Civan
Hidden in Çukurcuma, the Istanbul neighborhood known for its beautiful antique stores, Civan is a haven for men who admire the fashion trends of the past – vintage inspiration in the form of bow ties and plaid jackets, colorful button-down shirts, and kerchiefs. There is a definite 1920s vibe at Civan, which is on the first floor of a lovely wooden house. Either pick out something from the racks and have it tailored perfectly to your body or choose some fabric and buttons to have an outfit custom made. Either way, any ensemble you acquire from Civan will be extremely unique.
Civan, Çukurcuma Caddesi No.42, Çukurcuma, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 243 32 11
Shopi Go
For a more urban look where dark colors take center stage, Shopi Go in Nişantaşı (befittingly Istanbul’s fashion neighborhood) is a more suitable fit. Quite the popular online shop, Shopi Go’s store is a sleek space filled with cool brands such as Marni, Marc Jacobs, Adidas by Raf Simons, J.W. Anderson, and many others. Apart from the clothes that hang on the black metal racks, the store also has a collection of accessories that range from skateboards and books to suitcases and sunglasses. Whatever you need, you will no doubt find the most fashionable version at this boutique, and if not, check out their website that features frequent discounts.
Shopi Go, Mim Kemal Öke Caddesi No.17, Nişantaşı, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 296 96 61
Bey Karaköy
More attuned to the Kinfolk-reading-young-urban-creative hipster, Bey Karaköy looks like something you might easily find in Berlin. The very minimal space in Karaköy, one of Istanbul’s trendiest neighborhoods, is cleanly organized with hand-selected merchandise. You will find gorgeous leather backpacks hanging from the walls, while the racks have all the Scandinavian-inspired simple yet modern basics, from button-down shirts to shoes and everything in between (even socks). What sets Bey apart, however, is that the boutique focuses on local brands even though the aesthetic is anything but. From Niyo by Niyazi Erdoğan to Tox Atelier, you will find some unique items from up-and-coming Turkish designers and entrepreneurs, with prices to match their exclusivity.
Bey Karaköy, Kemankeş Karamustafapaşa Mahallesi, Mumhane Caddesi No.54/1, Karaköy, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 532 700 59 55
Tru Project
Tru Project is all about providing the best basic t-shirts to men (and women) who have an appreciation for quality rather than quantity. Located on a side street in Bebek, the trendy Bosphorus coastline neighborhood, Tru Project not only sells its excellent t-shirts but has also grown into one of the best places to get well-made basics of all kinds. Using their own quality fabric and only producing their own designs, all of Tru’s products are known for their unique look plus the fact that they last for a long time. Beautiful men’s v- or crew-neck t-shirts come in rich yet masculine colors, while cashmere blend sweaters are soft to the touch. Hoodies, beanies, scarves, and sweatpants are also a part of a collection that every wardrobe requires.
Tru Project, Küçük Bebek Caddesi No.11, Bebek, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 287 77 40
Courtesy of Tru Project