By now you already know there is much more to Athens than ancient ruins and modern eateries. But what about its sartorial footprint? Greeks have always had a great appreciation for the male form and it still shows today in their men’s fashion brands and boutiques. From well-priced local designers to high-profile luxury labels, the Greek capital is home to plenty of cool shops for men who love style and appreciate craftsmanship.
Christakis Athens
The closest to a Jermyn Street shirtmaker the city has to offer, Christakis has been on the scene since 1947. The eponymous founder, a Constantinople-born tailor, is still alive and sometimes seen chatting to long-time customers and mentoring his grandchildren.
Christakis made a humble start in the basement of his now legendary store, but quickly grew in prestige and fame, attracting a select clientele of businessmen and politicos (the most famous being Constantine Karamanlis, “Greece’s De Gaulle” and the country’s best dressed statesman).
Christakis passed on the art of shirtmaking to his nephew (who remains senior cutter) and then his two grandchildren, Antonis and Christos. Two genteel young men who still furnish their old clientele with quaint products like smoking jackets and velvet slippers, alongside a new generation who dress and accessorize for the Instagram cognoscenti.
Insider tip: Ask the brothers to show you to the secret third floor. You’ll walk up the creaky wooden steps of a Harry-Potteresque staircase to find yourself in the old atelier where shirts and robes de chambre are sewn. A workshop that has barely changed since the forties, strewn with memories and filled with treasures.
Christakis: From humble tailor to city legend.
Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou
Make an Italian style statement at Mah Jong.
Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou
Mah Jong Boutique
Arguably the most elegant gent’s store in town, this Kolonaki institution has upgraded the style of many a politician and quite a few businessmen over the years. Mah Jong was founded way back in 1989 by Ilias Vlachakis, an avid sailor, part-time architect and devout foodie (you’ll find imported artisanal pasta from Naples alongside the cashmere suits). Mah Jong rests on two philosophical pillars: excellent, personalised service and relaxed understated elegance. Team Vincenzo di Ruggiero shirts and Pantherella socks with butter soft Aida Barni knitwear, graphic Roda neckwear and the finest Tramontano travelwear (to name but a few brands showcased here). Artisanal brands like Kiton of Naples and the London cobbler John Lobb (the “Bentley & Rolls” of suiting and footwear respectively) hold regular trunk shows at the boutique, where they take measurements and deliver special orders for knowledgeable patrons of style.
Insider tip: On the fifth floor of the elegant Bauhaus building, Mah Jong also has an exclusive showroom and fitting room for special clients. In the comfort of art deco furniture and rare kilims, surrounded by boys’ toys like exquisite wooden models of Riva speedboats, special customers can enjoy a drink while they get measured for a beautiful suit.
Truman Clothiers
One of Athens’ best kept secrets for men’s shopping, Truman is slightly hidden on the elevated ground floor of a walkway, a stone’s throw from Syntagma Square. Truman may not boast the refinement of stores like Bespoke Athens and Mah Jong, but it has two great qualities. Firstly, its innate sense of style: everything is modern and effortlessly chic. Pick up any item and you’re guaranteed a contemporary cut combined with a classic look and feel. No nonsense and no surprises. The second asset are the prices. Starting at €600, you can order a made-to-measure, unconstructed light wool blazer in sophisticated hues like terracotta, racing green and taupe that will instantly upgrade your summer style.
Not interested in suits? This is a great place to head to if you want to raise your vacation game to a more Athens Riviera-worthy level with, say, a pair of tapered chinos in pastel colours, a slim fitting polo shirt, and maybe a pair of box fresh white leather sneakers. Apart from pret-a-porter and made-to-measure suiting and shirting, Truman also offers a nice selection of accessories such as Ripa Ripa swimwear, The Bespoke Dudes eyewear, and Filson watches and bags.
Insider tip: While you’re there, check what’s on offer in the basement boutique, EDC (Every Day Carry), which carries a wide selection of accessories for travellers. My personal favourites are the round Il Bussetto coin pouches, handmade in Florence.
If you're looking for modern classic, this is where it's at.
Courtesy: Truman Clothiers
The eyes have it at Tartaras.
Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou
Tartaras Eyewear & Optometry
Are you visiting the sunniest capital in Europe without proper shades? Tartaras is an unimpeachably stylish boutique and optometry practice in the heart of Athens. Founded in the 70s, the boutique is now helmed by the original owners’ sons, Antonis and Thanassis, two very different but equally charming brothers with a genuine passion for eyewear. Stop by for rare, handmade and limited edition French and Japanese brands such as Gouverneur Audigier (founded 1873), Masunaga (since 1905), Jacques Marie - Mage, and Anne et Valentin. Materials range from gold plated titanium (ask for the brand Leisure Society) to horn from organically reared water buffalo (by Rigards). The odd vintage RayBan can also be found in the lower drawers of the elegant cabinets.
The apartment block housing the store was built in 1936, adjacent to the French Embassy and has housed numerous luminaries including famed actress Melina Mercouri. Combining early industrial and medical furniture with bright yellow steel mesh and naked brickwear from the listed building’s entrails, the interior architecture of the store is reason alone to visit.
Insider tip: Should you find yourself in the plush Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni, check out the Après Ski boutique. Sister to the Tartaras flagship, this concept store carries designer eyewear, as well as a chic selection of cosmetics, beach towels and sumer accessories such as leather sandals and Panama hats.
Bespoke Athens
Founded in 2004 by pathological perfectionist Vassilis Bourtsalas, Bespoke Athens is (as the name suggests) an address for top-notch gentlemen’s tailoring. Conceived as a time capsule to preserve the last of the old school Greek tailors, Bespoke Athens has morphed into a vestiary style lab with international reach. Master tailors such as Valentino Ricci of Sciamat and Gennaro Annunziata of Chiaia Napoli visit regularly and suits are flown back and forth from Italy for a discerning Greek and global clientele.
Only passing through Athens? Bespoke Athens also does a charming selection of men’s accessories, from silk pochettes by the Parisian maison Charvet to the handmade beauties of Dolcepunta, Italian king of neckties. Looking for a total makeover? Go for the signature look at this temple to timeless style: grey pleated woollen trousers, wide lapelled blue blazers with a dramatic silhouette, Bengal stripe shirts and muted cashmere ties. Don’t forget to cap it off with a crisp linen pocket square.
Insider tip: At the adjacent shirt atelier, customers can witness the cutting and stitching of shirts, made entirely by hand in the finest poplins.
Make a sartorial splash at Bespoke.
Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou