Brands I Like
Tailoring
It has been fun to watch this company grow into what it is today. They are active in the community on StyleForum and consistently seek out feedback for future products. I’m extremely lucky that with the changes to the suit/sport coat fit over the years that their off the rack items fit me really well. In fact, the better part of my closet is from these guys… I’ve been ordering custom MTM shirts from them for a while, and they have a super flexible MTM service in-store, as well as online MTO which works really well.
This Norway-based menswear shop carries a broad selection of tailored clothing, footwear and accessories for both men and women, including brands like Canali, Edward Green, 100 Hands, Ring Jacket, Crockett & Jones. They also have an in-house line of tailoring, accessories and footwear, which I’ve been very happy with. Fabric selections, construction and a couple of different styles available should make Cavour one of the brands you like too.
Collaro is a Singapore based tailoring house that focuses on made-to-measure garments. Right now, they offer shirts, trousers, and a selection of really cool outerwear. Their customer service is absolutely top notch, and their online configurator for those MTM garments is honestly the best I’ve seen. I have a flight jacket in their signature honey denim, and a pair of trousers in a killer olive Japanese cotton (and a couple more pairs on the way). Later this year they will be releasing their first suits and sport coats, which I am very much looking forward to. Check back soon for a review!
Some of the finest pocket squares available (see here and here for inspiration) – unique designs, excellent craftsmanship, great prices. Hard to beat their tie selection too. They have a great range of accessories available (I own their keyhole sunglasses – awesome!), but they are also truly a haberdasher – MTM services for suits, jackets, sport coats (and boy is it great); off the rack shirts; casual and dress shoes (I also own their hand grade white sneakers). If you decide to try their MTM products, tell them I sent you for $50 off!
A tailoring business that began almost a century and a half ago in the Hague serving court officials, Besnard was recently revived by Victor Besnard, great-great-grandson of the founder. It happened when he came across a suit produced back in the early 1900s. This sparked a desire to resurrect and continue the family’s business, which relaunched in 2018. You can read the full story here. I have one of their denim button-down shirts. It’s wonderfully soft, starting to ease into some nice fades, and has a great roll to the collar. Keep an eye on them.
Accessories
This is my go to company to reward myself with something special. Handcrafted ties custom made to your specifications… Just, wow. The thing that really sets them apart for me is the fabric selection. With an sharp eye for detail, and the ability to visualize what will make the best tie, they often run group MTO and limited run fabrics. Construction is superb, and they tie fantastic knots. It’s not all about the ties though – they also have a lovely selection of pocket squares, including some made from vintage kimono silk. My wishlist on their site is ever expanding… up to probably 80+ ties at this point. If you want 5% off your first order, use this link!
I found Oxford Rowe on Instagram, and boy am I glad that I did. They offer a well curated selection of ties and pocket squares that are designed to be part of a versatile wardrobe. I reviewed them here and here and found their ties to be outstanding in terms of material, construction and value. The zig zag knits were my favourite, and will be picking up a few more for sure. I’m looking forward to see what they come up with next!
Rampley & Co makes some of the finest pocket squares around. Faithful prints of famous art works, with custom borders that are truly something to behold. I originally reviewed their St. George and the Dragon, which is a perfect example of what I’m talking about – and if you’d like to see some inspiration for wearing it, check this out. I’ve since added a couple more squares to my collection, and have been nothing but happy with each one. They offer monogramming and even bespoke pocket square options, but if you’re looking for a versatile piece of art to stuff in your pocket, go have a look.
Amidé Hadelin is an excellent source of quality men’s accessories. I own a number of their ties and pocket squares, and a pair of beautiful deer skin gloves. Each season improves on the last, with unique and versatile pocket squares, and ties featuring fabrics from Abraham Moon & Sons, Fox Brothers, Delfino, Holland and Sherry just to name a few. They’ve recently added an “Orange Label”, which features some premium, and truly stunning accessories – and for the first time ever a gorgeous denim button down shirt.
Supporting a fellow Canadian is always a plus, especially when the value and quality they offer locally is pretty amazing. A great selection of classic and seasonal grenadines, and some interesting six fold fabrics are all available on their site. You might even see yours truly hanging out there somewhere. One of my favourite parts of working with Aklasu was chatting with the owner, and coming up with ideas like this one about black grenadine ties.
Footwear
A relatively classic collection of shoes, constructed using the finest leathers and suedes from renowned tanneries. I own their George split toe derbie in ebony Utah grain leather – their best selling pair. Some of the nicest lasts I’ve seen, regular group made to order (GMTO) offers in more exotic configurations, and a transparent approach to customer engagement all combine to make me a fan of Sons of Henrey.
Started by Jonathon and Gary, 51 Label offers made in Italy men’s dress shoes at very attractive price point. After receiving a pair and reviewing them, I can appreciate what they are going for with the idea of “Effortless Luxury” and I think that every interaction – product, packaging, service – have lived up to that goal. The last shape is great, construction is excellent and the leather they use is top shelf. They are definitely one of my most comfortable pairs.
Boardroom Socks produce some of the finest socks out there, all proudly in the USA. I’ve been wearing them for quite a while. They have a great selection of wool and cotton dress socks, but I think my favourites are their Donegal socks. I have literally worn them every day over this past winter, and am pleased to say they are holding up extremely well! One thing I like about them is they are a little thicker than some other dress socks, which I find a little too lightweight.
