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Luxury Men’s Clothing – Curated Picks by The Luxury Gent

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By Tom Weijand on 8th January 2025

Starting this article has forced me to confront a few sartorial truths about myself—chief among them: I’m a creature of habit. Deeply, unapologetically so.

Some habits I’ll defend with evangelical fervour, others I’m more than ready to retire.

Loyalty, though, is never given lightly. It has to be earned—and earned well.

Take my Timberlands. I’ve worn the same pair of boots on rotation for close to 27 years, replacing them every 18 to 24 months like clockwork. They’re hands-down the shoes I wear most, and I haven’t found anything that beats them for comfort, durability or design. That’s the kind of habit I’ll keep.

But many of the others—born from a dislike of shopping and frustration with overpriced, underperforming clothes—are ready to be left behind.

Which is why I went looking for the brands doing things differently. A new class of labels challenging the old guard with smarter fabrics, more thoughtful production, and a design ethos that actually fits the way we live now. Consider this a curated list of the future of luxury menswear: less tradition for tradition’s sake, more innovation where it counts.

Let’s dive in.

Randies

Started by husband-and-wife duo Ricky and Georgie Knight (not Randy, though wouldn’t that have been perfect?), Randies landed on my radar with a curious mix of hope and scepticism. If I’m going to break my habit of clinging to big, familiar brands, it’s not going to be a cold-turkey affair. I need a brand that earns trust. One that feels like it’s made for grown-ups—not designed with TikTok teens in mind.

Randies nailed that immediately. Their design language, brand identity, even their choice of models and photography—everything signals substance, clarity, and a sense of humour. These are people who get it. People like me.

My only hesitation? The fly. Specifically, the fact that it’s horizontal. Of the two brands I tested that made this design choice, Randies made me question everything I thought I knew. Vertical flies are conventional wisdom, sure, but let’s be honest—when was the last time that worked flawlessly?

Turns out, horizontal is a game-changer. No chafing seams, no awkward gaping, no accidental… exits. What seemed like a rookie mistake is, in fact, an evolutionary leap in comfort.

Then there’s the fabric. Cotton has served us well, but it’s time we all admitted there’s something better. Randies uses Lenzing™ Modal—a luxuriously soft, sustainable fabric derived from Austrian beech wood. It’s three times softer than cotton, better at absorbing moisture, resistant to bacteria, less prone to wrinkles, and infinitely kinder to the planet. Honestly, it makes cotton feel like sandpaper in comparison.

But the real stroke of genius? The Tacklebag™. Yes, they actually named it that—and yes, it does exactly what you think. A clever internal design supports and separates in all the right places, providing a sense of structure, comfort, and, dare I say, dignity. It’s like the underwire bra moment for men. A little odd at first, but quickly indispensable.

Randies don’t just promise comfort—they guarantee it. If you’re not satisfied, they’ll refund you in full, no questions asked. They won’t even ask for the underwear back (though maybe don’t test that with your gym pair). At the time of writing, they have a flawless five-star rating on Trustpilot.

We all have that one favourite pair of underwear—the one you secretly hope is clean on laundry day. But here’s the real question: why should there be only one? Get yourself a pair of Randies. Let them work their magic. Then do what I did—bin the rest and start again. Bulk discounts included.


www.randies.com

Arlo Hudson

Here’s another punchy young brand going toe-to-toe with the underwear establishment—and Arlo Hudson is primed to do exceptionally well. I’d only planned to include a single underwear brand in this piece, but these muscled their way in with quiet confidence, a great product, and unimpeachable sustainability credentials.

Like Randies, Arlo Hudson uses a modern Lenzing™ fabric—but theirs is TENCEL™, derived from eucalyptus. The benefits are familiar: it’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and far softer than cotton, while being vastly better for the planet. But they don’t stop at fabric. Every component is sustainably sourced, production happens in Portugal with third-generation textile artisans, and the entire supply chain is land-based, meaning no ocean freight. It’s a sustainability masterclass—without a shred of preachiness.

They’ve also gone the (now clearly superior) horizontal fly route. Like many, I once dismissed this as heresy. Then I tried it. The ‘eureka’ moment arrives the first time you realise that the classic twisting, shimmying, awkward routine has been replaced with a quick, comfortable, and seamless experience. It’s objectively better—and I now meet vertical flies with suspicion.

Arlo Hudson keeps their offering refreshingly simple: trunks, boxers, and briefs, in black, white, maroon, and a new Space Grey launching imminently. I’ve been a trunk loyalist for years, but found myself preferring their slightly longer boxer—a second humbling discovery in this surprisingly revelatory underwear journey.

Unlike Randies, Arlo Hudson foregoes the internal pouch. This makes for a sleeker, lighter design with slightly thinner fabric—neither better nor worse, just different. Think of these as the purest iteration of modern minimal underwear: streamlined, featherlight, breathable, and comfortable in all the ways that matter. They feel premium too—noticeably more so than my old Calvin Kleins—and with over 1,000 glowing five-star reviews, I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so.

As with Randies, the cost feels like it’s gone into the product, not the branding. And yes, they offer bulk discounts too. Please don’t make the mistake of buying just one pair.

www.arlohudson.com

Spoke

Spoke is a very clever company. They make trousers, shorts, and tops—but it’s their trousers that have built them a devoted following. And they’ve converted me, utterly. Their entire system feels like it was tailor-made for someone like me: allergic to shopping, impatient with fashion cycles, and increasingly sceptical of the “perfect fit” promised by traditional retail.

My usual experience of shopping for trousers is as follows: hours of sifting through near-identical pairs, only to land on something that almost works. By the time I return to replace them, that cut or style has vanished, and I’m back to square one—trying to squeeze into a silhouette seemingly designed for a man of different proportions entirely.

Spoke removes that frustration entirely. They offer, as their name cheekily suggests, something very nearly bespoke. You begin with a clever algorithm that determines your perfect fit, which is saved to your profile. You can tweak the result if needed, or input your own measurements directly—but the magic lies in what happens next: you browse only the styles available in your exact size.

Here’s the part that stunned me: each trouser style comes in up to 400 size permutations. That’s not a typo—four hundred. They combine every possible waist and leg length, across three different cuts designed to flatter different body types. I tried a pair of their cords and was immediately sold. The ordering process was seamless, the quality was exceptional, and I felt—for the first time in a long while—like a brand actually understood what men need when it comes to clothes.

I did tweak the algorithm’s waist suggestion down a size (cautious optimism), but when they arrived, it turned out I’d overcorrected. The return process? The smoothest I’ve ever encountered. And when it turned out that the exact size I wanted was out of stock, Spoke personally reached out to offer an alteration on a slightly longer pair—tailored to fit and dispatched within days.

They arrived. They were perfect. Soft, velvety cords with a hint of stretch. Cut to suit my build (a regular cyclist’s frame) and flattering enough that my girlfriend immediately noticed. That elusive combination—comfort, fit, and aesthetics—all nailed. These trousers didn’t just work—they elevated my entire outlook on what shopping could be.

Now, Spoke has become my trouser supplier. My sizing is locked into their system, and from now on, it’s a few clicks to a new pair arriving at my door—no traipsing, no guessing, no disappointment. It’s shopping, streamlined for the modern man’s life. The styles are varied, the colours are plentiful, and the fit is consistently spot on.

And for the faint-hearted: the returns window is a wildly generous 200 days, completely free. As for price, Spoke has found that golden sweet spot. At £79–£160 per pair (with most falling in the lower to mid range), the trousers are what Stella Artois once coined “reassuringly expensive.” The value is crystal clear in the fit, finish, and longevity—and they feel genuinely premium, both in design and service. Oh, and if you’re a social butterfly, they run a referral program generous enough to earn you a lifetime’s supply of trousers, if your circle’s big enough.

Spoke doesn’t just make trousers. They solve the trousers problem. And for that, I’m genuinely delighted.

www.spoke-london.com



Son of a Tailor

If Spoke are the masters of made-to-measure trousers, then Son of a Tailor are their spiritual counterpart for men’s tops. Only here, they go one step further: fully bespoke, made to order, one garment at a time.

Like Spoke, they use a smart algorithm to determine your ideal fit—or you can input measurements manually. As someone who doesn’t enjoy shopping, I’ve long been frustrated by the generic proportions of off-the-rack clothing. I’m broader across the shoulders than most standardised cuts allow for, meaning shirts that fit my upper body often hang awkwardly below the waist.

Years ago, I stumbled across a brand of T-shirts that happened to fit perfectly—wide in the shoulders, neat through the torso—and I bulk-bought 20 white and 20 black. They’ve been my wardrobe staples ever since: under jumpers in winter, worn solo in summer, even used as sleepwear. But slowly, inevitably, they’re falling apart—and replacing them has been maddening. That is, until I found Son of a Tailor.

They don’t carry inventory. Each piece—be it a T-shirt or jumper—is made to order. One garment, made for one man, in his exact size. If the fit isn’t flawless? They offer a free remake guarantee. I used their algorithm, then fine-tuned the result by measuring one of my beloved, ageing tees. A few days later, my first made-to-measure T-shirt arrived. It was 99% there—just an inch off the length, a touch more room at the neck, and a little less through the waist. I flagged this with their fit specialist, who immediately arranged for a remake—no charge, no questions.

I asked where to send the original, and was told not to bother: it had been made specifically for me and couldn’t be resold. That alone speaks volumes. A few days later, version two arrived—perfectly cut, supremely comfortable, and frankly, a little revelatory.

They offer these tees in a variety of fabrics, depending on your preferences: a soft cotton (150g/m²), an even lighter Merino wool (136g/m²), and a luxurious Tencel—a fabric I’ve raved about elsewhere—softer, stronger, and more sustainable than cotton, with a beautiful drape.

How much more luxurious can it get than clicking a few buttons and knowing that, somewhere in Italy or Portugal, skilled artisans and state-of-the-art machines are springing into action to make your custom garment?

Next on my list is one of their innovative zero-waste Merino jumpers—the first made-to-order pullovers in the world, created using 3D knitting that produces less than 1% material waste (the industry average hovers around 20%). They’re bespoke, ultra-sustainable, and genuinely beautiful. The price? Just £120—which feels almost absurdly reasonable for a tailored Merino wool jumper in your exact size. They’re available in five styles, eight colours, and varying weights—and of course, backed by that same flawless remake guarantee.

Luxury and value rarely coexist. Son of a Tailor proves they can—and should.

www.sonofatailor.com


Swole Panda

There are pros and cons to most things. Life, generally, is a balancing act of give and take. But Swole Panda? Their socks seem to defy those rules. They’re all pros. Well—maybe one con. But we’ll get to that.

Chances are, as you read this, you’re wearing cotton socks. Swole Panda makes bamboo ones, and here’s why that matters: bamboo is faster growing, yields ten times more than cotton, uses a third of the water, never needs replanting, and doesn’t require pesticides (cotton, by contrast, drinks chemicals like a college freshman at freshers’ week). Bamboo wicks moisture better, regulates temperature better, and provides a far less hospitable environment for bacteria—about three times less, in fact. Translation: no smell. I wore a pair for three days straight (in the name of science), and they still didn’t stink. Astonishing. They’re also softer, friendlier on skin, and—despite that softness—more durable. The only real downside? Cotton is cheaper. But only because it’s more common, not better.

And the socks themselves? They’re the best I’ve worn. I feel it each morning when I put them on. Somehow—don’t ask me how—they even make my shoes more comfortable. Maybe it’s the reduced friction, maybe it’s the magical combination of softness and structure, or the reinforced heel and toe and those clever hand-linked seams that are somehow completely undetectable when on. I don’t know. I just know they work.

Now the con. They’re £10 a pair. Which is, admittedly, steep. Years ago, I threw out every sock I owned and replaced them with 21 identical black pairs, and a handful of colourful ones for special occasions. I evangelised about it. Raved, even. It was life-changing. No more odd socks. No more pairing. Hours saved across a lifetime. And now, I want to do it again—with Swole Panda. If you’re reading this, Swole Panda, can we talk bulk discount?

The point is: these are socks that make you question why you ever put up with cotton in the first place. They’re that good. And your feet—and probably the planet—will thank you for the upgrade.

www.swolepanda.com

APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs)

APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs) are the embodiment of what this piece seeks to spotlight: a premium, independent brand challenging the sportswear giants with true innovation—and looking impossibly good while doing it.

Founded in 2009 by twin brothers Adam and Ryan Goldston, APL launched with such impact that their first basketball shoe was banned by the NBA for offering an “undue competitive advantage.” It’s the kind of headline most performance brands can only dream of.

Based in Los Angeles, APL fuses cutting-edge tech with a refined aesthetic. I opted for the TechLoom Wave, their flagship running shoe, and was struck immediately by the level of polish. They feel a tier above anything I’ve tried from Nike or Adidas. Though technically laced, they slip on like socks, with a structured knit upper that delivers both stretch and support. The airflow is exceptional—likely a byproduct of their Californian origins—and the ‘Propelium’ midsole (a knowingly sci-fi-sounding proprietary foam) offers real responsiveness: less plush than Adidas’ Ultraboost, but springier and more precise. Think Ferrari suspension, not Range Rover sponge.

The clever heel construction subtly corrects your gait, encouraging a more efficient stride. I won’t claim they made me faster, but they certainly made me feel it.

As for their luxury credentials? Impeccable. They’re stocked by the likes of Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Mr Porter, and Bergdorf Goodman—telling company indeed. At £250+, they’re not cheap. But if you’re after elite performance wrapped in considered design, APL are, quite literally, a step ahead.

www.athleticpropulsionlabs.com

How Important Is Luxury, Really?

Depends who you ask. But for me, it’s less about price tags and more about the quiet thrill of something that’s been properly thought through. Luxury, at its best, isn’t about gold trim or embossed logos — it’s about fit, function, feeling. It’s socks that don’t smell after three days, a T-shirt that actually fits your shoulders, trousers that arrive tailored to your weirdly long legs without judgement. It’s the small, daily details that make life feel less like a slog and more like a glide. That’s the kind of luxury I care about. The practical, wearable, lived-in kind. The kind that works.

Why Choose a Luxury Brand?

Because you’re tired of settling. Tired of buying something twice. Tired of half-fit, half-good-enough, half-hearted service. Luxury brands — the good ones, the ones I’m talking about — remove friction. They think about what drives you quietly mad (odd socks, itchy seams, “slim fit” that somehow means “child-sized”), and then they fix it. They offer better materials, smarter systems, longer-lasting results — and yes, they cost more, but they do more. They let you stop thinking about your clothes and get on with the rest of your life. And honestly? That’s worth paying for.

The best luxury brand for men depends on what you value—craftsmanship, sustainability, fit, or exclusivity. For timeless luxury mens clothing, brands like Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli are globally renowned for quality and refinement. However, new-generation labels like Asket, L’Estrange, and Spoke are redefining luxury through sustainability, perfect fit, and thoughtful design—offering a modern, understated take on men’s style without compromising on premium quality.

The best clothes in luxury menswear combine tailored fit, exceptional materials, and long-term wearability. While heritage houses like Hermès and Zegna remain benchmarks, innovative independent brands such as Son of a Tailor and L’Estrange London offer made-to-order and modular wardrobes that elevate everyday essentials. These brands are part of a rising class of luxury men's clothing labels focused on timeless pieces with technical and sustainable edge.

Fit can be a challenge in high-end fashion, but several luxury mens clothing brands cater brilliantly to broader and taller body types. Spoke offers up to 400 size combinations, ensuring trousers fit properly no matter your shape, while Son of a Tailor creates T-shirts and knits tailored to your exact measurements. For polished basics with generous fits, Asket also provides an extended size range rooted in timeless design and comfort.

Quiet luxury for men is all about understated elegance—refined silhouettes, premium fabrics, and thoughtful details without obvious logos or flash. It’s the opposite of fast fashion or trend-chasing. Brands like Asket, L’Estrange, and Swole Panda exemplify this philosophy, offering luxury men's clothing that prioritises longevity, comfort, and subtle sophistication. Quiet luxury is about dressing well without shouting, and investing in pieces that age beautifully over time.

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