The Best Stores for Men's Fashion in L.A.

Best style with a conscience: Apolis Common Gallery

Shopping at the Apolis Common Gallery is like stepping into an epic ’round-the-world travelogue, where every globally-sourced item has a story behind it. Leather sandals were crafted by a four-person co-op in Tel Aviv; jute market bags were assembled by a collective of mothers in Bangladesh; a women’s co-op in Nepal hand knit the ’50s-style sweaters made in collaboration with cycling brand Rapha. Brothers Raan and Shea Parton launched Apolis the brand in 2004, employing and empowering artisans worldwide (and right here in Cali) to create their heritage-inspired pieces—this flagship shop serves as a showcase for the full product range, as well as an event space and gallery.

Best accessories: Unionmade

The lone SoCal outpost of this NorCal-based chainlet, Unionmade has garnered a cult following by offering functional, yet beautifully made classics with an urban outdoorsman air. While the shop carries plenty of clothing and outerwear by the likes of Gitman Vintage, Woolrich Woolen Mills and Billy Reid, we’re just as enamored with their supremely edited range of accessories—think loafers, oxfords and boots by heritage shoemaker Alden, smart twill-and-leather bags by Filson, and hearty British-made leather belts by Tender. If you suffer from sticker shock, rest assured that these are pieces that will still look cool a decade from now.

Best denim: Den.m Bar

If you’re going to spend $200 on a pair of jeans, you might as well go for bespoke. This friendly new custom atelier in downtown LA makes the whole process easier than ever. Simply choose one of three styles—skinny, slim tapered or straight leg—pick from a range of Japanese and American denims, get your measurements taken by an experienced tailor and select your desired button, zipper, thread and pocket lining. A few weeks later, your personalized pair will be in the mail, with anything you desire inscribed on the label, from song lyrics to your own name. They also make ladies’ jeans—girlfriend gift alert!

Best for trendsetters: Opening Ceremony

We’ll admit, it takes a very specific kind of guy to shop here—one who’s not afraid of a drop-crotch trouser or a floral print shirt. But those who do know their Comme des Garcons from their Common Projects are sure to find a lot to love about Opening Ceremony’s LA outpost. Legend has it that it’s housed in Charlie Chaplin’s former dance studio, a maze-like structure in which each room bears a different “shop” dedicated to a specific designer or vibe (both guys and gals’ clothing is represented). Plus, every year the shop chooses a new country’s designers to spotlight (think: Argentina, France and Korea), allowing you to shop conceptual garb from around the world without skipping town.