Our society is growing and the history of dressing up to fit the occasion is being lost. Some choose to dress in sweatpants and hoodies, some choose to take on street wear style, but you can never go wrong with a classic wardrobe. A classic style will always look good no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Some brands hold a strong place in the classic style playbook. These brands are what we will discuss today.
1 – Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers was established in 1818 with the idea “To make and deal only in merchandise of the finest body, to sell it at a fair profit, and to deal with people who seek and appreciate such merchandise.” (Henry Sands Brooks, 1818). Brooks Brothers has maintained this idea of quality clothing and enjoyable service with customers through its existence, but the idea of a “fair profit” has waned in the past decade or two. Brooks Brothers’ style or aesthetic can be described as “east coast high class”, which is shown through their quality sweaters, polo shirts, chino pants, and luxury suits.
2 – J.Crew
J.Crew was founded in 1947 as Popular Merchandise Inc., which (after a few name changes) became J.Crew. This brand focuses on leisurewear for upper-middle-class customers. They aim for a Ralph Lauren look at a much lower price. J.Crew has a style or aesthetic closer to a “west coast upper-middle-class”, which is proven through their comfortable shorts, classic t-shirts, and button-downs.
3 – Lucky Brand
Lucky Brand is renowned for premium, vintage-inspired denim with a bohemian, Americana aesthetic, known for its “Lucky You” signature embroidery on the fly, founded in 1990 by Gene Montesano and Barry Perlman in Los Angeles. It offers comfortable, broken-in jeans, alongside apparel that reflects a relaxed Southern California lifestyle.
4 – American Eagle
American Eagle opened its doors in 1977 as American Eagle Outfitters, and it originally specialized in the idea of “outdoor leisure”. This idea would transition to more of a west coast casual style that would gain huge popularity in the 2000s and 2010s. This casual style is demonstrated through their popular graphic t-shirts, comfortable sweatshirts, and shorts.
5 – Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a famous designer who is the head of Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren, Chaps, U.S. Polo Association, and Ralph Lauren Purple Label. These brands are known by many for their classic designs and amazing clothing. All of these brands could be considered under this category, as all of these brands are attainable to different people. Although these brands all opened in different years, Ralph Lauren’s first shop opened in 1967 and sold neckties, but the brand would soon gain popularity selling polo shirts, a shirt made popular by Lacoste and other Tennis Players. Ralph Lauren’s brands often carry a classic “American Prep” style, which is exemplified through their famous polo shirts, Oxford shirts, and sweaters.
Many brands have made lasting marks on the Men’s Fashion World. Some notable brands weren’t even mentioned here, like Armani, Vineyard Vines, and Lacoste. However, this list is what brands every Young Man should have. This means that these are necessary brands. These brands will help to reset your wardrobe, find your style, and make you a happier person. In conclusion, the brands listed here are brands that represent lasting true effortless, classic style of young men’s fashion.
