In recent years, the United States has seen a vigorous awakening in terms of men's brands. There have never been so many brands and so many menswear content creators to support them.
So there's a very interesting buzz going on, which I like to follow closely, and New York is undoubtedly the epicenter of American menswear.
For me, the real world capital of men's fashion remains Tokyo (and it's a Parisian who's writing these lines! ), but it's really neck and neck with New York, so rich and varied is the offer.
During a recent trip there, I was able to update all my favorite addresses, and I have to say that the list is longer than expected.
Welcome to a city where tailoring (more or less soft), casual chic, ivy/preppy, Japanese brands and even a little outdoor mix harmoniously.
Let's go to my favorite addresses.
Contents
Disclaimer...
Contrary to what I had seen in Tokyo, my visit to the New York boutiques put me in a slightly uncomfortable position: there are some very beautiful brands, with magnificent universes, but with a lot of Asian production. As someone who has always been proud of what Bonnegueule makes in Europe, it's a bit strange!
For example, I'm thinking of Filson, the champion of rugged US workwear, where 95% of the collection is made in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and elsewhere. As American law does not require the place of manufacture to be indicated on the eshop (it simply says "Imported"), you will only discover it in the boutique. This is easily explained: unlike Europe, the US doesn't really have any immediate options for having clothes made locally at reduced costs. They don't have the equivalent of Portugal or Eastern Europe close to their borders, i.e. highly skilled, high-end workshops at competitive costs and protective European labor regulations.
In short, it's either expensive US manufacturing, or overseas manufacturing, i.e. in Asia.
That said, I'd still advise you to take a look at the boutiques/brands concerned, because there's always plenty of inspiration to be had.
Brands concerned by non-US and non-European manufacturing:
- Buck Mason
- Filson
- Todd Snyder
- Wythe
And finally, because we can't ignore it in 2026, and following the example of Japan: flying to New York remains an extremely polluting trip (approximately 1.7-2.1 tons of carbon per passenger for an economy class AR), so it's a trip to be made with full awareness and knowledge of the facts. This article is aimed primarily at future expats or anyone who will be living in New York for several months.
Buck Mason
They have several boutiques in Manhattan, but one of the most beautiful is located at 170 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA.
This is THE American brand on the rise, on the rise, on the rise... Originally known for its US-produced basics (tee-shirts, sweatshirts), it has now expanded into a complete wardrobe, right in line with the current trend: a very timeless style, in both color and volume, frankly casual with a hint of soft tailoring. It's an extremely easy-to-wear wardrobe.
Despite its American identity, most of the collection is made in Asia. Only a few T-shirts (they have their own factory) and jeans are made in the US.
But this is a brand that remains a must for any enthusiast wishing to understand the state of American menswear, and the New York boutiques are often magnificent and a great source of inspiration.
Filson
876 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States
Do we still need to introduce this iconic American workwear brand, world-famous for its luggage, about which I wrote about my visit to their Seattle factory 13 years ago?
(yes, I'm showing off a bit, but I'm very proud to have written the only article in French about the manufacture of a Filson bag).
They have a flagship store in New York, which is magnificent, and plays on the codes of the trapper's hut or luxury chalet planted in the middle of a wild and hostile forest.
But... you know what I mean... While the brand has a strong American DNA, 95% of its manufacturing is Asian. And in their defense, there's one thing you can't blame them for: the country of manufacture is written in large letters on the label, and they don't try to hide it. So we're dealing with Vietnamese, Sri Lankan and Indonesian production.
A few bags are still made in Seattle, in their historic cotton canvas bags. And if you look hard enough, you'll also find some US-made garments, like their famous indestructible wool jacket, but you'll have to check the labels carefully!
If you're into heavyweight waxed cotton clothing, you're in the right place too, and I'd almost go so far as to say that Filson is a bit like the American Barbour in their use of oiled/waxed cotton.
Wythe
59 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Wythe is a brand that began with a simple, iconic American garment: the oxford shirt with button-down collar. And little by little, the brand has expanded to offer a complete wardrobe that's right in line with the trend of the moment, namely that much fantasized American/Native American wardrobe.
But like Todd Snyder and Buck Mason, this boutique poses a real case of conscience. The New York boutique is magnificent, one of the most beautiful I've seen in New York, but... it's mostly Asian/Indian.
Only a few coats are made in the US, but they become very expensive: you can expect to pay around 1,700€. But in their defense, they are really beautiful, although you have to love their very fluid construction. At such a price, our Kinvara in tweed woven especially for us in Ireland seems like the bargain of the century (and it is).
Still, it's a boutique worth visiting for its ambience and why not do a few fittings.
Todd Snyder
Several boutiques too, but I find the one at 1165 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA very pretty.
He's the veteran of the American industry, and defines himself as "the style expert for the modern gentleman". In other words, where American men's brands play the preppy/ivy card to the hilt (think Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, J. Press, etc.), Todd Snyder has integrated these elements, but in a much more contemporary and up-to-date vision.
So it's more colorful and varied than Buck Mason, and if you go into the Madison Square boutique, you'll get a vision of a fantasized men's closet, covering casual chic in its entirety, with judicious collaborations, such as his exclusive designs with Alden. There's even some Native American jewelry and vintage Rolexes on sale.
There are a few pieces made in Europe, but also a lot of Asian production, at frankly high prices, just like Buck Mason (the effect of Trump's customs policy?).
Like Buck Mason, there are several boutiques in New York, and the one in Madison Square is particularly worth a visit. And don't miss the Alden x Todd Snyder shoes, with their exclusive colors that I think are a great success.
Now that we've covered the "pretty-US-brands-but-which-make-in-Asia", let's move on to the other addresses with US and European manufacturing facilities.
Alden Shoes
340 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10173, United States
It would be too bad to come to the US without visiting Alden, because it's "worth it" to buy them there rather than in Europe.
For latecomers, Alden is an iconic American shoe brand. Although its quality/price ratio is regularly criticized, and its finishes are often disappointing for the price, the brand still retains its unique flair, with its distinctive, perfectly balanced shapes. Mythical models include the Indy, of course, but also moccasins, bluchers and high-top shoes.
Less austere than English shoes yet still elegant, more humble andruggedthan Italian and French shoes, this is honestly a brand to own at least once in a lifetime for any shoe lover.
And with Alden's profusion of lasts and the Moulded Shoes boutique just around the corner, you're bound to find something to suit you.
Moulded Shoes
10 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, United States
It's the very, very, very well-kept secret of Alden shoe lovers. And it's a boutique I wouldn't miss for the world if I ever came back to New York.
Basically, it's a 50-year-old boutique specializing in orthopedic shoes.
But within it lies a unique treasure: an incredible range of Alden shoes, with a last that can't be found anywhere else, the famous "modified last".
What's so special about them? These are shoes with a very comfortable fit: there's plenty of room for the toes, but the arch and heel are well supported.
And once you've tried them on, it's hard to go back because they're so comfortable. And that's without counting the invaluable experience and advice of Ron, who runs the boutique. He knows his shoes inside out, and is able to juggle sizes and widths to find THE shoe for you.
In short, if you're even the slightest bit Alden-loving, don't miss this boutique for anything in the world, and the prices are much lower than in France.
I insist on this store, because it's the only authorized distributor of Modified Last in the US.
Here are a few articles about this store and this legendary shape for the more curious who want to dig deeper into this fascinating subject (and read the comments):
- https://www.lesindispensablesparis.com/mode/mouled-alden
- https://www.permanentstyle.com/2022/12/moulded-shoe-new-york-home-of-the-modified-last.html
- https://www.stitchdown.com/brands/alden/moulded-shoe-profile-alden-modified-last/
(note: in France, the Anatomica boutique distributes this shape, but its website is very rudimentary, so you'll have to travel to see and try them on).
Self Edge
157 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
This is THE American reference store for selvedge denim and high-quality brands.
It features mainly Japanese brands offering jeans made in Japan, but also western shirts, T-shirts and even some sublime Fine Creek leather jackets.
3Sixteen
190 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, United States
This brand is the complete opposite of those mentioned above. In fact, 3sixteen makes almost everything in the US, at reasonable prices. They began with their jeans, which are still highly regarded, and have expanded to a complete wardrobe.
The boutique is a reflection of the brand: humble and well-made, with solid basics, very often in Japanese fabrics. A must-see in New York.
Left Field
280 Mott St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Like Left Field, this is a quality brand, with jeans made in the USA, for example, but with a more assertive workwear accent. For those who want durable, workwear clothing, often in textured fabrics, this is an interesting address, although the brand is virtually unknown in France.
Noah
195 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Noah is a brand in a class of its own, drawing on some of the codes of New York streetwear and soft tailoring. It's a brand with multiple influences, transparent and honest, manufacturing mainly in Europe and the USA.
Consider it close to the world of Aimé Léon Dore, but with high-end fabrics.
It's a brand that won't appeal to everyone because of its strong, rather unique style, but the boutique is very pretty, and I really like the brand's approach.
For those who want to shake up their casual chic style.
Rei
303 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Imagine the Old Camper, American-style, and you get Rei, a must-visit address for all outdoor sports enthusiasts.
I love going there, because they have a great selection of brands, the merchandising is impeccable and it's a perfect example of what an outdoor boutique should be: educational, well-stocked, beautiful, warm, well-matched, and makes you want to go miles. Rei has clearly understood that putting shelves and products on them is not enough to create an outdoor boutique worthy of the name.
A must, if only to buy Darn Tough socks, guaranteed for life and made in the USA.
C'H'C'M'
2 Bond St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Mind you, you're entering one of New York's most cutting-edge boutiques, even if it doesn't look like much (a basement store with extremely basic furnishings).
If you want to see what a boutique with a world-renowned selection looks like, trendy as ever, and as close as possible to high-quality AND cool brands, go to CHCM.
The selection is very high-end and cutting-edge, ranging from Veilance to Arpenteur, with sublime Japanese brands in mind, including Taiga Takahashi and her magnificent jackets.
A very fine curation, but unfortunately with some very expensive pieces. But it's nice to dream!
Stòffa
125 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, United States
An American brand that perfectly illustrates the revival of American "soft tailoring", Stoffa is a brand whose silhouettes you're bound to have seen relayed on Instagram.
It's a totally relaxed wardrobe, made entirely in Italy, with straight, flowing pants and a palette of natural, pastel colors that's instantly recognizable (and thanks to their Japanese model of the first hour, who played a big part in it). If you love this soft tailoring/sensual style, with its timeless tones, then acquiring a Stoffa piece will be the dream of a lifetime.
Yes, every Stoffa garment costs a fortune, but it's beautiful!
Naked and Famous
123 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Right next door to Stoffa is Naked and Famous, the Quebec denim brand known for its unusual denim. We've talked about it at length at Bonnegueule, and I even wrote an article about it when I visited their Montreal factory in 2021, but it's a solid brand for denim and other easy-to-wear (mostly) Japanese fabrics.
Ascot Chang
110 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, United States
Attention, we're getting into the high-end! Ascot Chang is one of the world's most renowned blouses, right up there with 100Hands or D'Avino.
Originally from Hong Kong, the brand has expanded and now has a boutique in New York.
They also make a few models for Bryceland's (a brand I adore) and The Armoury, and given the high standards of these two labels, that gives you a good idea of Ascot Chang's excellence.
They are best known for Ascot Collar, which is a reinterpreted (and very pretty) one-piece collar. In terms of price, it's clearly at the top end of the market, but the quality is there, and it's the shirt of a lifetime (or of a special occasion).
J. Mueser
19 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, United States
J. Mueser is one of the hottest American tailoring brands, and in terms of ambiance, if I had to compare, it would be the equivalent of the French brand Husbands (which I love) but in New York.
They're very strong in their visual communication, with styling in their up-to-the-minute shoots that mixes impeccable sartorial outfits, but never in an overly strict way, thanks to tweeds, donégals or flannels.
I confess I'm still struggling to understand why there's such a craze for suits (they're made-to-order, made in Italy, like so many in France and Europe), but their western shirts, made in Italy, have a real flair and are designed to be worn with a blazer or a suit.
I think I'll be tempted if I come back to this boutique. And, as usual in New York, the boutique is charming, with a lot of work put into the decoration.
As for price, it's no surprise that, given the Italian manufacture, you can expect to pay 300$ for a shirt or 2,000$ for a suit (and yes, it would be cheaper if the brand were European, but what can you expect).
Leffot
10 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Just 20 meters from J. Mueser lies a discreet but world-famous boutique: Leffot, a multi-brand shoe store. If you love elegant shoes and have a generous budget, this is a boutique you can't afford to miss.
You'll find Corthay, Eward Green, Gaziano & Girling, Alden and sometimes even collaborations exclusive to the boutique.
The Armoury
Two boutiques:
- 168 Duane St, New York, NY 10013, USA
- 13 E 69th St, New York, NY 10021, United States
Let's not beat about the bush: this is one of the most renowned boutiques in the sartorial world. You'll find a fine selection of suits, shirts, chinos and shoes.
Of Hong Kong origin, it's a multi-brand store with a very high quality selection of brands, which I have to say is pretty crazy: 100 hands, Ascot Chang, Ambrosi, Cohérence, Drake's, Ring Jacket, Rota, etc., they're all there!
If you're at all interested in looking smart (but don't want to wear only suits), this is the place to go.
Accessories boutiques
Peak Design
241 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Peak Design started out as a brand for photographers, offering ergonomic bags designed to hold lenses and bodies of all kinds.
They have diversified, and now offer a wide range of travel accessories. Recently, they even released their rolling suitcase, a masterpiece of functionality.
It's the realm of all kinds of pouches, cases, phone holders and backpacks.
Personally, I'm a big fan of their charger holder, and their little travel tripod.
Aer
73 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Bag brand from San Francisco. Aer offers a line of sober, solid and well-designed urban bags at very reasonable prices. They offer backpacks for urban travel, everyday life or sports, and the brand has quickly won fans for its practical designs.
Don't miss the special collections in X-Pac or Ultra fabric, they're definitely worth a look.
UrbanCred
67 West St #115, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States
A fairly new store in Brooklyn, it's a destination of choice if you want to find THE urban backpack, and in general, anything to do with urban travel and the EDC (for Every Day Carry) universe.
You'll find a fine selection of urban backpack brands, including Evergoods, which is not widely available in physical distribution, and a large number of pouches and storage items of all kinds.
X-Pac, Ultra fabric, Cordura: all the technical fabrics are here. An indispensable address for fans of functional urban bags in highly technical fabrics.
One more thing...
Weatherwool
144 Ralston Ave, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, United States
This is my favorite, but I really hesitated to include Weatherwool in this guide... partly because the brand isn't quite in New York but in its nearby affluent suburbs (you have to take a train or Uber to get there) and partly because it's mainly outdoor-oriented.
But not just any outdoor clothing... Ralph, the founder of Weatherwool, spent three years developing a 100% wool fabric before creating any garments. In fact, he wanted a fabric that was soft enough to be worn next to the skin (especially in pants), but also windproof and weatherproof enough for committed outdoor use. And... he succeeded! He's done it with an all-American value chain: wool, spinning and weaving are all created on American soil.
This is the birthplace of the brand's flagship fabric: a 100% wool jacquard, available in two thicknesses (Fullweight and Midweight). Recently, Weatherwool has also developed a more urban fabric, still 100% wool, still hard-wearing and soft at the same time, called Denim.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg, because Weatherwool is surely the most generous brand I know in terms of technical explanations, transparency and pedagogy. Ralph writes about absolutely everything related to his brand, near and far. This ranges from an article on his fabrics in the rain to a very detailed page on his fabrics, via his quality control.
You'd have to spend several hours getting lost in its gigantic contents to realize the technical prowess Ralph has achieved with these fabrics, available in outerwear and pants. These are very expensive garments (count over 450$ for a pair of pants), but between the fabric developed entirely by Weatherwool, and the high-flying manufacture in New York, I don't think it's that expensive after all.
For a gentle introduction to Weatherwool, I'd recommend their chino denim or their workwear jacket, which are pretty easy to integrate into an urban style (and don't forget to check the current productions page).
The brand doesn't really have a boutique, but the huge Ralph house serves as both HQ, showroom where you can buy on the spot, and logistics warehouse. And Ralph is one of the friendliest, most transparent and passionate brand founders I know. And I've met a lot of brand founders in the last 15 years...
And that's it for this list, so don't hesitate to give me your good addresses in the comments, I'll be happy to update it.

