Step 3: Step 1

As I’ve mentioned in our previous article, Inspiration will only last so long. To step into this process and make a difference, you have to start. As our Final addition to the “Inspiration” 3-step approach, I give you the tools to begin. Tools being some brands that got me started, and some that will bridge the gap between my own style and yours (including across varying income).

Entry-Level, low price, options:

1. Casual:

   • UNIQLO - My favorite brand for T-shirts, long and short sleeve

   • Zara/H&M/GAP - Shops we all know, please avoid loud logos/patterns!

   • Amazon - Great essentials, right to your door.

   • ASOS - A step up in your casual game

2. Elevated:

   • UNIQLO - My only brand for sweaters, especially their merino wool. Can’t beat the price.

   • Zara - They have some great dressy pieces, always modern. Avoid skinny lapels if buying jackets/blazers

   • Nordstrom Rack - Another mall favorite we all know

   • The Tie Bar - Specifically for those looking into “Business Casual”

3. Tailoring:

   • UNIQLO - Dress shirts, suiting, and overcoats available at a great price. (YES, they’re on here three times. I love UNIQLO.)

   • Indochino - Better for larger men since they have an MTM option, not the best quality but great for someone on a budget who needs a suit

   • Suit Supply - Better for normal/thinner men, but remember the price of the suit doesn’t include the final tailoring price to hone in the fit.

The above list is definitely for those who don’t want to / can’t spend money on very high-quality pieces of clothing. Never forget the used market! Even in the higher style community, the used market is a regularly exercised option.

The next list is definitely a step up from the prior, but not so far as to mention high-fashion brands (i.e. Gucci, Armani, etc). This is better suited for those who have an interest in standing out in a crowd, even if you’re wearing similar styles, and be noticed for your attention to detail. Pictures for these brands also below:

1. Casual:

   • Lulu Lemon - love ‘em or hate ‘em. They’re clean, comfortable, and fashionable.

   • Club Monaco - Not a household name, but very stylish casual-wear

   • Everlane - comfort, without sacrificing style.

2. Elevated

   • Bonobos - My personal only source for jeans and chinos. So many fit options available, especially since I have large legs for my size.

   • Reiss - The secret to looking expensive, spend more money.

   • Charles Tyrwhitt - Shirts, shirts, shirts!

3. Tailoring

   • Oliver Wicks - Business wear

   • Polo Ralph Lauren - America’s menswear iconic brand

   • Pini Parma - Off the rack bespoke. Highest quality, amazing style.

More descriptions for these brands below:

Lulu Lemon

Simply activewear, Good casual style.

Club Monaco

Great simple pieces, standing out in simple clothing definitely starts here.

Everlane

Again, great simple pieces, but more focus on high quality fabrics.

Bonobos

Business casual priced for anyone looking to upgrade their wardrobe.

Reiss

Reiss brings us into the highest level business-casual with a very modern approach.

Charles Tyrwhitt

A shirtmaker, including overshirts, for those looking for an entry point to high-quality shirts. Not the highest quality, but certainly a step up from many brands on this list.

Oliver Wicks

Mostly Made to Measure (MTM) suiting, but high-quality fabrics with a very good track record for customer support. Click the photo for a review from The Kavalier.

Polo Ralph Lauren

The standard line can fit into your budget, a menswear classic brand that I can’t not mention.

Pini Parma

The best Ready-to-Wear (RTW) on the market, in my opinion. Bespoke quality, offered without the obscene price tag or wait.

Here are a few of the many brands available to you. I’ve mentioned the YouTuber “The Kavalier” in a previous post (and above) as the most complete reviewer of menswear brands. Highly recommend his channel for anything outside of these, specifically for the elevated/tailoring side. Devan on Deck is a great YouTuber for casual styling options/brands.

If you have any brands or styling recommendations to share, comment below! We’re always looking to help out others in the quest to bring our styles in sync with today’s world.

Cheers