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If your correspondent had his way, each and every present opened on Christmas morning would be clothes — nevermind the fact that my wardrobe often spirals to the point where I’ve had to develop a system to keep it from rising up and overtaking my existence.
But the heart wants what it wants, and I know my ticker ain’t alone in pining for some sweet, sweet vestiary goodness this holiday season. And thus I’ve compiled this handy guide to some of the season’s best apparel, so that we sartorially-obsessed fellas may send it to our loved ones (looking at you, mom) and let them know exactly what we’d like to be wearing in the new year.
Taylor Stitch “The Jack” Natural Donegal Shirt
Fun fact: the term “donegal” refers to the county in Ireland where weavers pioneered a technique of utilizing a differently-colored warp and weft to achieve a heathered effect in the fabric. The subtle flecking makes for great texture, which makes for a lil more personality than your average button-up.
Dr. Martens 1461 “Bodega”
We’ve recently opined on how Dr. Martens are no longer merely the provenance of punks and goths, and their recent spate of collabs with notable streetwear mavens only further proves our point. Their newest, in partnership with legendary Boston sneaker boutique Bodega, is a sly update on the 3-hole 1461 silhouette featuring a composite toe box and Bodega’s motto “Hidden in Plain Sight” embossed on the side. As always, built in England and Goodyear-welted, which means crap weather ain’t no thing to them.
Jo Malone London x Huntsman Collection
It’s important to remember that part of looking good is smelling good as well. This collab comes to you from two parties who know both concerns exceedingly well — British luxury perfumers Jo Malone London have teamed up with historic Saville Row tailor Huntsman on a collection of four scents for the modern gent who wants to stand apart. From Whiskey and Cedarwood to Birch and Black Pepper, these are the kind of fragrances that cause people to lean in and drop a compliment, trust.
Cole Haan Harrison Grand Penny Loafer
Every guy should own a pair of rock solid brown penny loafers. They’re timeless, insanely versatile, and an excellent opportunity to utilize those foreign coins that Thomas Cook stubbornly refuses to accept. And considering the bananas price cut on this dapper pair from Cole Haan, they ain’t gonna last — so get on it.
Billy Reid Denim Shirt
Another thing every guy should own? A snap-front denim shirt. Handsome, durable, timeless. To wit: your correspondent bought this exact number from Billy Reid eight years ago, and it somehow looks even better today.
Hook & Albert Twill Garment Weekender Bag
While others have followed suit (pardon the pun), we must give credit to Hook & Albert for being the first we came across to produce the “garment duffle” — that is, a garment bag that folds/zips into duffel form to hold a long weekend’s worth of gear. And now they’re offering this stately twill version, which has all the good looks and functionality of its leather predecessor with a little less weight.
Dents x Abraham Moon Dogtooth Tweed Gloves
Dents has been making leather gloves in England since 1777. Abraham Moon has been turning out top-shelf English wool since 1837. That’s a combined 424 years of fine British craftsmanship, culminating in a pair of gloves so damn refined you may be tempted to take one off, slap a coworker across the face and challenge him to a duel.
Flint and Tinder Sherpa-Lined Waxed Ridge Parka
You don’t often see waxed camo, which is a shame because this parka proves that it looks really, really cool. Add the durability of British Millerain canvas, the coziness of a full sherpa lining and the functionality of F&T’s design (pockets for days!) and you’ve got yourself a winter no-brainer.
Veja V-10 Extra White Nautico Pekin
Veja shoes are made entirely from sustainable materials in the Porto Alegre region of Brazil, and that’s great because we love the earth — but, equally importantly, they just look mad cool. Classic white court shoe silhouette with a timeless dose of navy and red, and that perforated toe? Throwback perfection.
Goodlife Slim-Fit Shawl Collar Cardigan
The key to a good cardigan is that it should look as good open as it does buttoned. Goodlife’s shawl-collared number is cut perfectly in that regard, with a slim fit that drapes almost like your favorite fitted blazer. That + the superbly textured waffle-y knit = a wintertime workhorse.
The Tie Bar Red Barberis Wool Natale Tie
The term “holiday tie” tends to give us the chills, but this bad boy from The Tie Bar is honestly exactly what we should all be shooting for. Festive but understated, with the added pedigree of luxury fabric from Vitale Barberis, the oldest wool mill in the world. Grab one and dominate the holiday party circuit.
Todd Snyder Double Breasted Herringbone Topcoat
Admittedly, someone would need to really like you (or owe you a blood debt of some variety) to drop this much on a holiday gift. But by the Beard of Zeus will you just look at this thing. 100% Italian wool, horn buttons, fur collar … it’s spendy, but if you can swing it, you’re looking at a lifetime of “hot damn, where did you get that coat??”
Minnetonka Two Button Hardsole Boot
Remember Brad Pitt in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood? How timelessly, effortlessly cool he looked? That starts with this pair of western-inspired mocs right here, the very same ones ol’ Cliff Booth sported in the film. Best paired with: dusty jeans, vintage T-shirt, mean right hand.
Uniqlo Heattech Knitted Cap
This is exactly the kind of thing that should be going into a stocking — cheap enough that the giver doesn’t feel bad making it, you know, a stocking gift, but nice enough that it actually feels like a proper gift. All the textured knit and heathered goodness of a “heritage” beanie at a fraction the price, plus Uniqlo’s HEATTECH insulation to keep your dome toasty.
Tombolo “The Angler” Cabana Shirt
Tombolo bills their eye-catching vacation gear as “maximalist inactivewear” — in layman’s terms, bold designs meant for chilling on a beach/boat/lounge chair somewhere warm. And what more perfect excuse to begin plotting a sunny, tropical reprieve from winter than owning the chillest shirt of all time to wear once you arrive?
Norway Socks Tore 5-Pack
We’re aware that socks are not the most exciting item in your closet, but these Norwegian puppies have a solid dose of personality and honestly at under twenty bucks for a set of five, you’d be a fool not to stuff your stocking with them.
Marine Layer ML x LF Roble Sweater
There’s been a rash of sartorial nostalgia for the ski slopes of yesteryear lately, from throwback puffers to alpine shades, and we are very here for it. This merino wool/cotten zipped sweater from Marine Layer was inspired by an old photo of French World Alpine Cup ski racer Jean-Claude Killey, and will give you all the ’70s après vibes with none of the scratchy wool chafing of the vintage versions.
The Daily Edited Black Double Card Holder
Our managing editor is a staunch proponent of the card holder over the bi-fold wallet, and he’s not wrong — streamlining your life is key, and a thick wallet has been linked to back pain. Small details make this one a winner, with saffiano leather adding a bit of texture and your initials a nice personal touch.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
