DC Stroll: The Menswear Miracle Mile

Acceptable Metro stations:
Dupont Circle (Red)
Farragut West (Blue/Orange)

Begin at the Jos. A. Bank flagship location at 19th and M NW.  As usual, don't buy for a discount of less than 66% off the MSRP.

Out the door, to the left one long block and across Connecticut Ave to Brooks Brothers.  I mostly go here to grope the various fabrics and teach myself more about the kids of textures I like.  They also have nice ideas for shoes, plus the occasional decent necktie sale. 

Out the door, straight ahead across 19th to Burberry.  Lust after the trench coats and leave without buying anything. 

Out the door, straight ahead across Connecticut again to Johnston & Murphy.  Get a great shoe shine for $10 plus tip, which will be well-earned.  Grab a casual shoe on clearance if it grabs you back.

Out the door, to the right, down a ways, there's a Gap on your right, worth breezing through the clearance rack.

Out the door, to the right, pass by the Men's Wearhouse without entering. 

On your right, Charles Tyrwhitt.  Overall, a slightly better value proposition than Paul Fredrick, I think, but just barely.  Nice to be able to grope the material in store rather than through mail-order.

Cross back over Connecticut Ave and hang a left.  Allen Edmonds store on your right.  I need say nothing more, although they tend to overstock weird shoes and understock cordovan.  A good way to get your AE size, in any event.

Out the door, turn right, and Thomas Pink has a storefront in the Mayflower (natch).  Marvel at the striking colors.  Consider buying one of their tuxedo shirts.

Pop in to their bar for a tonic water.  You've earned it.  Pour out a little bit for Filene's Basement, which used to be just north of you, across the street.

Back out the door onto Conn Ave, hang a left, then right on L Street.  Down a block and change, on your right, one of the few remaining J. Press retail locations in the world.  I can't afford jack squat here but love to caress the tweeds anyway.

For your victory lap, hop a taxi to the Alden store near Metro Center.