The 50 Best menswear
Whether you're replacing some essentials or rebuilding your wardrobe, Lee Holmes kits you out for summer
Friday 13 April 2012
VIEW GALLERY
Related articles
1. Burberry Prorsum
Ikat print – perhaps one of the oldest forms of textile decoration – is as beautiful as it is bold, but it takes a confident man to carry off these trousers. Wear with a grey or white T-shirt.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £575
2. Jonathan Saunders
Look the part this summer with this multicoloured patchwork-print T-shirt from Jonathan Saunders, ensuring you're making the right sartorial statement.
Where: matchesfashion.com
How much: £188
3. Persol
Persol sunglasses were first designed for pilots. During the 1950s they were adopted by stars like Greta Garbo. This pair, with retro tortoise shell frames, also fold away.
Where: harrods.com
How much: £205
4. Oliver Spencer
This ankle boot, called the Kyak, is a fantastic alternative to the over-exposed deck shoe. It has the same rubber sole and heavy stitching but the shape and style is entirely different.
Where: oliverspencer.co.uk
How much: £129
5. Banana Republic
If you're bag shopping on a budget then splurge your well-earned cash on this bright orange canvas shopper. It would look great with a suit in say grey or navy blue.
Where: bananarepublic.gap.eu
How much: £75
6. Acne
This chambray shirt has a curved placket giving it an interesting edge in comparison to other denim shirts. The patch pockets and brown buttons are a nice touch too.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £160
7. Ralph Lauren
A coloured pair of chinos should form the basis of your summer wardrobe. Invest in this pair from Ralph Lauren and match with a crisp white shirt for an all-American vibe.
Where: cruisefashion.co.uk
How much: £100
8. Marc by Marc Jacobs
Mustard is a tricky colour. This chunky pull over, with matching-leather elbow patches, should only be worn when your skin has a bit of a tan. If you are pale yet interesting, steer clear.
Where: harrods.com
How much: £219
9. M&S
The tasselled loafer is always an urbane choice for this time of year. This pair from M&S is inspired by stylish Italian gents holidaying on the Amalfi coast.
Where: marksandspencer.com
How much: £79
10. J Crew
Chambray shorts are the perfect choice for the summer heat. Lightweight and cooling, they can be worn with smart brown shoes for a laid back but smart vibe.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £75
11. Folk
Folk ignores catwalk trends and concentrates on fine tuning what we already have in our wardrobes. This woollen knit is perfect for spring like weather as it will layer over a T-shirt.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £112
12. Hogan
Hogan's take on the traditional brogue adds a subtle sporty element. The uppers are made from the softest calf leather, and the soles from a white wedge of rubber.
Where: hogan.com
How much: £220
13. Beams Plus
Beams Plus is a Japanese brand that was launched in 1999. This jacket has an American preppy feel to it but is made from the latest crease-resistant fabric. How very modern.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £295
14. Rag & Bone
The Hawaiian-print shirt is making something of a return to our shores this summer. This particular model has a pattern reminiscent of steamy nights in Miami.
Where: rag-bone.com
How much: £130
15. APC
APC has been making effortlessly cool clothes since 1987. It manages to give the expected a little twist of the unexpected. This T-shirt's multi-coloured pattern gives it joie de vivre.
Where: apc.fr
How much: £60
16. Margaret Howell
If you have cash to burn then take a look at this rucksack. Made from cotton canvas exclusively for the label by Yoshida & Co of Tokyo. There's only 30 of them hence the price
Where: margarethowell.co.uk
How much: £475
17. Lacoste Live
These plain-blue gabardine chinos are given a splash of colour by the tiny embroidered deck shoe motif. Very lively, so it's advisable to stick to a more neutral top.
Where: lacoste.com
How much: £130
18. ASOS
These shorts have an authentic vintage feel and are cut to sit on the middle of the thigh. A perfect example of that washed out-pastel colour running through the menswear collections.
Where: asos.com
How much: £22
19. Burberry Prorsum
If you fancy something a little homespun then you'll love the crochet detailing on the front of this sweater. It adds a sophisticated element to what could be humdrum knitwear.
Where: matchesfashion.com
How much: £550
20. Mason Martain Margiela
Wear these two-tone brown leather shoes and you're buying into a brand that is the epitome of elegance and at the cutting edge of Parisian cool.
Where: maisonmartinmargiela.com
How much: £445
21. Jonathan Saunders
Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders is known for vibrant colour and this turquoise-blue jacket is a prime example. It has a detachable hood and button cuff epaulettes.
Where: matchesfashion.com
How much: £728
22. French Connection
Ignore patterned shirts at your peril this year. Perhaps the easiest way to wear them is by adopting the polka dot. This version is an easy way to inject fun into your wardrobe.
Where: frenchconnection.com
How much: £40
23. Givenchy
This season's collection from Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci was dominated by the bird of paradise print. The sleeves on this T-shirt are a simple way to wear this look.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £375
24. Jack Spade
If you're in the market for a new wallet I recommend this anchor embossed leather number. It comes with a zipper fastening, and when opened there's room for credit cards and cash.
Where: jackespade.com
How much: £150
25. Acne
Give your weekend wardrobe a hint of Scandinavian style with these burnt-orange chinos from Acne. Zesty and refreshing, these will look great with a slim fit double-breasted blazer.
Where: acnestudios.com
How much: £170
26. Jack Spade
Jack Spade has its roots in classic American sportswear. Buy in to this American dream by wearing these red shorts with a pair of classic white plimsolls.
Where: jackspade.com
How much: £130
27. Marni
Italian label Marni is known for eccentricity, so this knit is relatively simple. The bold stripes and colour tones give it an arts student kind of vibe – albeit a very wealthy one.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £340
28. Topman
Shorts that make a loud statement are always a welcome sight come summer. These thick blue stripe shorts from Topman will certainly get you noticed.
Where: topman.com
How much: £30
29. Piombo
This Italian-based label does classic with a twist. This double-breasted jacket is smart and easy to wear. It's also made from 100 per cent linen, making it perfect for summer.
Where: matchesfashion.com
How much: £705
30. Jack Spade
With all the busy prints and patterns, this button down grey shirt will sooth the eyes. It has a worn in softness to the cotton, making it feel as if it has been part of your collection for years.
Where: jackspade.com
How much: £117
31. Lacoste Live
This imaginative print T-shirt is a jolly way to approach the coming summer. The cartoon street scene print even features the obligatory croc.
Where: lacoste.com
How much: £59
32. H.E. by Mango
This striped belt with silver buckle from H.E. by Mango is perfect for casual shorts. An ideal accessory for the summer holidays.
Where: shop.mango.com
How much: £19.95
33. Farah Vintage
Buttercup-yellow chinos might not be to everyone's taste but you'll be on to a winner by summer if you invest in a pair of these. They'll look perfect with a white T-shirt.
Where: farah.co.uk
How much: £70
34. River Island
If vertical stripes just aren't your thing then head down to River Island. You'll then be able to get your hands on these horizontal-stripe shorts. The belt is also included. Bargain.
Where: riverisland.com
How much: £25
35. Jaeger
If you're looking for a fine gauge knit then here's one made from the softest cotton. This Breton sweat has a contemporary edge because of the colour of its contrasting stripes.
Where: jaegar.com
How much: £130
36. J Jeans
Jasper Conran's shoe collection for his Debenhams line goes from strength to strength. This brogue with a white-wedge sole is a popular trend. Wear these with a smart suit or jeans.
Where: debenhams.com
How much: £64
37. Valentino
This dark and moody take on the Hawaiian trend is not what you'd necessarily expect from Valentino, who is more noted for its tailoring. An impressive lightweight nylon jacket.
Where: matchesfashion.com
How much: £1,238
38. Marc Jacobs
Short-sleeved shirts tend to get an unwarranted bad press. This floral print shirt with contrast collar is just what's needed if you're keen to adopt the 1950s trend this summer.
Where: matchesfashion.com
How much: £314
39. Wooyoungmi
Wooyoungmi clothes sculpt around the body almost like a second skin. This is expensive but from the contrasting neck line to the zip fastening, it is a detailed investment piece.
Where: selfridges.com
How much: £369
40. Coach
If you're feeling very patriotic this year Coach has just the bag for you. This leather and canvas Bleeker bag comes in the colours of our national flag.
Where: coach.com
How much: £320
41. Folk
We all need a classic pair of chinos for the summer. This beige pair might not seem much at first glance, but they'll carry you through from day to evening, from smart to casual.
Where: from Folkclothing.com
How much: £140
42. Oliver Spencer
I believe shorts are for weekends. If, however, you find yourself in an office where they are compulsory, this chambray pair hit the perfect balance between smart yet casual.
Where: oliverspencer.co.uk
How much: £99
43. Acne
You can rely on Acne for stylish basics. This red knit is made of lightweight cotton, the perfect type of yarn for warm weather. Wear by itself with a pair of flat-front khaki shorts and sandals.
Where: mrporter.com
How much: £190
44. Penguin Original
Launched in Minneapolis in 1955, Penguin is known for its chinos and polo shirts. This orange lightweight duffle-inspired jacket is a prime example of their outerwear.
Where: originalpenguin.com
How much: £185
45. ASOS
In collaboration with It's Nice That magazine, ASOS asked artists to design Hawaiian shirts. Michael Willis has used bold pastel coloured imagery with 1980s pop art influences
Where: asos.com
How much: £40
46. Folk
Inspired by an Aboriginal piece of art, this dot T-shirt was made by the in-house team at Folk which means that you won't find anything else like it on the market.
Where: cruisefashion.co.uk
How much: £65
47. French Connection
This is a great trans-seasonal piece. Warm enough to keep spring chills at bay, but good for summer with just a T-shirt. It has an attractive check lining and hidden inside pocket.
Where: frenchconnection.com
How much: £100
48. Wooyoungmi
Launched in Paris in 2002, Wooyoungmi takes fashion very seriously but also has a sense of humour. These suede sandals are reminiscent of the Jelly Bean shoes of the 1980s.
Where: selfridges.com
How much: £150
49. Wolsey
Inspired by the traditional American college jacket with its shape and cut, but made from lightweight polyester for a sportier edge. Brass button fastenings are a highlight.
Where: wolsey.com
How much: £149
50. Banana Republic
Pea coats never seem to go out of style. This is a lightweight version from Banana Republic. Wear over a crisp white shirt and coloured chinos for a timeless look.
Where: bananarepublic.gap.eu
How much: £89
- 1 Heading for America? Prepare for the longest US immigration queues ever
- 2 Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
- 3 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 4 'Swivel-gate': David Cameron goes to war with the press over 'swivel-eyed loons' slur
- 5 It’s official: thanks to Stephen Hawking's Israel boycott, anti-Semitism is no more
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Independent Dating
iJobs General
Teaching Programme Officer with Qualified Teacher Status
£28000 - £31500 per annum + benefits: Randstad Education Newcastle: Permanent ...
SAP FI-CA Consultant - up to £58k
£50000 - £58000 per annum + Benefits and Bonus: Progressive Recruitment: SAP F...
PHP/ Drupal Developer - £35k - WC
£30000 - £40000 per annum + BENS: Progressive Recruitment: Drupal Developer A ...
C# WEB DEVELOPER
£45000 - £50000 per annum + bens: Progressive Recruitment: C# WEB DEVELOPER Le...
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'
Don't be shy: Bill Granger's Sri Lankan recipes
Gordon Ramsay's worst nightmare: A restaurant he cannot save


Comments