When the search engine whizzes here at GQ HQ informed us there was some online chatter surrounding the best men’s clothes at Target, we were a little, well, skeptical. Target? Huh. Are you sure?
Silly us, we should’ve clocked this a lot sooner. It really makes sense though; You don’t amass a scarily devoted customer base—or earn an endearingly puckish nickname—without doing a whole lot of things right. Turns out, at Tar-zhay menswear is one of them.
If you’re out here trying to squeeze the most drip for the least money, Target’s not exactly a menswear mecca, but it’s by no means a fashion wasteleand. The clothing on offer at the big-box retailer is…surprisingly decent? Good, even. Don’t take that as a raving review because, well, it’s not), but do believe us when we say that what we found was far better than what we’d expected. (Mea culpa, Target.) Squint your eyes just-so, and there’s a ton of quality basics to be found, from big-name brands like Dickies, Levi’s, and Reebok. It wouldn’t be our first stop if we were looking to splash out on a freaky piece of outerwear or some ante-upping accessories, but if you’re jonesing for a quick dopamine hit—or in dire need of fresh undies—it’s surprisingly well equipped to handle the job.
Below you’ll find all the best men’s clothes at Target right now, whether you’re looking to stock up on T-shirts by the dozen or score some shockingly slick running gear. All we ask in return is that you set aside your skepticism for a moment and journey with us into the unknown. We’ve earned that much, haven’t we?
Wrangler
Wrangler—the western wear stalwarts responsible for the Weeknd’s recent ’70s-inflected turn on our cover—offer no shortage of denim options. Come for the house specialty bootcut jeans, stay for the impossibly-tough indigo jacket.
Reebok
Founded in Britain, based in Boston, and bought by Germany’s own Adidas in the mid-aughts, Reebok is an international brand through and through, with designs that reflect its far-reaching roots. Target stocks a surprisingly deep selection of the label’s best-in-class activewear, from sleek tanks to heavy-duty hoodies.
Levi’s
The brand that put blue jeans on the map makes a lot more than just denim today. Stick to the OG 501s if you’re a purist, or prep for another Valentine’s Day alone (sorry, bud) by springing for an ultra-soft fleece to keep you company.
Hanes
Hanes boasts a century-long history of expertise in the underwear arena, enjoying the type of prolonged relevance lesser brands struggle mightily to approximate. The company has since expanded into other categories, but undies remain the crown jewel of the empire. (Don’t sleep on the brand’s undershirts, either.)
Fruit of the Loom
Like their Hanes counterparts, Fruit of the Loom’s wares are best bought in bulk. That’s not because they won’t last—it’s because once you start buying from them you won’t want buy from anyone else.
Dickies
Beloved by downtown skater types and the hardhat crowd alike, Dickies is a venerable workwear institution, the first and last name in tough-as-hell everyman garms. If you’re new to what the brand has to offer, start with its legendary work pants and then build your way up—its lightly-padded Eisenhower jacket is just the layer you’ll need when the weather takes a turn towards the less dreadful.
Asics
Asics is beloved by the world’s most elite runners for a reason: The brand’s gear delivers unparalleled performance without compromising on comfort or durability. Target stocks plenty of options to help you smash every fitness-related resolution on your list, no matter how grueling those early-morning runs become.
United By Blue
United By Blue is one of those labels that you’re like, “Oh yeah, I almost forgot about them. But I’m sure glad I remembered.” They slot in neatly into the Nice, Normal Clothes category, the one occupied by guys like Ryan Reynolds and the leagues of dudes dressed by Corridor. That’s probably why it tends to fly under the radar for most menswear enthusiasts.
Timberland
Yes, you can actually cop a pair of Timbs at Target—deadass. The legendary wheat lace-up boots have given the brand plenty of well-deserved praise and there are actually a handful of Timberland varieties that can give any outfit a dose of New York City charm.
Nisolo
Nisolo’s practically got the huarache sandals market cornered, but they also make some pretty good boots. And they’re at Target! They’re certainly on the higher end of the price spectrum for the famously affordable megastore, but the quality materials and construction are worth it.
Xtratuf
Hopefully you never find yourself caught knee-deep in snow. If you do, though, a pair of boots from Xtratuf boots will help you glide through the worst blizzards with ease. They’re a common site around Alaska, too, so you know they’ll be able to handle whatever winter’s got in store for your particular locale.