Ralph Lauren
“All this Polo on, I got horsepower.” 2 Chainz said it, GQ Recommends endorses it. That’s because no matter the decade, stepping out in some Ralph injects a shot of confidence into an otherwise quieter fit. And thanks to Ralph Lauren’s robust online universe, this feeling can be accessed whether or not you live near one of the retailer’s kitted-out townhouses. For our money, everyone should start with at least a pair of Polo chinos—but for those ready to push the boat out, Ralph is also the king of the preppy, gold-buttoned blazer.
REI
For outdoor gear, REI stands at the top of the mountain. Whether you’re looking for a fresh new pair of skis, some UV-protecting cargo pants, or storm-proof shell jackets, it’s simply the best place to get kitted out. That said, with the continued popularity (and practicality) of gorpcore, you don’t have to be an outdoors enthusiast to get in on the stylish clothes they have in store.
Staff Pick: No Man Walks Alone
“I first found No Man Walks Alone because they were one of like five stores in the US that carried my favorite brand, ts(s). (That number is down to three, which is dumb. Anyways.) But in the same way that you might go to a festival for one artist and come away liking eight more, pretty much every time I click into a brand page—“Makers” in No Man parlance—I’m sold, and they remain the place to find brands you pretty much can’t find anywhere else in the country.”—Reed Nelson, contributing writer
SSENSE
If you’re after extremely-right-now clothes from today’s most influential designers, SSENSE is a must-shop. The Montreal mega-retailer excels at introducing fresh, exciting brands to the market, all the while stocking a cavalcade of well-established names from Rick Owens and Balenciaga to Vans and Ralph Lauren.
Standard & Strange
Looking for esoteric workwear garments, high-end Japanese jeans, and tough boots? Oakland-based retailer Standard & Strange (with also a locale in New York) is a mecca for hardcore denimheads and boot lovers.
Todd Snyder
New York designer Todd Snyder has been shaping the American menswear landscape for decades, following inspired stints at Ralph Lauren and J.Crew. His namesake label turns out modern sportswear rooted in classic designs, the kind of clothes you can (and should!) build a wardrobe around. Expect to see tailored suits next to cozy high-quality hoodies, madras camp shirts and hardy denim.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is, of course, a global go-to for upgraded basics, minimalist designs, and loungewear, all at affordable prices. The global retailer is like a Japanese version of the Gap, with a wide range of sweatshirts, button-ups, and chinos. But they also collaborate with sought-after designers like Jil Sander and Christophe Lemaire to create collections that sell out instantly.
Zappos
Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. Chances are, the shoes you’re looking for are at Zappos. From Blundstone to Converse to Crocs, Zappos has all the classic footwear brands you know and love—and, surprisingly, plenty of clothes, too.
