The word ‘designer’ has a lot of subtext.
Though some think it means ‘expensive’, that’s not always the case. For us, it’s anything that’s thoughtfully designed and fashioned from premium fabrics with an emphasis on craftsmanship – whether it’s by a luxury label you’d find on New Bond Street or a high-end high-street brand like Arket.
When it comes to menswear, it’s always the finer details that count. As we’re sure you’ve noticed all over your FYP, the hyped-up trends right now are those that lean into a low-key look. From the #OldMoneyAesthetic to #QuietLuxury – which account for 669.7K and 73.1M videos on TikTok, respectively – it’s best to go for clothes where the silhouette and finish is strong rather than relying on logos to do the heavy lifting (IYKYK, after all).
Our top tip? When you’re choosing your next wardrobe addition, think capsule wardrobe – a selection of pieces that work together in any combination. Whether it’s a striped Oxford shirt, a great pair of jeans, the perfect white T-shirt or a simple black blazer, any oufit made up of well-crafted classics is a win. That doesn’t mean to say you can’t have a few statement pieces, just make sure you blend them with the basics for a balanced look overall.
The good news? There are countless brands which offer men’s collections you can count on every time. From Prada’s timeless classics to Ami’s elevated basics as well as Sandro’s Parisian-coded staples, keep scrolling to discover a number of designer labels which span from affordable to luxury.
Luxury
The Row
Starting price: £300
If we could choose one brand to wear every day, it would be The Row. The brainchild of the Olsen twins, the American label started with womenswear and has since added menswear to its roster after years of research and wear-testing – a decision we’re very on board with. Every collection is full of luxurious wardrobe staples, from a lightweight cashmere jumper to a T-shirt that’s cut to perfection. Though the prices seem a little ludicrous, the hand-finished pieces speak for themselves.
Buy now, Mr. Porter
Loewe
Starting price: £225
With hyped-up pieces that regularly rank in the top three of the Lyst index – the fashion industry’s quarterly report that rates the hottest brands and products – Loewe’s one of the most successful designer labels on the market. Ever since British designer Jonathan Anderson took the helm back in 2013, the Spanish label has surged in popularity. Renowned for artist collaborations and a homespun aesthetic, not to mention its bags and celeb fanbase – see Zendaya, Josh O’Connor et al. – it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Buy now, Loewe
Prada
Starting price: £380
A brand we’re sure needs no introduction, Miuccia Prada’s namesake label is known for its solid menswear offering. Every season, the Milanese house puts out trend-setting runway shows, courtesy of Ms Prada and co-creative director Raf Simons, alongside its successful signature classics – loafers and re-nylon bags included. An expert in leather goods and footwear as well as classic RTW and statement moments, it’s the luxury label that does it all.
Buy now, Flannels
Independent
Jacquemus
Starting price: £95
Boasting over 6.5M followers on Instagram as well as a starry fanbase which includes Bad Bunny and Manu Rios, you’d be hard-pushed finding someone who’s not heard of Jacquemus.
If you like a boxy silhouette, this is the brand for you. From heavyweight tees to versatile Oxford shirts and premium denim, the brand is known for its wearable yet fashion-forward take on menswear. Better yet, it’s got an accessories collection to match with a range of embroidered baseball caps, leather crossbody bags and statement sunglasses.
Buy now, Selfridges
Wales Bonner
Starting price: £160
Grace Wales Bonner is one of the most exciting menswear designers right now. From her own collections released under her eponymous label, Wales Bonner, to her ongoing collaboration with Adidas, which sells out season after season, she has only grown and grown in popularity since the label was founded in 2014. Known for blending sportswear with tailoring and casualwear for a collegiate feel, standout pieces include tracksuits, blazers, polo shirts and short shorts. The sizing can be a little on the small side so if you like it relaxed, we’d recommend sizing up.
Buy now, Mr. Porter
Bode
Starting price: £195
Since all of Bode’s collections are inspired by vintage fabrics, whether it’s 1950s table linen or Victorian quilts, the collections give off an antique flea market feel. A brand for guys who like a homespun look, you can expect embroidery, fun motifs, retro prints and eclectic grandpa-coded knitwear. The brand leans into the one-of-a-kind look by designing small collections in limited quantities. Our advice? If you spot something in stock, get it before it’s gone.
Buy now, Bode
Mid-Range
Sandro
Starting price: £39
It’s no secret that Parisian men know how to dress. If you want to inject your wardrobe with a touch of their trademark French nonchalance yourself, Sandro is the label you need on your list. Based in the capital city, its collections are full of pieces you’d expect to see strolling the banks of the Seine – think timeless shirts, navy sweatshirts, ultra-smooth roll necks and perfectly cut straight-leg trousers.
Buy now, Selfridges
Percival
Starting price: £12
A menswear brand through and through, Percival’s range balances elevated design details with simple silhouettes for guys who like the classics with a twist. From humble beginnings in an East London studio to becoming a favourite of Hollywood’s leading men (looking at you Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield and Chris Evans), it’s now a label with worldwide appeal. From casual suiting to relaxed shirting, retro knitwear to timeless linen, there’s something for everyone.
Buy now, Percival
Ami
Starting price £65
Designer Alexandre Mattiussi founded Ami out of a desire to create clothes his friends would wear, hence the name which means ‘friend’ in French – and, as it happens, it’s a shortened version of his name too. Ever since, it’s become a menswear giant, with the brand’s heart Ami de Coeur logo now coming with global recognition. The Parisian label offers simple baseball caps, statement mohair jumpers, great denim as well as hoodies, sweatshirts and T-shirts – and we want it all.
Buy now, Ami
High-End High-Street
Arket
Starting price £7
For quiet luxury on the high street, Arket is your best bet. Scandi minimalism is the Swedish label’s MO, with plain tees, simple polos and relaxed Oxford shirts among its best menswear pieces. Everything is made using first-rate fabrics and craftsmanship which not only means the pieces fit to perfection, but also that each garment retains its quality far longer than traditional high street buys.
Buy now, Arket
Massimo Dutti
Starting price £35.95
For quality classics on a budget, look no further than Massimo Dutti. Founded as a menswear brand in 1985 before being acquired by Inditex in 1991 (the company which also owns Zara and Bershka), it’s now a premium high-street option with over 643 stores worldwide. There’s smart shirting, quality jeans and sharp tailoring, not to mention a strong selection of holiday-ready linen, T-shirts and sandals. If you’re into labels like Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana, this is the best affordable alternative.
Buy now, Massimo Dutti
Uniqlo
Starting price £9.90
Uniqlo is a pro at making wallet-friendly pieces which look much more expensive than their price point. Case in point: the viral Airism T-shirts, the popular wide-leg pants, the best-selling nylon crossbody bag and the pure cashmere knits. The Japanese label uses high-tech fabrics which are stain-resistant and wash well, so anything you buy can live happily in your wardrobe for years to come.
Buy now, Uniqlo
