The Mile High Man

Topher La Fleur

Does it sometimes feel like the shopping in Denver is a little stale? Conventional clothiers seem to rule the city — where does the Mile High man shop? The following exquisite boutiques are the best and brightest menswear offerings in Denver.

Armitage & McMillan

1550 Platte St., Ste. D, Denver

Don’t let the name fool you: Daniel Armitage and Darin Combs founded Armitage & McMillan less than a year ago, an act which began with a single idea: “Denver is a lifestyle-driven city; it’s not necessarily good for fashion. I needed a store I could see myself shopping in.” Inside, you’ll find raw denim, small brands in limited size runs, and skin care lines made for the contemporary urban warrior. The look is classic, not fashion forward. Says Daniel Armitage, “Guys in Denver will wear a suit and throw a ski jacket or boots on with it. There’s something for every guy here.”

Berkeley Supply

4309 Tennyson St., Denver

You’re missing out if you haven’t made a trip to the Tennyson Street shopping district. Eli Cox, the owner and only employee at Berkeley Supply, opened his lifestyle boutique here in 2012. Forget the endless parade of meaningless trends and seasons — the man who shops here is design-focused and quality-driven. Most of the garments Cox sells are guaranteed for life, and all of them are American made. Mixed in with waxed canvas jackets and indigo-dyed denim, you’ll find chambray shirts and a line of soaps, shampoos, and grooming products.

The Bespoke Pedaler

1550 Platte St., Ste. A, Denver

The clean, refreshing aesthetic at Bespoke Pedaler is part of a larger theme for co-owner Emily Hogle. “The goal is to show people that it’s possible to live without your car.” In Denver, one of the most active cities in the nation, it’s easier to bike to work than it is to drive. Now, with the help of The Bespoke Pedaler, it’s possible to look office-ready while being mobile-ready. Though European in concept, one will find an abundance of American-made bags, bicycles, denim, and shoes. Don’t forget to introduce yourself to the shop-dog when you stop by.

Steadbrook

46 S. Broadway, Denver

Dreams are made when Scandinavian aesthetics join with a casual coastal attitude. At Steadbrook, “Basics done well,” is the guiding maxim. Enjoying a freshly- pulled espresso at the in-store cafe is just one more thing that sets Steadbrook apart from the crowd. From underwear and knit caps to button-ups in playful patterns, Steadbrook has it all. For co-owner Nathan Kirkpatrick, the most important thing is rising above pretension to enhance, not change, the authenticity of Denver and its charismatic men.

Sully & Co.

2443 Eliot St., Denver

The light, welcoming storefront at Sully & Co. feels like a neighborhood bellwether. Yet, this Denver newcomer tops the list despite being three months old. For Mark Snipe, owner and proprietor of Sully & Co., Denver needed one thing — a classic, timeless men’s retailer for well-dressed urban men. Mark, like his store, is precise, smartly-outfitted, and effortlessly cool. You’ll find the repurposed barnwood shelves stocked with cashmere sweaters, elegant wool pants, and a line of sturdy waxed-canvas and leather bags. When you stop in, have a seat in the lounge and enjoy a small-batch flight of Brooklyn bourbon. Shop-dog Sully, for whom the store is named, may even stop by to say hello. Customer service, or genuine hospitality? You be the judge.

Denver Blues

The one thing every Mile High Man needs is a sharp pair of blue jeans, and I don’t mean BKE. It’s time to dispense with the distressed, over-done denim of the late ’90s and embrace the raw, deep indigo of Shockoe Denim. Shockoe Denim is a thoroughly American brand with deep Japanese roots. These rough, sharply-cut, highly-polished blues can be dressed up or down for day or night, office or party, single or mingle. Pair them with a blazer for comfortable sophistication, or with your favorite band tee-shirt on a quiet night in. These are not strip-mall blue jeans. Says owner Matt Rho, “Our denim is clean, modern, and slim, not skinny. We’re unconcerned with trends because our jeans are elegant and timeless.” Expect your new Shockoe jeans to exude manly sensuality with higher pockets, uncommon versatility, tight stitching, and an unparalleled attention to detail.

Available at Sully & Co., Berkeley Supply, and online at shockoedenim.com.