North Loop’s Atmosfere is a must-visit for suits and business casual.
Photo courtesy Atmosfere
…
A look inside the local menswear landscape.
…
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine: From full-fledged custom experiences complete with whiskey and cigars to locally owned boutiques that focus entirely on special occasion wear, our Cities brim with options for people looking to up the ante with a dapper ’fit. We checked in with some local experts to see what’s trending.
While the classic Mad Men–esque slim black suit never goes out of style, Twin Cities menswear clothiers are seeing a shift to bolder colors and more creative styles. Take Danny and Kenny King, for instance: twin brothers and co-owners of Northeast bespoke suit business King Brothers Clothiers. The duo thrives on helping clients push the envelope and embrace pattern and color. “Post-pandemic, we’re finding people are still taking advantage of occasions to dress up even more,” the Kings say in a joint interview. They report luxe fabric options like jacquard and velvet—in green, blue, and red colorways—continue rising in popularity.
Local menswear boutiques offering custom garment design report an uptick in their bespoke services, including North Loop’s crown jewel MartinPatrick3 and Heimie’s Haberdashery, a cornerstone of St. Paul retail for more than 100 years. Instead of buying a new suit or garment for one-off events, the Heimie’s and MP3 teams encourage clients to ensure they have the great basics covered—and it all starts with a well-fitted shirt, jacket, and pant. Then, they recommend changing up looks with statement accessories, like a shoe, pocket square, tie, or tie clip, to instantly add personality. Anthony Serino, director of marketing at MartinPatrick3, also emphasizes the importance of men building a repertoire of suits and pieces that is versatile—especially when a heftier price tag is attached—to help justify the cost per wear. “Men’s tailored suits continue to trend in subtle, tonal patterns and colors, plus shadow plaids and micro broken checks, which are all versatile and timeless.”
“Men are really embracing more formal dress for their weddings or special events.”
–Anthony Serino, MartinPatrick3
Down the street from MP3, the risk-takers flock to Atmosfere, which specializes almost entirely in wedding and special occasion dressing—with a smattering of business casual. “A major trend we’re noticing in weddings is a rising interest in texture, pattern play, and fun color blocking versus a traditional jacket-and-pant suit,” says manager Amos Vodis, who loves to pair the unexpected, like a burgundy blazer with a dark navy pant. “We can’t keep enough colored blazers in the shop.” When it comes to his classic clientele who prefer to stay in the neutral lane, Vodis recommends juxtaposing a suit with an elevated sneaker or more playful pop of color or patterned tie.
After years of younger generations choosing casual suits and separates, local retailers notice a growing interest in classic tuxedos. “If the venue and vibe allow, men are really embracing more formal dress for their weddings or special events,” says Serino. Vodis confirms classic is king, with more men going all in on satin lapels, bow ties, and suspenders.
If you’ve paid attention to the runways, you’ve probably noticed more women making room in their closets for menswear-inspired looks, like the “power suit.” According to Samantha Tousey, womenswear buyer at MP3, a suiting moment is a unique alternative to a dress and perfect for a second wedding, vow renewal, or holiday party.
“One fun thing for womenswear specifically is the range of silhouettes is so broad,” the Kings say, who’ve done everything from slouchy and oversized to cropped and curve hugging. “We’re loving the high-waisted trouser trend—it’s flattering, and it allows for a beautiful drape.”
Menswear Editor’s Picks
J.H. and Sons Clothier
Add this family-owned newcomer to your list. It offers world-class casual and formal wear brands (including luxe Italian lines like Eleventy, Canali, and Brioni) and expert tailoring services to ensure a perfect fit. Galleria, 612-274-7166, jhandsons.com
Atmosfere
A Nolo staple offering formal wear, business casual, a new custom line, and wedding attire with approachable price tags. 730 Washington Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-1843, atmosfereweddings.com
MartinPatrick3
The brands, custom tailoring, and top-notch service are among the many reasons MP3 is internationally recognized. Come for the crème de la crème designers, stay for the barbershop and grooming products. 212 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-746-5329, martinpatrick3.com
Heimie’s Haberdashery
A fixture in custom menswear since 1921, Heimie’s recently underwent a massive expansion. The space now offers a roaring 10,000 square feet for retail, a barista, a shotgun library, a groom’s lounge, and a cigar patio. 400 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-224-2354, heimies.com
Hammer Made
Consider this a treasure trove for cool, classic men’s dress shirts in 50 shades and prints and very little sticker shock (most shirts are priced under $150), plus custom suits for wedding parties. Galleria, MOA, Ridgedale, and MSP Airport, hammermade.com
Twill
Don’t leave Galleria without visiting Scott Dayton’s full-service boutique filled with men’s suits and accessories with a preppy-southern influence, as well as tailoring services and sportswear brands like Peter Millar and Barbour. Galleria, 952-922-2711, twillmn.com
King Brothers Clothiers
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-most—visit these blond brothers, who specialize in custom pieces, in a studio-meets-retail-store concept. Open for walk-ins and private fittings. 712 15th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-405-3224, kingbrosclothiers.com
