The Christmas Gift Guide for Men: Gifts He'll Actually Wear
Buying clothes for a man is harder than it looks. He may have firm opinions about what he wears, you may not know his exact size, and the last thing anyone wants is a present that sits in the wardrobe with the tags still on. The best menswear gifts solve those problems: they are useful, they suit the way he already dresses, and they carry little or no sizing risk.
The short answer: the best Christmas gifts for a man who likes to dress well are a quality silk tie, which needs no sizing, well-made knitwear he can wear every week, loafers or dress shoes if you know his shoe size, and a gift card when you would rather he chooses for himself, including towards a suit made to his own measurements.
This guide is organised by budget and by the kind of man you are buying for, with honest advice on what to avoid when you are unsure of his size. Every gift in it is gathered in our Gifts for Him collection.
What Are the Best Christmas Gifts for Men at a Glance?
| Gift | Approximate price | Sizing risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk tie | £119–£135 (about $160–$180) | None | Business and formal dressers |
| Knitwear | £130–£157 (about $175–$210) | Low to medium | Almost every man |
| Cardigan or knit jacket | £150 (about $200) | Low to medium | Smart-casual dressers |
| Dress shoes | £197–£265 (about $265–$355) | Medium (need shoe size) | Office and formal dressers |
| Loafers | £225–£279 (about $300–$375) | Medium (need shoe size) | Men who dress smart and casual |
| Gift card | You choose | None | When you do not know his size, or want to give a suit |
US dollar figures are approximate and will vary with exchange rates.
Gifts Under £150: Ties With No Sizing Risk
A tie is the classic menswear gift for good reason. There is no size to guess, it is useful at work, weddings and every formal event, and a good one lasts for years. It is also one of the few gifts that can lift his entire existing wardrobe at once.
Choose colours that work with what he already owns:
- Navy: goes with almost every suit and shirt. A navy silk tie is the safest possible choice.
- Burgundy: rich and seasonal, perfect for Christmas parties and winter weddings. Try our burgundy silk tie.
- Textured ties: a woven texture adds interest without pattern. The claret red textured tie suits a man who wants something a little different.
If you know the suits he wears most, match the tie to those. Our guide to matching shoes to a suit explains the colour logic, and the same principles apply to ties.
Everyday Gifts: Knitwear He Will Wear All Winter
Knitwear is the gift he is most likely to wear every week from December to March. It works at the office under a blazer, at weekend dinners and at home, and it rarely feels like a "costume" gift.
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- Textured crew-neck knits: smart enough for the office, relaxed enough for the weekend. A camel textured knit is warm in tone and easy to pair with navy, grey and brown.
- Mock-neck sweaters: a modern alternative to a shirt and tie under a jacket. The burgundy mock-neck sweater is ideal for the Christmas party season.
- Cardigans and knit jackets: a navy ribbed full-zip cardigan layers over a shirt at work or over a T-shirt at the weekend.
Browse the full range in our men's knitwear collection.
Sizing tip: knitwear is forgiving but not size-free. Check the size label on a jumper he already wears and likes. Many of our knits are cut slim, so if he sits between sizes or prefers a relaxed fit, choose the larger size.
A More Personal Gift: Loafers for Every Occasion
Loafers are the most versatile shoe a man can own. They work with a suit, with tailored trousers, with chinos and even with smart denim, which makes them a gift he can wear to the office, to dinner and on holiday.
- Suede tassel loafers are relaxed and elegant, ideal for smart-casual dressers. Try brown suede tassel loafers.
- Black leather loafers are sharper and more formal, and work with dark suits and evening wear. See our black leather slip-on loafers.
- Double monk straps sit between a loafer and a formal shoe, for a man with a confident style.
You will need his shoe size. Check the size inside a pair he wears regularly, and note whether it is a UK, EU or US size.
Premium Gifts: Dress Shoes When You Know His Size
A pair of well-made dress shoes is a gift he will wear for years. If you know his shoe size, this is one of the most appreciated presents you can give a man who wears suits.
- Oxfords are the most formal lace-up and suit business, weddings and evening events. Classic black cap-toe oxfords are the essential first pair.
- Brown oxfords and brogues are warmer and more versatile, especially with navy, grey and brown suits. See our cognac brown oxfords.
- Derbies are slightly less formal than oxfords and suit everyday professional dressing.
Not sure which style suits him? Our guide to Oxford vs Derby vs Loafer explains the difference in plain terms.
The Big Gift When You Don't Know His Size: A Suitharbor Gift Card
Many people would love to give a man a suit for Christmas, and then realise they have no idea of his jacket size, chest measurement or trouser length. A suit bought on a guess is the gift most likely to be returned.
A Suitharbor gift card solves this completely. You choose the amount; he chooses the suit, shoes or knitwear he actually wants, in the size that actually fits. It also lets several family members contribute towards one bigger gift.
For the man who deserves something truly personal, a gift card can go towards a suit made especially for him. Through our custom-made service, he discusses the fabric, design and details with our team and is measured for a suit built to his own proportions, including sizes outside the standard range. It is the one suit gift that is guaranteed to fit.
What Should You Buy Him? Gift Ideas by Type of Man
| He is... | Give him |
|---|---|
| The businessman | A navy or burgundy silk tie, black oxfords, or a fine knit to wear under his suit jacket |
| The smart-casual dresser | A textured knit, a cardigan, or suede tassel loafers |
| The formal dresser | A silk tie, black oxfords, or a gift card towards evening tailoring |
| The man who has everything | A gift card towards a custom-made suit |
| The man whose size you don't know | A tie or a gift card |
What Not to Buy When You're Unsure of His Size
Some menswear makes a wonderful gift only when you are certain of the fit. If you are guessing, avoid:
- Suits and tailored jackets: shoulders, chest and sleeve length all have to be right, and a poorly fitting suit is worse than none.
- Tailored trousers: waist and leg length are very personal and often need alteration.
- Slim-fit shirts: collar and chest sizes vary, and a shirt that is too tight will never be worn.
If you do know his measurements, our guide to measuring for a suit explains which numbers matter. Otherwise, choose a tie, knitwear, shoes in a known size, or a gift card.
When Should You Order Christmas Gifts?
Order ready-made gifts as early as you can, and no later than early December. Check the delivery estimate on the product page and at checkout, as holiday volumes can extend delivery times.
Custom-made suits take around four weeks from consultation to delivery. If he will be measured and choose his suit before Christmas, start the process in early to mid-November. If you are giving a gift card towards a custom suit, there is no rush: he can begin whenever suits him in the new year.
Shop Gifts for Him at Suitharbor
Silk ties, winter knitwear, loafers, dress shoes and gift cards, all chosen to be worn rather than stored: find every gift in this guide in our Gifts for Him collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Christmas gift for a man who likes suits?
A quality silk tie is the safest choice because it needs no sizing and lifts every suit he owns. If you know his shoe size, black or brown oxfords are a lasting upgrade. For the biggest gesture, a gift card towards a custom-made suit lets him choose a suit built to his own measurements.
What can I buy a man if I don't know his clothing size?
Choose gifts with little or no sizing risk. Ties need no size at all, and a gift card lets him choose the item and size himself. Knitwear is fairly forgiving if you check a jumper he already owns. Avoid suits, tailored jackets, trousers and slim-fit shirts unless you know his exact measurements.
Are loafers a good Christmas gift for men?
Yes. Loafers are one of the most versatile gifts for a man who dresses well, because they work with suits, tailored trousers, chinos and smart denim. Suede tassel loafers suit smart-casual style, while black leather loafers suit formal and evening wear. You will need to know his shoe size.
Can I give a Suitharbor gift card towards a custom-made suit?
Yes. A Suitharbor gift card can be used towards a custom-made suit, which makes it an ideal way to give a suit without guessing his size. He discusses the fabric, design and details with our team, is measured, and receives a suit made for his proportions. Several people can contribute towards one gift.
How far in advance should I order a custom-made suit for Christmas?
Allow at least four weeks from consultation to delivery, and start earlier if you can. For a suit to wear on Christmas Day, begin in early to mid-November. If you are giving a gift card instead, he can start the custom process whenever suits him, even in the new year.
