Image Name: The functional fashion
When it comes to menswear, many brands are likely already on your radar. For workwear, you might be familiar with Carhartt or Dickies. Aimé Leon Dore or Gant might fill your wardrobe if you lean towards a preppy look. Luxury shoppers might gravitate towards Prada or Louis Vuitton. However, when you’re in search of unique pieces that stand out, the options can be overwhelming.
In a world where every brand is easily accessible, finding something truly unique can be challenging. Quality concerns and reliability issues further complicate the search for new labels. But fear not. As a professional stylist, I am dedicated to discovering labels that offer distinctiveness and reliability across various price points. The following premium, reliable menswear brands are guaranteed to elevate your wardrobe.
Émigré
For commuters, a seamless morning begins with sleek office-ready staples, and Émigré is a must-know brand in the sophisticated formalwear space. Their collection includes functional fashion extending from shirts, trousers, and blazers to bags, briefcases, and luggage. Each piece features a pared-back design with clean, classic, and elegant aesthetics, perfect for the discerning professional.
Tropicfeel
Inspired by a trip to Thailand, Tropicfeel launched as a sustainable footwear, apparel, and luggage B Corp label. The Barcelona-born brand emphasizes accountability at every production stage, using recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging. Their products are designed for endless wear, whether at home or abroad, making Tropicfeel a top choice for eco-conscious travelers.
Brown Avenue
Brown Avenue offers laid-back pieces that evoke the French Riviera, from timeless knitwear and relaxed tailoring to classic polo shirts. Founded by individuals from Stockholm, the brand combines French nonchalance with understated Scandi minimalism, featuring classic silhouettes and a muted color palette that embodies the best of both worlds.
Arterton
Good menswear needs proper transportation, and Arterton excels in providing luxury luggage designed specifically for men. Their signature garment bag, made from 10 oz waxed cotton with a dual-zip opening, can accommodate three hangers and is highly praised. Arterton’s range of luggage ensures your clothes are treated with the care they deserve.
Luca Faloni
If you’re inspired by the Italian Riviera look, Luca Faloni is the brand for you. Known for impeccable craftsmanship, with everything handcrafted in Italy, their collections include lightweight knitted polos, linen shirts, relaxed tailoring, and well-fitting chinos. Luca Faloni’s designs are ideal for the well-dressed gent on holiday.
Asket
Founded to create solid menswear staples without harming the environment, Asket offers Scandi-coded capsule pieces like well-fitting tees, overshirts, and great denim, all fully traceable. As a slow fashion label, Asket focuses on responsible manufacturing and timeless design, encouraging you to buy less but better.
Image Name: French upholstery fabrics
Resort Co
As the name suggests, Resort Co specializes in holiday wardrobe essentials. Their collections feature lightweight polos, printed co-ord sets, classic sunglasses, tailored swim shorts, and leather sandals. Built to last, these pieces are designed to remain staples in your suitcase for many summers to come.
Collars & Co
For those who wear dress shirts daily, Collars & Co offers a warm-weather alternative: a lightweight, short-sleeved design inspired by classic polo shirts. The collection also includes corporate classics such as tailoring and office-appropriate trousers, ideal for the corporate man.
L’Estrange London
L’Estrange London excels in modular fashion, creating collections designed to work together seamlessly. Whether you prefer sweatshirts, shirting, shorts, or trousers, their minimal and versatile pieces, available in tones ranging from beige to navy to black to white, make building a capsule wardrobe easy.
Rains
Rains specializes in weatherproof fashion, crafting coats, backpacks, and more from their signature lightweight, water-repellent PU fabric. The collection also includes gorpcore essentials like fleece sweaters, loungewear sets, and ripstop overshirts, ensuring you stay dry and stylish.
London Sock Co
Founded in 2013, London Sock Co bridges the gap between high-end and high street socks. Made with top-tier fabrics and methods, their socks offer a high-end finish at a mid-range price, making them perfect for day-to-day wear.
Wax London
For menswear with personality, Wax London is your go-to brand, especially for shirting. Their range includes printed short-sleeved styles for summer and autumnal checked overshirts made from French upholstery fabrics. Wax London’s offerings extend to knitwear, denim, suiting, t-shirts, and loungewear, making them a versatile choice for your wardrobe.
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell stands out with footwear made from ethically sourced Italian leather. Since its launch in 2019, the brand has expanded to include boots, loafers, and jewelry alongside its sneakers, all crafted with high-quality materials.
CDLP
Founded in 2016 by Christian Larson and Andreas Palm, CDLP aims to transform your underwear drawer with luxury basics. Combining Swedish innovation with premium, eco-conscious materials, their collection includes boxers, tees, socks, swimwear, and homewear, elevating your daily dressing routine.
Aurélien
Aurélien offers timeless creations designed to transcend trends, focusing on artisanal craftsmanship and natural materials. From clothing made from Cashwool, linen, and Italian suede to sophisticated footwear like driving shoes and loafers, Aurélien delivers understated elegance.
Conclusion:
Incorporating these independent menswear brands into your wardrobe ensures you stand out with unique, high-quality pieces. Whether you’re looking for office-ready staples, sustainable travel essentials, or laid-back elegance, these brands offer timeless fashion that goes beyond the mainstream. Embrace the opportunity to elevate your style with these hidden gems and make a statement wherever you go.
