Where to Shop on Any Budget

Best men's clothing stores for low, medium, and high budgets

You don't need to break the bank to revamp your wardrobe. Especially in today’s work-from-home-office-anywhere world, an office wardrobe is not as stuffy as it used to be. You can find business casual items whether you're on a tight budget, have a little more to spend, or can splurge on high-end pieces. For wardrobe updates, my clients usually want to come out with about five new outfits. So, with that in mind, here’s where I shop for men’s clothes on low, medium, and high budgets.

Low Budget

• ~$600 CAD

• Brands: The Gap, H&M, Uniqlo

Ok, so I know Ryan Gosling tells us to “be better than The Gap” in (one of my fave’s) Crazy Stupid Love, but since we’re not all rolling in trust-fund money, let’s accept The Gap for what it is: good, cheaper basics. As the middle child of Old Navy and Banana Republic, The Gap offers fewer trendy styles, lots of neutral tones, and a good pant selection.

H&M is your fast-fashion, inexpensive go-to. If you want to keep up with trends but know that trends (and your H&M t-shirt) will fade, H&M has great options.

I love a Uniqlo t-shirt. No droopy collars here. The wide selection at the store can be intimidating, but once you figure out which shirt style fits you best, buy a whole bunch in different colours.

Medium Budget

• ~$1,200 CAD

• Brands: ZARA, Club Monaco, Banana Republic

ZARA is my favourite for trendy items that don’t get ruined in the wash as quickly as some other fast-fashion brands. It’s best for casual pieces you’d wear on casual Friday or summer drinks on a patio. I also love that Zara takes risks, as in, the stuff you see celebs and athletes wearing, you’ll likely find at Zara, even if it’s bolder.

Club Monaco doesn’t offer a huge selection, but the pieces they do have are good quality and usually a step elevated from what’s trending. For example, a t-shirt at Club Monaco will have an embellished collar and sleeves. The in-store shopping experience is great, too, but their size inclusivity needs a lot of work.

Shop at Banana Republic if you want Club Monaco pieces at a slightly lower price. I prefer styles at Club Monaco, but Banana Republic offers more variety; a great place to shop for business casual outfits. Their cashmere sweaters are so, so, so good.

I'm Ready To Go Shopping

High Budget

• ~$3,000 CAD

• Brands: Harry Rosen, Ted Baker, Reiss

If you’ve never been, Harry Rosen is like a very high-end department store for men. The shopping experience is very stuffy, but their brands are top-notch. If you have the budget, you can probably get your entire wardrobe completed here.

Ted Baker gives me rich golf dad, in a good way. They have crisp suits and nice bags. I’d shop here for a high-end client looking for formal wear.

Reiss is my new favourite spot for men’s clothes. It’s definitely on the higher-priced end but honestly worth the money. I bought a corduroy shacket from Reiss for a client and it was his favourite piece from our shop together. They often have good sales, too, so definitely worth a browse.

Rebuilding your wardrobe is possible at any budget, whether you're looking to save, willing to spend moderately, or ready to splurge. Remember that the key to a successful wardrobe is versatility, fit, and attention to detail. Have fun!

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