In 2014, 64 per cent of the UK’s 25-34 year-olds headed online to shop for clothes, according to the Office for National Statistics. While the need for bricks and mortar has not faded altogether – and some of the names below also have fantastic stores – the internet has given rise to e-tail giants like ASOS, Mr Porter and rapidly growing The Idle Man.
Much like on the high street, the independent retailer can flourish online, particularly those with the right product mix and price points. These standout favourites have that and more, all under one digital roof.
1. Oi Polloi
Established in 2002, during the early days of the e-tail revolution, Manchester-based Oi Polloi’s webstore continues to offer cool and contemporary menswear to gents across the globe.
From international brands to independent labels, its well-edited selection has a distinct northern feel, focusing on casual, utility pieces.
Shop now at oipolloi.com.
2. END Clothing
This Newcastle-based retailer has become one of the most popular names in the sector and also made our list of the ten best UK independent menswear stores for its psychical presence.
END’s virtual rails comprise coveted labels such as Filling Pieces alongside style stalwarts like Levi’s, offering everything you need to create a high quality capsule wardrobe.
Shop now at endclothing.com.
3. Footpatrol
Footpatrol started life as a bricks and mortar footwear business in London. Today it offers some of the very best footwear styles in the world online as well as in its relocated store in the capital.
Trainer buffs are advised to bookmark this one, as it’s always filled with the latest releases as well limited editions, exclusives and rare finds no longer produced.
Shop now at footpatrol.co.uk.
4. Couverture & The Garbstore
Couverture and the Garbstore has only been trading online for around five years. However, shoppers flock to its website, likely having already been impressed by its three-storey concept store in London’s trendy Notting Hill.
Under its menswear arm, Ian Paley’s Garbstore, the online portal offers its military-inspired own brand pieces alongside select items from the likes of Palace, Engineered Garments and Norse Projects.
Shop now at couvertureandthegarbstore.com.
5. Stuarts London
Once a go-to tailoring store back in the sixties, Stuarts London has evolved into the multichannel form we know it as today.
The business’ strong links with the casuals movement of the eighties and nineties has not been forgotten, with the latest sports and streetwear styles still forming the bulk of its offering.
Shop now at stuartslondon.com.
6. The Chimp Store
The Chimp Store hit the online world in 2010, over ten years after setting up its own boutique in Leeds.
British, American and Japanese labels are all mainstays of its stock, which ranges from the hottest trainer releases to clothing staples.
The site’s regularly updated ‘Styled’ section is a great place to start if you want inspiration for a haul.
Shop now at thechimpstore.com.
7. Trunk Clothiers
Shoppers familiar with this London independent store will love its online equivalent, which offers the same premium brands from Japan, Italy, America and beyond.
Trunk Clothiers was founded as recently as 2010 and caters predominantly to smart-casual dressers, offering clothing, footwear and a wide gamut of accessories and lifestyle products, including luggage, small leather goods, grooming products, stationery and even furniture.
Shop now at trunkclothiers.com.
8. Autograph Menswear
Directional, alternative pieces are the domain of Birmingham-based retailer Autograph. The business has held its doors firmly open for over twenty years and its online presence also plays host to a mixed bag of labels, from Boy London to Balmain.
It’s for these reasons that Autograph doesn’t just get our backing, but similar endorsements from the likes of FHM and Esquire.
Shop now at autographmenswear.com.
9. The Bureau
Anyone heading over to Northern Ireland should have Belfast’s The Bureau on their must-visit list, but the business’ online offering is the next best thing.
The team behind this retailer has been offering locals high quality clothing since 1989 and has worked hard to translate the store’s outdoor-inspired clothing across the globe with a neat and tidy website.
Shop now at thebureaubelfast.com.
10. Hanon
Hanon earns its place on our rundown for its non-stop trainer drops, which are listed in date order on its homepage.
Run out of Aberdeen, Scotland, the retailer not only allows shoppers to buy what’s in stock now but also what’s coming up and what’s about to sell out for good.
Shop now at Hanon-shop.com.
11. Present London
Present’s home on London’s Shoreditch High Street means its sometimes obscure brands are right at home.
But those outside the capital can still get a flavor of the what’s on offer by heading online, where its easy to use website brings together a varied range of new and classic labels.
Shop now at present-london.com.
12. Goodhood London
Another star of London’s East End, Goodhood stocks over 200 contemporary brands across its clothing, lifestyle and grooming categories, as well as a coveted homeware range.
Its well-curated selection makes for a shopping experience that’s easy on the eyes, from its cool and casual picks to its crisp and clean website.
Shop now at goodhoodstore.com.
