10 best places for men to shop in America [1-5]

1. Outdoor Wear

Kittery Trading Post

301 U. S. Route 1, Kittery, Maine

Because since opening seventy-one years ago as a trading post where men could swap beaver pelts for buckshot, it's grown to carry more than 1,500 brands. From golden oldies like Woolrich to the latest from Patagonia and the North Face, it's got whatever you're looking for.

See also: The luxurious safari gear at J. L. Powell in Three Oaks, Michigan and the rock-solid outdoor wear at C. C. Filson in Seattle.

2. Specialty

Jake

939 Rush Street, Chicago

Because in a city as big as Chicago, it took two guys with great taste (Jim Wetzel and Lance Lawson) to boil down the best contemporary men's wear to one compact space. Jake proves that it's not the size of the store that counts — it's the selection.

See also: The curated stacks at Maxfield in Los Angeles and the latest from emerging designers at Odin in New York.

3. Single Designer

John Varvatos

315 Bowery, New York City

Because this space, formerly home to CBGBs, has become one man's celebration of rock 'n' roll style, and in addition to his own designs, Varvatos sells vintage T-shirts and vinyl records at punk-friendly prices. The store gives his clothes context and meaning, and vice versa.

See also: The witty stylings at Paul Smith in Los Angeles and the rugged designs at Rogues Gallery in Portland, Maine.

4. Shoes

Berluti

971 Madison Avenue, New York City

Because it offers bespoke, made-to-measure, and ready-to-wear shoes with patinations, perforations, and tattoos — yes, tattoos — that you won't find anywhere else. And because of Bweela Steptoe, the lovely, felicitously named in-store polisher who can change the shading of your shoes before your very eyes.

See also: The well-edited selection of brands at Leather Soul in Honolulu and the righteous, handcrafted styles of J. M. Weston in New York.

5. Shirts and Ties

Ascot Chang

9551 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

Because its service and selection epitomize the quality-is-everything ethos that makes every customer feel like a king. Whether you're a bespoke guy (4,500 fabric choices) or a ready-to-wear guy (dozens of options in the store alone), it has a shirt for you.

See also: The edgier fits at Seize sur Vingt in New York and the British flair of Turnbull & Asser in Los Angeles.