The 10 Best Men's Style Brands of 2011 (So Far)

FOUNDER: Bernard Gant

SINCE: 1949
WHY WE CO-SIGN: GANT has come a long way since its its original quest to create the perfect oxford-shirt. With a major re-launch of their site, GANT has definitely become a force to be reckoned with, and is more accessible than ever with the launch of e-commerce. With their range Gant Rugger, and separate collection designed by Michael Bastian, it make us want more signature chambrays, more madras, more blazers, hell, we just want more Gant.

FOUNDER: Mark McNairy

SINCE: 2009

WHY WE CO-SIGN:
Mark McNairy is just the thing the fashion world needed, a dose of reality. You may not be the guy who can wear blue-suede wingtips, a ring that reads 'F**k-You', or plaid madras cargo pants, but he's not doing it it for fame, and unapologetically so. He's making well-creafted clothes for an effortlessly cool guy—these are the makings of becoming a household name.

FOUNDER: Arthur Cinader

SINCE: 1983

WHY WE CO-SIGN: You can love or hate the fact everyone is wearing the same J.Crew chambray shirt as you, but that says a lot about the powerhouse brand's presence this year. With footwear collaborations with New Balance, Converse, Nike, to designers like Billy Reid, and lets not forget the opening of their specialty shop the 'Liquor Store,' we are sure J.Crew still has some tricks up their sleeve to crush the rest of the year.

FOUNDER: Levi Strauss

SINCE: 1873
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Lets face it, Levis is synonymous with denim and the brand showcases another banger in its spring collection. Levi's stays killing it each season with both the timeless denim and the endless collabos with Stüssy and Opening Ceremony. And for advanced level denim heads, Levi's Vintage Clothing and Levi's Made & Crafted have got something for you to be excited about for the fall. Also, be on the look out for the cycling specific Commuter Collection due out this summer.

FOUNDER: Hubert de Givenchy

SINCE: 1952
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Ever since designer Riccardo Tisci took the reigns at the house of Givenchy (it's pronounced sort of like Gee-von-she), the fashion world, and public alike have been trying to get ahold of his clothing, or find a way to adapt his runway looks. Each season he presents a new way to wear a classic piece, or completely trick a bomber jacket out(see the leopard version in the image above). Spring/Summer 2011's leopard print collection was hard to beat, but he outdid his self for Fall/Winter 2011 with his rabid Rottweiler prints. Riccardo and Givenchy are definitely one's we'll be watching for the rest of 2011.

FOUNDER: James Jebbia
SINCE: 1994
WHY WE CO-SIGN:
Known for its exclusivity and long lines on release days, Supreme stay on its A-game. This season Supreme released its collection with a grip of paisley, floral prints and even in leopard. They also scored huge points by partnering up with none other than hip-hop legend Prodigy from Mobb Deep. You might be tired of seeing the box logo on everyone you pass in Soho, but we'd like to think of it as a unifier, Supreme army stand up. And get used to it, because this brand isn't going anywhere.

FOUNDERS:
SINCE:
WHY WE CO-SIGN: We have to respect the simplicity of the clothes, concentrating on functional basics made of quality materials, and with a great fit such as soft suede brogues with Trickers, simple raglan sweatshirts, and five-panel hats, the designers are often influenced by the Scandinavian weather and surroundings with subtle streetwear twists. Also Mikkel

FOUNDERS: Morgan Collett, Josh Rosen, and Colin Tunstall
SINCE: 2009
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Besides designing dope surf graphic tees, Saturdays NYC brings the west coast spirit to the dirt-lined streets of New York. Located in SoHo, the shop also sells La Colombe coffee, books, artwork, and surfboards. Make sure you check out the outdoor deck in the back of the shop, it's a great escape from the city. Saturdays mantra of “surfing, living and working in New York City” definitely lives in its Spring collection—a clean and complete apparel line of shorts, tanks, chinos and shirts with a casual surfer vibe.

FOUNDERS: Frank P. Mitchell and Charles M. Ness

SINCE: 1904

WHY WE CO-SIGN:
When it comes to throwbacks, Mitchell & Ness has definitely got you covered. The sports apparel company crafted tennis racquets, golf clubs among other equipment since 1904. It was love at first sight when the Standard and Scripts were released. Today snapbacks are the official summer staple. Recently Don.C, the G.O.O.D. music manager, custom created this Chicago Bulls hat for Kanye. And Wale has made a mean push for the return of throwback jerseys. M&N is already on your radar, and they should stay there, they've got some major projects in store for the coming months.

FOUNDERS: Jamie and Lyndon Cormack

SINCE: 2009

WHY WE CO-SIGN: Mixing up contemporary and vintage styles, Herschel Supply Co. makes ill bags and backpack's, but you can't expect any less from this young Swedish brand. Everything is made with function, durability, and style in mind, and all of this at a reasonable price point. This year they have already done smart collaborations with Need Supply and Stüssy focusing brass and canvas materials. Nice to see a brand doing it well for the post-recession market.