West Coast Wonders: Top 10 L.A. Clothing Brands For Men

Los Angeles is one of the world’s biggest cultural hubs. It’s the spiritual home of Western entertainment, acting as a filming location for the world’s biggest blockbuster movies, a sunny backdrop for countless hit TV series and a home to hundreds of A-list celebs – from Hollywood heroes to world-famous musicians. Yet for all its fame and influence, one thing LA is not particularly known for is fashion.

When it comes to style in the USA, New York City is the undisputed capital. The city is home to some of the most influential designers and labels on earth, and its stylish inhabitants often poke fun at West Coast fashion, or as they might claim, the lack thereof. But don’t be too quick to write LA off as a source of menswear inspiration because despite what the New Yorkers might have you believe, there are several great menswear brands that call the Californian city home.

Maybe you’re looking for some new labels to check out, or perhaps you’re just curious about what brands you might not have realised have links to LA. Either way, we’ve rounded up a selection of our favourite menswear labels from the city, ranging from runway-dominating high fashion to surf-inspired casualwear.

James Perse

James Perse is the sort of brand that’s right at home in the Hollywood Hills. The label specialises in what we feel is best described as ‘casual luxury’, taking everyday wardrobe staples and elevating them to new heights through superior craftsmanship, attention to detail and materials. Think sumptuous cashmere hoodies, perfectly fitting polos and luxurious loungewear without an obnoxious logo or graphic print in sight.

To get a feel for the brand and what it’s all about, we’d suggest checking out the T-shirts. They’re made in the USA from the softest jersey cotton around, and they have a well-earned reputation as some of the best in the business.

Shop now at James Perse

Fear Of God

Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God is perhaps one of the most successful labels to have emerged from LA in recent memory. The brand set the tone for a lot of mainstream men’s fashion on the West Coast over the last decade, championing oversized silhouettes in casualwear while mixing in heavy sportswear influences.

In the brand’s early days, it played a big part in the longline tops and skinny jeans trend that swept the world, and its diffusion line, Essentials, continues to serve up oversized loungy staples in a muted, earthy colour palette.

Shop now at Farfetch

Buck Mason

Direct-to-consumer brand Buck Mason specialises in classic American casual garb that looks great and lasts a long time. There’s a heavy workwear influence, blended with some preppy undertones and a bit of British-inspired tailoring thrown in for good measure.

We think it’s a solid brand for building a capsule wardrobe, carrying everything from high-quality Japanese denim to some of the best-fitting plain tees you’ll find anywhere in the States.

For the highest quality pieces, check out Buck’s Made in the USA line, which includes everyday essentials like tees, long-sleeves and jeans, all made on American soil.

Shop now at Buck Mason

Noon Goons

It’s no secret that California is home to some of the best surf in the world, and by extension, some of the coolest surf brands. OG surf-cum-streetwear label Stussy was born on the state’s coastline, and several decades later and a bit further north, Noon Goons is now putting its own surfing-centric spin on streetwear.

The LA-based brand fuses high-fashion, streetwear and surf culture to marvellous effect, creating a range of stylish, slouchy garments that are heavy on the beachy vibes. Think hoodies, graphic tees, oversized flannels and loose-fitting pants with some higher-end pieces sprinkled in, too.

Shop now at Noon Goons

Amiri

For all the hate it gets from the fashion crowd, there’s no denying that Amiri is one of the biggest names in the game when it comes to that rock ‘n’ roll-infused, deliberately dishevelled aesthetic for which LA has become famous. If there is an LA ‘look’, Amiri is one of the key brands behind it.

The company’s founder, Mike Amiri, began his career designing stage outfits for legendary rock stars like Axl Rose and Steven Tyler before branching out and starting his namesake label, now in its tenth year.

Expect to find streetwear-inspired pieces like logo hoodies and graphic tees alongside heavily distressed denim and luxe leather sneakers.

Shop now at SSENSE

John Elliott

Another label that was central to the longline, layered look that became synonymous with LA style is John Elliott. Founded in 2012, the brand’s eponymous founder drew inspiration from basketball and skate culture, creating a range of menswear that played with silhouettes, proportion and the concept of luxury in sportswear.

His clothes played a part in the mainstream adoption of athleisure, turning things like joggers, sweatshirts and hoodies into desirable luxury items rather than straight-up athleticwear.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Brain Dead

Brain Dead isn’t a clothing brand in the traditional sense of the term. Instead, it describes itself as a worldwide collective of artists and designers that just so happen to make awesome clothes too.

There’s a definite streetwear influence, with additional inspiration coming from underground comics, post-punk imagery and more, with heavily graphic-led designs printed on casualwear staples like hoodies, tees and various accessories.

Shop now at END.

Rick Owens

Now based in Paris, Rick Owens started his hugely influential high-fashion label on Hollywood Boulevard in 1994. Often referred to as the Lord of Darkness by the fashion press, his moody pieces play with gothic elements, futuristic designs, gender fluidity and unusual silhouettes.

OK, so this probably isn’t the sort of stuff you’ll be wearing daily. Still, Owens’ influence in men’s fashion is undeniable, making him one of the most important designers to ever come out of LA.

Shop now at SSENSE

Metalwood Studio

Golf isn’t exactly known for being the hippest pastime on the planet, but LA’s Metalwood Studio is on a mission to change that.

Blending streetwear with vintage golf-wear influences, the brand’s ever-evolving range includes things like caps, cardigans, polos and sweater vests, alongside streetwear staples like graphic hoodies, logo tees and joggers.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Outerknown

Founded by arguably the world’s greatest surfer, Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a beach casualwear brand that puts equal focus on quality, versatility and sustainability.

Each piece is made using responsibly sourced materials and designed for maximum wear to reduce the environmental impact. There’s even a section on the brand’s website where you can buy and sell pre-worn clothing to help keep things circular.

Shop now at Outerknown