As somebody who literally online shops menswear for a living, I know better than anybody how overwhelming the infinite choices of online shopping can feel at times. The Internet is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to shopping; on the one hand, you can find everything. On the other hand, if you don’t have a specific vision in mind, you have to sort through all that everything to get to something. That’s where I come in.
Over my years at Esquire, I’ve come to rely on a handful of brands as my go-to, always-trustworthy sites. If you’re a frequent reader of our shopping stories, these brands will be familiar to you—we recommend them often, because we know they deliver in terms of quality and looks. These are the brands we love and that we know you love, the shortlist that’s always in my back pocket as I write shopping content.
Consider this your menswear field guide. No matter what price range you’re shopping in, we’ve got our favorite picks for you here. And, of course, there are many other brands we love and trust, too, but the 20 below are the best of the best. Shop like a menswear editor does, by shopping the brands menswear editors do.
Low Range Brands
These are your affordable basics. The brands I tell you to stock up on, ’cause they’re so well-priced to begin with. Hanes is a shining star around Esquire’s offices—we’ve raved about the brand’s affordable tees before, and we’ll happily do it again. If you want some tough, cozy sweats, Champion is the way to go, and as far as “affordable basics” go, no one is doing it as clean and cool as Uniqlo is. Gap is all about delivering high-quality pieces at great prices, whether you’re looking for trendy jeans or timeless tees.
Mid-Range Brands
Our favorite mid-range brands are universal crowd pleasers. They’re still affordable, but slightly elevated in terms of quality, looks, and price. Everlane and Abercrombie always deliver for basics that don’t quit, from overcoats and hoodies to knit sweaters and denim. Quince is quickly becoming a crowd-favorite, but it’s been an editor-favorite for a long, long time; the high-end apparel (especially the brand’s Mongolian cashmere knits) at unbeatable prices are pretty damn—well, unbeatable. You’re likely no stranger to Zara, but we keep going back to the brand for its fashion-forward collaborations and on-trend silhouettes.
Mid-to-High Range Brands
For styles you’re willing to invest a little bit more money on, these are the brands to know. Anything you buy from the brands below will last you for years to come, in durability and in style. Lululemon is an athleisure icon, providing everything from running shorts to sweat-wicking blazers. Banana Republic is all about timeless elegance, while Calvin Klein’s sleek, cool factor hasn’t quit for decades. Flint and Tinder is one of the many ruggedly handsome brands we love from Huckberry, which also has an array of other go-tos, including Relwen, Proof, and Astorflex.
High Range Brands
These are the brands our editors have vetted for years, and we know they’re worth spending a pretty penny on. Elevated and chic, these brands have everything from suiting to loungewear; J.Crew and Polo Ralph Lauren are our preferred go-tos for traditional style, while Todd Snyder’s tailoring evokes a laid-back, urban chicness. Sunspel’s British roots evoke unending sophistication in all its pieces, which are crafted using only the most high-quality materials.
Luxury Brands
If you’re going to shop designer, shop these four brands. They’re our favorites in the world of luxury menswear, and they’ll be yours, too. Whether you want the streetwear vibes of Stone Island, the quiet luxury of Loro Piana, the heritage of Burberry, or the fine Italian craftsmanship of Brunello Cucinelli, you’re in for a damn treat.
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