BEST MEN’S FORMAL WEAR IN PARIS
Looking for the best men’s formal clothing in Paris? From general department stores to bespoke tailors and handmade neckties, we have curated a compendium of the best formal and semi formal wear boutiques in Paris.
1) LE BON MARCHE HOMME
Located on the left bank a hop away from Luxembourg gardens, Le Bon Marche is an excellent department store for formal and semi-formal menswear. Founded in 1852 and the world’s oldest department store, Le Bon Marche’s men’s department is massive and cleverly presented in a home-like setting. Their ‘La Ville’ section showcases elegant classics and offers bespoke tailoring and they have over 10 expertly curated collections that perfectly suit each occasion for the modern gentleman. Work, home, sport and leisure. The only downside is clothing can be a tad pricey but it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a wide selection of quality clothing.
SUITS, SHIRTS & TIES
1) CHARVET
(for dress shirts, suits and ties)
Founded in 1838, Charvet was the world’s first ever dress shirt shop. They started off providing bespoke shirts and suits to royalty and heads of state and have their flagship boutique in Paris’s upscale Vendome area. Their dress shirts are still among the best in the world and they also sell neck ties and accessories. If you’re interested in a suit however you need to make an appointment in advance and arrange a time. Their suits are excellent quality but are definitely expensive.
2) DORMEUIL
(for suits)
Dormeuil is another iconic upscale French menswear company established in the 19th century. Unlike Charvet, Dormeuil started off as a fabric maker which still comprises most of its business however they also offer a bespoke suit service and are considered one of the best in Paris for formal wear. There are three locations in Paris, one just off the Champs-Elysees, another near Matignon, and third in the western suburb of Neuilly.
3) ARDENTES CLIPEI
(for suits and accessories)
Unlike Dormeuil or Charvet, Ardentes Clipei is a new kid on the block. In spite of this, they have become recognised for offering expertly tailored bespoke suits. We love that they also sell a wide range of quality formal accessories such as scarves, belts, gloves from iconic brands such as Lavabre Cadet.
4) DE FURSAC
(for suits, dress shirts and outerwear)
De Fursac is a chain of modern yet elegant men’s formal ready to wear clothing. There are currently 10 boutiques around Paris including several concessions within department stores like Galleries Lafayette. They sell off the rack suits which run a bit slim but are very well tailored (which you can of course adjust). They also sell good quality dress shirts, jumpers(sweaters) and even some nice outerwear and accessories.
FORMAL ACCESSORIES
1) CALAINCOURT
(for dress shoes)
Calaincourt is a fairly new kid on the block as the company was founded in 2008. In spite of this, they shot up to fame for their high quality, upscale men’s dress shoes and now have three stores around Paris. Besides shoes, they also make quality leather goods like luggage, belts, wallets and gloves so keep an eye out for this brand. If you’re up for changing shoes every year then these aren’t for you since their shoes will last more than 10 years!
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2) HERMES
(for classic, elegant ties)
No one can unseat the grandfather of French luxury. Ever. Hermes still is the benchmark and makes the beautiful neck ties and leather goods. The company started as a leather goods company in 1837 and rose to international fame as a result of producing the finest horse tack e.g. horse saddles. Now days, their ties are still going strong and are the benchmark which MANY other brands have tried to emulate. Every man should own at least one Hermes tie for special occasions so this is your chance to buy one at one of the their original stores! Besides neck ties, they still make excellent leather goods albeit at a very hefty price. There are several Hermes in Paris but we love the one on George V with its original facade.
3) CINABRE
(for modern neck ties)
Cinabre is for the dapper man who scoffs at traditional houses like Hermes. They make quality ties and even supply the current French president (Macron), but their ties are more for modern hipsters who get dressy and love uber simple, skinny and modern ties. While we love both traditional and modern, there are some occasions for which a modern tie is more appropriate – if so, Cinabre is the place to go.
4) LAVABRE CADET
(for leather gloves)
So who needs a pair of really nice leather gloves? For anyone looking for a nice pair that are made by hand with quality leather then Levabre Cadet is the place. This brand has become world famous for their quality and while their gloves can be found in department stores, they also have a boutique in Paris near Vendome.
SEMI FORMAL
1) FIGARET
(for dress shirts, knitwear and trousers)
Figaret was originally a men’s only store which sold good quality semi-formal dress shirts as well as jumpers (sweaters) and other knitwear, trousers (pants) and other items for men. While they have recently opted to start selling women’s clothing, they are fundamentally a men’s clothing brand with strong tradition making quality shirts. If you’re looking for a dress shirt Figaret is your place. There are 18 stores in Paris so you are bound to find one close by.
2) FACONNABLE
(for dress shirts, blazers, trousers, knitwear, etc)
Faconnable has classic and elegant menswear. This is often an overlooked brand but they keep coming through with great quality clothing and remain focused on menswear. They do quality dress shirts that actually fit well and last. Their jackets are elegant but hardy enough to protect from the elements and their cashmere jumpers (sweaters) not only look great but solid enough to keep you nice and warm. They also do some great trousers (pants), polos, and blazers. Not cheap but reasonably priced considering the quality. If you also need a suit, they have some good options for ready to wear suits – not a huge selection but a few quality options. Their Paris boutique is located just off the Champs-Elysees.
3) CURLING
(for blazers, knitwear, trousers)
There are 6 Curling shops around Paris and like Figaret they started out as exclusively menswear and have recently introduced women’s wear into the mix. Style-wise they carry traditional clothing so good for dress shirts, pullovers (sweaters), trousers (pants), coats and the like. They have a good selection of blazers and shoes although not all of their stores have a huge selection to choose from as they’ve made more room for women’s wear!
Curling website- store locations
Now that we’ve got your threads sorted, why not make get a haircut or a beard trim?
Or maybe time to grab a pint at a British/Irish pub or some craft beer at a microbrewery?
Finally, if you’re looking for a good deal, you can purchase the Paris City Card which includes a cruise along the seine via Bateaux Parisiens, Louvre museum access plus access to the Eiffel Tower and an audio guide (app). And if you have a kids or just looking for something a bit more relaxed, the Paris Family Fun Pass, which includes access to the Paris Zoo (world class and not to be missed!), Gallerie D’Evolution at the Natural History Museum (skip the line) and the Grevin Wax museum. Click below for more details!