In the Know: The Best Menswear Shops in London
GUEST SPOT: The Fix for Men brings Culture Whisper readers a round up of the best menswear shops in London.
Richard James Suit
Richard James Discount Store
14a Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6AN
Richard James’ attention to detail is remarkable. From the multi-coloured stitching on the wallets, to the beautiful, bright lining inside each and every suit and jacket, to the perfectly embossed brand name on all of the leather goods; each item is exquisite.To make things even better, we have discovered their discount store just off Spitalfields in East London. The store itself is small but stock constantly stays fresh and current, and the staff really know their stuff. Whether you need a new suit, a killer tie or pocket square, some bright (and cheap) socks, or a spring jumper; this store is the place for you.
Topman General Store
98 Commercial Street; London E1 6LZ
If you think you know Topman, think again. This isn’t another one of their mega-stores, rather a small boutique of perfectly curated affordable items, featuring some of Topman director Gordon Richardson’s favourite pieces from each season. You feel as if you have been transported into a trendy menswear boutique in New York’s Soho rather than actually being inside one of the world’s biggest high street stores: and that, to us, is the beauty of the Topman General Store. Well merchandised and excellently curated you feel that every garment has been chosen especially for you, personally, and no one else.
Oliver Spencer
62 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LW
Very popular with those in the know, this is one of our absolute favourite shops in London. We are never left disappointed (or empty handed, come to think of it) despite frequenting this shop. The guys that work here know everything about the brand and about each and every item; about which cut would work on you and why, about which colour would suit you the most and about how each piece would fit perfectly into an outfit. Nothing feels overcrowded, which is part of it’s charm. Everything is merchandised just so, and every piece seems to find you naturally. The whole experience of shopping at Oliver Spencer makes it feel as thought you’re just out with your friends; other guys visiting the shop always chip on with their opinion of the potential purchase you’re about to make while the sales assistants will pop to the attached Oliver Spencer store next door and grab the jumper they reckon will suit you better.
The Content Store
28 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LE
The Content Store is one of the best places to shop in London because it is rammed full of some of the best pieces from around the globe. Though small, every inch of space is filled with something; be it a brand new photography book, the best beard wax on the market right now, the most coveted pair of shoes that week or the jacket that you need. As soon as you walk into this shop, you’ll remember a whole host of stuff that your wardrobe is screaming for and you’ll get guidance from some of the best-dressed guys and girls in London. We head to Content every time we need a new accessory, whether it’s a wallet, a backpack or a new belt, because (after much trawling), we’ve found it to be the best store in London for exactly that.
Couverture & The Garbstore
188 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES
The beauty of Garbstore is it’s subtlety. You could very easily walk past it and have absolutely no idea it’s there. However once inside there lies a world of possibility. The first floor is children’s clothes, the ground floor, Couverture, is women’s clothes and in the basement is where the magic happens. Ian Paley, Garbstore’s founder, can often be found roaming around inside and as soon as you see how well-dressed he is, you’ll begin to understand why the edit of clothes is quite so wonderful. Japanese fashion is very much an influence when it comes to both the brands and the clothing inside, as well as within his own brand (aptly named Garbstore). And no, we don’t mean over-the-top and impossible-to-wear Japanese clothing, we mean extremely well cut, beautifully made and incredibly well-fitted Japanese clothing. We’ve never left here feeling disappointed, even on the (rare) occasion where we haven’t bought anything; there will always be someone to have an interesting conversation with (very possibly Paley himself) or something beautiful to look at. The store is so well curated and the attention to detail is so minute that we can guarantee you will leave feeling ten times more inspired than you felt when you entered.
14a Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6AN
Richard James’ attention to detail is remarkable. From the multi-coloured stitching on the wallets, to the beautiful, bright lining inside each and every suit and jacket, to the perfectly embossed brand name on all of the leather goods; each item is exquisite.To make things even better, we have discovered their discount store just off Spitalfields in East London. The store itself is small but stock constantly stays fresh and current, and the staff really know their stuff. Whether you need a new suit, a killer tie or pocket square, some bright (and cheap) socks, or a spring jumper; this store is the place for you.
Topman General Store
98 Commercial Street; London E1 6LZ
If you think you know Topman, think again. This isn’t another one of their mega-stores, rather a small boutique of perfectly curated affordable items, featuring some of Topman director Gordon Richardson’s favourite pieces from each season. You feel as if you have been transported into a trendy menswear boutique in New York’s Soho rather than actually being inside one of the world’s biggest high street stores: and that, to us, is the beauty of the Topman General Store. Well merchandised and excellently curated you feel that every garment has been chosen especially for you, personally, and no one else.
Oliver Spencer
62 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LW
Very popular with those in the know, this is one of our absolute favourite shops in London. We are never left disappointed (or empty handed, come to think of it) despite frequenting this shop. The guys that work here know everything about the brand and about each and every item; about which cut would work on you and why, about which colour would suit you the most and about how each piece would fit perfectly into an outfit. Nothing feels overcrowded, which is part of it’s charm. Everything is merchandised just so, and every piece seems to find you naturally. The whole experience of shopping at Oliver Spencer makes it feel as thought you’re just out with your friends; other guys visiting the shop always chip on with their opinion of the potential purchase you’re about to make while the sales assistants will pop to the attached Oliver Spencer store next door and grab the jumper they reckon will suit you better.
The Content Store
28 Lamb's Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LE
The Content Store is one of the best places to shop in London because it is rammed full of some of the best pieces from around the globe. Though small, every inch of space is filled with something; be it a brand new photography book, the best beard wax on the market right now, the most coveted pair of shoes that week or the jacket that you need. As soon as you walk into this shop, you’ll remember a whole host of stuff that your wardrobe is screaming for and you’ll get guidance from some of the best-dressed guys and girls in London. We head to Content every time we need a new accessory, whether it’s a wallet, a backpack or a new belt, because (after much trawling), we’ve found it to be the best store in London for exactly that.
Couverture & The Garbstore
188 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES
The beauty of Garbstore is it’s subtlety. You could very easily walk past it and have absolutely no idea it’s there. However once inside there lies a world of possibility. The first floor is children’s clothes, the ground floor, Couverture, is women’s clothes and in the basement is where the magic happens. Ian Paley, Garbstore’s founder, can often be found roaming around inside and as soon as you see how well-dressed he is, you’ll begin to understand why the edit of clothes is quite so wonderful. Japanese fashion is very much an influence when it comes to both the brands and the clothing inside, as well as within his own brand (aptly named Garbstore). And no, we don’t mean over-the-top and impossible-to-wear Japanese clothing, we mean extremely well cut, beautifully made and incredibly well-fitted Japanese clothing. We’ve never left here feeling disappointed, even on the (rare) occasion where we haven’t bought anything; there will always be someone to have an interesting conversation with (very possibly Paley himself) or something beautiful to look at. The store is so well curated and the attention to detail is so minute that we can guarantee you will leave feeling ten times more inspired than you felt when you entered.
By India Gladstone, The Fix for Men
