Store Profile: GANT

645 5th Ave.

Style: Classic American sportswear

Known For: Reviving the casual style it helped to create

When Bernard Gant first arrived in The States in 1914, he never could have guessed his name would be standing right down the road from Bergdorf Goodman. In the midst of the all the high-end midtown shops, you’ll find a store that carries the clothing of one our country’s most historic labels, selling the company’s famous preppy essentials. Next time you’re headed to or from either Bergdorf or Sak’s, make sure to stop in and take a look.

GANT Rugger

When you walk in to the store, you’ll be surprised how a brand not named Ralph Lauren or Brooks Brothers can possibly fill such a big space. You’ll be surrounded by shelves that are literally stocked to the ceiling. The first floor is stocked with GANT Mainline, where you’ll find just about everything to stock your wardrobe from crisp chinos to suit jackets. The Mainline label does a good job with staying seasonal and always have a few great fabric choices on the trousers and sport coats.

While we do enjoy seeing what’s new downstairs, the real action is up the spiral staircase that encases some 60′s-inspired Rugger displays. When you get up, you’ll have a sprawling display of GANT jeans on your direct left with the Rugger shop next to it. This is where we suggest spending most of your time, as Rugger has really stepped up its game over the last couple of seasons to be the leader in casual American style.

The Downstairs

The second floor also houses GANT’s hard-to-find Collection line, which is definitely worth taking a look at. It’s a little pricier than the other stuff, but they always have a couple of pieces that we feel we can’t live without. The second floor staff is also surprisingly better than those who work downstairs. They’re a little more knowledgeable and always seem to be better dressed, which is something we can’t help but notice in any store we go to.

What to Get Here: Oxford Cloth Button-Downs, Great Shorts, and Seasonal Trousers

What Not to Get Here: Jeans and Over-Designed Pieces from Mainline and Collection

Overall: Great Clothing, Solid Prices, and Respectable Service. 8/10