UK clothier End always has one of the best seasonal sales. Their prices are about 20% lower than what you’d pay for the same items in the US, thanks to automatic VAT discounts, which means their seasonal promotions are often better than what they seem on face value. Last night, they started their spring/ summer sale, where you can take 25% off with the checkout code VIPSALE, but that’s actually about 40% off comparable US prices once you account for VAT exclusions. If your order is worth less than $800, they’ll arrive duty-free. Shipping is also free on orders over $250.
The selection here is huge. End is one of the few online shops that rival Mr. Porter in terms of inventory, although they lean a bit more into streetwear and workwear. Some items that I think are particularly great:
Outerwear: If you’re one of the few people left on this planet that reads menswear blogs and doesn’t own a Barbour, this sale is a nice opportunity to get something at a much lower price than what you’d pay stateside. I mostly wear the Bedale these days, although the Beaufort is better if you plan on throwing this over a sport coat. See the Barbour Buying Guide I wrote at Put This On for sizing advice. I also love Nigel Cabourn’s Everest parkas, although they’re dearly (dearly) expensive. And while I think Ten C’s fall/ winter fabrics are better than what they use for spring/ summer, I like their military-inspired designs. Just note that the fabrics they use for warmer climes aren’t as stiff or heavy, which means the jackets don’t have that three-dimensional shaping you see in their more iconic offerings.
Knitwear: End is a great source for Inverallan sweaters. These chunky, low gauge Arans are a nice way to add visual interest to an outfit, either worn on their own or layered underneath a basic jacket. Jaimeson’s Fair Isles and plain colored Shetlands are also useful for the same reasons. Pay attention to Jaimeson’s measurements, however, as their sizing follows British conventions. That means a size 40 sweater measures 40″ across the chest, not that it’s intended for a size 40 person. Go up a size for a slim fit.
Shirts: There are some great vacation style shirts this season from Stan Ray and Levi’s Vintage Clothing, with the first being in a fairly versatile, two-tone pineapple print. I also bought this RRL buffalo plaid flannel a couple of weeks ago. It’s a fairly straightforward, slim-fit flannel made from a medium-weight washed cotton. Basic, but useful, and goes nicely with denim. Lastly, at the risk of enraging people, I like Our Legacy’s box tees. They’re absurdly expensive, but come in a wide, boxy fit that I’ve been into lately. Price is admittedly annoying, even with the sale.
Shoes: Finally, there are some great shoes here. See the minimalist sneakers from Common Projects and Buttero; work boots from Red Wing and Yuketen; and retro-running sneakers from Spalwart. I like Visvim’s bamboo Skagways this season, which are a nice, playful take on the Chuck Taylors silhouette. Viberg’s service boots are to workwear what boat shoes are to prep – an easy-to-wear, staple style that almost defines the genre. And finally, Margiela’s German Army Trainers, in both classic and painted colorways, look great. If I had to limit myself to just one pair of sneakers, it would probably be those classic, grey-and-white GATS, which I find go with nearly anything.
