8 Brands Worth Investing in for the Summer
The countdown to Summer is officially on, the weather’s warm the streets are alive and we’re finally in a post-pandemic space. Now, if you’ve been following my blog that you should already have a solid wardrobe built, and as I always like to say Summer is the best time to explore trends, play around with broader colours and new silhouettes. Another thing I like to do is explore new brands.
One of the best things about men’s fashion is that menswear trends don’t switch up as often as women’s trends do. If you have pieces with quality fabric and classic cuts will always outweigh whatever trend is going on. For most guys, summer style is about 2 things:
1. Looking effortlessly put together
2. Being as comfortable as possible
You want to feel comfortable and still look polished and stylish without the hassle of literally owning the exact same garments as the rest of your crew. So, to help you put some more thought into your next summer purchase I wanted to highlight some brands worth checking out or even investing in for the summer. The number of company’s coming out with size inclusive collections, more breathable fabrics, and a wider colours plate has been impressive. Hopefully, you’ll find a new brand worth spending your money on.
8. Onia
I love this brand! Onia carries a mix of both trendy and classic pieces with a strong attention to the silhouette. Every piece feels like to was made for you. Aside from men’s shorts, tops, and sweaters, the range also contains men’s trousers and great resort items like swim trunks and tees. The great thing about Onia’s collections is that you don’t need to overly style it. Throw some pieces in a travel bag and you’ll be set for a 3-day weekend in the cottage. The colours and materials are incredibly soothing and unlike any other brands available in the summer clothing market.
7. Bonobos
Bonobos has been offering high quality reasonably priced menswear since 2007. Initially an e-comm apparel company with designs that include suiting, trousers, jeans, shirts, swimwear, and outerwear. In 2012 Bonobos opened its first physical location and although it hasn’t been around for that long this brand offers some great, timeless items in extended sizes that will keep you looking great in and out of the office.
6. Dockers
Am I the only one that feels like Dockers gets a bad rap? I think most guys think of the brand as something older men shop, but Dockers produces smart, comfortable, and versatile men’s clothing suitable for every occasion. Part of the company’s mission statement is that that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style or comfort because of your size. I can honestly say Dockers is one of my favourite brands to shop for summer, they’ve never steered me wrong.
5. Upwest
Upwest is a brand I wish more people knew about. Their company mission is to provide comfort with vibrant colours and pillow-soft fabrics it’s easy to see the appeal. Upwest has a great selection of everyday pieces to help any man stylishly and effortlessly beat the heat. Personally, I like their super-soft button-up shirts, textural waffle henleys, and eco-friendly joggers and chinos. And the cherry on top Upwest also donates and gives back to multiple organizations and causes. Looking good has never felt so great.
4. J. Crew
This one’s an oldie but a goodie. Over the last couple of years, J. Crew has found the perfect balance and merged its preppy heritage with modern, casual styles for a polished wardrobe that looks great with just about everything. This is a brand I tend to go to for a slightly more elevated day to day look. From the perfect button-down shirt styles to some a perfectly cut pair of breathable It’s one of the few mass-retailer that does summer fashion right with impressive pieces that won't break the bank.
3. Alex Mill
Think of Alex Mill as an upscale version of J. Crew with a nautical twist. The clothing isn’t cheap, but the quality is out of this world. Alex Mill is the perfect place to build a preppy chic look. For them it’s about staying true to the classics. They also have a Re-Work program, which collaborates with independent designers, and organizations that design with scrap fabrics and upcycled materials to create new pieces. Alex Mill’s philosophy is to stop buying more clothes and start buying the right clothes.
Now, this brand picks up where Gap fell of several years ago. GMB has constantly released some must-have collection of shoes and apparel in addition to a great charitable aspect with a 3% donation with ever purchase to the Why Not You Foundation. The brands mission is clear clean, purposeful, and directional fashion that showcases unmatched comfort and careful craft. Good Man Brand shoes collection has been one of the season’s easiest standouts pick. Luxe leathers and suede finishes that are crafted to perfection in simple, effortlessly cool silhouettes.
1. Uniqlo
Uniqlo is your one-stop shop for budget basics. I have rarely left this store without purchasing a new item. They have several specialized collections with established and up-and-coming designers as well as modern fabrics like precipitation-blocking Blocktech, breathable Airism, and Ultra Light lines. Uniqlo also creates seasonal trends that are rarely done, like in 2022 joggers that mimicked dress pants. Some locations also offer in-store jean and pant hemming. It’s the perfect place to dip your toe in some summer trends at an affordable price.
I hope I was able to introduce you to some new brands, and I’d love to know where you’ll be shopping for your summer looks. Unless you’re about to flood the comments with Forever 21 and Zara, then I’m good. As always let’s keep the conversations going in the comments.