If you’re stumped on what to buy the man in your life, a contribution to his wardrobe will never go amiss.
Stylish men will always appreciate thoughtful additions to their existing rotation, while those less sartorially minded might appreciate some failsafe essentials.
Still, navigating retailers’ pages for the perfect gift can be more of an overwhelming task than a joyful one. To avoid spending your valuable time on what’s in and what’s out in the menswear world, Elite Traveler has perused the digital rails and spotlighted the best pieces out there. From outerwear to swimwear and belts to driving gloves, our holiday gift guide has something for every man, whether he’s fashion-forward or not.
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Textured grain leather country bag, Brunello Cucinelli
For the man who often escapes for some countryside solitude away from the city, Brunello Cucinelli offers the perfect companion. Made in Solomeo, a hamlet in Italy’s Perugia, the country bag’s calfskin leather is hard wearing and finished by hand to create a subtle but tonal effect. Inside, the water-resistant lining will protect its contents if the weather takes a turn, priming it for just about any adventure.
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Black leather moccasin corso loafers, Zegna
A man’s wardrobe should never be without a good pair of loafers, and this Zegna style is designed with fashionable city dwellers in mind. Corso is Italian for avenue, so it follows that this Moccasin pair has been crafted from hand-buffed leather for added comfort when strolling cosmopolitan pavements. It has the 232 Road mark across its strap, which references the road the brand founder paved in the 1930s to connect Oasi Zegna, a nature reserve in the Alps, to the local community.
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Sunglasses, Prada
Prada does a lot of things well: angular shapes, unique colourways and sunglasses, evidently. This style happens to embody all of those strengths in one. The square frames have curved corners for a twist on a classic geometric design, while the tortoiseshell colourway is offset with olive green lenses. The famed triangle moniker has been turned to its side and placed in the corners, a design choice that’s both classic and contemporary.
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Double-breasted houndstooth wool suit jacket, Saman Amel
In 2015, childhood friends Saman Amel and Dag Granath launched their eponymous brand to offer the modern man tailoring that wasn’t rooted in stuffy traditions. Take this suit jacket: Cut from houndstooth wool into a double-breasted silhouette, it’s primed for smart-casual lunch meetings as well as work drinks thereafter. Saman Amel also offers a made-to-measure service at its London and Stockholm ateliers, for more personal additions to one’s wardrobe.
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Braided brand-debossed leather belt, Bottega Veneta
In menswear, silhouettes and colorways can sometimes feel repetitive season after season, so it’s the little details that truly make a great outfit. Pieces like this Bottega Veneta belt are designed with that in mind. Its braid is the brand’s signature intrecciato weave, making it easy to spot as a BV piece from afar. But that texture also helps to add dimension to a simple ensemble, elevating it from an unconsidered look to one with ample style kudos.
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Knitted merino wool Signature Stripe scarf, Paul Smith
There’s a natural tendency for men to lean into the darker tones of a winter wardrobe, when gray skies hardly inspire thoughts of colorful ensembles. But injecting some rainbow shades not only brightens the outfit, but your mood, too. Paul Smith’s signature stripe on this scarf does the job without the giftee having to think hard about styling. Its merino wool composition means it’ll be a cosy accompaniment throughout the season.
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n°123 Bourgeois Jumper, Extreme Cashmere
Unfamiliar with Extreme Cashmere? The clue is in the name. Hailing from Amsterdam, this knitwear brand is dedicated to crafting pieces for all seasons (yes, even summer) with the softest yarn available. This crewneck jumper is inspired by traditional Scottish knitwear, featuring saddle sleeves and ribbed details. Its corn shade makes a change from seasonal Christmas colours, too.
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8 Cloud rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers, Loewe + On
It’s likely that you’ve seen a pair of On sneakers, with the brand having become a sartorial symbol of class, excellence and efficiency – impressive for a pair of shoes originally designed for the gym. This ethos is emphasised (and made oh-so slightly more fashionable) by the ongoing collaboration between Loewe and the Swiss sportswear brand, which has just released its sixth collection. This sleek dark brown pair look just as good styled with smart-casual office looks as they do with running gear.
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Geometric print Bulldog swim shorts, Orlebar Brown x Automobili Lamborghini
Orlebar Brown has been a go-to for men’s swimwear since it launched 18 years ago, and should be your first port of call for those who spend their winters in the Caribbean and summers in Capri. This design comes in their signature Bulldog fit, but features a geometric print exclusively part of a collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini. It was inspired by the legendary hex found on the exhausts and vents of the Italian marque’s cars.
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Luca Faloni, Portofino shirt
If you happen to be exchanging presents in a tropical destination this year, giving the man in your life a linen shirt is a no brainer. What’s also a no brainer is opting for one from Luca Faloni, from whom the Portofino design has become a brand signature. It’s crafted in Bergamo and Brescia, in northern Italy, by skilled artisans using the finest Italian linen and Australian mother of pearl buttons. It features the beloved Paramontura one-piece collar and is finished with details like the giglio stitching. Bellisimo.
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Bifold wallet, Dior
It’s been an exciting year for Dior, with Jonathan Anderson has taking the helm as creative director of both menswear and womenswear. This bifold wallet makes a prime gift, and also marks the designer’s inaugural year at the French maison. The house motif is embossed onto the calf leather, showing onlookers the brand name without being overly flashy, and features a double bill compartment, two slip pockets for receipts and eight card slots. Practical as well as stylish, we say.
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Leather driving gloves, Dunhill
Picture this: You’re driving down the Val D’Orcia valley in a convertible Alfa Romeo Spider from the ‘60s. The roof is down, the blazing sun is cut with a gentle breeze and cypress trees line the winding roads in the Tuscany countryside. The Dunhill driving gloves help your hands glide across the steering wheel. Dreamy, right? Conjure up that image for the man you’re gifting this accessory to, and you might find it’ll become a reality.