Banana Republic has become one of the most dependable outposts in the menswear universe, which should be no surprise to anyone paying attention. Over the past few seasons, the brand has dialed in a wonderfully edited mix of pants, shirts, outerwear and tailoring. But the brand doesn’t rest on it laurels, they’re aren’t just casually playing the hits like a long-touring act, it’s also shown an ability to surprise that few of its competitors can muster, whether it’s the perfect archive pull, a subtly approachable directional piece, an obscure fabric or a combination of all three.
Which is why we keep coming back. But Banana ain't exactly a small operation, so you do have to poke around a bit to find the real standouts. But when you do, the payoff is big: featherweight knits to break the button-up boredom, genuinely great suiting in louche fabrics, and linen pants that easily outclass their price tag. To that end, we figured we’d parse it for you and pull some of our favorites. Check out what we’re into below, or head on over to the Banana Republic site to check it all out for yourself.
Our Banana Republic Hit List
Shop by Category
Cords D’Elite
I love corduroy, and I am perpetually on the hunt for more because I have a large appetite and little self-control. Why do I mention this? Because you’ll find a lot of brands out there that include some corduroy in their fall assortment, but very few commit to the deliriously comfortable, surprisingly versatile bit. In fact, Banana Republic is one of the few that goes all-in on the fabric. Case in point, this year, the shirts might be as good as the pants.
Banana Republic
Loose Corduroy Pant
Banana Republic
Archive Reissue Corduroy Shirt
Banana Republic
The City Shirt
Banana Republic
Standard-Fit Lightweight Corduroy Shirt
Hardworking Pants
Banana Republic’s voluminous trousers have earned a lot of love recently, but that doesn’t mean the rest of their pant selection isn’t dialed. In fact, the denim program has undergone something of a revolution—in particular, check out the dynamite dark wash pair of Straight Authentics—and the Archive Reissue line is one of the best repro lines you can find in any store right now, big or small.
Banana Republic
Archive Reissue Straight Pleated Chino
Banana Republic
On-The-Go Relaxed Pleated Pant
Banana Republic
Archive Reissue Relaxed Chino
Banana Republic
Straight Authentic Jean
Pitch-Perfect Polos
At this point, the polo comeback has turned into a full-blown dynasty. Anyone that has let the knit variety into their lives can attest to how well-warranted that assessment is. And while the novelty has waned, the utility hasn’t, and few brands, regardless of size, do one better than Banana Republic. Johnny Collars, two-buttons, button-throughs… you name it, BR crushes it, in whatever fabric you’re looking for, too.
Banana Republic
Slub Double-Knit Polo
Banana Republic
x Zankov Frankie Cashmere Sweater Polo
Banana Republic
French Terry Popover Polo
Banana Republic
Archive Reissue Striped Rugby Jersey
Foundational Flannels
If we were all playing a menswear-related word association game, “Banana Republic” might not be the first thing you’d shout out when flannels are brought up, but they absolutely could be. Not only are they soft as hell and available in multiple degrees of hardiness, but they’re also sturdy enough to get better after taking a little bit of a beating.
Banana Republic
Relaxed-Fit Embroidered Cotton Quilted Flannel Overshirt
Banana Republic
Relaxed-Fit Flannel Shirt
Banana Republic
Lightweight Brushed Flannel Shirt
Banana Republic
Relaxed-Fit Textured Flannel Shirt
Easy-Button Button-Ups
I’m an exhaustively-documented knit fiend, but that doesn’t mean I don’t imbibe (heavily) in button-ups—especially when they’re as easy as BR’s tend to be. Regardless of desired silhouette, there’s something enticing, although this fall the highlight just might be the lineup’s rookie, called the City Shirt: loose-fitting, not too long and comfortable in any evening setting, regardless of draft price. Don’t skip the oxfords either, which last for ages, or the perfectly-faded denim shirt that’s recently landed.
Banana Republic
Standard-Fit Chambray Shirt
Banana Republic
The City Shirt
Banana Republic
Standard-Fit Cotton Oxford Shirt
Banana Republic
Relaxed-Fit Denim Shirt
Showstopping Outerwear
You might not have winter jackets on your mind, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good time to nab one, nor does it preclude you from engaging in the slightly less substantial fare. For instance, there isn’t a better time to wear a suede jacket than mid-fall into early-winter. Same goes for a waxed cotton heater pulled directly out of the archives or a cheeky-ass barn coat with a delicious corduroy collar.
Banana Republic
Relaxed Double-Breasted Italian Glen Plaid Suit Jacket
Banana Republic
Loose Italian Wool Pleated Suit Pant
Banana Republic
Double-Breasted Twill Suit Jacket
Banana Republic
Loose Pleated Twill Suit Pant
Savvy Suiting
In no world is $750 “inexpensive” or “cheap,” but when it comes to suiting options, Banana Republic’s feel—and wear—like those well into four-digit territory and will generally stay south of $800. This season, for instance, you can get yourself a killer relaxed-fitting, double-breasted number made out of a stunning 100% Responsible Wool Standard Glen Plaid fabric and still keep the damage under the aforementioned threshold.
Banana Republic
Suede Barn Coat
Banana Republic
Archive Reissue Waxed Cotton Canvas Parka
Banana Republic
Italian Melton Top Coat
Banana Republic
Cotton Canvas Barn Coat
Anywhere Knitwear
Fall is primetime for all layers, voluminous coats are bountiful but everyone knows that fall dressing all starts with a damn good knit. The spectrum of what is considered “good” is a vast one, you can go with a lightweight cashmere joint or a soft cloud-like wool sweater. You also want something you can fuss with, and nothing fusses better than some good ol’ fashioned knitwear. And whether you’re looking for rollnecks, v-necks, or henleys, BR’s understated, wildly versatile quiver makes the search easy.
Banana Republic
Cashmere-Silk Crew-Neck Sweater
Banana Republic
Cotton Roll-Neck Sweater
Banana Republic
Merino Chore Cardigan
Banana Republic
