17 Perfect Gifts for the Dapper Man

The difference between mohair and alpaca, between the lightly padded shoulder and the roped shoulder, between Goodyear welting and blake welting — this is the dapper man’s home turf. If you know two Japanese brands doing throwback Americana, chances are he knows eight. Want natural horn buttons? A modded watch? He knows the best guy (in three different cities).

Shopping for the dapper man, with his attention to detail and borderline obsession with garments, can be difficult and stressful. One can’t scour Rakuten or go with a gift card, which, while safe, doesn’t show much thought. So one must take the time to study, dive deeper and put together a carefully curated collection of gifts that a sartorially minded man will love. Lucky for your holiday list, our style experts have already done most of the legwork, below.

Ledbury Franklin Moleskin Five-Pocket Pant

As seasons change, choices of fabrics should follow suit. Moleskin is a heavy cotton fabric that is sheared on one side, giving it a soft texture. Known for its durability, moleskin easily stands up to harsh winter winds, yet it is still comfortable and not too stiff. These pants from Ledbury come in historically accurate olive (moleskin fabric was used in West German Army uniforms) and have a modern slim fit.

London Undercover City Fleck Umbrella

Founded in 2008, London Undercover was founded with one goal: refresh the style of the umbrella. This umbrella features a classic stick design with an eye-catching polished wood crook handle and a large woven canopy. Owning this umbrella shows that one cares about every little detail of the wardrobe — even the most utilitarian pieces.

Baxter Pomade Mixer Kit

Let’s face it, nice hair-care products are expensive, and finding out what works best for your hair can take quite a bit of experimentation. This kit from Baxter of California has four travel-sized versions of their most popular pomades — clay, hard water, cream and hard cream — perfect for the man who’s looking for the right hair product without a hefty investment.

The Gear Patrol Magazine

The best gift is something that the recipient wants but wouldn’t buy for himself. A basket of pears? No thanks. A trip around the world? Now you’re on to something. While we won’t be bankrolling a trip, we can get you close with Issue #1 of the Gear Patrol magazine, a journey from Wyoming to Chile to Norway (and more), plus product guides and an interview with mountaineer Conrad Anker. Seriously, put down that fruit basket.

Brunello Cucinelli Quilted Shell Gilet

Synonymous with luxury, Brunello Cucinelli garments are a step above the competition in quality, appearance and (unfortunately) price. This quilted down vest is an ideal layering piece — wear it over a button-down shirt or under a suit jacket or wool coat.

COS x Mr Porter Navy Slim-Fit Wool Blazer

COS has teamed up with Mr Porter to produce a collection of tailored wardrobe staples that are designed with the traveler in mind. This two-button blazer is made from crease-resistant worsted wool and has a slim-fit, narrow-lapeled look that refreshes any outfit. Every man should own a navy blazer, and this option from COS is the strongest pick for the price, offering a high-quality, sharp look for a fraction of the price of competitors.

Hestra Tricot and Leather Gloves

It seems like gloves fall into two camps: the utilitarian and functional or the sartorial and supple. This pair by Hestra offer the best of both worlds, and are made from 100 percent deer leather (palm and fingers) and tricot wool-blend (back of the hand and fingers). They’re farmer’s gloves that can be worn to the symphony without looking out of place.

Shinola Signature Duffle

Designed in Detroit, the Shinola Signature Duffle will last you a lifetime and look better with every passing year. Featuring an open front pocket, an interior zipper compartment, gunmetal-finished solid brass and a minimalist design, this Horween leather is impervious to passing trends and is sturdy enough to be the last weekender you ever purchase.

Kenneth Cole Colorblock Merino Wool Scarf

On a chilly day, nothing adds warmth and comfort like a wool scarf. This option from Kenneth Cole is made from 100 percent Merino wool, which is notably soft (it exists far from the stereotypical scratchy wool sweater). It also has a colorblock pattern — literally, separated blocks of blue and black — that injects just enough color and pattern into the garment, yet keeps it versatile enough to wear with the rest of one’s wardrobe.

GP Leather Watch Strap

It’s about the details and the watch strap is one place where the details reside. Gear Patrol created an original black Horween leather strap with contrast stitching and brushed metal hardware. It fits most 20mm watches is made in the USA, and will tweak your outfit just enough to say, “I give a damn.”

Rancourt & Co. Court Classic Mid

The understated sneaker trend has been going strong for years (they work well with jeans and a sweater or a tailored suit), but price and quality of various kicks have been across the board. This shoe from Rancourt is relatively affordable, features full-grain leather (tanned in Maine by Tasman Leather Group) and has a durable Vibram sole. Made in the USA and designed with over three generations of shoemaking knowledge, these sneakers are a must-have for anyone desiring a minimalist shoe.

Kit and Ace Meyer Brushed Henley

Cashmere is a luxury, but dry-cleaning can be costly and time-consuming. This henley from Kit and Ace offers a product that has the softness of cashmere and the convenience of cotton. Made from a mix of modal, viscose, cashmere and elastane, you can throw this in the washing machine and the dryer without compromising the garment. Either as a base layer in the winter or functioning on its own in late spring, this shirt is bound to become a favorite.

Incotex Reversible Virgin Wool Sweater

Incotex’s sweater is Italian-made, incredibly soft (it’s made from virgin wool) and reversible. That’s right, reversible: you pick your own adventure, plain or patterned. Showcasing a rich blue palette, this sweater will look classic worn over a button-down shirt. Or, pair it with a t-shirt, jeans and those minimalist sneakers above for a clean, casual aesthetic.

Askov Finlayson × Gear Patrol Wool Knit Hat

No one knows cold quite like the North. We paired up with Minneapolis purveyor of fine goods Askov Finlayson to design a warm, 100 percent wool beanie with a touch of orange suede. This beanie will look great with whatever you pare it with — waxed canvas and denim? Sweats and a tee? Italian blazer and monk straps? It won’t be out of place with any outfit, and will keep your head warm all season.

Kiehl’s Original Musk

Based on Kiehl’s original scent from 1851, this musk is a revitalized take on the classic. Starting out with hits of citrus and bergamot, it levels out with floral notes and finishes with wisps of patchouli and musk. A little goes a long way with this fragrance, but it is surprisingly masculine, even through all the sweetness.

Public School x Tumi Luggage

Public School’s designers collaborated with American luggage brand Tumi for a line that mixes functionality with modern cool. The result is a minimalist downtown New York aesthetic, applied to a few essential luggage items. If the style-conscious man stresses over the details of his outfit — that same care should be applied to all aspects of his life.

The Splurge

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It’s always worth asking, right?

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Tudor Heritage Black Bay Watch: Inspired by the 1954 Tudor Submariner, the Black Bay has a prominent winding crown and is waterproof up to 200 meters. This watch will turn heads with its refined design and angular “snowflake” hands. At 41mm, it adds distinction to one’s wrist without adding unnecessary bulk, and it’s a watch that will make a statement without screaming for attention.

Further Reading

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More guides and gear to fill out your list

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Stylish Knit Hats for Winter’s Worst

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