WHAT TO WEAR IN PARIS
Parisians dress for the occasion and tend to dress more formal compared to other French people. Having said that, they also don’t dress too formal in the traditional sense i.e. you wont see many people out and about in dinner jackets unless they are going out for a special performance or event. You may also notice that most Parisians like to wear more neutral or somber colours except in the summer and spring. You will get lost in a sea of grey and black during the winter but this is starting to change as a result of more urban American influenced fashion which celebrates bright colours.
Whatever the case, shoes matter so be sure to bring dress shoes or dress boots if you plan to go anywhere nice. You can get away with ‘smart’ trainers (sneakers) if you dress the part but definitely don’t dress like you just came from a gym or wear sweatpants or anything too bright if you go out somewhere nice. And by nice we mean a nice restaurant or theatre, not a neighborhood cafe or brasserie (French pub) which are more casual and where anything goes.
As a visitor to Paris, chances are you won’t need formal attire except for going out to a fine dining restaurant. As a general rule for dinner, the more formal and expensive the place, the more formal and elegant you should dress. Yes elegant. You’re in Paris and it’s an elegant city so when in Paris do as Parisians.
Having said, this the world keeps evolving, Paris is full of tourists from all over the world and it is a BIG city with something for everyone so if you want to roam around and wear whatever you want that’s cool too. No one one will bat an eye as they’ve all seen it before.
Perhaps the only faux pas adult men (mainly from North America) make when visiting Paris is wear shorts during the summer months. While this is acceptable in the French Riviera and generally anywhere in Southern Europe, Parisians (and even Londoners and others) think shorts are for boys not men, so unless you’re in Paris during a heat wave or are going out for a run, we recommend to opt for linen trousers instead- or wear anything made from light and breathable materials.
We’ve compiled a shortlist of the best ‘smart casual’ menswear shops in Paris that will help you to dress like a Parisian! We’ve focused mainly on French brands since why go all the way to Paris in order to buy the same things you can find at home? And in the event you need something more debonaire, have a peek at our formal and semi formal list
BEST CASUAL WEAR FRENCH SHOPS IN PARIS
1) CHEVIGNON
(for jeans, sweatshirts, knitwear, pants/trousers)
Chevignon is a men’s fashion brand that has always been known for their athletics themed clothing, similar to how Abercrombie and Fitch. They’ve refreshed their style in recent years to keep up with more urban and hipster influences but make really solid, good quality clothes that will appeal to any taste. Besides clothes, they sell all kinds of accessories like hats and bags so we highly recommend checking them out. There are 6 stores in Paris so you wont be far from one.
Chevignon website – store locator
2) AIGLE
(outdoor gear, boots, fleeces, knitwear, shirts)
Aigle has been around since the 19th century and rose to popularity as an outdoor menswear’s brand, famous for hiking and walking boots. While they are still popular for their range of outdoor clothing, they now do just about all other men’s clothing. From shirts to jeans, to hoodies, to jumpers (sweaters). And while they are still inspired by the great outdoors, like all other traditional brands, they’ve incorporated contemporary styles. There are 8 Aigle boutiques around Paris, all very conveniently located like the one in Saint Germain (shown below).
3) CAFE COTON
(for casual dress shirts, knitwear, scarves)
Despite the funny name, this brand consistently makes beautifully crafted men’s clothing. They are a tad traditional and famous for their casual dress shirts (also do more formal). They also do jumpers (sweaters) and trousers (pants) that are good for every day use. They also sell some well priced accessories like scarves, boxer shorts and cuff links. There are +20 Cafes Coton in Paris, testament to their success. While their shops are often tiny, they offer good quality menswear at affordable prices so well worth a visit.
Cafe Coton website- store locator
4) ARMOR LUX
(for knitwear, jackets)
Armor Lux is a very casual yet rugged brand for men and make clothing inspired by the sea. In fact they made they whole Breton stripe a thing. But don’t worry, they’ve modernised and now do tons of cool clothes even a hipster would love, such as hoodies and sweatshirts because who doesn’t produce street wear theses days? Their knitwear is particularly popular and they literally have the largest jumper(sweater) collection we have ever come across! They are a big e-tailer in France but also have a retail presence with 6 stores across Paris. The shops are small but carry a good amount of jumpers, shirts, trousers and even ties.
5) BEAUBIEN
(hoodies and shirts)
Beaubien is a men’s hipster clothing store that sells a mix of lesser known but interesting brands like Arpenteur, Norse Projects, Astorflex, Stan Ray, etc. If you’re not a hipster that’s OK since the clothes they carry also tend to be simple and practical. Besides hoodies you can find knitwear, trousers, and all your usual options. Bear in mind their look is really minimalist e.g. no writing.
6) EDEN PARK
(rugby shirts, polos, knitwear, accessories)
Eden Park was founded in 1987 by a former rugby player, Franck Mesnel. While they now do women’s and children, their focus is still on menswear. They do some excellent polo shirts, cardigans (sweaters) , rugby shirts (of course), and even some accessories like scarves, winter hats and sport bags. Their look is definitely classic but with a sporty twist.
If you’re all set with casual clothing, you ought to check out our formal and semi-formal clothes. Paris has some excellent value ready to wear suits and even bespoke suits if you’re in town long enough. And if you’re all set with clothing, why not get a haircut or beard trim?
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!