Sprezza Shopping Guides

This is part of an ongoing retail series I’m doing city-by-city.

The first one I made was for London, followed by Paris and Los Angeles.

Now, New York City!

New York is particularly special because it’s where I spent most of the last decade living (between college and early career). It’s a city that has informed my style beyond measure, and the nucleus to where so many modern trends and style shifts have occurred.

Sprezza guest editor and fellow homie Leland Grossman is back after his LA guide to curate a few places with me on his NYC list!

A quick note

Would love your feedback on these guides, or any tips on places you would add to this list. I spend hours creating these guides and appreciate the love!

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Brands

Corridor

Neighborhood(s): Nolita, Fort Greene Brooklyn

Price: $$-$$$

NOTES: “I make clothes that get guys laid” is the Corridor mantra, penned by founder Dan Snyder, which is an excellent proposition for dudes. Corridor is the kind of store you could step inside blindfolded, pick five random pieces, and they’d likely all work together. The patterns are unique and playful but not loud, and the color tones feel rich and well-weathered. It’s all tied together by classic menswear pieces updated with design and silhouette tweaks.

18east

Neighborhood(s): Nolita

Price: $$

NOTES: 18east is a brand equally rooted in skateboarding and being outdoors. Their clothes are agnostic to whether you’re roaming the streets or on a hike. And while I’m not big on baggier silhouettes—mostly because few brands do it properly—founder Antonio Ciongoli’s understanding of shape and fit is phenomenal. He’s the exception for me. Outside that, 18east’s creative direction and styling is one of my favorite parts about the brand.

Todd Snyder

Neighborhood(s): Madison Square Park, Williamsburg, Tribeca

Price: $$$

Featured brands: Aesop, RoToTo, Danner, L.L. Bean, Paraboot

NOTES: Todd Snyder may be the safest option on this guide (besides the J.Crew men’s shop on Bowery), but don’t let that keep you from exploring. It’s classic menswear, to be fair, drawing influence from Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Japanese brands, Americana, and old J.Crew. I appreciate TS because of how they curate third-party brands. They bring in the best of so many independent brands across outerwear, accessories, knits, and footwear; there’s something for everyone.

3sixteen

Neighborhood(s): Nolita

Price: $$$

NOTES: Founder Andrew Chen—apart from being one of the kindest dudes in the business—is the denim godfather of New York, as far as I’m concerned. He and his partner Johann have lived through the cycles and trends of men’s fashion, staying true to the craft of making the best denim and apparel. They’re as knowledgable as it gets in menswear, and between Self Edge and 3sixteen (their two brands), you’re in for a true retail experience with the best products you can find.

Knickerbocker

Neighborhood(s): Soho

Price: $$-$$$

NOTES: Knickerbocker has come a long way as a brand and their new(ish) store in Soho is a direct reflection of that. Stocked with the full in-house line and thoughtful home goods like candles and ceramics, the team here has hit an absolute home run with their first standalone retail store. My favorite part though, without a doubt, are the dressing rooms. You’ll have to go yourself to find out why.

Drake’s

Neighborhood(s): Soho

Price: $$$

NOTES: Drake’s has made dressing up feel fun again. The way they inject color (without it feeling loud and misplaced) into their clothes is brilliant. They understand the shape of things and how silhouettes should drape, from trousers to shirts to coats. They’ve also proved that a traditional British brand from Savile Row can co-exist with different aesthetics (prep, denim, streetwear, and so on) while still honoring their core brand. Plus, it’s next door to Knickerbocker, so you can make it a field trip.

Aimé Leon Dore

Neighborhood(s): Nolita

Price: $$$

NOTES: Say what you will about ALD, but they put a lot of thought into this retail experience and deserve immense credit for building a space that creates buzz and attraction from all types of consumers (albeit many of whom are tourists at this point). It’s worth a visit for the vibes alone, drawing local and international visitors alike.

Tailored

J.Meuser

Neighborhood(s): West Village

Price: $$$

NOTES: Jake Meuser has been making custom suits for over a decade and has built a strong reputation for offering traditional, reserved looks, quietly elegant fabrics, and Neapolitan style. While they offer bespoke options by appointment in their Christopher Street studio, they’ve also got a line of RTW pieces you can purchase in their cozy storefront across the street, from knitwear to shirting and accesorries. I highly recommend J.Meuser if you want a balance between quality and fair price.

P.Johnson

Neighborhood(s): Soho

Price: $$$

NOTES: “LIVE SLOW DIE OLD” is Patrick Johnson’s motto; a call to indulge in the best life can offer, from what you eat and drink to how you dress. Like Drake’s, they specialize in making custom suiting, formalwear, and luxury sportswear. It’s one of those brands that creates true aspiration around their products. Whether you’re on a holiday in the French Riviera, or going to a wedding in the Hamptons, hit up PJT—they’ll take good care of you.

Click here for Sprezza’s where to shop in NYC part two