Feeling lost in the maze of menswear options? You’re not alone. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of brands and styles available today. While some enjoy the hunt for niche items, many guys just want to dress better without making it a full-time hobby. If you’re asking yourself, “Where To Buy Clothes to improve my look?”, this guide is for you. We’ve cut through the noise to bring you a curated list of stores and brands that offer a straightforward approach to building a stylish and versatile wardrobe.
In a world of endless choices, simplicity is key. Remember when shopping for clothes was less complicated? Fewer brands, simpler styles, and knowledgeable salespeople made it easier to find what you needed. Now, the rise of countless brands, each with hyper-specific offerings, has made the landscape confusing. If you’re not sure where to start, focusing on retailers with a cohesive aesthetic can be a game-changer.
Forget the outdated rules of menswear. Today’s style is about personal expression and comfort. The modern question isn’t about rigid suit requirements, but rather, “How can I look put-together and feel confident in various situations?”. Preventive maintenance, as they say, is crucial. Investing a little time upfront in choosing the right places to shop will significantly improve your style and confidence in the long run. So, let’s dive into where you should be shopping to look your best.
Simple Ideas to Start Shopping
Embrace Simplicity.
Men’s clothing doesn’t have to be complicated. The overwhelming number of options can be paralyzing. Sticking to stores with a curated collection that aligns with your desired style simplifies the process. If you appreciate a classic aesthetic, shopping at retailers known for that style will naturally lead you to pieces that work well together.
New Style Rules.
The old wardrobe formula is outdated. Modern menswear is about versatility and personal style, not rigid sets of suits and dress shirts. It’s about choosing clothes that reflect your lifestyle and make you feel good. This guide helps you navigate the modern menswear landscape and find stores that align with a contemporary approach to style.
Top Stores and Brands: Where to Shop for Clothes
For many, the sheer volume of clothing options leads to sticking with comfortable basics like athleisure wear. However, expanding your wardrobe doesn’t need to be daunting. Understanding your personal style and knowing a few key retailers can make shopping for clothes a much simpler and more enjoyable experience.
Alt text: Sid Mashburn store interior showcasing classic menswear and tailored clothing.
Sid Mashburn: Sid Mashburn isn’t just a store; it’s a brand with a strong point of view on style, craftsmanship, and product design. Everything in the store reflects Sid’s personal style, ensuring a curated and consistently excellent selection. The beauty of Sid Mashburn lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and design. They prioritize creating the best possible products and even feature exceptional items from other brands, like Filson. Shopping at Sid Mashburn is a “safe space” for style, where you can trust that everything is well-made and stylish. Sid Mashburn embodies high standards and humility, a rare combination, and delivers exceptional customer service.
What to buy: Explore everything – from tailored suits to casual sportswear and even unique items like their famous peanuts.
Vibe: Classic American sportswear and tailoring with a distinctive Southern charm.
Alt text: Buck Mason storefront in Los Angeles featuring classic American casual wear.
Buck Mason: Based in Los Angeles, Buck Mason is your go-to for classic American clothing essentials. Similar to brands like Brunello Cucinelli where entire collections effortlessly coordinate, Buck Mason offers a line of earth-toned garments that are designed to be mixed and matched. You could build your entire wardrobe here and achieve a consistently classic and effortlessly cool style.
What to buy: Denim jeans, durable outerwear, comfortable tee shirts, and all the wardrobe staples in between.
Vibe: Effortless California cool and laid-back style.
Alt text: Alex Mill menswear collection featuring a striped shirt and Donegal wool sweater.
Alex Mill: Alex Mill brings a touch of playful sophistication to classic American style. It’s a brand that feels well-traveled and offers a slightly more adventurous take on traditional menswear. You’ll always find signature pieces like Breton striped shirts alongside refined knitwear such as their Donegal wool crew neck sweater. Alex Mill excels at adding subtle twists to classics, like their corduroy shirts, offering a fresh alternative to mainstream styles. Don’t overlook their pants selection, which features diverse fits and high-quality fabrics.
What to buy: Versatile pants, stylish barn coats, cozy sweaters, practical chore coats, and well-designed shirts and jackets.
Vibe: Imagine a Wes Anderson-esque creative director, equally at home in Puglia and Silverlake, influencing the brand’s aesthetic.
Alt text: Ayr menswear showcasing classic overshirt and knitwear pieces.
Ayr: Ayr recently expanded into menswear, with a collection designed by Brice Pattison (formerly of JCrew and Todd Snyder). The Ayr men’s line is firmly rooted in classic styles, but with unique pieces that stand out. While incorporating subtle 90s influences, Ayr avoids venturing into overly trendy territory, offering a balanced and accessible approach to modern menswear.
What to buy: Explore the entire collection, with a focus on their knitwear, versatile jackets, and especially their stylish overshirts.
Vibe: Think New Yorker relocated to San Francisco – a blend of city sophistication and West Coast ease.
Alt text: J.Crew menswear featuring a chamois shirt and retro puffer vest.
J.Crew: J.Crew is experiencing a revival, offering appealing pieces like their chamois shirt and retro puffer vest. While leaning towards an East Coast prep aesthetic, J.Crew still provides versatile classic items and frequently offers promotions. Their tech pants (and shorts in summer) are also a solid choice, particularly as golf pants.
What to buy: Stock up on sweaters, versatile shirt jackets, cozy flannel and corduroy shirts, and reliable outerwear. The Ludlow suit line remains a great value option for tailored clothing.
Vibe: A modern take on nautical and Bowery prep style.
Alt text: Madewell menswear collection with unbranded denim and casual basics.
Madewell: Madewell is an excellent source for essential basics and quality denim. The largely unbranded nature of their clothing is a significant advantage for those who prefer understated style. Often overlooked in menswear, Madewell offers versatile pieces that transcend East or West Coast stereotypes. With good fits, easy-to-style designs, and strong categories ranging from outerwear to bottoms, Madewell works for a wide range of men.
What to buy: Focus on their denim jeans, versatile pants, curated third-party selections, lightweight outerwear, and surprisingly great shoes.
Vibe: Classic denim style with a hint of The Strokes’ effortless cool.
Alt text: Todd Snyder menswear featuring leather desert boots and Birkenstock sandals.
Todd Snyder: Positioned at a slightly higher price point, Todd Snyder offers an extensive collection encompassing everything from their main line to collaborations. It’s the ideal destination for quality leather footwear, such as their Nomad desert boots or Birkenstock sandals. Todd Snyder consistently partners with noteworthy brands across various categories, ensuring a comprehensive selection of desirable menswear under one roof.
What to buy: Explore their exclusive items, collaborations, curated third-party products, outerwear, shirt jackets, and especially their footwear selection.
Vibe: A curated selection of the best global styles, filtered through a sophisticated New York City lens.
Other Notable Brands for Elevated Style:
Drake’s: Drake’s is synonymous with exceptional quality. Building your entire wardrobe solely from Drake’s would result in an undeniably enviable style.
Trunk Clothiers: Similar to Sid Mashburn, Trunk Clothiers is a multi-brand store with its own label. Based in London, Trunk Clothiers curates a trustworthy selection of British, Italian, American, and Japanese brands that harmonize seamlessly.
Polo Ralph Lauren: While sometimes overlooked, Polo Ralph Lauren remains a strong contender in specific categories. It’s an excellent place to find suits (especially under $1600), quality knitwear, classic chino pants, and reliable outerwear. Navigating their vast selection requires a focused approach, but the rewards are significant.
Sunspel: Sunspel is renowned for its high-quality knitwear and basics. Their entire line is characterized by excellent craftsmanship and a clean, timeless aesthetic. For simple yet refined pieces, Sunspel is the ideal destination.
Slowear: Slowear embodies an Italian-inspired style, encompassing four distinct labels, all known for their stylish designs and superior quality. Positioned at a slightly higher price point, Slowear is a step up from some of the other brands listed.
By focusing on these brands and stores, you can simplify your approach to buying clothes and build a wardrobe that reflects your personal style and elevates your overall look. Start exploring these retailers and discover the ease of shopping for quality menswear.
