It takes a seasoned shopper to effectively navigate the men’s sales racks. Here’s what’s in GQ’s basket Savvy shopping in the men’s sales is easier said than done. In years gone by, even the best of us have blindly added to cart only for our purchases to hang dormant in our wardrobes with scarcely more than a single outing behind them (typed while staring longingly at the impulse-bought fedora that was never really going to make me a hat person). That said, if you know what you’re looking for, the best men’s clothing sales can provide ample opportunity to build a comprehensive capsule that’ll keep you stylish in the year to come.
The key is not to be drawn to trends on their way out. Those bolder pieces might have been on your wish list in the months previous, but they’ve found their way to the bargain bin for good reason. Search instead for layering classics, essential accessories, and stalwarts such as plain button-up shirts, the best men’s knitwear, and versatile tailoring.
And, at the risk of sounding like an estate agent telling you to look at “the potential” of an otherwise falling apart two-up two-down, a bit of foresight goes a long way. Generally speaking, in the height of summer, it’s unlikely you’ll find a pair of swim shorts you’ll actually want to wear in a men’s sale, but come December, you might just get lucky. The same tends to apply to jumpers, the best shirts for men, and boots at this time of year.
Many of our favourite online shopping destinations are holding sales right now, or are at least adding product to their ongoing archive sales. Here’s GQ’s definitive list of the highlights to shop right now:
Shop Mr Porter’s sale
Shop Abercrombie’s sale
Shop Wax London’s archive
Shop Asket’s archive
Shop Cos’ sale
Shop Arket’s sale
Shop Percival’s sale
Shop Studio Nicholson’s sale
Shop Massimo Dutti’s sale
Shop Reiss’ outlet
Shop Moss’ outlet
Shop Ssense’s sale
Shop Farfetch’s sale
Shop AllSaints’ sale
Shop Hawes & Curtis’ sale
Shop Asos’ sale
Shop End’s sale
Shop Adidas’ sale
Shop Lululemon’s sale
Shop Selfridges’ sale
Fabrication: Virgin wool
Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 28-38
A navy suit will work in every situation
A navy suit will work in every situation a black suit does (besides a funeral). If you buy it in an inky shade of non-shiny wool like Reiss’ discounted Traveller set, you may even find that you like it more for its softer effect on your complexion. Jessie Atkinson
Asket denim shirt
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: XS-3XL
When Asket discontinues an item of clothing, it sticks by its oath of transparency by letting you know why. This beautiful denim shirt — the only one a minimalist will ever need — gets its healthy discount because the newer, better version now comes in organic cotton. Is £45 off enough to convince you that ordinary cotton (with mother of pearl buttons, FYI) is deserving of your wardrobe? That’s what I thought. JA
Percival raincoat
Fabrication: Cotton/nylon
Sizes: XS-XXL
Percival’s recent foray into technical gear has made your next hike-to-the-pub weekender a little drier. No need to drop hundreds on kit made for big time climbers when you can spend £90 in the sale for something water resistant, lightweight and pleasingly orange. JA
Stone Island trousers
Fabrication: Organic cotton
Sizes: 28-38
You never really know how good a pair
You never really know how good a pair of Stone Island trousers are until you dig in a bit. At surface level, this is a pair of straight-leg cotton trousers with a bit of break over the vamp. But take a closer look, and you’ll see the double pockets for secure fastening near the hip, massive belt loops and reinforcement in all the places you bend. That price tag starts to make a lot more sense once you’ve had them in your closet for years on end. Marcus Mitropoulos
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: S-XL
Rise & Fall’s jumper is unusual for something described as a “fishermans”. Usually, those come in hardy wool with a raglan sleeve and a deep knitted pattern. Instead, this borrows elements of the classic for a softer waffle knit effect that will go under a coat without adding bulk. JA
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: S-3XL
Much to the shopping writer’s horror, the Black Friday sales have already begun. Oh well: at least silly season has kicked off with a brand near and dear to our hearts. Frescobol Carioca stole your savings over the summer with its linen and swim apparel, and will likely do the same with its Jardim jumper. It comes in a mostly cotton-blend with a smidge of cashmere to boost the softness levels. I’m a big fan of how trim the collar and sleeves are, letting you wear it as you please without worrying about it stretching. MM
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: XS-XXL
Menswear is like that holiday puzzle that you
Menswear is like that holiday puzzle that you can never solve. Just when you think you’ve finished it (found a perfectly fitting T-shirt), your cousin lets you know that they’ve hidden the last piece (you’ve discovered powder blue oxford shirts). Hopefully, that journey is quick once you’ve got your hands on this one from Calvin Klein. It’s made out of pure cotton, with a nice boxed hem so you don’t have to worry about tucking it in, and a single chest pocket to help that casual feel.
Fabrication: Organic cotton
Sizes: XS-XXL
Just as an FYI, this bad boy is already in my cart. It’s Uskees’ take on the classic chore coat with reinforced elbows, pockets and three deep pockets throughout. Made out of organic cotton, it’s the sort of thing that could live on its own as an overshirt, or be the final piece to your layering puzzle. MM
Fabrication: Leather, suede
Sizes: 4-12
The German Army Trainer, or GAT, is one of the easiest-to-wear sneaker silhouettes out there right now. Adidas was one of the first brands to manufacture it back in the ‘70s, and this right here is its modernised version. It doubles up with suede and leather on the upper and is capped off by a rubberised sole. Those lines on the upper are what make this sneaker unique, and its flat silhouette is what makes it so easy to wear. MM
Tired of your favourite T-shirt
Tired of your favourite T-shirt? I hear it. Feeling the northerly winds chill your bones? I definitely get this. Feast your eyes on this cotton henley from Abercrombie, which is the solution to both of these . It’s thicker than a T-shirt, looks a bit more formal with its button system, and is still just as flattering. Leave something to the imagination, you know? MM
Fabrication: Polyester
Sizes: XS-3XL
Uniqlo discounting a core product like this means one of two things: a) it’s time to celebrate early Black Friday and, b) something even bigger and better is on the horizon. Forthcoming deals aside, let’s take a second to enjoy Uniqlo’s wide trousers. It’s the way of making it look like you’re wearing dress trousers, as it has an elasticated hem and a drawstring for maximum comfort. With three different colours available on sale right now, there’s no reason not to stock up. MM
Fabrication: Wool blend
Sizes: XS-3XL
GQ readers already loved this jacket when we spoke about Lemaire’s final Uniqlo U collection. And if you didn’t get the chance to snap it up on release day, then Uniqlo’s making sure it ends up in your cart ahead of Black Friday. The jacket is a neat blend between a blazer and an overshirt, with wide, shirt collar length lapels and a boxy finish. It’s the final piece that every guy who loves to layer dreams of. MM
Fabrication: Brushed suede
Sizes: 40-46
Your hiking boots should be as fun
Your hiking boots should be as fun as the hike you skipped in favour of joining your mates down the pub. This pair from Diemme hits that on the head, with a shaggy, grass-like green suede over its classic rubber sole. Diemme boots will actually survive a hike or two, so don’t be worried if you step in some mud on the way to grabbing your next cup of matcha. MM
Fabrication: Polyester
Sizes: S-XXL
What’s the point in carrying a crossbody bag when you have an overshirt with pockets this big at your disposal? NN.07’s Blaze comes in a seersucker material, making it great for layering without overheating you too much. The shirt collar lends itself to more layering, too, and as I say: those pockets at the hip are incredibly large. Like, mahoosive. MM
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: 28-38
Wax London is very, very good at making solid essentials. And it’s very, very good at discounting those essentials right when you need them most. A classic beige trouser is always going to hit the spot, and the Aubyn is no different. There’s a single, long pleat darting down the knee right beside slanted pockets and thick belt loops. Plus, at half off, you can beat these up knowing you got your money’s worth. MM
Fabrication: Cotton-blend
Sizes: S-XXL
A question for the class: do you think
A question for the class: do you think that Abercrombie has healed its reputation well enough to make wearing its logo cool again? I do, especially when the logo in question is laden with ’90s retromania. JA
A denim jacket’s time is now. A key layer for autumn and spring, this is a layer with just the right amount of vintage chops. Percival’s is great because it borrows heavily from the buttoned pockets and knife seams of the Levi’s trucker, but adds a slightly nipped-in waist and the perfect shade of washed blue. JA
Fabrication: Wool blend
Sizes: S-XL
Universal Works is very good at basics. But one of the underrated parts of the brand is just how good it is at wacky prints. This chore coat is a good example, with an obscured check pattern and a slew of neat details like elasticated cuffs, which add comfort without looking like athleisure, and two patch pockets for hiding whatever you consider contraband. MM
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: XS-3XL
Discount: 40% off
A narrow leather belt like this one
A narrow leather belt like this one is custom-made for your favourite pair of black suit trousers or slacks. The little gold buckle looks best if you tuck in or crop the tee you wear up top, and it’ll contrast pleasingly with a wider leg. JA
The New Balance 1906 is one of the brand’s most customised silhouettes. There’s the standard “L” pairs, which take a more technical approach, and the “A”, which you see here. It’s a deconstructed sneaker with the laces running through the N logo on the lateral, and brown fabric overlocked throughout. Definitely a more fun take on a classic mesh runner. MM
Fabrication: Polyester blend
Sizes: S-XL
I must admit, I’m a big fan of scuba hoodies. So when I saw this Zara jacket on sale, I knew I had to put you onto it. It has that classic scuba construction, with a panelled hood and an elasticated hem. It takes some cues from workwear, too, with exposed rivets on the pockets and raglan sleeves which allow for a bit more movement. A neat addition to your jacket rotation. MM
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: XS-5XL
If you swear you’ve tried the cosiest clothes on Earth, and the next words out of your mouth aren’t “and it was from Skims”, then I’ll call you a fibber. Just about everything the brand does is super cosy, from its boxer briefs, to its henley. The latter is on the slimmer side, cut to feel soft around all the muscle it’s hopefully accentuating. And if it’s bulking season and tighter clothes aren’t your thing, then keeping this as an at-home top also works. MM
Fabrication: Recycled cotton
Sizes: XS-XXL
Sometimes, you want the look of a jumper
Sometimes, you want the look of a jumper without feeling too stuffy. And Carhartt WIP is sorting you out with an open-knit that should do the trick. It’s a 7-gauge, which is on the wider side, leaving ample room for whatever base layer you fancy to poke out from beneath. If you’re anything like me and overheat rather quickly, this is a sensible shout. MM
Fabrication: Cotton-blend
Sizes: XS-XXL
Abercrombie’s popover hoodies always top our list of high street essentials. Turns out it does a dressier version pretty well, too. This knit contrasts its hood and slouchy zip with a smart speckled weave. Great indoors with joggers or outside over a long-sleeve tee. JA
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: XXS-XL
With a hardy cotton canvas outer and a soft inner fleece, this Levi’s vest whips biker culture into something that’ll also keep you warm on a Lime. JA
Fabrication: Polyester/cotton
Sizes: M-XXL
If you haven’t been to H&M
If you haven’t been to H&M in a minute, now’s a good time to remind yourself that it can get a really good jacket off. This one has a funnel neck and exaggerated back vent to add extra ’70s chops to a check twill body. JA
Fabrication: Leather
Sizes: 3-13
Tradition is what makes Dr. Martens still feel so relevant, but the shoemaker still knows when to add something fresh to that yellow topstitch and oil-resistant rubber sole. Like, for example, the Adrian takes on some of the underground cool of the creeper with a chunky whip stitch, extra chunky upper and tassel/fringe combo. JA
Fabrication: Recycled polyester
Sizes: S-XL
You know that feeling when you’ve planned a heater of a fit for the office, and you have to cover it up with a shitty raincoat? That won’t be the case if you have the Striker 3L from Columbia. This bad boy does everything your raincoat should, plus it’s cut with a high neck to protect you from the elements. It’s more structured than a standard shell jacket, helping you maintain the shape you’ve built in the mid layers as you jaunt through puddles on your way to catching the bus. MM
Fabrication: Cotton-blend
Sizes: 36R-42R
I’ll let you in on a secret: while
I’ll let you in on a secret: while Arket runs sales on rare occasions, you can find discounted stock in its parent company’s archive. This check flannel shirt looks specially engineered for autumn/winter 2026. JA
Fabrication: Cotton
Sizes: 46-52
Looking for a new personality trait? Big-ass trousers might just be for you. The A.P.C. Ricky’s are an easy foray into the category, with massive front pleats and a rather roomy straight-leg silhouette. Plus, the bottom is wide enough for you to slot those boots you panic-bought right underneath. MM
Fabrication: Cotton-blend
Sizes: L-XXL
Sometimes it’s easy to lose count of just how many types of jackets there are in this big old world of ours. But then again, if you think the jacket looks sick, does it really matter? I don’t really think so. (But this one’s a track jacket if you’re keeping score.) JA
Every guy should have a plain grey
Every guy should have a plain grey or navy hoodie for rotating over T-shirts and under jackets, but a logo option for days when you’re feeling louder gives your fit more of a point of interest. JA
Fabrication: Textile/rubber/foam
Sizes: UK 3-14
The Air Max Moto is a retro panelled mesh trainer that exemplifies the resurgence in ‘90s running shoes. Appetite for these shoes last peaked when Michael Jordan was the most famous sportsperson in the world, and because of the sale, prices aren’t looking too dissimilar to 1994. JA
A jacket that’ll age with you, develop wrinkles as you do, get thrashed at festivals with you and your mates… for this price? Absurdly good. And if you prefer a different shape or shade with your dearborn canvas, Ssense has plenty more where that came from. JA
Fabrication: Cotton flannel
Sizes: S-XXL
If you haven’t had the chance to snap
If you haven’t had the chance to snap up a check shirt this season, then what exactly are you waiting for? The only correct answer would be for this Aaron Levine Sunburn one to go half off on Mr Porter. It hits the nail on the head for everything you want in a check shirt, including, but not limited to, a baggy construction, a unique check pattern and thick enough material to make you question whether it’s a shacket or not. MM
Is there a better feeling than discovering a new brand, and then realising you can test drive it at a massive discount? Let us introduce you to Mr P, the in-house label at Mr Porter, which knows a thing or two about classic menswear (and a discount). This field jacket has a heritage design, with two pockets at the waist and a third on the chest. All, by the way, big enough to carry Apple’s new iPhone Duo. Which you can afford more easily after grabbing this at 70 per cent off. MM
Fabrication: Recycled polyester-blend
Sizes: S-XL
Nike’s skateboarding line SB turns out this shirt jacket in a yellow check that reminds us of Austin Abrams’ fit in Resident Evil. In other words: one for grinding anchors and shooting zombies. JA
Fabrication: Snake-effect leather
Sizes: 6.5-12
The Adidas Gazelle is the Swiss Army knife
The Adidas Gazelle is the Swiss Army knife of trainers. It fits into the same outfits a loafer will, just with similar support to a proper sneaker. And with Wales Bonner’s collab, it just got more fun. This pair has a snake-effect leather all over the upper, with a few different brown tones scattered throughout. Wear yours with some blue jeans. MM
Fabrication: Cotton-blend
Sizes: S-XL
The golf course meets the city member’s club on this jumper by Massimo Dutti. The brand has managed to make two very traditional motifs — the Argyle diamond pattern and the city boy quarter-zip — feel fresh. Maybe it’s the relaxed fit. Maybe two toffs cancel each other out. JA
You’ll like Willy Chavvaria’s clothes if you’re a fan of LA Chicano style, a hard-to-place sense of danger, and a propensity for the tongue-in-cheek (his diffusion line is called Big Willy). This sweater makes the quarter-zip tougher than it deserves. JA
Fabrication: Nylon
Sizes: XS-3XL
Bet I can read your mind
Bet I can read your mind. Think of a trench coat brand. Burberry! Think of a leather jacket label. AllSaints! Okay, now think of a place that makes bomber jackets. Alpha Industries! And here it is, guys: the household name for pilot jackets on 40 per cent off sale. Now that’s something you probably couldn’t predict. JA
Fabrication: Linen
Sizes: 30-38
Take it from someone who writes about things you can buy all day every day: you can definitely know too many things about shopping. One thing that it is helpful to know, though, is that you’ll find the best linen on the high street at Massimo Dutti — making these discounted, self-striped regular trousers a major steal. JA
Fabrication: Virgin wool
Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 28-38
Discount: 52% off
Todd Snyder’s eponymous brand is a relatively new kid on the block, collecting fans for its slight tweaks on all-American classics. That its suits are ever on sale at all is a phenomenal windfall, especially when that includes sets like this one in lightweight Italian flannel. JA
Fabrication: Polyester-blend
Sizes: XS-L
Drawing on safari style and tropical layers, Reiss’ bellows pocket jacket is a neat topper to trousers and a T-shirt that’s smarter than an overshirt but breezier than a jacket made of cotton twill. JA
