The 8 best new shopping destinations for style-conscious Toronto guys
Ten years ago, Canadian guys didn’t have a wealth of options when it came to clothing—which may be why so many of them seemed to shop exclusively at The Gap. In the last few years, the international menswear scene has exploded. According to research by Euromonitor (who dubbed the phenomenon “The Menaissance”), men around the world are dropping more cash than ever on clothes. They’re even out-shopping women in some key markets. (Worldwide suit sales, for instance, have skyrocketed since 1998.) Toronto’s retail scene is no exception. Lately, we’ve found ourselves writing more and more about guy stuff—suits and ties, yes, but also luxury skincare products and designer shaving gear. Here, eight new retail destinations that are devoted to the art of masculine style.
1. For a perfectly tailored suit: Suitsupply Dutch label Suitsupply has recently landed in Yorkville with a massive selection of well-cut suits, preppy basics and colourful printed pocket squares. There’s a tailor in the front window for on-site alterations, and guys can sip on a Steamwhistle as they hang out in the mod, 50s-style space. 9-11 Hazelton Ave., 647-931-6270, suitsupply.com
2. For one-stop-shop grooming products: MenEssentials Open since last summer, MenEssentials stocks over 1,200 grooming, shaving and skincare products in an expansive man-cave on the Danforth. Items range from basic necessities (e.g. bar soap and replacement razor blades) to super-luxurious accessories (e.g. a Dovo straight razor with fossilized mammoth ivory handles for $800). Traditional shave brushes go for $5 to $300. 412 Danforth Ave., 1-800-833-1055, menessentials.ca
3. For men who still hate shopping: Loding Parisian boutique Loding, which recently opened in Yorkville, is designed to make shopping feel effortless: all styles of shirts, shoes and cashmere are priced exactly the same (for example, all shirts are $95). Shoes are full-grain calf leather and shirts are Egyptian cotton. 133 Avenue Rd., 416-962-0133, loding.ca
4. For a complete style makeover: Made At Made, which is now selling suits and clothing out of a brand-new studio, men can work with a style consultant to determine the best looks for their lifestyle. Then, tailored suits and outfits are created for a perfect fit. Custom suits start at $895. 145 Berkeley St., 1-888-427-9352, madeclothing.ca
5. For buying local: Gerhard Supply This menswear boutique in the Junction sticks to made-in-Toronto clothing and accessories. Guys with civic pride can pick up rugged-chic apparel by local designers like Outclass, Philip Sparks and Muttonhead. 2949 Dundas St. W., 416-797-1290, gerhardsupply.com
6. For custom clothes on the cheap: Surmesur This custom clothing boutique on Queen East is neither expensive nor intimidating. Touchscreen monitors make the selection process a breeze, and custom suits start at $325. 108 Queen St. E., 416-214-2840, surmesur.com
7. For designer labels: Da Zoo Though it sells womenswear, too, King West boutique Da Zoo carries an impressive lineup of high-fashion menswear, including labels like DSquared2, Vivienne Westwood Man and Maison Martin Margiela. 613 King St. W., 416-792-5050, da-zoo.com
8. For made-to-order footwear: LeatherFoot Yorkville shoe shop LeatherFoot is unique in that it specializes in handcrafted leather shoes for men. Guys can buy off-the-rack, or go for an entirely bespoke shoe (which starts at around $5,000). 24 Bellair St. Unit 7, 416-967-3668, leatherfoot.com
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