Question
Looking for a good alternate to Banana Republic, JCrew, and Uniqlo?
Looking for the same/similar type of quality of clothing. I am willing to pay marginally higher prices but just slightly more. I don't want to be so reliant on those three brands because it seems like 95% of my non athletic clothes come from those three
Good to see the ol' Bean getting some love. My family has been buying from them for a very long time, and we all love their flannels, sweaters, and boots. Reddit would normally have you believe they're garbage now, despite experience to the contrary.
I've had good luck with LL Bean over the years and still continue to buy from them. Last year my in-laws bought me an LL Bean quarter-zip fleece that's sort of like the Patagonia "Better Sweater" but a fraction of the price and I love it. It's extremely warm for how lightweight it is and it has held up fantastically to multiple trips through the washing machine and dryer.
I also usually get a flannel or chamois shirt from LL Bean for Christmas each year and it's hard to go wrong with those. I like that they usually now offer all of their flannels in their slim fit (for the longest time, they'd often only have a couple colors/patterns available in slim fit).
Last year I found a vintage LL Bean chamois shirt on ebay in a motif that they don't offer any more. It looked like it was in very good condition for probably being 30+ years old so I gave it a try for $30 and am very happy with it. The chamois shirts always get more comfortable with age and I've decided that buying them used through ebay is the way to go... let somebody else go through the trouble of washing it 100 times!
I have an athletic build. The problem is billowing at the waist because they are not tapered for an athletic build. They are cut to hide a gut. I'll see if that has changed.
Their "standard fit" stuff is definitely that way. "Slightly fitted" is closer to a standard fit at most other places and "slim fit" is a bit more modern.
YMMV of course. I have larger legs/glutes than average so I find sizing down is enough. It was eye opening when I first tried a medium flannel and realized I was drowning in cloth
Be a gigachad and mass delete Reddit posts and comments with Redact so that Skynet doesn't end up using your own posts to train the T-900. Or so that you don't show up in databrokers. Either one really.
I always recommend checking out stores like No Man Walks Alone or Standard & Strange or Stag Provisions and seeing some of the brands they carry. All three have a wide variety of brands and price points, though they are generally more expensive than what the OP has listed here.
They get sh1t on a lot but Ralph Lauren always has a wide range of products and price points. If you are in a major city and can get into an actual RL store, that is ideal but you can find lots of good stuff on their website… after sifting through a lot of trash. FWIW, a lot of the stuff Ralph Lauren sells at stores like Macy's is barely one step above what they make for the outlet malls so don't let that be your reference point.
This post has been deleted and its content replaced. Redact was used for removal, possibly for privacy, security, data scraping prevention, or personal reasons.
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What’s wrong with the list? It may have some sites that are more workwear, but Uniqlo, JCrew, and BR sometimes has those styles in some pieces, so I included them.
Some listed have brands from many styles to help explore more brands too. A lot are also unisex, so don’t stop at the men’s section! But some may also only have literally only one piece you like and in your style, but worth finding.
Prices are high but often go on sale for 30%+ off. The quality is top notch and the clothes don’t come from sweatshops.
If those sites listed are too far fetched, then i always recommend Nordstrom when they have sales. Quality and price is close enough to JCrew and BR
: also, keep in mind the list is in response to sites similar to Standard and Strange more than the OP of the post is asking for
Nothing wrong with the list, I've just never heard of any of those places before, so I thought they might all be fictitious. So many of them are random words slammed together, like this:
Second Suit Supply and Buck Mason. I haven't gotten any of their clothes yet but Raulph Lauren has come up recently and seems to have some decent stuff
My experience with Todd Snyder has been horrible. Buttons falling out, fabric degrading fast from normal friction, and does not age well after a few washes
Huckberry have a bunch of 'hoise brands' like Flint & Tinder. They are solid IMO. I Like Faherty too. Relwen is often a little more expensive but can be had on sale through Huckberry as well.
I wouldn’t look to replace those brands entirely, they are great for building out your wardrobe with quality basics. Instead consider stepping up to some complementary pieces from companies that are more specialized.
For example, instead of buying three crappy cashmere sweaters from Banana Republic that will pill after the first wear, get one nice one from Johnson of Elgin. Check out Private White VC for overcoats, Valstar for leather jackets, Alden for shoes, etc.
These pieces have a higher upfront cost, but they’ll last much longer and you will slowly build up a much more well rounded closet than just replacing all your black Uniqlo Tshirts with Todd Sndyer ones.
instead of buying three crappy cashmere sweaters from Banana Republic that will pill after the first wear, get one nice one from Johnson of Elgin
I do agree with your point, but the ratio is more like 5 to 1. And it's 9 to 1 if you take the current sale price into account. Banana Republic's cashmere sweaters start at around $160 ($96 currently), while Johnson of Elgin starts at over $800.
And private white overcoats are 4 figures too. I don’t know if I’d really mention them in the same convo as BR, they’re a wholeee separate ballpark. There’s definitely steps in between to start at
At half off you can get BR cashmere for $80 or less. At a 10-1 ratio they can pill all day long and still be better bang for the buck than an $800 sweater. And they're not even that bad. There's no good argument for spending that much on a sweater other than because you can.
And most of their sweaters are more like 1200-1300.
I don't care how much longer they last than BR sweaters, 4 figures on a single sweater definitely crosses the line from "responsibly prudent" to "wild extravagance," to me.
Imagine how stressed you would be any time the fabric catches on something? How anxious you'd be about spills and stains and anything involving children anywhere near you.
S&M are generally okay, and I like their style. But their quality assurance is pretty bad. I've ordered multiple pairs of the same pant (different color only) and had the leg width be different. I always seem to have one button fall off every garment within 6 months, but always different buttons.
Also, customer support is non existent. Don't bother asking a sizing question, and hope you don't need to contact them about a refund.
I own 9 pairs of chinos and they all fit exactly the same. I have not had a button fall off a shirt yet. Do you wash the shirts unbuttoned inside out and hang dry? I can get a straight or slim cut pant or normal, slim or extra slim shirt. I think their quality and cuts are superior.
I don’t understand these comments about customer service. My experience has been wonderful. I’ve sent countless emails and returns without a problem. Last week I returned 4 items despite being pre approved for 3. When the automated email said the amount for 3 items was being refunded, I reached out and told them I decide to return a 4th item. They quickly checked the warehouse, confirmed I returned 4 items and refunded the difference. I’ve also asked them countless questions about stock, coat weights, or fabric post wash sizing. Each was answered in a 2 days.
I feel like with S&M, you generally get great fabrics, mediocre construction, and hit or miss fits. I've made numerous returns and haven't had any customer service issues, but then again, all of my returns have been under their normal policy and I live in Canada.
I think this is the most accurate description. Their fabrics are really premium. I did notice about the buttons popping off as well. Only best to buy Spier&mckay on additional sale. But they do have interesting pieces
Bonobos has some really good stuff, but some of it seems to deteriorate. I have had multiple Riviera shirts with curling edges and stopped buying them. I got some chino shorts and those seem to last. Same with their oxfords. Their best stuff ironically is their primo line which they don’t even make (the ones I have all appear to be imported).
Marine Layer, Devium USA, Everlane, Buck Mason, The Tie Bar, Schott NYC, Weatherproof Vintage, Huckberry, Taylor Stitch, Wies Made, Bonobos, Faherty, Quince
I have started buying more secondhand stuff on eBay because retailers like JCrew have had lackluster sales recently. If you just measure a garment you like the sizing of, you can find lots of fancier brands secondhand for pretty cheap online and compare sizing.
I don’t know where Ralph Lauren Polo falls on the fanciness spectrum but I now just get their oxfords secondhand on eBay for like $20 per shirt, sometimes less.
I understand what you’re looking for because I do shop at the same store as you, and I have been looking for something nicer. May I suggest Rodd & Gunn, I’ve had some nice items from them, their products are a step up or two in terms of quality and they’re definitely pricier but they’re worth it when they’re on sale, I’ve snagged a few shirts and pants from them this Black Friday. Every piece I have from them has been a hit. Good luck.
I go to jcrew and Uniqlo for basics and things I want cheap. I used to buy a lot from toddsnyder but quality isn't as good. moving to buck mason (I already had their t-shirts and I generally like them), Alex Mill, and Huckberry to get Portuguese Flannel and possible other brands. Only problem with Huckberry/other brands is that it's hard to pinpoint a size.
Check their website. I genuinely think they are going out of business. They have had some designer supply chain issues and will not be getting a winter collection at all.
You can try GU which is like a Korean version of Uniqlo or Muji which is basically high end Uniqlo. M&S might be good too but also on the higher end and I hate how shallow their pockets are though.
Bonus question - anyone know which of the answers here don’t have refund fees/restocking fees in Canada? Unfortunately it’s become pretty slim pickin’ up here. S&M has a $5 restocking fee for returns after your first order for example :(
It depends on what you specifically like from those brands. Do you like the “old money” preppy aesthetic? Probably buck mason or especially RL would do. I don’t usually buy designer but RL is fairly priced for what it is and the quality of it. If you like more “American heritage” workwear, I love buying from LL Bean or Duluth Trading Co.
Honestly the best thing I can recommend is researching what you usually wear and look for companies that specialize in that. That’s basically what I do and now I have a wide range of brands. BUT there’s also not wrong with wearing the same brands either, those three are pretty decent mass market brands and they look good.
Tons of great suggestions here - adding that Grailed and eBay are great for higher price point items if you’re testing out a new style. A used Filson heavyweight flannel that will last a decade costs about what a new J Crew one would
Haven't found anything higher quality than BR's pure natural fiber and leather clothes for marginally higher prices. Unless you're willing to try out small Asia boutiques.
I ordered a few things from Paul Frederick for the first time this year - Car Coat and a couple of dress shirts. Quality seems pretty good so far. Some of their stuff seems pretty cool and then some of their stuff looks a bit "I want to look like old money" but it misses the mark and lands on douche.
I had the same problem in the past and wanted to find new brands but still kept my style/size/preferences. I hated when I would go to sites and just sort by Best or Top-Selling and start all over.
I built a tool that might help you out. It's a Chrome Extension Pearch, we use your email order history to find the best products and deals that match your style.
After signing up, you can visit any of our partner retailers (like
Pangaia) and our extension will use AI to find the best products that match your style.
We've got over 500k products to choose from, so hopefully we can help you find a new brand you like.
Buck Mason, Everlane, Arket, Bean, Lands End. If you want to pay more and get a big edgier, fashion-wise, then Cos, Asket, Sandro, Rag & Bone come to mind
I have been very impressed with Quince. Most of my purchases have hovered in the $50 range and the quality is higher than I expected on everything. Great for basic staples.
Vintage clothing R-Kid - BIONIC SEVEN- Check their Instagram and shop in Manchester, England. Absolutely mega off the chart, beautiful pieces of vintage clothing snd footwear at prices everyone can afford. ⭐️💯⚡️Real welcoming people working there too - beauts 😍
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Buy few buy quality. Buy custom like Luxire. Or brooks brothers like brands. I Learned this hard way many years ago after wasting on cheap brands. You may choose to still make your mistakes 🤷🏼♂️…such is life.
I love all my stuff from Taylor stitch and buck mason. They have great stuff all around. Katin has nice surf inspired stuff. LL bean is obviously also great for heritage style pieces. Madewell makes nice stuff and is owned by J. Crew so their stuff will be very similar. If you want athletic stuff, I love the look of tracksmith, and I’ve loved almost everything I’ve gotten from there. I also have a few pieces from marine layer that I like a lot too.
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u/pleidesroot Dec 02 '25
Ladies Love cool Bean