Male clothing search in NYC--I realize this would be very simple for a normal human

January 13, 2011 6:16 AM

I have a couple of days in NYC to find some provisions for an upcoming trip. They are simple items, but I'm getting them for my boyfriend, and don't know where to shop for a male. Also, I am somewhat agoraphobic and running around to several stores throughout the city is truthfully agonizing for me. I just want an XXL size simple zip-up black hoodie sweatshirt, some black long-sleeved t-shirts, an army-ish coat, and a fairly cheap sleeping bag.

Is there an area I should head to where I am likely to knock all these things out? I'm starting out downtown, but can head anywhere as long as I have some hope of getting the majority of these items. I'd like a quality sweatshirt (would order from Land's End or something, but there is no time for shipping) but would settle for Old Navy or something. Does H&M have XXL sizes, or are their clothes pretty slim-fitting?

Any ideas would be helpful, thanks.

posted by asimplemouse to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (13 answers total)

Best answer: Old Navy has XXL sizes. Just a few months ago, I was looking for a good black zipup hoodie. I searched everywhere for a reasonable price. I finally found a great one at Old Navy for $20.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:21 AM on January 13, 2011

If they have XXL, then American apparel for hoodies and t-shirts. Their hoodies are decent quality.
posted by gaspode at 6:28 AM on January 13, 2011

Best answer: There are a couple of army-navy surplus stores that would probably have mst of these things (the coat and the sleeping bag, I would definitely expect). There's one on 8th Street between 5th and 6th avenues. I think there's also an Old Navy fairly close by.

I also remember there being an army surplus store in Soho; I know there's an Old Navy there, as well.

Also, if you go down to the basement level at Pearl River Mart (just a couple blocks south of that Old Navy in Soho), you can get some fairly good prices on basic clothes. (The main floor is where all the kitschy stuff is, and more basic stuff is in the basement.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:39 AM on January 13, 2011 [1 favorite]

Best answer: There's a great army surplus store in greenpoint; very helpful and nice staff too. It's a family-owned business that's been there for years.

I've bought stuff there and been completely pleased with the price and quality. I would say give them a call and ask, they should be able to tell you if they have the stuff in stock.


Cato's Army Navy
654 Manhattan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11222
[phone]
posted by dubold at 6:47 AM on January 13, 2011 [1 favorite]

Pop's Workwear is in Williamsburg. There's also an outfitter-type store near the Brooklyn Bridge, but I forget what it's called.
posted by entropone at 7:13 AM on January 13, 2011

Best answer: Come to SoHo. Between Houston and Spring on Broadway, you'll find:

Old Navy
Uniqlo
Gap
EMS (for your sleeping bag- they'll get you a cheap-ish one that you won't regret buying; they also have a good selection of simple, well-made clothes)
There's also a Brooklyn Industries on Lafayette just below Houston.
posted by mkultra at 7:19 AM on January 13, 2011 [2 favorites]

(the Army Surplus in SoHo closed)
posted by mkultra at 7:19 AM on January 13, 2011

+1 to mkultra, though with the recommendation that you go on a weekday rather than a weekend, if possible.... it's a frickin' zoo down there.
posted by kestrel251 at 7:56 AM on January 13, 2011

Warning about American Apparel: Their XXL is cut like their small, so it won't fit unless someone's an extremely athletic XXL.
posted by mikesch at 8:06 AM on January 13, 2011

Oh yes, the Army and Navy store in Greenpoint. Very nice people and low key, non intimidating store. If you get stressed out shopping in Manhattan (me too! I dont blame you!), you should try that place instead.
posted by silverstatue at 8:16 AM on January 13, 2011

There's an Old Navy just a few blocks from an Army Navy store along Sixth Ave (AKA "Avenue Of The Americas", if you're not from around here) in the upper teens. I think the Old Navy is on 18th or so, and the Army Navy place is either right across the street or a few blocks south. Paragon Sports is also nearby if you don't find a sleeping bag at the Army Navy.

I would not go to American Apparel if your guy wears an XXL. I'm a size 6 or 8 woman, and I often take a Large in their women's clothes. In some of the unisex stuff I take a Medium.

I like the Army Navy store in Greenpoint, as well, if you end up going out there.
posted by Sara C. at 8:41 AM on January 13, 2011

Response by poster: Many thanks guys! These are great ideas. I just got a sleeping bag (and random job offer) at the army surplus on w8th. Headed to Greenpoint in a bit....that place sounds perfect. For any leftover items, I'll probably head to Soho and it's various options. Thanks again.
posted by asimplemouse at 9:49 AM on January 13, 2011

FYI: The American Apparel near me doesn't carry XXL in their store, just online.
posted by Room 641-A at 11:17 AM on January 13, 2011