As the mercury dips and the US experiences a polar vortex, how do you dress warmly without looking like you’re about to hit the ski slopes?
For some cold weather style inspiration, look to a city that is no stranger to bitter winters– Vienna, Austria. While other European cities have slowly replaced all their local craftsmen with high street retailers, Vienna has managed to forsake passing fads and hold onto its bespoke men’s stores.
This commitment to tradition is evident on the streets of Vienna– where even a casually dressed man will look just a little more pulled together than some of his European counterparts.
One of the things I loved about Viennese men was how they wore their hats:
Men of all ages wear Tyrolean hats like this.
The hat wearing Viennese men were better mannered too– I rarely saw anyone texting on the street. The worst “offender” I found was this guy who was reading as he was walking.
Viennese men are fortunate that they have so many great men’s stores to choose from, some with a long history of bespoke tradition:
R. Horn, fine leather bags and accessories.
Rudolf Scheer, celebrated bespoke shoemaker opened in 1816.
Loden Plankl, a great source of traditional Austrian clothing and those ubiquitous alpine hats.
Knize, a one time outfitter of the archdukes in the Hapsburg dynasty.
Knize’s sartorial version of a puffer coat.
With so many excellent men’s shops to choose from, it’s no wonder that the average guy in the street looks like he could have walked straight off the set of The Third Man.
Have you found great men’s shops in Vienna? Share your favorites in the comments below.
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Vienna Souvenir Shopping Details:
R. Horn, Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Knize, Graben 13, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Loden Plankl, Michaelerplatz 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria
R.Scheer, Bräunerstraße 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria
I love the way the men dress in Vienna. They certainly take pride in looking presentable regardless of the temperature outside.
Thanks for stopping by! I totally agree of course– so well put together.
I love the way the young man on the stagecoach is looking at you Kristin. Indeed looking very dapper.
Thanks Sue– that was one of my favorite photos from Vienna– I love street photography but I hate it when people notice that I’m taking their photo!
My father used to own a mens clothing store, so I grew up in mens retail. Unfortunately, the small mens store is pretty much extinct in America. My dad was finally forced to shut his doors in ’84. Perhaps he should have moved to Vienna!
That’s really interesting about your dad’s store. So sad too! The New York Times article I linked to at the beginning was helpful in understanding why the Viennese shops survived– less influenced by cheap competition. The shops are expensive but I think people buy less there and keep it forever.
think i need to hop across to vienna then to fill my wardrobe!
The service there is amazing too. Just love Vienna.
Vienna is one of my favorites cities, but I bought the hat, not my husband!
I tried some on too, they are super cute on women!
I have been in Vienna a few times but never noticed the stylish hats. I must be more observant the next time
You should definitely check out Philippe Perzi Vienna at Spiegelgasse 25. They have the most beautiful range of men’s shirts, ties and other menswear. Seriously, have never seen anything like it. It’s a hidden gem in the city. I go visit them every time I am in Vienna.
Thanks for the tip! Will check it out for sure.
Thank you, Spiegelgasse 25 Wien 1010 Johann Perzi