There are numerous generic menswear brands in the world, but if you are looking for something different of great quality without the designer price tag, your best bet is to discover an independent menswear brand online or on the high street.
These small businesses succeed by offering high-quality, stylish garments rather than relying on their brand alone to sell their products. Independents need to offer better quality and value than generic brands. Their products must be good enough to encourage repeat custom because independents thrive, in part because of this repeat custom. This means that you can be confident of vastly superior craftsmanship and quality when compared to a more mainstream branded product at a similar price.
Below we select our top 5 independent menswear brands:
1. Niccolò P. Polo Shirts
London-based Niccolò P. is the best independent clothing brand if you are looking for a high-quality polo shirt. Since 2018, they have been offering exceptional value in luxury polo shirts as they employ a hybrid business model of direct-to-consumer with occasional pop-ups and events. This means that they pass the savings onto consumers rather than having to give a large margin to ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers.
Niccolò P. uses only the finest quality natural materials in their polo shirts, including Egyptian Mako and Sea Island cottons, all knitted in the famous fine textiles region of Montebelluna, Italy. With a fit that they describe as “straight,” the polos are neither overly fitted nor overly loose. Discover more about their approach to what they call the ‘structured’ polo shirt here. Better yet, shipping is free on all orders worldwide.
2. Sunspel
Head to Sunspel.com for the definitive range of luxury British staples for men. Using timeless design and luxury fabrics, this brand has been creating season styles since 1860. Today they produce luxury everyday clothing, including t-shirts, underwear, knitwear, accessories, trousers, coats, and of course, polo shirts.
3. Oliver Spencer
From early beginnings as a self-taught tailor and shopkeeper, Oliver Spencer has built a brand around his vision: hand-crafted quality paired with stylish accents and details. In the words of GQ, a ‘uniquely British take on relaxed style.’
His 2020 collection includes t-shirts, blazers, collarless shirts, sunglasses, and loads more. Most of it is impressive. I’m less keen on his pink, mud, and olive striped t-shirt. The colors remind me of a puddle.
4. L’Estrange London
In a world of hyper-convenience and overconsumption, L’Estrange tries to simplify the male wardrobe. Their modular clothing system comprises comfortable, seasonless, versatile pieces designed to be worn in any setting. Fewer things, fewer decisions, less impact on the planet, and more time to focus on what’s important.
Designed in London and crafted in European factories, they’ve reimagined every stage of the clothing lifecycle to conserve resources and improve longevity. They only use renewable and recycled materials like organic cotton and offer free repairs to extend the life of clothes.
They have designed every item you need for your wardrobe, so it really can be a one-stop-shop for an independent wardrobe reset.
5. Finisterre
The sea-inspired this independent retailer, and its clothing is built for adventure. Finisterre makes enduring outdoor wear with recycled jackets, shirts, organic tees, and more. With everything you would need for a surfing or camping wardrobe, you can kit yourself out for a trip away.
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