The 15 Best French Menswear Brands

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The appeal of French style is everlasting, and with good reason. Bringing together glamour, finesse and sophistication, the country is famed for its considered design approach that continually favours quality over quantity.

While some may picture France’s fashion scene as one dominated by high-end design houses and luxury garments, the rise of youth-focussed brands and contemporary boutiques over the past few years has taken French menswear from aspirational to accessible.

But the old guard hasn’t disappeared yet, with a couple of high-end houses enjoying their own moments in the sun. French style has arguably never been as diverse, and regardless of the way you dress, they’ll be an aspect of it that’ll be right up your street. Here’s where to go first.

A.P.C.

A.P.C. Menswear

Founded in 1987, A.P.C. (short for Atelier de Production et de Création) quickly made its mark on the industry thanks to its modern approach and pared-back urban menswear.

Designed for the stylish man about town, the Parisian brand’s minimalist aesthetic has earned it worldwide acclaim, becoming a go-to label for simple, high quality everyday pieces.

A.P.C. CITY MAC - Click to buy A.P.C. Denim Jacket - Click to buy A.P.C. Enrico Striped Cotton-Drill Overshirt - Click to buy A.P.C. PETIT NEW STANDARD JEAN - Click to buy

Louis Vuitton

louis vuitton

With a heritage dating back over 150 years, Louis Vuitton is one of the oldest luxury houses in the world, and it’s also up there with the most in demand today.

Since taking over in 2018, creative director Virgil Abloh has almost single handedly transformed Louis Vuitton into a behemoth of hype, with harnesses, glow-in-the-dark bags and new suit cuts all making waves amongst streetwear aficionados.

louis vuitton DOUBLE FACE HOODIE - click to buy louis vuitton TAILORED JACKET WITH CURVED HEM - click to buy louis vuitton LOGO EMBROIDERED TRACKSUIT TROUSERS - click to buy louis vuitton UTILITY SIDE BAG - click to buy

The Kooples

The Kooples Menswear

Arriving in the UK in 2010, The Kooples made its name thanks to clever advertising campaigns that saw the label dress real life couples in their wares.

However, marketing gimmicks aside, it’s the label’s passion for vintage styles and modern simplicity that has ensured its longevity, producing slick rock ‘n’ roll-inspired pieces for the contemporary man.

Expect sharply-cut suits, skinny black denim and edgy leather jackets.

The Kooples BIKER LEATHER JACKET - Click to buy The Kooples CLASSIC-COLLAR SHIRT - Click to buy The Kooples COTTON T-SHIRT WITH TIGER HEAD - Click to buy The Kooples BLACK SKINNY JEANS - Click to buy

Sandro

Sandro Menswear

This label may have been born in the eighties, but it is anything but brash. The brainchild of husband and wife duo Didlier and Evelyne Chétrite, Sandro quickly garnered a cult following due to its sleek silhouettes, striking prints and premium fabrications.

Its menswear collections continue to adhere to these guiding principles to this day, offering beautifully constructed, modern staples in both timeless neutral hues and eye-catching patterns.

Sandro SUEDE JACKET WITH ZIP - Click to buy Sandro FLOWING SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRT - Click to buy Sandro ROLL NECK WOOL SWEATER - Click to buy Sandro WASHED GREY JEANS - Click to buy

Ami

Ami Menswear

Ami’s founder Alexandre Mattiussi cut his teeth at the likes of Dior and Marc Jacobs before going it alone, bringing his undeniable skill and eye for detail to his own label.

Relaxed sportswear staples are this brand’s signature, along with the bold red fisherman’s beanie worn by Mattiussi himself – a staple of the label’s offering, season after season.

AMI Logo-Appliquéd Fleece-Back Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt - Click to buy AMI Oversized Logo-Intarsia Knitted Sweater - Click to buy AMI Logo-Embroidered Mélange Loopback Cotton-Jersey Hoodie - Click to buy AMI ZIP THROUGH TRACK TOP 2 - Click to buy

Dior

Dior

In much the same way as LV, Dior is enjoying a renaissance of its own under the direction of Kim Jones. There is nothing affordable here, oh no. Even a baseball cap will cost as much as £720.

The brand is making the most of the streetwear craze and has firmly moved away from the somewhat fusty place it occupied in menswear 20 or 30 years ago. Expect elaborate printed designs, unique wrap-around suits and hype sneakers galore.

dior TAILLEUR OBLIQUE JACKET - click to buy dior DOUBLE-BREASTED CASHMERE JACKET - click to buy dior B23 HIGH-TOP SNEAKERS - click to buy dior COTTON BASEBALL CAP - click to buy

Vetra

Vetra

Founded in 1927 in Paris, Vetra do one thing exceptionally well: the chore jacket. Known for being incredibly hard wearing and practical, they excel at the classic design, with two large patch pockets at the hip, and one chest pocket offering plenty of storage opportunities for tools, or your phone and wallet.

Today it produces the coat in a range of fabrics and colours – as well as the classic French hydrone blue. Expect moleskin, corduroy, brushed cotton and more. There’s also other workwear classics on offer including utility vests and cord trousers.

Vetra Workwear Jacket Moleskine Navy - click to buy Vetra Dungaree Workwear Jacket Postman - click to buy Vetra No.4 Workwear Jacket - click to buy Vetra Medium Wale Corduroy Trousers - click to buy

Maison Kitsuné

Maison Kitsune Menswear

Who would’ve guessed that this hip young brand started out as a record label, before turning its hand to fashion?

Offering fun and funky separates injected with a generous dose of Parisian cool, Maison Kitsuné continues to electrify the global fashion scene thanks to its focus on traditional production standards mixed with a contemporary attitude.

MAISON KITSUNÉ TRICOLOUR FOX PATCH POCKET TEE - Click to buy MAISON KITSUNÉ Embroidered Loopback Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt - Click to buy MAISON KITSUNÉ PALAIS ROYAL TOTE - Click to buy MAISON KITSUNÉ PERFECT CHINO - Click to buy

Façonnable

Faconnable Menswear

Hailing from Nice in the French riviera, Façonnable started out as a high-end tailor to the stars, dressing anyone who’s anyone for the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.

Today, the label focuses on ready-to-wear pieces, turning out relaxed coastal separates and casual French classics alongside the expert tailoring it’s renowned for.

faconnable Contrast lining bomber jacket - Click to buy faconnable Bengal-stripe cotton shirt - Click to buy faconnable Removable hood gilet - Click to buy faconnable Stretch cotton twill bermuda shorts - Click to buy

Saint Laurent

saint laurent

Saint Laurent has resided in its own distinctive slice of cool for some time now. Looking for rock ’n’ roll style inspiration? Look no further than the French house’s lookbooks for everything you need.

As has been the case for a while, slim or skinny jeans, plaid or wild printed shirts and leather motorcycle jackets (Jeff Goldblum loves his) are the order of the day here. Yes, they’ll cost you a bomb, but they won’t go out of style any time soon either.

saint laurent CHESTERFIELD COAT WITH POINTED LAPELS - click to buy saint laurent VARSITY JACKET IN STRIPED WATER SNAKE - click to buy saint laurent WESTERN-STYLE DESTROYED DENIM SHIRT - click to buy saint laurent MILES BOOTS - click to buy

Hartford

Hartford Menswear

This 1979-born Parisian brand looks to the USA for its inspiration, blending the nation’s sporting heritage with simple European elegance.

As a result, Hartford offers up a suave line of casual garments – self-named ‘alternative classics’ – which are perfect for the more active gent who still wants to look stylish.

HARTFORD Cotton-Jersey Henley T-Shirt - Click to buy HARTFORD Paul Slub Linen Shirt - Click to buy HARTFORD Slam Camp-Collar Printed Cotton Shirt - Click to buy HARTFORD Mid-Length Printed Swim Shorts - Click to buy

Vilebrequin

Vilebrequin Menswear

Swimwear that will get you noticed at the pool, beach or bar is Vilebrequin’s speciality, with its designs originally inspired by the surfers of the 1970s.

Today, this luxury brand continues to produce high quality, quick-drying swim shorts in a variety of vivid prints – expect turtles, sailing boats and everything in between.

Vilebrequin SWIMWEAR DOUBLE FOCUS - Click to buy Vilebrequin STRETCH SWIMWEAR MORDORÉ - Click to buy Vilebrequin EMBROIDERED SWIMWEAR PORTO RICO - Click to buy Vilebrequin SWIMWEAR - Click to buy

Arpenteur

Arpenteur

Arpenteur may be the ultimate French brand. It nails workwear, it nails smarter clothing and its garments boast design details unmatched at its price point.

Basically, if you’re looking for a new wardrobe, this should be your first port of call. Everything is made in France, including the embroidered caps, Cuban collar shirts and cargo shorts. Combine them and you’ll be the best dressed man this side of Brittany.

ARPENTEUR Sportive Canvas Hooded Jacket - click to buy ARPENTEUR Navy Jonction Cotton Blazer - click to buy ARPENTEUR SHORT SLEEVE PYJAMA SHIRT - click to buy ARPENTEUR OLONA CARGO SHORT - click to buy

Officine Generale

Officine Generale Menswear

Relatively new to the fashion scene, 2012-founded Officine Generale brings together smart tailoring with classic workwear to form a strong masculine look.

Military influences also play a big part, epitomised by the predominantly khaki, beige and grey colour palette utilised within its collections. If you’re not a fan of anything “flashy or vulgar” (Officine Generale’s words, not ours), this label is for you.

OFFICINE GENERALE Johan Suede Zip-Up Trucker Jacket - Click to buy OFFICINE GENERALE Mélange Shetland Wool Sweater - Click to buy OFFICINE GENERALE Striped Cotton-Blend T-Shirt - Click to buy OFFICINE GENERALE New Fisherman Cotton-Twill Chinos - Click to buy

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