The 10 Best US Men's Stores

Unionmade’s watchword could be ‘robust’. San Francisco’s best menswear store specialises in British, Japanese and homegrown brands – your outerwear options alone encompass Barbour, Beams Plus and Levi’s Vintage.

They’re also keen on a collaboration; recent hook-ups with Nigel Cabourn and United Arrows were especially lust-worthy, and they’ve not dropped the ball on this season’s pairings with Alden and hometown neighbours Golden Bear.

Key Piece: Gitman Vintage button-down shirt

unionmadegoods.com

Sid Mashburn – Atlanta, Georgia

The bricks-and-mortar manifestation of Southern hospitality, entering Sid Mashburn’s shop is like stepping into an updated cigar club. Yes, there’s clothes. But you can also get a drink, put something on the record player, or shoot a game of pool.

Sid’s history at menswear giants like J.Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren is apparent in his collection – this store is what those brands wish they could be.

Key Piece: Sid Mashburn Half-Zip Sweater In Coral Cashmere

sidmashburn.com

Bobby From Boston – Boston, Massachusetts

Bobby from Boston is Bobby Garnett, a man who’s devoted his life to discovering the unique. Which translates as one of America’s largest vintage collections, with clothing and accessories stretching back to the 1920s.

Hollywood costume departments regularly make the 6,000-mile round trip in search of authenticity, and his wares have popped up in over 50 films, from A Beautiful Mind toBlack Mass. Meaning that if you buy a piece at Bobby From Boston, you’ll likely be the only one in the world who owns it.

Key Piece: Vintage Red Sox uniform

facebook.com/Bobby-From-Boston

Stitched – Las Vegas, Nevada

Hit a hot streak? Head to the Cosmopolitan Hotel on the Vegas strip for high rollers’ heaven. Like the rest of Vegas, Stitched caters to those who are ready to drop some serious cash = but unlike at the poker table, you’re guaranteed to come out of Stitched a winner, grasping swag from Tom Ford, Eton and Stitched’s own in-house collection.

Plus, in the true Las Vegas tradition of excess, Stitched houses a full bar and a decked-out leather lounge. Not one for the minimalists.

Key Piece: XXXX Collection – Black Label – Castagneto Dinner Jacket

stitchedlifestyle.com

Kith – New York City, New York

New York City’s Kith is streetwear on steroids. The store’s supreme collection of apparel and footwear is displayed in an innovative store front, from a ceiling dripping with white trainers to walls studded with branded pencils.

But it’s not just decor. There’s also a menswear collection that features streetwear gods like Public School, T by Alexander Wang, and Y-3. But really, you should unlock your wallet for Kith’s in-house collection, and founder Ronnie Fieg’s regular sneaker collabs. True streetwear gold dust.

Key Piece: Whatever exclusive drop you can get your hands on before it sells out

kithnyc.com

Izzy Martin – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque, thanks to Breaking Bad, is now better known for meth labs than menswear, but Izzy Martin takes classic Southwestern style and gives it a modern spin.

The store’s focus is on local and independent designers who utilise heritage materials in newfangled ways. The store is also deeply committed to its city and community, stocking regional pieces like Navajo textiles, and beyond the rails, the store boasts some seriously knowledgeable staff who are eager to chat fabrics and the history of their manufacturers.

Key piece: Navajo Chinle Mohair Vegetal Rug

izzymartin.com

Social Status – Charlotte, North Carolina

Street ninjas know exclusivity is all. So Social Status should be the first stop for those who don’t want anyone else in their squad repping the same Hood by Air or Commes des Garçons threads.

This streetwear mecca is first on rare drops and boasts a constant influx of new and limited edition footwear from the likes adidas, Jordan and Nike. Hence the regular round-the-block lines.

Key Piece: A Bathing Ape Colour Camo Jacquard

socialstatuspgh.com

The Woodlands – Portland, Oregon

Hipster might be a dirty word, but The Woodlands’ workwear collection is so good, you might even be tempted to grow that beard back. The rustic Americana ambience, and a collection that includes Generic Man shoes, vintage Pendleton knits and Tellason jeans, make The Woodlands a must-visit even if you’ve never canned your own pickles.

While you’re browsing, it’s also advisable to visit the adjacent Tanner Goods, where you can buy customised leather pieces direct from the workshop.

Key Piece: Tanner Goods Excursion Frame Bag

tannergoods.com

Context – Madison, Wisconsin

The Midwest might not be known for upscale fashion, but Context is working hard to change this. The store has developed a cult following of denim heads, and for good reason – not only is their selvedge offering admirable, but they’ll also repair your jeans onsite when they blow out.

But those who’ve turned their back on chafing are well-served too. Since its opening in 2005, the store has developed into a lifestyle boutique, offering footwear, leather goods and – especially important in Wisconsin – winterwear.

Key Piece: Shockoe Old Boy Original Classic Indigo

contextclothing.com

Men’s Resale By The Village – Houston, Texas

Zegna suits for $300. Armani jeans for $60. A.P.C. button-downs for $20. These prices would be a fantasy anywhere else but Men’s Resale by the Village, a second-hand store with the vibes of an upscale boutique.

Goodwill, this ain’t: the store only stocks second-hand designer labels in top condition, from brands like Versace, Prada, and Hermàs. And, being Texas, you’ll also find an array of luxury cowboy boots, like ostrich Lucchese boots for only $150. Which will pair beautifully with that Saint Laurent jacket, right?

Key Piece: Anything leather

mensresalebythevillage.com

7 Common Hair Styling Mistakes Men Make

Hair. How difficult can it really be?

Quite, it turns out. From using the wrong products to using too much of the right product to using product to create a style you shouldn’t be caught dead with, there’s plenty of scope for getting it wrong.

So we asked some of the UK’s top hair experts to scratch their heads and dish the dirt on their most-loathed hair mistakes, and how you can avoid them.

1. Using A 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner To Save Time, Money

“2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner products simply do not work,” says Daniel Davies, manager at Pall Mall Barbers. According to Davies, each strand of hair has lots of scales called cuticles and – in order to properly clean your hair – these cuticles need to be ‘opened up’ using shampoo to release any product or pollutant build-up. A conditioner’s job, on the other hand, is to moisturise and then ‘close’ hair cuticles.

“A single product cannot open and close the cuticle at the same time,” says Davies. “A 2-in-1 works by opening the hair cuticle and then coating the hair with silicone. This results in hair that’s squeaky clean but cuticles that aren’t closed, meaning the hair will pick up pollutants and get dirtier quicker.”

The Fix

Instead, Davies suggests washing hair with shampoo at the beginning of your shower, rinsing thoroughly, and then applying conditioner that should be left to soak into the hair for the remainder of your shower before rinsing out at the end.

“This system deeply cleanses both the hair and scalp and allows time for a conditioner to penetrate the hair, leaving it healthy and moisturised.”

2. Skimping On Scalp Care

Washing your hair is all well and good, but you’re still putting a foot wrong if you don’t take proper care of your scalp: “It’s paramount that the scalp is also looked after to ensure the optimum health of the hair,” says Stelios Nicolaou, Aveda Master Barber.

The Fix

“You need a product that will wash away styling product build-up, excess sebum and other impurities.” Nicolaou suggests bagging yourself a product that does so with the gentlest abrasion, such as Aveda Men Pure-formance Shampoo, which contains jojoba beads to softly scrub away any dross that’s accumulated in your hair.

Or, for a really deep and thorough cleanse, consider a more involved treatment: “Our Invati Scalp Detox Treatment unclogs follicles and refreshes the scalp using a wintergreen-derived salicylic acid,” says Nicolaou.

3. Choosing A Hairstyle That Doesn’t, And Will Never, Suit You

You might’ve spied it on an A-lister’s Insta, but that doesn’t mean it’ll get as many likes on you.

“Unfortunately, we’re not all blessed with the same medium-thick, wavy hair that models and superstars are,” says Adam Brady, Ruffians Barbers Trend Expert. “So we really need to be honest with ourselves when choosing our haircuts.”

The Fix

Rather than plonking yourself down in the chair and pointing to a picture on your smartphone, Brady suggests a spot of talking therapy before your barber gets to work.“Have a proper chat with your barber; if they’re worth their salt they’ll help you figure out the best look for you, taking into account your face shape, hair type, overall style, lifestyle and personality.”

“Consultation is key,” echoes Nicolaou. “When you visit your barber, don’t be afraid to open up the conversation by talking about what your hair does naturally, any kinks or growth patterns that you do, or don’t, like.”

By sharing as much information as possible, you’ll better the chances of you and your barber getting on the same page to find a style that works for you.

4. Using Too Much Product

As deliciously coconutty as it might smell, there is such a thing as too much hair product.

“Having too much product in your hair is never a good look and a dead giveaway that you don’t know what you’re doing,” says Brady. “It’s like wearing too much cologne – are you covering up something bad?”

The Fix

While a ‘more is more’ approach might be tempting, it’s in your best interest to steer conservative. “Always start with a small amount of product, adding more as needed,” says Jacqui Weaver, Creative Director at London’s Fish Salon. “After all, you can always add more but you can’t take any away.”

Weaver also recommends rubbing product through your hands – warming its molecules – and distributing it evenly throughout your hair before starting to shape your style. That way you’ll avoid fat blobs of the stuff that sit like mines, waiting to eventually obliterate your efforts once uncovered.

Also vital is targeting the roots of your hair first. By applying product (especially dryer, matte products) to the base of your hair first, you’ll avoid clumped hair ends and visible residue.

5. DIY Hair-Dying

Tired of grey hair’s ageing effect? Or maybe you just fancy a change? Whatever your reason for colouring your hair, there’s a correct way to do it. And that’s not at home, alone.

“Colouring is something that’s hard to achieve yourself,” says Joshua Gibson, men’s grooming expert at Sassoon. “Classic mistakes are canary yellow bleaches, hair dyed too dark or flat for any skin tone, or warm colour tones that pick up on grey and make it look luminescent. As a general rule of thumb, cooler hair colour tones and understated placement tend to suit men better than warmer colours.”

The Fix

Step away from the applicator. “Always seek expert advice before colouring your hair for the first time or changing your hair colour,” says Gibson. “And always have an allergy test, too.”

6. Shaving Your Head Instead Of Your Sideburns

“This is a classic mistake of starting your face shave too high in your hairline,” says Gibson, who’s also witnessed first-hand the aftermath of men taking their razor as high as their temples.

“It’s very difficult to rectify the result without taking your whole haircut shorter,” he adds.

The Fix

“Make a point of starting no higher than the top of the cheekbones, around your eye line. This is especially important for longer face shapes, as long sideburns will broaden the shape of the face.”

7. Pulling A ‘Donald Trump’

Receding hairlines are an unfortunate fact of life. More unfortunate though, is failing to deal with one correctly: “Many men grow the hair at the front of their head to hide their baldness but this actually has the opposite effect, making any bald patches even more obvious,” says celebrity hairstylist Jamie Stevens.

The Fix

Embrace the next stage of your life, and the hairstyle to go with it. “Try taking the top shorter at the front, and ask your barber or stylist for their opinion on a way you could change your look to minimise the appearance of your baldness,” says Stevens.

Or cheat. Products like Stevens’ newly launched MR. Disguise Spray and MR. Hair Fibres can be used to fill in gaps, helping make your hair appear that bit thicker and fuller.

The Best Knitted Ties You Need To Know Now

Think winter and you picture swaddling coats, not slivers of fabric. But there are ways to give your wardrobe that cold-weather twist, without covering up.
Swapping your bright ties for texture adds a softness to your tailoring that nods to the grey skies outside your window. And means you can be season-ready without wearing earmuffs at your desk.

ASOS Knitted Tie With Dobby

Keeping to the classic knitted tie silhouette – slim cut and blunt end – this ASOS design offers an affordable way to tweak your winter accessories.
It’s cotton, so works with a shirt and bomber away from the office too, and the colour will add some punch to your outfit without veering into wacky tie territory.
Available at ASOS, priced £8.

T.M.Lewin Plum Knitted Wool Slim Tie

Eye-popping colours are out when the sun’s fading. Instead, steer rich; in colour, fabric and texture this plum, woollen tie adds visual depth to your ensemble, especially if teamed with a flannel or twill shirt.
It can be a tricky shade to pair though, so stick to white if lime green or mustard isn’t quite right for your office.
Available at T.M.Lewin, priced £35.

Paul Smith Knitted Tie

For an easy way to add a pop of colour, Paul Smith always has your back. This 1960s-inspired tie offers retro stripes that, being chunky, pair well with the more delicate patterns in your tailoring collection – a puppytooth or herringbone will add some visual depth.
Or, for that office Christmas party, try it out with a blazer, slim jeans and brogues.
Available at ASOS, priced £75.

Marks & Spencer Square Knitted Tie

Want a fail-safe way into winter texture? Go monochrome. This black and white knitted tie will hang easily over any colour shirt you choose to don – although you’ll get best results keeping things fairly sober.
At 8.5cm, it’s wider than most knitted designs, so keep it for your work wardrobe to avoid looking like you’ve borrowed your dad’s tie for the weekend.
Available at Marks and Spencer, priced £9.50.

Richard James Tan Cashmere Knitted Tie

When your lottery numbers don’t come in and you can’t stretch to a cashmere suit, take the more affordable route and drape the fabric around your neck.
Cashmere’s sheen will add a richness to your look, so investing in it for your accessories is a cost-effective way to punch up budget tailoring. Stick to similarly toned suiting – beiges, browns and soft greys – to reinforce the link between your fabrics.
Available at Richard James, priced £115.

Reiss Bugg Silk Dot Tie In Black

Polka dots can quickly steer tacky, so keep them monochrome and oversized. The more space between the spots, the more refined they look. And the more focus remains on the texture.
Since this print’s more casual on a knit than glossy silk tie, you can wear it with everything from your suit to a denim jacket.
Available at Reiss, priced £60.

Kin By John Lewis Mercer Knitted Tie

Just because it’s gloomy out doesn’t mean you need to shun colour completely. Instead, opt for a more muted shade of your favourite. Rust is yellow’s wintry cousin, adding some heat when it’s chilly without making your look boil over.
But since this John Lewis version is on the skinny side, couple with equally fitted tailoring (slim lapels are a must) or tight denim and chunky boots, for an elevated casual look.
Available at John Lewis, priced £19.50.

Etro Striped Knitted Silk Tie

Etro’s rep is built on patterns that verge on Magic Eye, but which on a knitted fabric would veer towards novelty. These monochrome stripes are rather more wearable, although we’d still suggest keeping your shirt and tailoring muted to ensure it stays the focal point.
And if you must wear a pocket square, plain white, please.
Available at Mr Porter, priced £110.

Nick Bronson Navy Phil Birdseye Knit Silk Tie

Block-colours work well on knitted ties, because the texture adds enough visual interest without the need for bold hues or patterns.
So if in doubt, reach for blue. Handwoven in Milan, this knitted silk tie is fuss-free, and will offer a twist to even the most staid office ensemble. Just stick to white shirts – it will get lost against anything darker.
Available at Liberty of London, priced £40.

Jigsaw Pique Wool Knitted Tie

The knitted tie’s mid-century popularity can make it come across retro. And if that’s your thing, then spin the clocks back by opting for dark grey and an old-school matte wool.
For something more up to date, wear with slightly textured tailoring that will create a coherent – not opposing – look. We’d suggest tonal greys for a dose of Jack Frost.
Available at Jigsaw, priced £49.

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10 Outerwear Brands you Need to Know

Brits are used to a bit of adverse weather – rainfall and thunderstorms have all been part of the Great British Summer this year – so it’s no surprise that the UK is home to some of the best outerwear brands in the world.
Here are ten outerwear specialists you should be considering for autumn, along with the silhouettes they specialise in.

Gloverall

Speciality: Duffle coats
Credited with introducing the duffle coat to the civilian market, British label Gloverall has produced practical and stylish outerwear for men across the world since the early 1950s.
To this day, the brand still crafts its signature style on home turf, releasing heritage-inspired collections that revolve around its hero product.
Available at gloverall.com.

Recommended

Original Gloverall Duffle, available at Gloverall, priced £275.

Crombie

Speciality: Overcoats
British brand Crombie produces such high quality coats that their name has basically become a synonym for ‘overcoat’ in the UK.
With a strong 200-year heritage to uphold, the label sources only the finest materials from English, Scottish and Italian mills, producing timeless and luxurious outerwear that is built to last.
Available at crombie.co.uk.

Recommended

Crombie Camel Short Retro Coat, available at Crombie, priced £995.

Baracuta

Speciality: Harrringtons
The creator of the original Harrington jacket silhouette, Baracuta’s G9 model has cemented itself as a menswear icon since its launch back in 1937.
With all styles still crafted in the UK and featuring heritage detailing such as its signature Fraser tartan lining, there’s no mistaking the craftsmanship and individuality of this label’s pieces.
Available at baracuta.com.

Recommended

G4 Original Baracuta Jacket, available at Baracuta, priced £279.

Parka London

Speciality: Parkas
Relatively new to the outerwear scene, 2013-born Parka London puts the classic parka jacket on a pedestal, reworking it in contemporary cuts and colourways to bring it bang up to date for the modern gent.
With a dedication to producing timeless and effortlessly stylish outerwear, the label offers a range of sleek silhouettes designed to cope with any weather conditions, all in-keeping with its minimal, laid-back design ethos.
Available at parkalondon.com.

Recommended

Jenson Men’s Green Wool Parka, available at Parka London, priced £345.

Aquascutum

Speciality: Trench coats and macs
Hailed as the creator of waterproof wool, and with a legitimate claim to the invention of the original trench coat, Aquascutum first began producing jackets to protect war soldiers, before taking its designs mainstream.
With fine craftsmanship and technical innovation the driving forces behind the brand, its classic trench coats and raincoats are still one of the best wardrobe investments you can make.
Available at aquascutum.com.

Recommended

Blackhazel Single-Breasted Trench, available at Aquascutum, priced £1,250.

Mackintosh

Speciality: Raincoats
Specialising in a specific outerwear style – can you guess which one? – British label Mackintosh (abbreviated as ‘mac’) often sees its brand name used as a blanket term for all types of raincoat.
The company began life in the early 1800s, when its founder, Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh, created a raincoat utilising a rubberised fabric, which was completely waterproof.
Fast forward a few centuries and the label’s outerwear retains the sophisticated feel of its founding model, while offering full protection against inclement weather.
Available at End Clothing.

Recommended

Mackintosh GM-001F Jacket, available at End Clothing, priced £499.

Hunter

Speciality: Ponchos
Famed for its Wellington boots, Hunter has developed into a fully-fledged outdoors brand with bold outerwear at its forefront.
To match the quality of its rubberised footwear, the label – now under the creative direction of Alasdhair Willis – offers everything from waxed hunting coats to vinyl windbreakers, perfect for exploring the great British countryside or urban streets alike.
Available at hunterboots.com.

Recommended

Original Rubberised Jersey Poncho, available at Hunter, priced £290.

Barbour

Speciality: Waxed and quilted jackets
Worn by everyone from royalty to country dwellers, Barbour’s quintessentially British appeal and focus on practicality has cemented it as one of the UK’s most-loved (and worn) outerwear brands.
Its classic waxed jackets and quilted coats have become modern icons, thanks to their blend of technical expertise and raw masculine appeal.
Available at barbour.com.

Recommended

Barbour Classic Beaufort Jacket, available at END Clothing priced £239.

Burberry

Speciality: Trench coats
Unless you’ve been living under a rock your entire life, you’ve probably heard of Burberry.
Founder Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, is widely considered to have produced the original trench coat, which is now considered one of the most iconic pieces of menswear (and womenswear) ever created.
The label’s current designs haven’t strayed far from the original and still form the core of the label’s seasonal runway collections, such is their commercial popularity worldwide.
Available at burberry.com.

Recommended

Burberry London Mid-Length Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat, available at Mr Porter, priced £1,195.

Private White VC

Speciality: Flight jackets
Named after military hero Private Jack White V.C., who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his exploits during World War I, this menswear label sticks to its utilitarian guns when it comes to outerwear.
With a distinct sense of pride about its heritage, the brand continues to produce its collections in the UK, sourcing materials from local mills to craft its hard-wearing outerwear classics.
Available at privatewhitevc.com.

Recommended

G1 Harris Tweed Button Down Flight Jacket In Navy, available at Private White VC, priced £450.

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