The next time you’re shopping for new threads pay a visit to these Leeds independent shops at the very cutting edge of male fashion.
Shopping for new clothes isn’t always a doddle for men, but it can be thanks to these Leeds independents. They scour the globe for the coolest brands, create their own unique garments and delve into vintage fashion to offer up the coolest retro looks. Whatever you’re after, from shirts to jumpers, coats and boots, these shops will have it. So when you’re sprucing up your wardrobe, make a beeline for these men’s stores in Leeds…
All Blues Co.
If you’re looking for a shop that’s dedicated to today’s current menswear trends, All Blues Co. is a must-visit. The Corn Exchange store is home to some of the coolest brands from around the world that fit in with their mission to offer up the finest in classic, heritage fashion in Leeds.
That means you’ve got a quite brilliant array of labels to discover here. They stock coats from France’s Le Laboureur, boots from America’s Red Wing and shirts from South Korea’s Outstanding & Co. That’s not to mention the collaborations they’ve worked on with FallBreak that you’ll only find in their shop. You’ll soon whip your wardrobe into shape with a visit.
All Blues Co., Unit C3c, Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7BR, Leeds LS1 7BR.
Accent
Accent has been at the forefront of men’s clothing in Leeds since 1984. Run by the same family for over three decades, they source clothing and introduce brands that few others can, managing to maintain the feel of a local independent store as they do it.
It’s renowned for its top names, stocking collections from the likes of Canada Goose, Lyle & Scott, Belstaff and Nudie Jeans as well as footwear from brands like Grenson, Djinns and Mallet. They’re also denim specialists, with cuts from Armani, Jacob Cohen and Scotch & Soda. Accent stands apart because of its commitment to quality, from the items they stock to the customer service they pride.
Accent Clothing, 11-20 Queens Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LF.
The Allotment
The Allotment is all about forward-thinking fashion, with a focus on luxury designers and brands who are putting contemporary men’s fashion on the map. The Central Arcade high-end boutique is a one-stop shop if you appreciate the finer threads in life.
Their stock list reads like a who’s who of cutting-edge fashion and design. from the likes of Rick Owens, Isabel Benenato and Damir Doma to Thom Krom, Workhouse England, Yohji Yamamoto and Ernesto Dolani. You’ll be able to see The Allotment’s attention to detail which means you get to pick from collections that are full of intricate designs and unique detailing.
The Allotment, 16 Central Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DX.
The Hip Store
Credit: Daria Wszolek
The Hip Store is one of the best men’s clothing shops in Leeds and has been so for over 30 years now. That’s because they lead the way when it comes to finding sought-after labels that are at the forefront of men’s fashion, often being the first port of call for international brands in the city.
The shop is centered around high-end, smart-casual fashion. You’ll find the Big Apple-designed Engineered Garments, the outdoor gear of cult brand Patagonia, the refined denim of Nudie and the finely detailed Norse Projects, as well as a huge range of sportswear, footwear and accessories. The Hip Store cultivates rich fashion heritage whilst making independent shopping in Leeds a breeze.
The Hip Store, 84-86 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7JH.
MKI
MKI, or Miyuki Zoku to give it its full name, might seem like it’s come straight from the heart of London, but it’s an independent Leeds original. Its innovative take on contemporary menswear means when you’re shopping in the city, there’s a groundbreaking alternative to the high street that is unique to Leeds.
Founded by Vik Taylor in 2010 and named after the Japanese youth tribes who adopted ‘The Ivy League look’, it focuses on bringing unheard and underground designers to Leeds. That’s not all – Vik is a designer himself and his own MKI lines are as popular as the ones sourced from around the world. That combination makes for a unique experience next time you need to refill your wardrobe.
MKI, Unit C4, Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
Best Clothing
Bringing together the best of new and second hand clothing, Best Clothing offers something that little bit different when it comes to shopping in Leeds for men’s clothing. It’s evolved from your typical vintage store into something a lot more refined. Taking the best of yesteryear, it remodels and renews pieces to fit with 21st-century trends, as well as bringing in new pieces to fit the market.
It’s a clever strategy and one that has allowed Best Vintage to adapt into the independent Leeds arena in some style. From the coach jackets to emblazoned varsity outerwear, reclaimed denim and customised shirts, it takes vintage out of the past and into the present. Along the way, Best has developed a sense of what it is as a brand, which has made it one of the best men’s shops in Leeds.
Best Clothing, 22 New Market Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DG.
Michelsberg Tailoring
If you’re looking for something truly unique, that has its origins sewn into the fabric of Leeds and you’ve got a bit dough to splash, then you should pay a visit to Michelsberg Tailoring. A visit to James Michelsberg’s personal studio in Victoria Quarter is a real treat that will see you walk away with your very own custom-made suit.
It’s all about the full experience that Michelsberg offers. You come in, get to know James over a drink and flick through hundreds of different fabric patterns. Choose your style, fit and get measured up for a bespoke creation that will become your pride and joy – or it will, when you return in eight weeks to pick it up. Michelsberg is a world away from the high street and is evidence of the high-end fashion Leeds’ independents can offer.
Michelsberg Tailoring, 24a Queen Victoria Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6BE.
Audere Couture
A hub for their own house brand, as well as exciting independent designers from around the UK, Audere Couture is one of the best men’s shops in Leeds. It started back in 2010 in Wakefield before relocating to Central Arcade and bringing with it its simple but stylish menswear collections.
They focus on keeping things simple, and their gear is versatile – perfect for everyday wear but smart enough if you’re going for a few drinks. Think t-shirts, hoodies and backpacks, which are mostly one colour and easy-to-wear. They also have a selection of jackets that change with the seasons. Keep an eye out for their guest designers too, with ranges changing regularly.
Audere Couture, Central Arcade, 7a Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DX.
Welcome
Credit: Daria Wszolek
Welcome isn’t just about skateboards – in fact, you won’t find any on the ground floor as you walk into the Thorntons Arcade independent shop. What you’ll find instead is some of the coolest menswear in Leeds, bringing together Yorkshire-based brands with globally-renowned labels.
Granted, there’s a lot of skateboard-inspired fashion here, but it’s all bang on-trend. You’ve got t-shirts, jumpers and jackets from labels like Trasher, Quartersnacks and Altamont. They also have a whole wall dedicated to trainers, from Adidas to Vans. If you’re looking for a Yorkshire touch, it’s the place to go to pick the locally made Don’t Mess With Yorkshire tees and sweatshirts.
Welcome, 22 Thorntons Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LQ.
Blue Rinse
One of the best-known vintage shops in the UK, Blue Rinse’s Leeds home is a treasure trove of men’s retro fashion. If vintage gear is your bag, you’ll spend all day trawling through the racks, and unlike a lot of places, you’re quite likely to find some right gems in amongst it all.
Flannel and Hawaiin shirts never go out of fashion, if you’re cool enough to pull them off, and they have racks and racks of them. There’s more – from shorts and trousers to coats, jumpers and t-shirts, they have loads for you to fill a bag up with. That’s not to mention their sportswear either – fans of vintage Adidas are in for a right treat, whether it’s old football shirts or classic trainers.
Blue Rinse, 9-11 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7DH.
