A good clothing gift for him fits what he already wears often. Think of a fine-knit polo, merino polo, wool cardigan or shirt. If in doubt, choose a calm colour such as navy, black, grey or beige. Check the size against clothes that already fit him well. Below you will find gift ideas for each type of man, plus tips for size and colour.
Why clothes can be a good gift
Clothes can be a personal gift, but only if they fit his style well. So look above all at what he chooses himself. Look at what he wears most often, which colours he chooses and what he is still missing. A piece that fits his existing wardrobe has a better chance of being worn often.
Gift ideas per type of man
The classic man. He likes wearing shirts and usually chooses classic clothes. For him, a good shirt is a safe and appreciated choice. The Hamilton shirt in light blue striped, made of 100% cotton with an Italian collar, is classic with a little more detail from the fine stripe.
The man who wants to be warm. In winter he prefers knitwear. An open polo in merino wool such as the Trenton in black is a versatile piece for the office and leisure time.
The business man without a suit. He works in an office, but rarely wears a blazer anymore. A wool cardigan with a tailored cut, such as the Maximilian cardigan in beige, made of 100% wool, gives him a warm, polished layer over his shirts and polos.
The relaxed man. He loves comfort, likes wearing jeans and sneakers, but still wants to look good. A fine-knit polo with quarter zip such as the Edmund in light grey melange, made of lyocell, feels soft and is easy to combine.
The man who already has everything. Then choose a quality version of something he wears a lot. A knitted piqué polo such as the Alistair in navy, with a subtle stripe detail, is an upgrade on the ordinary polo and works all year round.
Choosing a colour
Choose a colour he already wears or that fits his existing wardrobe. Navy, black, grey and beige are calm colours that combine easily. If you want something more personal, choose a warm shade that suits his skin and hair, such as olive green or brown, but only if you know he likes that. Choose a striking colour or print only if he often wears them himself.
Guessing the size without asking
- Look in his wardrobe. Find a garment he wears often and that fits well. Look at the label for the size, or lay it flat and measure the chest width and length.
- Ask a partner, friend or family member. Often someone around him knows exactly what he wears.
- Choose knitwear if you are unsure. A knitted polo or cardigan leaves a little more room in the fit than a shirt or trousers, where neck size and length must be exactly right.
- If in doubt between two sizes: for knitwear choose the smaller if he wants to look slim, the larger if he wears things comfortably. For shirts the neck size is leading.
- Avoid trousers unless you know his exact size and length. Trousers are the hardest to guess.
Gifts at a glance
| Type | Gift | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Striped shirt with Italian collar | Timeless, can also be worn without a tie |
| Always cold | Open merino wool polo | Warm, breathable, stays fresh for longer naturally |
| Business | Wool cardigan with tailored cut | Alternative to a blazer |
| Relaxed | Polo with quarter zip in lyocell | Comfortable and polished |
| Has everything | Knitted piqué polo | Upgrade of a basic piece |
Packaging and exchanging
A neat box or fabric bag with a personal card is enough. You can add a note that exchanging is possible; that takes away the pressure if the size is just not right. If you order online from Issu & Lloyd, you can return from €5 and you get your money back within 14 days. You can read the details on our shipping page. Order in good time, so there is room for an exchange before the holidays are over.
What better not to give
- A garment that forces a different style from the one he has.
- Bright colours or large prints, unless he likes wearing them himself.
- Trousers or shoes without being sure of his size.
- Something that can only be dry-cleaned, if he has little time for care.
Combine it with something small
A clothing gift becomes even more personal with a small addition. Think of a pair of warm wool socks in the same colour family or a nice pocket square to go with the shirt. You can also add a note with a plan to wear it together, for example at a dinner for which he can put on his new polo. This gives the gift a personal touch.
Inspiration
A practical gift usually fits clothes he already wears often. Take a look at our knitwear for men, the polos and the shirts, and choose the piece that suits him best.
Shop the look
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue striped
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Maximilian: tailored wool cardigan, beige
Edmund: polo with quarter zip in lyocell, light grey melange
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, navy
Frequently asked questions
Which clothing gift is safest for a man?
A fine-knit polo or cardigan in a calm colour is often relatively easy to combine. Always check the size, though.
How do I know what size he is?
Look at the label of a garment he wears often and that fits well, or ask someone around him. For shirts the neck size is the most important.
Can I exchange a clothing gift if it does not fit?
At Issu & Lloyd you can return from €5 and you get your money back within 14 days. See our shipping page for the details.
