear and age beautifully. Polyester never feels the same, neither on the body nor over time.
How did Sustain come into the picture?
The first thing I sold through Sustain was a blazer that was bought by a banker - apparently a bit of a local celebrity. That made it clear to me that Sustain isn’t about price, but about quality. Garments made to be worn year after year. If you want to think sustainably and long-term, the quality has to match.
Do you have any advice for shopping second-hand?
Try not to focus too much on size, look at the cut and the fabric instead. If a blazer fits well in the shoulders, almost everything else can be adjusted by a tailor. I found a blazer in an exclusive Skyfall fabric from Drago at a great price. After a few alterations, it was basically a made-to-measure piece.
Have you ever modified a garment?
Yes, I bought an oilskin coat from Sustain’s Archive Collection. After a while, I felt something was missing. I thought I wanted something new, but realised it was actually a brown corduroy collar I was after. So instead of buying a new coat, I bought the fabric and had it added by my favourite tailor. Apparently, that detail was very important to me, haha.
