Five of the best independent menswear stores in Manchester

Sons of Manchester, Mother’s Day is fast approaching and you might think you’re prepared. The chocolates may be primed, the prosecco may be on ice, the flowers may be on the way and the dinner reservations may be booked. But are you ready sartorially?

When you hand mum that gilded box of luxury cocoa, don’t ruin the presentation by wearing your baggy jeans and holy jumper. When you arrive at that upmarket cafe with the fancy name, don’t make mum look like the world’s greatest humanitarian. Don’t look like a charity case.  Don’t be the definition of ‘a son only a mother could love.’

Let’s face it, your mother loves it when you dress up smart. Whether it was your suit and tie for prom; that wool jumper and chinos you wore for Christmas dinner; the silk tie and brogues you wore to the office; maybe even the tux you wore to your wedding. Mothers live for the moments when they get to say how smart, professional and grown up you look. Why? Because they are proud. Proud of you, sure. But proud of themselves, too. They get to say to the world, look at what a good job I did raising my son.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best independent menswear stores in Manchester. Whether your style is hipster chic or Peaky Blinders cool, there’s a store in Manchester for you.

So even if you spend all day in your undies, only ever shifting from Youtube in bed to video gaming on the sofa, there’s no excuse for not looking like James Bond next time you walk out the door.

Oi Polloi

Opening in 2002, this laid back and relaxed store is revered internationally on the menswear scene. Anywhere that men’s fashion is important, whether it’s the streets of New York or Paris, there’s a buzz about Oi Polloi. They specialise in niche brands, from Scandi minimalist Norse Projects to the Japanese denim brand orSlow. Or maybe you want something a little more exclusive? The store is always releasing collaborations with top brands. Past examples include Levi’s, Adidas, and Reebok. Head here for timeless, practical and stylish clothes with a dash of hipster twist.

63 Thomas Street, M4 1LQ

Hervia Bazaar

If you want to look like you just stepped straight off the catwalk then Hervia Bazaar is for you. Hervia is all about the high-end designer. Expect avant garde, expect cutting edge and expect it to cost a few months rent. Hervia Bazaar became legendary for stocking the debut collections from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang and Vivienne Westwood. And it was named one of the finest designer stores in the UK by Vogue. Head there to discover the frontier of fashion.

40 Spring Gardens, M2 1EN

Intro

Deansgate has been the home of Intro for nearly 20 years. Known for its top quality customer service and its penchant for clothing that’s a little different, this place is definitely for the under 35’s. Tats, ripped clothing, and grungy, edgy, dark tones. Think All Saints. Head there if you want to look like a fashionable dark wizard.

51 Deansgate, M3 2AY

Bionic Seven

For clothing with history and character, head on down to the premium vintage outlet Bionic Seven just five minutes from Piccadilly Station. This isn’t your usual vintage venue. Instead of endless racks of vintage duds, Bionic Seven hand curates its selection to ensure that whatever reaches their shelves and your mitts is unique and top quality. Expect vintage Levi’s, Woolrich, and Ralph Lauren. Head here if you want to look like you shopped at Oi Polloi 40 years ago.

60 Port Street, M1 2EQ

Doherty Evans & Stott Tailoring

An independent luxury menswear brand and tailoring service based on Bridge Street in the city centre of Manchester. As well as their bespoke tailoring made-to-measure service, they buy seasonal collections from mostly British brands (and a couple of Italian for good measure.) Their contemporary, and often quirky, clothing emphasises a dapper pride in one’s appearance and a feeling that dressing well is an important part of a modern man’s life. And if you’re looking for some quality gift ideas for that special man in your life we can highly recommend their luxurious accessories including ties, socks and belts.

64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN