Image via Complex Original
Thousands, if not millions, of words have been written to guide guys to the brands or pieces that will help them look cool™—for the "right" price. While several sites/magazines/friends have weighed in on the topic, let us put you on the right path.
Before someone claims that *pushes glasses up nose* "being fly is in direct correlation with the amount of streetwear you're wearing," that way of thinking may be a little outdated. Sure, streetwear is essential to one's flourishing aesthetic, but we sought out the brands that should have you covered for nearly every situation and event in your life.
Whether you're searching for a wedding season suit, or just want to crush the competition at the beach, these are the best affordable brands guys should be familiar with.
Uniqlo
It's really difficult to beat Uniqlo at the affordable clothing game. Anyone who has owned clothing from a fast fashion shop can tell you how “disposable” their clothing is (especially after one trip to the laundromat). However, any guy who has owned a Uniqlo oxford shirt, sweater, or a humble pair of no-show socks will tell you that Uniqlo's gear keeps on ticking; time, after time.
That's not to say you can expect your next Uniqlo purchases to be handed down to your children, but if you bought a dress shirt to support you during summer wedding season, expect that shirt to withstand drunk relatives, a few toasts, and even the dreaded electric slide—while still reliable enough to work for a formal occasion next spring. Add in a smart selection of collaborators—including the likes of Lemaire, and Jill Sander (via +J)—and Uniqlo is the obvious choice for filling in the blanks in your wardrobe.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Yes, Ralph Lauren is the true American fashion gawd. You'd have to be in order to host such an expansive international fashion empire. While Ralph does have an extensive list of truly pricey sub-brands (looking at you Purple Label), there's no denying the charm, simplicity, and accessibility of Polo.
It's not just that there's a formal nickname for Polo disciples (aka 'Lo Heads), it's that Polo combines the luxury that Ralph has embedded into every single brand that bears his name, with a price point that isn't too prohibitive. Sure, it's easy to drop a grip in the Polo store (we've all been there), but it's also a relatively low bar of entry if you're trying to rock the RL pony on your chest. It's simple enough to incorporate a little logo flourish into your wardrobe, and comes with the luxury connotations that you'd look for in a brand as big and prestigious as Ralph Lauren. The gear is undoubtedly clean, and whether you're into Polo shirts, or you actually play Polo, there's always time to browse the shelves at Polo Ralph Lauren.
Everlane
Everlane is great by their business model alone. Yes, they're coming with great quality clothing and a transparent production model, but still set prices that seem like they were set by a fast fashion chain. Not everything is made in America, but Everlane is wide open about the factories where their clothes come from—be it in L.A. or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. All said, it's not as if you're putting money down on a T-shirt handmade in Portugal like you'd see for a brand with luxury connotations, but it's definitely more luxurious than something you'd buy at Zara—while maintaining the same price point.
If anything, while fast fashion brands have a notorious reputation for their lackluster quality, they're also producing everything from belts to outerwear, which makes them an excellent choice when you need something that looks good in a pinch. But something like Everlane succeeds by keeping much of the excess—be it in product or in distribution—out of the equation. Transparency, middle-fashion quality, with a fast fashion price tag? We'd say that's a good deal.
Stüssy
The true streetwear OGs, it's basically a foregone conclusion that Stüssy is one of the best brands in the game doing it today. You're probably familiar with its many logos and the “World Tour” tees, and yes, those are the brand's bread and butter. But the brand truly is a global property, with a major following (and homegoods lifestyle store) in Japan, and chapter stores around the world. Add in collaborations with brands like Sophnet., Dover Street Market, and several others, and it's no surprise that the brand has remained relevant over the last 40 years.
While it's not going to be as lauded as something like Supreme, its ability to maintain its brand image and simultaneously grow the business makes it a unique beast. Yes you can buy it at chain stores like Urban Outfitters, but unlike some of the other brands carried on big box shelves, that fact doesn't (and never will) define a brand that effectively originated streetwear as we consume and understand it today.
Muji
Muji is an interesting breed. Uniqlo takes a lot of credit in the low-price clothing sphere, but its fellow countryman, Muji, has plenty in store. It's not just that the shop has killer slippers, it's also host to shirts, sweaters, socks, outerwear, jeans, and a variety of other wardrobe staples. Even better, a look through the brand's webshop shows that the most expensive men's apparel isn't more than $110.
That's not even getting into the insane amount of homegoods, beauty products, and organizational tools that the store has on deck. Simply put, if Uniqlo and Ikea got together, this would be their offspring. Do with that what you will.
Gap
We've talked at length about Gap, and the brand's waning sales. But that's not to say that the brand isn't able to provide key pieces at a solid price. While you may decide to hit up Uniqlo or Everlane for your basics (and we'd understand), neither of those shops have the nationwide reach that Gap has. In terms of stores that are guaranteed to be at your local mall, Gap sits pretty securely at the top.
If you're still wary, let us point you in the direction of Gap's outerwear, and—more impressively—its selvedge denim selection. In terms of the outerwear, you can pretty much cop any kind of jacket—from an fishtail parka to a denim jacket—at price that's almost guaranteed to be under $150.
For selvedge denim, we understand that these aren't going to be a fresh pair of New Standards from “Ah-pey-say.” But for a brand of this size to stock selvedge denim is a major deal. Gap's denim has always been a signature part of its product offerings, so if a store is going to slide selvedge into its roster, there's none better than the G, A, P. Trust, it may seem like a store to pass on, but there are definitely a few diamonds on Gap's shelves. And we can't forget its new 10-year deal with Kanye West.
Carhartt WIP
We all love a brand that’s affordable and delivers durable clothing. Carhartt WIP does just that. The subdivision of Carhartt has been around for 40 years and since its inception, they’ve developed a strong relationship with underground scenes, working with brands like Vans, A.P.C., Patta, Nike, Junya Watanabe, and many more.
What puts them on this list is their consistency, design language, and good price point. With just $400, you can get yourself a bucket hat, double knee pants, and a sweatshirt.
Asos
Asos, as a fashion line, is probably a lot bigger than you might realize. Sure, the English outfitter stocks plenty of other brands, making it somewhat of an “online-only, English Urban Outfitters” to the American consumer. But Asos is much more than just a brand aggregator, stocking an in-house lines that has the depth and product spread of something like Zara, but with a much higher chance for a low-key flourish.
From summertime polos, to winter coats, the brand has just about everything you'd need to either fill your wardrobe, or flesh it out. Granted, the price range moves around considerably more than some of the other names on this list, but there's also few other brands that would allow you to buy a suit, a snorkel parka, and a pair of sneakers—without spending more than $500 total.
COS
For a while, we didn't have access to COS in the U.S. It was the store you would go to in Europe and stock up on nice basics. Now you can find COS all over the U.S., and its still reliable for those wardrobe staples with a contemporary tilt.
Throughout their selection of styles, COS incorporates subtle design details on its elevated basics, setting them apart from the other brands. The fabrics used are always top quality and the designs are simple, yet fashionable enough to wear to a job interview or a first date.
Nike Sportswear
When it comes to Nike activewear, rest assured you’ll be getting the most bang for your buck. The Portland-based brand has an extensive line of ready-to-wear items that are just as good as their athleisure. From hoodies, T-shirts, cargo shorts, and chino pants, you’re guaranteed to get the same quality as their activewear, but at a lower price.
Urban Outfitters BDG
Urban Outfitters’ BDG is its exclusive collection of basics and denim that is hard to pass. The line offers a wide array of jeans and pants, depending on how you like them—cargo, ripped, corduroy, acid-washed, cropped, you name it. BDG also includes T-shirts, bucket hats, hoodies, and denim jackets that will help complete your outfit. Plus Urban Outfitters frequently has storewide sales, so it’s a win win for your pockets and your closet.
Zara
The Spaniard brand is known as a pioneer in fast fashion, offering new products that refer to high end designs within weeks of the runway show at a fraction of the cost. While fast fashion is frowned upon, and we don’t condon straight copying, giving its consumers a way to have a trendy wardrobe without having to pay designer prices is cool. Not everyone can afford Gucci. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be paying for quality just because the garment is modeled after high end clothes. We recommend investing in staples like a classic blazer or chino pants for longer wear.
Levi's
Levi’s has long set the standard for well made denim jeans and luckily for us, they’re affordable enough to buy. Since its inception, the brand has expanded its offerings to outerwear, sweatshirts, T-shirts, underwear, and socks, just to name a few. You can still snag a pair of 501 jeans for as low as $35.70. Who can beat good quality and a price like that?