Image via Complex Original
Toronto is a great city. It's home to Caribana, the CN Tower, one of the most stylish neighborhoods in the world, and of course Drake and the OVO Fest. Not to mention, the style and retail scene in the T-Dot isn't too shabby, either. Admittedly, the landscape of menswear in Toronto is sparse compared to say, New York City, London, and Tokyo. But what the area lacks in variety it makes up for in creativity, quality, and rarity. We're talking concepts of the spaces themselves to the brands and garments carried in the shops.
While in search of the best of the best in the biggest city north of the border, we found a "clothing store coffee shop" that sells great Alden boots and Gitman Vintage Bros. shirts as well as (presumably) a great cup of coffee. We also came across a store hidden in an alley that stocks some of the best vintage pieces you'll find. Of course, there are also the favorites, Nomad and Haven Shop, which finally opened in the city last year. So the next time you find yourself in Toronto for Caribana, OVO Fest, and the like, be sure to check out one (or all) of The Best Menswear Stores in Toronto Right Now.
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Haven Shop
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Website: havenshop.ca
Location: 145 Berkeley St. Toronto, ON M5A 2X1
Though Haven only opened its Toronto location last year, it has quickly become one of the favorites of locals. It stocks brands like Neighborhood, OriginalFake, Junya Watanabe Man, and White Mountaineering. Plus, the open-concept space is decorated with KAWS figures—not a bad addition, we think.
The Future of Frances Watson
Hours: Mon-Sat noon-7 p.m. Sun noon-5 p.m.
Website: thefutureoffranceswatson.blogspot.ca
Location: 1390 Queen St. West Toronto, ON M6K 1L7
The Future of Frances Watson is one of the gems in the city. Though the space itself looks like a vintage store, it does carry brands like Naked and Famous, Levi's, Libertine Libertine, Herschel Supply Co., Tanner Goods, and as of late Brooklyn We Go Hard. It's a great, quick stop for casual, everyday clothes, as well as accessories.
Serpentine
Hours: Mon/Wed/Sat 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs-Fri 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun noon-5 p.m.
Website: theserpentine.net
Location: 132 Cumberland St. Toronto, ON M5R 1A6
Serpetine is what you might call a street goth's dream shop. The space carries avant garde brands like Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Damir Doma, and even Alexandre Plokhov. However, that's not all that's on-hand at the Toronto store. To round things out, there's also Ruby bike helmets, streetwear apparel by FUCT, and the ever-popular Marcelo Burlon County of Milan T-Shirts.
Sydney's
Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs-Fri 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Website: shopsydneys.com
Location: 682 Queen St. West Toronto, ON M6J 1E5
Sydney's is the shop for denim geeks and minimalists. The store has an extensive denim collection, as well monochromatic pieces from high-end brands such as Jil Sander, Rick Owens, Dries Van Noten, and its house brand KIN. You're likely to spend more rent money here than at some of the other stores mentioned because the items are pricier, but it'll be money well spent.
Klaxon Howl
Hours: Tues by appointment Wed-Sat noon-7 p.m. Sun noon-6 p.m.
Website: klaxonhowl.com
Location: 706 Queen St. West Toronto, ON M6J 1E7
If you're looking for something unique, then you'll definitely want to hit up Klaxon Howl. The store's inventory is a good mix of vintage and one of a kind pieces. In addition to those, though, there's also Klaxon Howl's in-house label and a few other brands, such as One 'O' One and Uncle Sam. The menswear shop is rather hidden (it's tucked away in an alley), but it's worth the Google Maps or GPS—especially if workwear, rugged apparel is your thing.
Nomad
Hours: Mon-Sat noon-7 p.m. Sun noon-6 p.m.
Website: nomadshop.net
Location: 819 Queen St. West Toronto, ON M6J 1G1
Nomad is undoubtedly one of the best menswear outposts in the T-Dot. In fact, if you were to ask a local where he shops, chances are he'll say Nomad. The store has been offering Torontonians some of the most popular, highly sought-after brands since 2005. It's pretty impressive selection includes labels such as A.P.C., Wings + Horns, Engineered Garments, Trickers, and even a namesake house brand. It's also one of the very few stores in the city that carries Silent by Damir Doma, Robert Geller, and Common Projects. If that's not enough, Nomad is also the go-to for guys who want to cop Supreme but can't be bothered by the 7-10 bussiness day delivery time.
Community 54
Hours: Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Website: community54.com
Location: 125 Queen St. West Toronto, ON M6K 1L6
The Toronto location is very much in tune with the outpost in New York City's Lower East Side neighborhood. The space also has an '80s and '90s vibe, complete with some of your favorite arcade games from your childhood. Though the arcade games are definitely attention grabbers, locals come to the store for its collection of headgear and apparel—from vintage pieces to camo jackets and varsity jackets. That and (presumably) the cool events, such as celebrity meet and greets, held at the shop.
Uncle Otis
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun noon-5 p.m.
Website: uncleotis.com
Location: 26 Bellair St. Toronto, ON M5R 2C7
Uncle Otis is what we would call the Godfather of menswear shops in Toronto. The outpost first opened its doors in 1991 as a streetwear shop. Since then, though, it has expanded its selection to some of the best Canadian, American, British, and even Scandinavian menswear brands. You can find everything from Filson bags to Levi's Made & Crafted apparel. Though there's a variety of items to choose from, Uncle Otis may be best for guys looking for quality heritage brands.
Jonathan + Olivia
Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun noon-6 p.m.
Website: jonathanandolivia.com
Location: 49 Ossington Ave. Toronto, ON M6J 2Y9
Jonathan + Olivia, one of the bst shops you've never heard of (but should know), carries some of the best brands for both men and women. Which means, when you're lady is shopping, you won't have to suffer and just sit there, holding her purse. You can browse through racks and racks of Alexander Wang, ACNE, Band of Outsiders, Norse Projects, and more. Often, the pieces available are ones you're unlikely to find elsewhere in the city. Does it get much better than that? (Rhetorical question).
Lost & Found
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Website: shoplostfound.com
Location: 44 Ossington Ave. Toronto, ON M6J2Y7
Lost & Found, as it describes itself, really is a "clothing store coffee shop." You can pick up a pair of Alden boots, Ebbets Field Flannels hats, or Gitman Vintage Bros. shirts, and a cup of coffee. The best of both worlds in one space, right? Besides apparel, footwear, and accessories, you can also find great reading material, like Inventory, to take home with you. A great concept with plenty of great items to choose from.