KCs Best Destinations for Menswear: The 6 Shops You Need To See

1: Baldwin (Baldwin Men’s Shop in Leawood and Baldwin KC on the Plaza)

Baldwin has done a fantastic job putting Kansas City menswear on the national and international radar. Flyover country is now front and center. Owner and designer Matt Baldwin has taken his eponymous store and clothing label from local hero to national notoriety. GQ called the Baldwin Men’s Shop in Leawood one of the “25 Best Men’s Stores in the USA” in 2012 and declared Baldwin jeans, “the best damn denim. Period.”, all reasons why we think a stop at one of the Baldwin shops is mandatory for any menswear fan.

2: Bunker (Westport)

Bunker has been a staple of the Kansas City fashion scene for nearly 20 years. You don’t make it that far in business if you’re not doing something right. They’ve got the mix dialed in for Millennials and Gen-Z-er’s at Bunker. There’s a wide ranging selection from RVCA and Fred Perry, to Unbranded denim, Doc Martens, and one of the largest collections of Nixon timepieces you’ll ever see. The display and interior is thoughtfully done and it all changes seasonally. They also feature some great products in the “KC” spirit and have created an iconic “KCMO” mark that is true to their witty and hip spirit.

3: Halls (Crown Plaza)

Halls’ history and connection to the menswear community in Kansas City is unmatched. Since they opened over 100 years ago, they’ve led the charge for men’s retail. They’re essentially a localized Barney’s; a hometown Bloomingdale's. Their diverse selection of brands is also unrivaled: Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren are all at home here in Men’s Suiting and Sportswear. Their “Bridge” section houses lines like Rag and Bone, John Varvatos, and Ted Baker. Hall’s is an absolute must see in favor of a visit to a department store.

4: Houndstooth (River Market)

Houndstooth. Photo courtesy of Houndstooth.

Houndstooth is another men’s shop steeped in tradition. Owner Jeff Covitz’s Father and Grandfather were both tailors, so naturally he decided to pick up the needle and thread himself. His store is one of the best places in town for attainable, well-made suiting. This isn’t your dad’s suit from the 90’s, but it’s not a slim runway look either. We’re talking about Italian fabrics, soft-shoulders; all of the words that suit guys love to hear. Jeff also houses a great selection of denim, shoes, and locally made goods. Houndstooth is a nod to menswear’s past, but the style is well done.

5: Ulah (Woodside Village)

Buck and Joey, the owner’s of Ulah, will be quick to tell you that their store is not simply a boutique, it’s a lifestyle store. When you walk in, you have an immediate sense of the culture of the ulah shopper, because it’s all there for you. Clothes? Yes. Furniture? Check. Scents, grooming, apothecary? Sure. Coolers and drinking accessories? Obviously. But they’re no slouch in the apparel department. Michael Bastian, Orlebar Brown, Scotch and Soda, and 3X1 are just part of a huge selection. We can’t suggest stopping by enough.

6: Volume 1ne (Westport)

Volume 1ne is a streetwear lifestyle shop that opened in 2014 in the heart of Westport. Justin Ji’s strikingly contemporary shop stands out in a block filled with historical storefronts. His merchandise offers a similar unique perspective for Kansas City. Justin stocks a great mix of some streetwear heavyweights coupled with cult favorites. Publish, Stussy, 10 Deep, Billionaire Boys Club, and New Balance are all regulars here. The atmosphere is great for anyone with a hint of interest in streetwear.