IL2L's Definitive Men's Fashion Blogs
There, I said it. In fact, this year the Women's Wear Daily reported that men's retail market was out-performing the women's in all categories.
We build our own sense of style to create a unique persona (to some extent, what we wear, after all, is who we are) and whilst we all like to think we have our own 'look' down to a tee, we are constantly on the lookout for inspiration from others.
Menswear blogs are flourishing and gaining more exposure than ever. There are also more of them than ever. Fortunately for you, we've travelled far and wide and put together a list of the twelve top men's style bloggers:
FashionBeans
FashionBeans offers readers a more mainstream appeal with plenty of articles on the latest fashion brands and high street shops. A regular feature of the site, which I really like, is the 'Men's Fashion Basics', which offers great advice on improving your style or pulling off a particular look.
Best feature: Street Style section
Caters for: Style hunters, groomers, indulgers
Avoid if: You listen to death metal
Follow at: @fashionbeans
Kempt
The site gives off more of a magazine feel than an actual blog, offering editorials and reviews of the latest fashion trends and seasonal musts. However, Kempt also boasts a wide variety of other features with grooming, lifestyle, sport and women in abundance.
Best feature: The 'must have' section - unlike any other
Caters for: Gentlemen, lovers of tweed, fans of women in underwear
Avoid if: You're unkempt, scruffy looking, out of pocket
Follow at: @UrbanDaddy
Slamxhype
If you're into a more simple and urban style then this is the blog for you. Slamxhype takes its inspiration from art, design and culture to offer a healthy mix of the latest styles for the urban jungle.
Best feature: What are you wearing section #WIWT
Caters for: Hipsters, trend setters, lovers of art & design
Avoid if: Currently buy your clothes at Sports Direct
Follow at: @slamxhype
Last Style of Defense
An independent blogger with an excellent eye for current trends in the UK and the USA, with some really good hidden gems. LSOD also discusses a wide range of subjects including travel and art; I especially like the appropriate ratio of images to content.
Best feature: 'You might also like' section
Caters for: Alternatives, unique style lovers, backpackers
Avoid if: You're afraid of flying or your mum still buys your clothes
Follow: @lsofd
Brandish
Brandish pulls together the latest news, gadgets, music and clothes stories for men and places it on one convenient lifestyle blog, perfect if you haven't got the time to look around.
Best feature: 'Designer Spotlight'
Caters for: Catwalkers, brand followers, those who would happily buy a Hawaiian shirt
Avoid if: You believe labelled clothing is a sin
Follow: @brandish
Freshness
Established in 2003, Dan Hwang and Yu Ming have created a well known men's style blog which doesn't compromise on the cultural aspect, with plenty of articles and posts on a whole spectrum of topics from skateboarding to Spongebob; however, there are also plenty of fashion items on review, with particular attention paid to shoes.
Best feature: Featured articles
Caters for: Searchers of sub-culture, those burning the candle at both ends
Avoid if: You're a hobbit - this site's all about the shoes
Follow at: @freshnessmag
French Truckers
Originally set up in Marseille, French Truckers offers readers a unique perspective on both French and British fashion trends. This blog can help you create your own individual style and persona with plenty of articles on grooming and entertainment across Europe.
Best feature: Editors picks
Caters for: Fans of European fashion
Avoid if: You resent the Euro
Follow at: @frenchtruckers
Guy Overboard
Independently written by a 25 year old Italian, this style blog offers readers a direct look into the latest trends from London, with regular updates on the high street stores.
Best Feature: The photography
Caters for: The young and the daring
Avoid if: You're a man of conventional style
Follow at: @GuyOverboard
The Man's Wardrobe
The Man's Wardrobe offers readers a healthy mixture of high end fashion and high street trends, taking inspiration from celebrities as well as the writer's own interests.
Best feature: The easy-to-use layout
Caters for: Followers of celebrity trends
Avoid if: You're in your overdraft
Follow at: @themanswardrobe
Hypebeast
Hypebeast is a digital magazine for men with regular updates on fashion, arts, design and culture. The clothes articles are useful if you regularly update your wardrobe, with a detailed analysis of brands' collections for every season.
Best feature: What's new feature
Caters for: Those who like to stick their fingers in a variety of creative pies
Avoid if: You're as interesting as a cement block
Follow at: @hypebeast
The Social Snot
Don't let the name put you off, this is a brilliant site if you're into creating an individual style. The writers for The Social Snot have a good eye for interesting, wacky styles often found on the high street. The initial appearance of the site may look as though it would only appeal to a 'hipster' however a little searching will reveal the wide variety of trends the blog covers.
Best Feature: The street style UK blog reel
Caters for: Hipsters / street styles
Avoid if: You'd prefer to go hunting in the country with Madonna
Follow at: @TheSocialSnot
Those are our favourites. Think we've missed one? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or comment on this post.
