They say they don’t make them like they used to. On the whole, there’s some truth to that statement. Demand has grown, production numbers have been inflated exponentially, and most garment manufacture has been moved from local, small-batch production to large-scale facilities overseas. What this means is often a reduced focus on quality.

When you’re a brand churning out clothes on such a colossal scale, doing everything you can to cut costs and unable to directly oversee the manufacture, naturally, something has to give. In the end, it’s the workers and the customers that suffer while those at the top of the pile rake in the profits. But not all clothing labels operate in this manner.

There are still labels out there that are committed to quality. Yes, the prices are much higher than what you might pay on the high street, but superior materials and craftsmanship equate to an increased garment lifespan. On balance, that often means you’re getting more for your money.

So, who are these high-quality clothing brands, and why should you know them? There are hundreds of brands offering superior men’s clothing, but, below you’ll find a curated selection of our favourites.

Brunello Cucinelli

Need to offload a substantial amount of cash in a hurry? Well, few methods are as effective as investing in even a single T-shirt from Brunello Cucinelli.

This Italian brand is as famous for its eye-watering prices as the exceptional quality of its garments. We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not £4,500 for a puffer jacket is justified, but one thing is for sure: these are some of the best clothes money can buy… if you’re flush enough to afford them.

Expect understated elegance, simplicity and subtlety brought to life via some of the finest fabrics on the face of the earth.

Shop now at FarFetch

Loro Piana

Loro Piana is one of the most prominent names in Italian luxury fashion. It supplies fine fabrics to many of the world’s leading labels, but the brand also crafts its own line of super-premium clothing and footwear, all meticulously handcrafted in the label’s homeland.

Cashmere has historically been Loro Piana’s bread and butter, showcased in tailored overcoats, fine-gauge knits, and even hoodies and sweatpants. However, the only thing as high as the quality is the price, which means these exquisite garments are accessible only to those with the deepest of pockets.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Loewe

Spain’s Loewe is a luxury fashion brand with a rich history dating back to 1846. Originally renowned for high-end leather goods such as bags, wallets and purses, as well as perfume, the brand has since expanded to offer a full clothing range for both men and women.

In recent years, Loewe has seen a surge in interest and has frequently been hailed by the fashion press as one of the ‘it’ brands of the 2020s. Today, it’s celebrated for its avant-garde designs, artistic collaborations and distinctive aesthetic, largely thanks to creative director J.W. Anderson, who has been reshaping the label’s image since 2013.

As Spain’s oldest high-fashion label, Loewe may be often overshadowed by the likes of LV and Gucci, but it remains one of the most exciting, innovative, intriguing, and highest-quality brands in the world.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Luca Faloni

Italy is renowned for its skilled artisans who create some of the finest clothing in the world. Often hidden in the country’s towns and small cities, these independent makers offer high-quality pieces that can be difficult for any old outsider to access.

Luca Faloni aims to bridge this gap by introducing authentic Italian craftsmanship to a broader audience. The brand’s collections feature luxurious cashmere knitwear, relaxed linen shirts and a variety of other thoughtfully crafted items, all made in small batches by artisans and designed to showcase the elegance and quality of classic Italian style.

Shop now at Luca Faloni

Incotex

Are you beginning to notice a pattern here? Incotex is yet another Italian brand famous for the quality of its garments. From fine handmade leather footwear to surgically tailored casual suiting, there’s not much this premium menswear brand doesn’t excel at.

It’s no surprise, then, that pants are no exception. Operating under the highly respected Slowear umbrella of brands, Incotex makes some of the best legwear available. Think luxurious, premium fabrics, razor-sharp cuts, and a fit that is second to none.

Shop now at FarFetch

Drake’s

Eccentricity is a hallmark of British style, and no brand embodies it quite like London haberdasher-cum-clothing label Drake’s. While primarily celebrated for its striking yet tasteful ties and scarves, this London-born brand also features an array of offbeat tailoring and upscale casualwear, all united by its high-end quality.

The great thing about Drake’s is that it isn’t afraid to explore new territory. It’s classic, but it still dabbles in contemporary collaborations – most notably, the ongoing partnership with New York’s Aimé Leon Dore, which infused a streetwear sensibility into the London label’s offerings.

With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Drake’s stands out as a quintessential example of how British style can be both bold and refined.

Shop now at SSENSE

Velasca

Velasca

Direct-to-consumer brand Velasca focuses on delivering high-quality shoes at competitive prices. This doesn’t mean the footwear is of poor quality; on the contrary, it reflects impressive craftsmanship at very reasonable rates.

Each pair of Velasca shoes is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Marche, Italy’s renowned shoemaking region. The brand has also broadened its offerings to include clothing, such as blazers, suede jackets and linen shirts, all crafted to meet Velasca’s meticulous quality standards.

Shop now at Velasca

Aurélien

Aurélien specialises in what it terms ‘smart luxury’ essentials – timeless pieces crafted from high-quality materials yet offered at relatively accessible prices. The brand is mainly known for its footwear, especially the loafers, which are handcrafted in Italy using premium suede and leather. However, Aurélien’s collection extends beyond shoes; it also includes luxurious knitwear, suede jackets and well-tailored chinos, among other items.

Aurélien describes its pieces as ‘elegantly priced’, and while we can’t quite figure out what that means, it certainly doesn’t translate as ‘cheap’. Make no mistake, these items are still on the higher end of the price scale. That being said, the quality and craftsmanship are evident, making them a better value than many prominent stealth-wealth brands.

Shop now at Aurelien

Johnstons of Elgin

Scottish brand Johnstons of Elgin has been crafting high-quality cashmere garments since the 1700s. Today, it stands as a prominent fashion label in its own right and has even showcased its collections at Fashion Week. If you’re hunting for the absolute highest-quality knitwear, a sweater from Johnstons could be just what you’re looking for.

Specialising in cashmere, the brand offers a wide variety of sweater options, from cable-knit crew necks to lightweight quarter-zips. While styles and prices may differ, one thing remains consistent: every piece is handmade in Scotland to the highest quality standards.

Shop now at Johnstons of Elgin