Male fashion is such a fascinating space to me because it lives in extremes. There are guys who pretend they don’t care at all, and then there are guys who secretly study fit pics like they’re prepping for an exam. Most of my opinions on menswear come from watching what my guy friends actually wear day to day. This is my unofficial, totally biased guide to the men’s brands I keep seeing and are genuinely liking right now.
The streetwear guys with taste are usually the first ones I notice. There is a certain type of guy who lives in streetwear but still looks put together. He is not drowning in logos and he definitely knows his angles. That is where brands like Rhude, Chrome Hearts, and Gallery Dept come in for me. Rhude feels like West Coast cool in clothing form with relaxed silhouettes, elevated details, and just enough graphic energy to feel intentional without screaming for attention. Chrome Hearts is for the guy who has a tiny bit of rockstar delusion in the best way, with gothic fonts, leather, bold jewelry, and those pieces that somehow make a basic tee and jeans look like an actual outfit. Gallery Dept is the artsy cousin, paint splattered, distressed, and vintage coded, as if he rolled out of an LA studio but still smells like expensive cologne. If a guy is wearing these brands, I usually assume he pays attention to cuts, washes, and the little things most people overlook.
Then we have the functioning adult classics. That is where Polo, Abercrombie, and Banana Republic quietly shine. Polo and Banana Republic are the go tos for looking polished without being overdressed. A well fitted polo, a crisp button down, tailored pants, nothing groundbreaking, but when the fit is right, it does exactly what it needs to do. Abercrombie has also stepped up in a big way. The fits are cleaner, the fabrics softer, and the branding way more subtle now, which I love. I picture these brands for dinner dates, meeting the parents, or any moment where the goal is to look put together, but not trying too hard.
I am fully behind athleisure being a real outfit, and apparently so are most men. Alo, Lululemon, and Vuori are definitely repeating characters in the male wardrobe around me. There is something oddly attractive about a guy who can throw on a clean Lulu tee or Vuori joggers and somehow look ready for both a workout and a coffee date. The lines are simple, the fabrics are flattering, and everything feels intentionally minimal. Alo sneaks into this lane with that slightly more polished, almost studio approved vibe. It is relaxed but not sloppy, perfect for Sunday errands, and casual hangouts. And then there is Tommy Bahama, which I used to mentally file under retired dads on vacation until I saw it styled right. A breezy linen shirt reads coastal, confident, and a little bit fun, especially in warmer, beachy cities.
Nahmias is a brand that feels like a secret. It has that California luxury, slightly sporty, slightly coastal mix that feels fresh instead of overdone. It is not the loudest logo in the room, but it definitely shows you care about what you wear, and I did not learn about fashion from TikTok alone. If a guy is wearing Nahmias, I automatically assume he has at least glanced at a runway collection and has opinions on sneakers that cost more than my rent.
To me, the best male fashion is not the loudest or the most expensive. It is when a guy clearly knows his brands, understands what fits his body and personality, and still manages to look effortless, like he got dressed for himself first, and everyone else just gets to enjoy it.