Guys tend to have a whole different approach when it comes to clothes shopping. Rather than spending hours trawling the internet for the perfect outfit – be it a wedding guest dress or a different look for each day at Glastonbury – they instead prefer a one-shot approach. Generally speaking, that means a bulk order of a selection of pieces they’ll wear on rotation throughout the year, from a select few men’s clothing brands. Smart, streamlined and reliable.
That could be shirting, tailoring, T-shirts, denim, outerwear, polo shirts – you name it, lots of men like to get almost everything from a handful of reliable places. With that in mind, it’s prudent to know the best men’s clothing brands so you don’t end up buying the first thing you find on Google. And when you begin to discover labels that resonate with your personal style and taste, you’ll not only end up becoming a loyal customer – you’ll have a clear idea of the discrepancies between sizing and silhouettes at different places, making it easier to shop. It can be tempting to embark on a complete wardrobe overhaul, but men with an innate sense of style amass pieces steadily over time. This way, you can learn what you like – and what you don’t – and become familiar with brands’ product offerings. Perhaps you can even drop hints to your loved ones during gifting season.
When building a hard-working wardrobe, it’s best to follow a quiet luxury agenda: not just because “stealth wealth” has been on the rise ever since Logan Roy and his family first graced our screens in Succession back in 2018, but also because menswear looks best when understated quality is prioritised. You’ll get maximum use out of pieces – buy well, and they’ll last a long time – plus you won’t be hard-pressed to find something to wear, given pared-back staples are easy to mix and match.
Our advice? Look for brands which do the classics and do them well. The key is to remember it’s all in the detail. Those who favour a holistic approach should curate a capsule wardrobe, comprised of versatile basics including T-shirts, denim, shirts and knitwear. Retailers including Cos, Sunspel, Asket and Studio Nicholson excel in this department. And while essentials can form easy, mix-and-match foundations for an outfit, it’s also worth investing in a designer accessory that will make a look truly your own, from the likes of Bottega Veneta, Prada and Loewe.
Scroll on for Vogue’s edit of the best men’s brands, organised by category for ease.
- The high-street hero: Cos Merino Wool Wide-Leg Trousers, £139
- A touch of luxury: Loewe XL Puzzle Tote, £1,800
- The best white T-shirt: Sunspel Supima Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, £115
- The standout independent: Wales Bonner Original Cap, £195
- High-end high street: Reiss Linen Trousers, £148
- For denim: Studio Nicholson Riso Jeans, £230
