Every year, I round up the best Black Friday sales over at Put This On and also highlight my favorites here, along with choice selections from each shop. The goal is to help readers find quality items without making them wade through what feels like an impossibly vast selection. As usual, some stores have started their Black Friday promotions early this year, hoping to get a jump ahead of other retailers. So I’ll be breaking this into two parts — pre- and post-Thanksgiving. Here are six sales that I think are worth your attention. Come back Friday for more.
MR PORTER: UP TO 50% OFF
Since their launch in 2011, Mr. Porter’s Black Friday sale has become one of the most anticipated menswear events of the year, mainly because they have everything. Men have so many options nowadays — prep, workwear, gorpcore, streetwear, and avant-garde — but no matter your aesthetic, it’s likely that Mr. Porter carries some of your favorite brands. Plus, free shipping and easy returns make it easier to take a chance on things.
Of course, inventory size is a double-edged sword. Given the massive selection here, you should smartly use the filters on their site (e.g., clothing category, style, color, designer, and size) home-in on what you want.
If you normally wear suits and sport coats, but want something a bit more casual, Valstar’s leather jackets sit perfectly with the tailored trousers and dress shirts already in your wardrobe. They’re an Italian company that riffs off classic workwear designs — truckers, bombers, field coats — but uses more luxurious materials, which makes the resulting garments a bit more citified. Saman Amel, De Bonne Facture, Drake’s, Auralee, Anderson & Sheppard, Kaptain Sunshine, and Stoffa are also great for this sort of thing. If your aesthetic leans tailored, check out their casualwear. Mr. Porter even has the much-sought-after Kaptain Sunshine Traveler coat (pictured above), although it’s not included in the promotion.
Conversely, if you like workwear, there’s Visvim, Frizmworks, Carhartt WIP, Story Mfg, and RRL. This black Frizmworks wading jacket looks like an excellent deal at just under $200. There’s also some tempting outerwear from Officine Générale, such as this black shearling and gray bomber, and classic styles from Golden Bear (I dig the green bomber). Mr. Porter’s in-house label Mr. P also offers designer looks for less-than-designer prices. The dark brown suede trucker and navy wool bomber look promising.
Lemaire remains one of my favorite contemporary, forward-facing brands, though it helps to have a few pieces from their collection to style a look properly. This shearling-trimmed bomber (pictured above), for instance, would look tremendous with their signature barrel-cut pants (team it with Frye’s side-zip boots). And for summer, check out Frescobol Carioca, Kartik Research, Kardo (pictured above), Story Mfg, Séfr, and Smr Days. It can be hard to put together a good summer look because there are so few opportunities for layering, but these brands make pieces that feel bohemian or sophisticated, letting you do more with less. For instance, these patchwork Kartik Research shorts (pictured above) would look great with a white camp collar Officine Générale shirt on a hot day, especially for listening to Yusef Lateef’s “Eastern Sounds” album during the afternoon.
TODD SNYDER: 30% OFF; CODE BLACKFRIDAY
Twenty years ago, J. Crew was a reliable one-stop shop for guys who wanted to dress better without standing out. Today, I think that role has been taken by Todd Snyder (who, incidentally, was the Senior VP during J. Crew’s 2000s heyday, where he helped develop the company’s Ludlow Suit, Broken-In Chino, and Secret Wash Shirt). Snyder’s namesake label is a little more adventurous than J. Crew — and admittedly considerably more expensive — but I love the label for the same reason I loudly crowed about J. Crew during the late 2000s. Lots of men need a retailer where they can do much of their shopping, and today, I think Todd Snyder is that kind of store.
There’s much to like in Todd Snyder’s Black Friday promotion. This stable jacket is like a cross between a Barbour and LL Bean’s barn coat. The heavyweight cotton canvas will age well, and the corduroy trims, hand warmer pockets, and bellowed hip pockets add visual interest. It’s the sort of coat you can wear for decades with an Aran sweater, five-pocket cords, and boots. Speaking of boots, Todd Snyder has some excellent footwear on sale from Northampton makers such as Sanders, Yuketen, and Crockett & Jones. I particularly like Sanders’ apron-toed work boots and Crockett & Jones black tassel loafers (more for tailoring, but a style I’ve found to be incredibly versatile if you wear suits or sport coats).
There’s some other good outerwear, such as a belted Balmacaan raincoat that mercifully comes down to the knees (short raincoats make no sense to me), cropped Eisenhower jacket (which kind of looks like a trucker, making it easier to wear), plaid fleece jacket (this would look great with their white carpenter jeans), and black Sherpa jacket (for a more “city” outdoor look).
If you want something to dress down tailoring, I’ve found Todd Snyder’s long-sleeve polos to be very useful. They have a bit of texture, which makes them visually more interesting than the smoother pique cottons you see at the mall, and the skipper collar pushes this a little away from your standard business casual. Since they’re knitted, not woven, they also eliminate the need for ironing in the morning (good for late risers like me). For the cooler months, chambray Western shirts and charcoal turtlenecks perform the same function, as they look so at home next to flannel and tweed.
There are some other bits here and there: white textured henleys that would look great layered underneath a plaid flannel or Western shirt, suede D-ring belts that add a little something to sport coat outfits, Joshua Ellis cashmere scarves (one of the best cashmere mills in the world), suede espadrilles (for wear with shorts during the summer), and the Todd Snyder x Champion sweatshirts and hoodies that have become popular with guys who love that 1980s and 90s sportswear look (the cut, material, and make are a considerable step above Champion’s mainline). I also really like Todd Snyder’s neckerchiefs. To be sure, you can get any old bandana for $20 or less nowadays, especially on eBay, and it’ll perform the same function. But if you like the look of a neckerchief, Todd Snyder’s perfectly weighted material and larger size (24” x 24”) make it easier to tie the bandana around your neck without it feeling too close or bulky. With the 30% discount, it’s an easier pill to swallow for such a simple accessory.
J. CREW: UP TO 50% OFF; CODE: FRIDAY
In terms of value for money, I still think J. Crew offers some of the best deals around. Like many mid-tier retailers, they’ve incorporated more synthetic fibers into their line, and while I’m not a natural-fiber purist, sometimes a high percentage of polyamide or elastane gives me pause. Still, their Black Friday promotion offers 40% off select full-priced items and an additional 50% off already-discounted pieces in the sale section.
That yields some impressive deals, such as the pure wool duffle coats ($329), knee-length raincoat ($299), and a surprisingly handsome, well-proportioned Balmacaan in two pure wool fabrics ($359). This season, they’re also offering their iconic 1983 barn coat in two soft wool materials ($195). The red version is clearly the one to get.
For those who find O’Connell’s Shetland knits to be too expensive, J. Crew’s washed wool, saddle-sleeve sweaters offer a similar textured look at less than half the price ($95). I find slightly textured knits like these more visually interesting than the plain, smooth merinos you see everywhere. Their Wallace & Barnes retro-styled sweatshirts ($83) contain 18% polyester, but I purchased one many years ago and found it to be a good value. The material is thick and stout, holding up well over time, while the vintage details and silhouette give you a look similar to Japanese brands such as Buzz Rickson.
Finally, I’ve always felt that J. Crew offers excellent value in casual button-ups. Their range of denim and chambray work shirts all come in at less than $100 on sale, but include details such as vintage-styled cat-eye buttons and Japanese selvedge fabrics. Their brushed chamois shirts ($101) feel as plush as the surface of a billiard’s table, but the fabric works better as a shirt jacket than a tuckable shirt (I think). Suitable for New England-style layering on early fall days. This season, they even have it in “butter lemon,” which looks like the faded 1980s LL Beans coveted by vintage collectors. Wear it with washed blue jeans and these suede ankle boots ($179).
NO MAN WALKS ALONE: UP TO 35% OFF
No Man Walks Alone is a sponsor of this site, but it’s also genuinely one of my favorite stores. I first met founder Greg Lellouche about fifteen years ago on StyleForum, where he was one of the rare posters who moved easily between the “classic menswear” and “casualwear” sections of the forum. At the time, Greg was a Wall Street banker who ordered bespoke suits from makers like WW Chan and Napoli Su Misura, but wore brands such as Stephen Schneider, Margiela, Norwegian Rain, and Nigel Cabourn during his off-hours. I admired how fluent he was in different aesthetic languages, and his shop reflects that range. No Man Walks Alone is trend-aware, but not trend chasing. Here, you can find everything from soft-shouldered Italian tailoring and high-rise trousers to innovative workwear brands and hard-to-find Japanese labels.
The store’s collaboration with Sartoria Carrara, a well-regarded Tuscan factory co-owned by P. Johnson, is one of the best deals in tailoring. A lot of ready-to-wear tailoring veers to extremes — the slim fit, shrunken silhouette pioneered by designers such as Thom Browne in the early 2000s, or the oversized look that has emerged as a counterreaction. No Man Walks Alone’s Sartoria Carrara line features a soft shoulder silhouette that’s closer to what an old school Florentine tailor would cut for you. The line offers suits, sport coats, and even some tailored overcoats, such as Ulsters and Balmacaans. Speaking of Balmacaans, I’m surprised this collaboration with the London bespoke tailoring shop taillour is still available. The coat was entirely cut and sewn in taillor’s workshop and includes details such as handsewn buttonholes. There’s little reason to go bespoke for a Balmacaan — the coat should fit big and roomy — so this is a way to get something like Aleks Cvetkovic’s taillour Balmacaan at a quarter of the price.
No Man Walks Alone has other great outerwear, such as washed-denim truckers from Standard Types, wool-and-cashmere bombers from Document, convertible raincoats from Norwegian Rain, and those dressier leather jackets from Valstar that work so well as a substitute for a sport coat. I also love the knitwear: William Lockie’s chunky shawl collar cardigans that make for excellent Christmas gifts, Kanata’s Cowichans that function more like rugged outerwear, and these handknitted Monitaly sweaters that are supremely plush and soft (I have this black USA flag sweater, and while it feels a bit more delicate than the iconic Ralph Lauren version, I appreciate the uniquely uneven texture and the fact that such a charming man designed it).
Finally, Wythe’s Western shirts have become a favorite of nearly every menswear guy dabbling in Westernwear, partly because of the beautiful shape of their chest pockets and unique fabrics, but G. Inglese’s dressier Westerns shouldn’t be overlooked. Consider wearing them with a pair of high-rise, classic legged trousers, such as No Man Walks Alone’s exclusive cuts with Rota. The Westside and Manhattan feature that cut that everyone has been looking for. Just be aware that No Man Walks Alone’s sale section is final sale, so double check sizing or email the store for sizing advice.
KIEHL’S: UP TO 50% OFF; PLUS FREE GIFT SET WITH $125 ORDERS
Every Black Friday, I restock on certain items from Kiehl’s. If you live in a cold, dry climate and find that your skin cracks easily, the company’s Ultra Facial Cream provides a rich, protective moisturizer that doesn’t leave an oily residue. Don’t bother buying the big jars — a small dab goes a long way. Along with Lucas Papaw Ointment, the best lip balm I’ve come across, it’s the closest thing I can call a winter essential.
Kiehl’s also makes some excellent bath products. Their body scrub soap is more expensive than a cheaper Dove bar, but the little bits of oatmeal and bran help slough off dead skin. It also lasts much longer, which helps me justify the price (cheap soaps almost disappear down the drain). Additionally, Kiehl’s offers a range of shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for different hair types. I have naturally thick, dry, and pin-straight Asian hair, and I find I get good results from Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo and Conditioner. Use their menu bar to navigate through their products for different hair and skin types.
TOMMY JOHN: 50% OFF SITEWIDE; CODE: BF50
I think it was Will Boehlke, founder of the now-defunct menswear blog A Suitable Wardrobe, who once said that, at some point in a clotheshorse’s life, a man runs out of things to obsess over, so he thinks about underwear. That was me about ten years ago, when I wanted to find the best pair of boxer briefs. In that process, I made one of the most embarrassing purchases of my life — a pair of $150 boxer briefs, discounted to $80, made by the luxurious Swiss maker Zimmerli, who many regard as the best producer of men’s undergarments. They were made from Sea Island Cotton, a long-staple fiber known for its uniform texture and silky luster. These briefs were indeed silky — so much so that it felt vaguely profane even to wear them. But after a year, the material slowly lost its softness, underscoring the absurdity of paying this much for under garments.
In the end, the best option I found was from Tommy John, a label so less illustrious that Howard Stern was once their spokesperson. But truly, their Second Skin underwear — available with a 4” and 2” inseam — come soft and remain so. They’re made from a pill-resistant micro-modal blend that’s more breathable than pure cotton and wicks moisture from your skin, keeping you dry. There’s also a contoured pouch for your, ahem, junk. And a horizontal opening for fast, easy access when nature calls. After purchasing a pair of these ten years ago, I’ve since switched exclusively to them. They’re not cheap at $38/ pair (or $19 on sale), but they’re a lot more affordable than $150 — and better, too.
KIRBY ALLISON HANGERS: UP TO 20% OFF
If $150 underwear sounds ridiculous, take comfort in knowing I feel even more ashamed recommending $35 hangers. After all, why should anyone pay more than a dollar for a hanger when IKEA offers a pack of 8 for $8 — and your local dry cleaner will give you thin, wiry ones for free? But after all my searching, I haven’t found a replacement for what Kirby Allison offers. Button-up shirts and even most casual jackets can be hung on anything (I prefer IKEA among the cheaper options). However, since tailored jackets are made from multiple layers of haircloth, canvas, and padding — which are attached and shaped through pad stitching and ironwork — they require the right hanger to preserve that shaping.
Kirby Allison’s hangers are unique in four ways. First, they feature a 2.5” shoulder flare that gently curves forward from the neck, which mimics your natural shoulder line. Second, the neck is curved, not square, which minimizes distortion at your jacket collar. Third, they’re made from solid wood: birch wood, maplewood, or European beech wood, depending on your preference (I prefer maplewood so they match my Ikea hangers). Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, the come in different sizes, which ensures the end of your hanger won’t push out the sleeve, potentially distorting the shape. If you buy quality tailoring, these hangers are more than aesthetic — they preserve all the careful work that goes into creating the jacket’s silhouette.
Over the years, I’ve tried to find cheaper options. Mainetti supplies much of the tailoring industry, and while the price and quality are attractive, I don’t trust the square collar for long-term storage (Chris Despos, a bespoke tailor in Chicago, once told me he thinks that can stretch out the collar). IKEA and The Container Store’s designs suffer from the same problem. After Tom Mahon, head cutter at Redmayne, told me he thinks Kirby makes the best hangers, and Jeffery Diduch gave them a positive review, I’ve just sucked it up and bought new Kirby Allison hangers every time I buy a suit or sport coat. At least the Black Friday deal brings the cost down: 10% off orders over $75, 15% off orders over $150, and 20% off orders over $250.