Have you ever had this exchange?
“Cool shirt/ [or jacket/embroidered fanny pack].”
“Oh, this old thing? I got it at a little store in Venice on my last trip to LA [or in the back alley of a cobbler’s shop in Venice / from my grandmother who stitched it together from scraps she brought over from the old country].”
Interesting stories, sure, but not very helpful in recreating the look for yourself.
That’s what I love about the rise of direct-to-consumer, or DTC, brands.
You get an interesting product that doesn’t look like what everyone else is wearing, and you can let people know how they can actually cop style like yours (if you’re feeling generous, that is).
These startups bypass traditional brick and mortar stores, whether their own, or selling wholesale to department stores and boutiques, in favor of offering their wares directly to you, the consumer.
By skipping these typical retail costs, these brands have more to spend on quality materials and design, and they can offer their product at a lower price. Meaning, you’re getting goods bordering on luxury at a price point that’s closer to fast fashion cost.
Team SG often recommends products from these brands in the monthly Wardrobe Report and to 1:1 styling clients.
After all, we can’t have SG fans looking like every other guy in his office or school!
Below, check out 9 of the most stylish direct-to-consumer brands for men:
Spiritual predecessors: Todd Snyder, Abercrombie
Founded back in 2013 in Venice, California, Sasha Koehn and Erik Allen Ford started out of a 350-square-foot garage with locally-made jeans and tees and a simple goal to make clothing that would stand the test of time.
Today, the direct to consumer brand has stores all over the country, offering up pieces that exude laidback, effortless style that looks as good as it feels.
More like it: Ayr, Billy Reid, Quince, Huckberry
Cariuma’s Brazilian co-founders bonded over their shared love of skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding, and a belief that those industries’ sneakers weren’t comfortable or sustainable enough.
They design timeless sneakers that feel good and are consciously made.
More like it: Atoms, Greats, Jak
Tommy John’s husband and wife founders cashed out their 401k’s to reinvent men’s undergarments, starting with a patented “stay tucked” and moving onto underwear from there.
Guys love the brand’s horizontal “Quick Draw” fly, a uniquely intuitive horizontal opening for fast, easy access when nature calls.
More like it: Mack Weldon, Bombas, Pair of Thieves
Huron
What they make: men’s grooming products, including shampoo, conditioner, and cologne
Spiritual predecessor: Harry’s
If you’re someone who likes stocking his bathroom with the latest brands, Huron is the latest in a long, proud line of men making grooming products for men.
The tl;dr? Don’t steal your girlfriend’s shampoo; get your own.
More like it: Grooming Lounge, The Motley
The OG. Sure, the glasses retailer now has stores all over the country, but they got their start – and arguably helped kick off this whole DTC movement – by selling stylish frames at affordable prices, all online.
Yes, it’s nice to be able to try on every style they offer in-person, but if you don’t live near a brick and mortar location, their at-home try-on process is pretty easy, too.
Ten Thousand
What they make: Cool kid athleisure
Spiritual predecessor: Nike
Ten Thousand’s goal is to “create gear worthy of the world’s top athletes.”
Even if that’s, well, not you, you’ll still love training in the brand’s stylish and comfortable workout wear.
The streamlined collection offers up high quality and technical performance that looks and feels as good at the gym as it does running errands on a Saturday afternoon.
More like it: Rhone, Vuori, Fourlaps
Started by a couple of gals here in NYC, Away offers super-stylish, insanely durable luggage that’s also shockingly affordable.
Away is a great direct to consumer example of a brand being able to offer a more luxe product – with premium Japanese Hinomoto wheels and scratch-resistant German polycarbonate – at a price point that’s actually accessible since they’re selling straight to you, the (stylish) traveler.
More like it: Beis, Dagne Dover
Mejuri
What they make: Everyday fine jewelry
Spiritual predecessor: Kay Jewelers meets Claire’s Boutique
Founded in 2015, Mejuri is on a mission to turn fine jewelry into an everyday occasion.
Products are designed in-house, and released in limited quantities, only manufacturing more based on consumer demand. This allows the brand to curate fresh products while keeping production less wasteful.
First thing’s first: no one makes a better performance dress shirt than Mizzen+Main.
These shirts have saved countless guys from sweating through their workwear before they can even get into the office. But really, all of the brand’s clothes look stylish and professional, while moving with you through whatever the day throws at you.
Think of it like athleisure for a corporate casual dress code.
More like it: Ministry of Supply, Proper Cloth
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More style stories from SG HQ:
Why an Everyday Oxford Shirt is a Wardrobe Essential
The Best Canvas Sneakers for Men
This Easy Outfit Combo Can’t Miss
