Upgrade Your Friend’s Wardrobe With These Closet-Essential Holiday Gifts

Best Stylish Gifts for Men

Upgrade Your Friend’s Wardrobe With These Closet-Essential Holiday Gifts

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Clothing is a tricky gift to give no matter who the recipient may be. But if you have a fashionable guy on your list, it can be damn near impossible to find something that won’t require a gift receipt and an awkward conversation. Not anymore. If you are in doubt about what the man who knows exactly what he wants is looking for, chances are, it’s on this list. And if it isn’t? Well, whatever. Just give him a gift card and call it a (holi)day.

RELATED: Best Christmas Gifts for Men

If you are shopping for the stylish man in your life, or happen to be one yourself and are looking to drop some hints in that web browser, keep on clicking for our list of the best gifts you can possibly find for even the most fickle fashion guy you know.


Apparel: Shirts, Shorts, Pants & Sweaters


Ibex Shak Lite Jacket

Ibex

When the weather calls for something warm and lightweight, opt for the Shak Lite Jacket from Ibex. Made from 100% Merino Ponte knit sourced from Australia, it’s both extremely stylish and lightweight, without compromising on comfort. Little touches, like the reinforced neck seam to prevent stretching or the spring-loaded zipper pull, give proof of the premium design and construction, and with four unique color options to choose from, you can find a style to suit any man. Ibex also offers a wide selection of sizes and a comprehensive sizing chart, making it easy for you to gift the right size for the perfect fit.

$240 at Ibex.com

Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt

Unbound Merino

One of the safest possible gifting options for men is a classic, high-quality t-shirt, and Unbound Merino’s Crew Neck combines premium materials with a timeless design. Made from 100% Merino wool, this tee is both odor- and wrinkle-resistant, and the crew cut gives it the kind of versatility that can take you from upscale to casual with ease. Men who struggle with heat and excess sweat will also appreciate its quick-drying and temperature-regulating abilities.

$85 at UnboundMerino.com

Public Rec All Day Every Day Jogger

Public Rec

Joggers became all the rage with the rise of athleisure, but there’s a difference between your everyday jogger and the All Day Every Day jogger from Public Rec. Think of these as the perfected jogger, the version that ironed out all the kinks. You’ll get control over not only the color and length of your joggers, but also the inseam, so you can find your perfect fit, while cuffed hems, zippered pockets, an elastic waistband and a faux front fly all add a combination of style and practicality, elevating the average jogger into something special. 

$86 at PublicRec.com 

Unbound Merino Heritage Knit Sweater

Unbound Merino

Every man needs a quality knit sweater in his wardrobe. Made from 100% Italian-spun Merino wool, Unbound’s Heritage is lightweight, breathable, and cozy to the touch. And because they only source the finest wool, from environmentally responsible, cruelty-free sources, you can bank on the comfort and luxury feel of their finely-spun fibers. The versatile style, odor-resistant construction and easy-fold design make this sweater the perfect travel companion, whether for business, pleasure, or a bit of both.

$175 at UnboundMerino.com

Revtown Sharp Jeans, Coal Black

Revtown

A whole lot of men missed out on the skinny jean fad for one simple reason: thick thighs. Men who squat, play hockey, or cycle all know what I’m talking about. That’s why we’re so excited about Revtown. Founded by three former Under Armour executives, it’s dedicated to bringing quality, eco-friendly, performance-ready denim to the masses. Every pair of Revtown jeans retails for the same low price, and while they may have the style and look of high-end jeans, we promise they feel like athletic pants. So please, do your thick-thighed male friends a favor and pick them up a pair of Revtown’s finest.

$89 at RevtownUSA.com

Houdini Mono Air Houdi

Houdini

The oceans are filling with plastic and global temperatures are rising, and shoppers are finally waking up and making smarter, more sustainable choices. Green is in, and that’s what makes Houdini’s Mono Air Houdi such a great gift. It’s 100% recyclable, which means it’s made from recycled, recyclable, renewable, biodegradable or Bluesign materials, and the good folks at Houdini specifically engineered this fleece jacket to reduce microplastics emissions. The environmental credentials are impressive, but we’re equally awed that they managed to do all of that and still create a stylish, comfortable and versatile hooded jacket. It’s warm enough to work in the fall, and light enough to layer under a heavy jacket in winter, making it a versatile piece of any man’s wardrobe. Gift it guilt-free, knowing you’re doing your part to keep the planet green.

$220 at HoudiniSportswear.com

Keap Athletics Active Short

Keap Athletics

The athleisure trend was never going away, but the pandemic has only intensified our love of comfortable, stylish and versatile gear. The Active Shorts from Keap Athletics are a great case-in-point: they’re attractive, with an athletic cut, quality stitching, and a contrast waistband, but also highly functional. The front pockets are deep and placed high up on the shorts themselves, so you can sit back without worrying about the dreaded falling phone or lost wallet, and a zippered back pocket keeps your essentials safe. They’ve even sewn the drawstrings into the back of the shorts, so you won’t have to worry about your dryer pulling the string out over time. After you give a friend a pair of Keap shorts, they’ll never be able to return to normal athletic shorts ever again.

$86 at KeapAthletics.com

Nathan Tempo ¼ Long Sleeve

Nathan

Fall is in full swing, and that means it’s time to layer up. The Nathan Tempo Quarter walks the fine line between performance and style with ease. It’s suitable for a hike, a workout or an adventurous weekend outdoors. The soft knit fabric has been treated with moisture-wicking technology, the seams are all flat-locked to minimize chafing, and there are subtle reflective details to help illuminate you at night. This is the perfect gift for the outdoorsy, adventurous man who wouldn’t dream of spending the fall and winter hibernating on a couch.

$84.99 at UnitedSportsBrands.com

Linksoul Saturday AC Shorts

Any day can feel like a Saturday these days. So, since we’ve all been spending a lot of time at home , and likely will the rest of the winter, why not help him lounge around in (very comfortable) style. In case he feels like moving more than from the couch to the kitchen, these are built for that too, since they are naturally temperature regulating, so no sweaty surprises.   

$84 at Linksoul.com

Todd Snyder + Champion Utility Cargo Sweatpant

Mr. Snyder makes a second appearance on our list with this slim jogger-inspired cargo sweatpant. Dreamed up by American coaches of the 1950s to keep their team’s uniforms in top shape, and developed by Champion, the reverse weave cotton fabric is a pre-WWII technological marvel that continues to outperform the competition today.

$178 at ToddSnyder.com

BN3TH French Terry Cotton Joggers

Comfort meets style with these joggers from BN3TH. This ultra-comfortable lounging essential is made with French terry cotton and features a tonal cuff, media pocket, and drawstring to keep function first.

$90 at BN3TH.com

Lululemon Surge Warm Full Zip Hoodie

For those not willing to let the holiday pounds add up, we have something for you too. This warm, lightweight, breathable hoodie features a secure interior pocket, thumb loops to keep sleeves down and hands warm, as well as reflective details.

$118 at Lululemon.com

Brooklinen Lafayette Hoodie and Bushwick Pant

If a guy takes pride in how he looks, that doesn’t mean he can’t wear sweats. Quite the contrary — a good pair of sweatpants can do a lot for a guy’s assets. The trick is to find a pair that is both flattering and comfy. We figured out the trick. It’s Brooklinen.

Hoodie – $95 at Brooklinen.com
Pant – $90 at Brooklinen.com


Outerwear: Jackets, Vests & Coats


Alpha Industries Slim Fit N-3B

Alpha Industries’ classic N-3B parka is stylishly built for extreme cold weather situations thanks to the contrast lining channel quilted lining, removable faux fur around hood, and faux mouton lined hood.

$250 at AlphaIndustries.com

William Murray Slice Shot Vest

William “Bill” Murray (you may have heard of him) launched a golf collection, and we have to say, it’s surprisingly stylish. This vest was requested by the Murray brothers as a way to keep the core warm without restricting their golf swing, and in turn, the swing of your sartorial gift recipient.

$120 at WilliamMurrayGolf.com

Vuori Ripstop Jacket

Stay adventure bound with this most versatile ripstop fabric. The Ripstop Jacket is a two-way stretch utilitarian jacket stylishly crafted with a Teflon coating for increased fabric strength and stain resistance. Great for hiking and traveling, it’s just as good for and running errands too.

$89 at VuoriClothing.com

Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Vest

This retro style, 100 percent-recycled polyester shearling pile vest from Patagonia proves, without a doubt, that fashion and function can coexist in complete harmony. Add to that the fact that it’s Fair Trade Certified sewn and really, this should be in every man’s closet by January 1.

$129 at Patagonia.com


Underwear & Socks


Nice Laundry Custom Monogrammed Socks

It’s OK to give the gift of socks when they are upscale and personal. These from Nice Laundry fit the bill. He’ll be thrilled to wear these anywhere from important meetings to casual get togethers.

$68 at NiceLaundry.com

Naked Cashmere Ribbed Trim Cashmere Socks

OK, these are just straight up luxury. Some people think having a washer and dryer in your apartment is “making it” while others might say it’s the white picket fence. The fashion guy in your life is probably going to think he has “made it” once he’s looking great walking around town in cashmere.

$98 at NakedCashmere.com

Hippy Feet – Sunset Lover

Hippy Feet

Socks are always a safe gifting option, because we never seem to have enough, but there’s another reason to opt for Hippy Feet this holiday season: they’re a Minneapolis-based Benefit Corporation whose mission is to provide support to the homeless. Every purchase of Hippy Feet socks goes to support their employment program, targeting at-risk youths between 16 and 24 years old. Since 2016, they’ve employed more than 150 young people, and their American-made, eco-friendly socks are special to look at, too. The designs range from the subdued and monochrome to the eye-popping and psychedelic, so you’ll have no trouble finding the right pair for your friend.

$19 at HippyFeet.com

Hanes Comfort Flex Fit Total Support Pouch Boxer Briefs

Hanes

Most boxer briefs only check one of two boxes: either they’re pretty to look at and awful to wear, or they’re extremely comfortable but embarrassing to the eyes. With the Comfort Flex Fit Total Support Pouch Boxer Briefs (we know, it’s a mouthful), Hanes has really perfected the design: minimalist on the exterior, with a flexible construction that moves with your body. The waistband never rides up; there are no annoying, scratchy tags to worry about in the back; the breathable mesh liner gives you a dry and chafe-free experience – and best of all, they manage all of this while still looking sleek and sexy.

$31.50 for 4 at Hanes.com


Loungewear & Sleepwear


Nauseni Originals – Himalayan Grey

Nauseni

There are tons of comfortable slipper options out there, but how many were hand-crafted in Nepal from 100% natural wool and buffalo suede leather? Founded by a survivor of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015, Nauseni is dedicated to empowering women through skill development and training in traditional arts and crafts. It isn’t just the story behind Nauseni Originals that’s unique: everything from their look and feel harkens to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and its landscape. Slip a pair on and experience the comfort for yourself, or gift them to a friend and let them discover for themselves the quality of Nepali craftsmanship.

$75 at Nauseni.org

Bedfellow’s Sleep T-Shirt, Pants & Ultimate Sleep Mask

Bedfellows

If you’ve got a friend who struggles to catch his Zzzs, do him a major solid by giving him the gift of a good night’s sleep. Bedfellow is a company dedicated to the art of the snooze, and their entire lineup of sleepwear has been engineered from the ground up to optimize your body for rest. Case in point: they don’t use paper labels, which can scratch and irritate you when you move at night, and all their seams are flat-stitch, to minimize chafing. Their Modal fabric is soft, lightweight and extremely breathable, able to stretch with your body. But they didn’t stop there: everything they make looks great and fitted, from the pants with the ankle cuff to the cut of the shirt – somehow even their ultra-soft sleep mask is flattering to the face.

Sleep T-Shirt – $58 at BedfellowDreams.com

Sleep Pants – $74 at BedfellowDreams.com

Ultimate Sleep Mask – $28 at BedfellowDreams.com


Footwear


Samuel Hubbard Tipping Point Brogue Wingtips 

Samuel Hubbard

Every man needs a pair of wingtip shoes for when they’re striving to look their absolute best, and this offering from Samuel Hubbard ticks all the boxes. Each shoe is handcrafted in Portugal, boasting a full-glove leather lining, custom Vibram sole and a triple-density memory foam insole (removable, in case you prefer to use your own) that makes them supremely comfortable to wear, even over extended periods of time. 

$285 at SamuelHubbard.com

Beckett Simonon Valencia Wholecuts

Beckett Simonon

You may only have occasion to wear formal footwear a handful of times each year, but trust us: you don’t want to be searching for the right shoes to complement a suit the night before a wedding or black tie event. The Valencia Wholecuts from the esteemed Beckett Simonon are made from a single piece of full-grain calfskin leather (hence the “wholecut” designation) sourced from an Italian tannery. No ornamentation, no distracting lines or design flourishes – just the highest quality of craftsmanship and materials combining to produce a stunning shoe you wouldn’t blush to wear down the red carpet.  

$209 at BeckettSimonon.com 

Clae Bradley Cactus Sneaker

There are limited quantities available of this incredibly handsome, eco-friendly, vegan organic cactus leather sneaker. With cotton canvas lining, neoprene heel accent, flat recycled nylon laces, molded EVA footbed, and 100% natural rubber outsole, it’s impressive this shoe is as only $130.

$150 at Clae.com

Birkenstock Arizona Shearling

If you haven’t gotten the memo, Birkenstocks are cool again, and boy are they ever. With shapes and styles we have never seen before, these cozy, comfy AF slides are going to be what everyone will want to be wearing inside and outside this holiday season. We’d put money on it.

$160 at Brikenstock.com

Hunter Original Insulated Short Snow Boots

Hunter Boots

The London-based brand’s name has become synonymous with the product it’s made for well over 150 years. It’s no wonder — with two Royal Warrants of Appointment to its name, Hunter knows how to make a boot. So, give the gift of getting ahead of the ball by picking out the next generation for the trusted foul-weather companion with the brand-spankin’-new Cold Collection.

$175 at HunterBoots.com


Hats, Gloves, Bags & Accessories


SPRAYGROUND FRENZY SHARKS BACKPACK

SPRAYGROUND

For the man who isn’t afraid to make a statement, this shark-toothed backpack from legendary streetwear brand SPRAYGROUND is guaranteed to turn heads. The faux-leather exterior is durable and water-resistant, while the interior features a dedicated, velour-lined laptop compartment and a mesh organizer pocket, so this option is every bit as practical as it is stylish.

$80 at SPRAYGROUND.com 

Vincero The Altitude, Matte Black / Red

Vincero

Vincero’s best-selling The Altitude watch combines a striking design with high functionality, creating a modernized pilot watch that will draw eyes to your wrist, guaranteed. Classic pilot watch features, from the dual time zone displays and red second hand to the luminous numerals and hour and minute hands, elevate the classic design, while the matte black watch face and dial add a modern twist. 

$195 at Vincero.com 

Ebbets Field Flannels Kansas City Katz 1961 Vintage Ballcap

Ebbets Field Flannels has a selection of hats that will satisfy sports enthusiasts as much as it will style enthusiasts. This vintage style cap looks good with anything.

$75 at Ebbets.com

Blunt Umbrellas Classic Umbrella

If you’re going to go utilitarian, you should really go utilitarian and get an umbrella that will stand the test of time. This is the world’s first radially tensioned umbrella, designed to not only fight extreme New Zealand rainstorms, but win.

$80 at Huckberry.com

Nobis No Cold Shoulder Beanie

Every purchase of this stylish hat helps keep all of our communities’ most vulnerable warm this winter. A full 100 percent of the pre-tax purchase price is donated to charity. This gift doesn’t just help him stay warm this holiday, and we fully support that.

$40 at Nobis.com

Hestra Arthur Suede Leather Gloves

Hestra

One of the most unpleasant things about winter is starting up a car and having to touch a cold steering wheel. You might think you can get by without a solid pair of gloves, but you’re wrong. The Hestra Arthur gloves are made from premium suede leather, and hand sewn for maximum comfort. These are the eye-catching, uber-comfortable winter gloves every man would be happy to have.

$150 at HestraGloves.com

Nixon 51-30 Chrono Watch

Named for the 51mm face size and waterproof rating of 30 ATM, the limited edition 51-30 Chrono is the OG oversized watch that gave birth to a whole style movement. Its pro-level chronograph and waterman functionality makes it so much more than a pretty (watch) face.

$500 at Nixon.com

Tiffany 1837 Makers Signet Ring in Sterling Silver

Signet rings are having a moment, and Tiffany & Co.’s new men’s collection, Tiffany 1837 Makers offers some stunners. We’re big fans of this substantial silver piece thanks to its ability to make a statement without overstaying its welcome.

$650 at Tiffany.com


Glasses & Sunglasses


Foster Grant TP 05

Foster Grant

With blue light filtering and polarized, scratch-resistant lenses, not to mention a classic silhouette that suits most men’s head shapes perfectly, the Foster Grant TP 05 sunglasses are an easy gift, sure to please any guy. Their MaxBlock technology grants these glasses 100% UVA/UVB protection, and the build quality is so impressive that your friend will never believe what you paid for them.

$30.95 at FosterGrant.com

Serengeti Eyewear Shelby Sunglasses

Serengeti Eyewear

If you have a friend who likes to make a statement, these are the sunglasses for him. The “shiny silver” frame, polarized “Blue Cat” lens, and bold design ensure these sunglasses will turn heads. But they’re not all about the looks, either. The metal frames are made in Italy, to the highest standards, and handcrafted for maximum comfort on the face. Serengeti’s legendary lens technology offers you superior UV protection and vision; in fact, the brand’s photochromic technology adapts to the lighting conditions, infusing the lens with molecules that expand in brighter conditions to allow less light to pass through and shrink in darker conditions, allowing more light in.

$260 at Serengeti-Eyewear.com

Knockaround Sunglasses – Fort Knocks

Knockaround Sunglasses

Who said stylish sunglasses had to be expensive? Knockaround lives up to its namesake, making great-looking glasses that can take a beating. The Fort Knocks in tortoise shell look great and are easy to pair with a variety of outfits, while the UV400 protection and included carry pouch lend these affordable shades great value. For an extra $5, you can even have the lenses polarized.

$34 at KnockAround.com

Cloos x Brady Ristretto Blue Light Glasses

Diehard New England Patriots fans and new Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans alike will enjoy this Tom Brady-approved gift. The Cloos x Brady collaboration includes sunglasses, optics, and these blue light glasses with clear, blue light protection lenses.

$179 at Christopher-Cloos.com


RELATED: Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Her


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