END, a contemporary menswear shop based in the UK, always has one of the best end-of-season sales. Since they’re located in Europe, their prices are typically 20% lower than what you’d pay for the same items in the US, thanks to VAT deductions. Which means their end-of-season promotions are even better than what they seem at face value. At the moment, they’re holding their spring/ summer sale, where you can find select items discounted by as much as 60%. Once you account for VAT discounts, however, the sale is actually closer to 68% off.
END’s online inventory is one of the few that rivals Mr. Porter’s (who, by the way, just dropped prices for the third time and are having a 70% off sale). Which means, your best bet is to browse through the sale selection by filtering for clothing categories and sizes. This way, you can stumble upon things you may not otherwise see. If you’re looking for highlights, here are some things I think are particularly worthwhile.
Barbour: If you’re one of the few menswear guys left who doesn’t own a Barbour, END is one of the best places to score a deal. Again, since their prices are already lower than what you’d typically find stateside, their end-of-season promotions make these especially attractive. These days, I mostly wear the waxed cotton Bedale in olive, although the longer Beaufort is better for layering over sport coats. The Liddesdale is also a favorite of many people. It’s an uber affordable, quilted jacket that looks great with jeans and Shetland sweaters. At END, you can find the Liddesdale at a very low $95, while the waxed cotton models start at $209. For sizing advice, check out the Barbour buyer’s guide I wrote for Put This On.
Outerwear: Last season’s Engineered Garments x Barbour collaboration is available on sale, including the three models you see above. Each jacket is made from Barbour’s signature waxed cottons, in neutral colors such as olive, black, and navy. The designs are also reworking of some of the company’s archival models. The Cowen, for example, is based off Barbour’s Cowen Commander, a jacket that British soldiers wore in the Falklands War. Others include the Dumbo, which is a fusion between an MA-1 bomber and a varsity jacket. The one-piece raglan sleeves make the jacket easier to fit, while the military-style pockets give it some charm. In the back, you can find a poacher’s pocket, which Barbour has used on their hunting coats.
Additionally, Ark Air is the civilian-wing of an old English company, Arktis, which has been providing standard-issue military wear to special forces around the world since 1985. Over the years, they’ve sold to the French Foreign Legion, US Special Forces, Royal Marines, and elite units in Australia. Their civilian ArkAir line isn’t meant for warfare, but they have the same robust construction and military style. I mostly like them because they’re refreshingly affordable. On sale, these start at $175.
I also like this Ten C fishtail parka (let your inner Mod loose), Our Legacy Melton wool jacket, and A Kind of Guise chore coat. If you’re up for a splurge, this Margiela MA-1 bomber looks excellent. It features scrunched up sleeves, which can be found on the military originals, but is woefully missing on many designer versions.
Sweaters: Levi’s Vintage Clothing has a gray cotton sweatshirt, a wardrobe staple if there ever was one. Select Jamieson’s Shetland sweaters are also on sale. While not as well-known as Brooks Brothers, O’Connell’s, or other trad options, Jamieson’s are the real deal. They’re a family-owned business located in the Shetland Isles, making Shetland sweater and Fair Isle knits from locally sourced Shetland wool yarns. They’re also on the slightly more affordable side of the spectrum at $125 retail (or $79 now on sale). Just be sure to double check END’s site for sizing and measurements. I’ve found some run true-to-size, while others requiring sizing up. You can find measurements on each product page by clicking the sizing tab.
Shoes: What’s summer without all-white leather sneakers? These pristine, optical white, premium Italian leather sneakers are an absolute classic and will give you anxiety this summer as you worry about them getting stained from healthy summer activities, such as walking on grass, going to concerts, and eating life-sustaining food. On the upside, they will make you feel slightly cooler than people wearing Chuck Taylors. Plus, they’re on sale, so you’ll only cry for half a day when they inevitably get ruined. I like the ones from Common Projects, Zespa, and Buttero. Zespa also has Stan Smith lookalikes, which will impress your friends if they hang out with you indoors.
Alternatively, Danner’s hiking boots and Tricker’s pebble-grained derbies will look better with wear. Visvim’s Skagways are also great with anything that can be described as workwear-ish or Americana. If you’re daring, Buttero has strapped sandals for a crunchy, hippie look. Mostly, I’m disappointed these Danner x Nigel Cabourn jungle boots aren’t available in my size. The style isn’t really right for summer clothing, but they’d look great with a parka come fall. See the man himself below.
Misc: Finally, Master Piece makes some of my favorite backpacks. They work with contemporary and classic casualwear, are a little sleeker than strictly heritage-styles, and come in upgraded materials (the trims are especially nice). Barbour’s leather carryall would make for a good weekend getaway bag or even an airline carry-on. And if you’re looking to really treat yourself, Tricker’s shoe valet kit will carry all your shoe care accessories while looking handsome on your shelf.
