Money, as the adage goes, can't buy happiness. It can, however, buy your next favorite pair of sweat shorts or the latest version of the walking shoes you now have reason to wear—and you don't even need a whole heap of it, either.
Turns out, the most expensive version of any given item isn't always the one you should be investing in, especially when it comes to rounding out your wardrobe with a few well-priced essentials. After all, having piles of dollar bills to drop on any piece that catches your fancy at an online store with fresh-off-the-runway fits does not a stylish man make. Just because styles are affordable—"cheap," if you will, though only in price, not in make—doesn't render them any less worthy of consideration.
Luckily, we live in the era of the internet, and there've never been more options when it comes to copping super-covetable menswear on the low. Online stores for men, in particular, are flourishing, and for good reason. If you're in the market for a few wallet-friendly finds, you, my friend, have come to the right place. We've trolled the darkest depths of the worldwide web to compile a list of some of the best places to shop if you're looking for inexpensive alternatives to all the latest runway heat you've been admiring from afar.
Admire no longer, my guy. Add that shit to your cart and then check the fuck out. And remember: Fiscal responsibility was, is, and always will be the coolest look of them all.
Amazon Fashion
Yes, yes, the same spot you rely on for everything from paper towels to pet supplies also offers a rapidly expanding selection of bona fide fashion. We're not talking purely basics, either (though the in-house Essentials line is always a solid bet). You can score some serious steals from big name brands and smaller labels alike, often at prices that make the process of navigating the site's not-so-user-friendly design well worth it.
Arket
There's got to be something in that Scandinavian water, because the Swedes keep on cheffing up increasingly convincing ways to separate us from the money in our wallets. (To be fair, when the product looks like this, it takes very little.) Arket is yet another brand under H&M's umbrella, a recently launched label that has no brick-and-mortar presence outside of Europe but through its website offers a hefty selection of styles so good you'd swear they're designer.
Asos
Asos offers a wide-ranging assortment of ultra-hip brands complemented by an in-house label that rarely misses. The site's selection of product is particularly suited for testing out a trend or statement piece you don't want to drop some serious coin on. (Pro tip: Both the shoe and tailoring departments are especially well-stocked.)
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Bonobos
To say that we at Esquire are fans of Bonobos is an understatement. The pants, in particular, are pretty amazing: its Rec shorts, drawstring chinos, and suit trousers have all gotten our endorsement. Lest we forget, the Riviera shirt is a must-cop, too. From the use of quality fabrics to the way styles are cut, hugging the body in all the right places, it’s no wonder that the brand consistently receives our seal of approval. Also, all of these pieces don’t break the bank, not in the least. All in all, what’s not to love?
Boohoo
You definitely won’t be boohooing when you see the prices on this site (sorry, sorry). For those uninitiated, Boohoo is a brand that offers a selection of styles with a hip, streetwise edge—think graphic shirts with the logo of your favorite metal band, intarsia knits with flames, and suits with jacquard panels, all on the cheap. Its collection of activewear, specifically, is not to be missed; the range of muscle tees, windbreakers, and sleek tracksuits will add a pep to your step at the gym, or in any scenario for that matter.
Buck Mason
Buck Mason sells elevated basics with a bit of an edge. The brand's curved hem tees are modern-day staples, but it also offers a range of other thoughtful, hard-wearing items, all in a variety of cuts and fits (the leather styles, in particular, are always seasonal standouts).
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Cabela's
You might be a bit surprised to see Cabela's on this list, but the outdoor recreation retailer is one of the best sources of durable workwear staples from the likes of Carhartt and the (suddenly ultra-stylish) Salomon. Cabela's selection has always been extensive, but as the aesthetic it's long peddled continues to be, ahem, adopted (appropriated?) by the fashion crowd, it's emerged as a powerhouse of functional design (ditto its parent company, Bass Pro Shops).
COS
When COS landed stateside for the first time almost a decade ago, the London-based brand (and H&M sibling label) established itself as a fashion-editor-favorite through its selection of streamlined styles with enough subtle design details to separate it from the pack. COS is more than another brand selling elevated basics—it routinely churns out covetable versions of the everyday staples you'll always reach for at a price point that belies its design bona fides.
DSTLD
There's always going to be demand for inexpensive denim, especially when it's as comfortable as DSTLD's. The brand makes shopping super simple, offering four fits in a range of washes, and all for less than $100. The California-based company also sells a solid selection of sturdy tees and all-black accessories sure to enliven (so to speak) any outfit.
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eBay
The OG peer-to-peer reselling platform might be an industry veteran at this point, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be one of the first places any savvy shopper checks if they're looking to score some serious heat on a discount. Once you figure out how to navigate the site's search parameters, stop by to sift through one of the best selections of reasonably priced vintage clothing on the web.
Everlane
The DTC darling promised nothing short of a revolution when it launched with a platform predicated on "radical transparency" and, thankfully, it didn't disappoint. The internet's favorite retailer does what many now consider the prototypical millennial aesthetic better than almost anyone else—in other words, it's the place to go to cash out on democratically priced cashmere, pocket tees, and other streamlined essentials.
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Express
Express has been around since the ’80s, but it really became popular in the turn century, when it introduced menswear. With numerous standalone stores in malls, the brand was accessible to anyone looking for fast fashion with more of an edge. Its selection of shirts and shirts, in particular, were sharper and cut slimmer than other brands that offered the same styles at the same price point. Now, trekking to those outposts isn’t necessary, because its full catalog is available online.
Fred Segal
For all things brand-name, Fred Segal is your one-stop shop. When this site has sales, they have sales. You can find major deals and discounts year-round from top-tier brands, with fast shipping, too.
Gap
What started out as a single store in San Fransisco selling Levi's gradually evolved into a titan of international retail and a name synonymous with American design. Today, Gap is a mainstay of shopping centers around the world, and is still one of the best places to stock up on basics at a bargain. Gap is an OG, so put some respect on its name.
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Grailed
Grailed remains one of the best sites to try if you're struggling to track down any hard-to-find rare garms, but the resale platform also stocks an enviable selection of more approachable heat, courtesy of a prolific user base that's as clothing-obsessed as you'd imagine.
H&M
H&M is a pioneer of what's now referred to as fast fashion, and it remains one of the largest players in the scene. If it's not already your go-to place for last-minute pick-me-ups, it should be. The Swedish retailer sells products that span the style spectrum—from foundational wardrobe essentials to hyper-trendy pieces, all on the cheap. (Bonus points for the brand's renewed interest in sustainability.)
Huckberry
Huckberry is a multi-brand site with an outdoorsy bent. It’s basically a done-up Camping World, sans most of the equipment and gear, and with more tailored fits. From waxed trucker jackets by Flint and Tinder to shorts by Patagonia to flannel shirts by Roarke, there are a variety of styles available, just ready and waiting to accompany you on a woodland trail, mountain summit, brunch in the city, or just lounging on your recliner. It’s durability and timelessness—plus a damn good sale section—that Huckberry offers.
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J.Crew
Sure, J.Crew isn't always inexpensive, but it can be. You just need to know where to look. The iconic retailer often hosts sale offers that seem almost too good to be true, from steep discounts on seasonal items to a clearance section that's second to none. And it's still one of the best spots to shop for classic, prep-inflected Americana, including sun-dyed tees, slim chinos, and perfectly-cut OCBDs.
J.Crew Factory
If you love the reductions offered in J.Crew’s sale section (see above), you’re going to go wild over J.Crew Factory. From waffle half-zip sweaters and plaid shirts in a slew of colors to crewneck sweaters and sharp suits, many of the styles that you love at J.Crew proper are discounted significantly. On top of that, the site regularly offers promo codes with additional markdowns.
Trishna Rikhy
Trishna Rikhy is the Associate Style Commerce Editor at Esquire. Previously, her writing has appeared in Vogue Runway, PAPER Magazine, V Magazine, V MAN, and more. She is based in NYC, but can probably be found wherever the strongest cup of coffee is.
Barry Samaha
Barry Samaha is the former style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covered all things fashion and grooming. Previously, he was an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, Surface, and WWD, along with overseeing editorial content at Tod’s Group. He has also written for The Daily Beast, Coveteur, Departures, Paper, Bustle Group, Forbes, and many more. He is based in New York City and can't seem to find enough closet space for all his shoes.