If you love practical, well-made clothing that looks sharp without being stuffy, you're probably already a fan of Universal Works. The British brand is a master at creating modern workwear, blending timeless style with everyday function through pieces like relaxed chinos and perfect overshirts.
For those who appreciate Universal Works' understated, versatile approach to menswear, we've found 18 other brands that nail that same work-to-weekend vibe. From rugged heritage labels to minimalist modern essentials, here are the brands you should check out next.
For a dose of Parisian chic in your workwear, look no further than A.P.C. The French brand is celebrated for its minimalist aesthetic, delivering ultra-clean chinos, sleek denim, and timeless jackets. Their pieces embody that coveted effortless style, looking perfectly put-together without trying too hard.
Think of A.P.C. as Universal Works' more refined, city-dwelling cousin. While both brands focus on high-quality, durable men's clothing, A.P.C. leans into a sleeker, more polished feel. It's the perfect choice if you want workwear-inspired basics with a sophisticated European edge.
Shop now at apc-us.com
Carhartt WIP (Work in Progress) takes the rugged, durable DNA of the original Carhartt and adapts it for a streetwear-savvy audience. You'll find iconic pieces like the heavyweight Detroit Jacket and sturdy cargo pants, all made with their famously tough fabrics but cut for a more modern, fashion-conscious fit.
While Universal Works offers a more understated and refined take on workwear, Carhartt WIP brings a raw, urban attitude. If you're looking for workwear with undeniable street cred that's built to last, this is your brand.
Shop now at carhartt-wip.com
An American workwear original, Stan Ray is all about authentic, no-frills functionality. Founded in Texas in the '70s, the brand is best known for its durable painter pants, fatigue shorts, and chore coats. Their designs are tough, roomy, and unapologetically utilitarian.
Compared to the contemporary tailoring of Universal Works, Stan Ray offers a more traditional, vintage workwear feel. It’s perfect for anyone who wants authentic, hardwearing pieces that look like they came straight from a classic American workshop.
Shop now at stanray.com
Filson makes gear that is absolutely uncompromising in its toughness. Famous for its oil-finished "Tin Cloth" jackets and heavy-duty twill bags, this brand is built for the outdoors and will likely outlive you. It’s the kind of clothing made for adventure, not just looking the part.
Where Universal Works creates clothing for the modern city, Filson creates gear for tackling the elements. If you need ultimate durability and weather resistance in your workwear, Filson is the gold standard.
Shop now at filson.com
While known for its premium, sustainable denim, Nudie Jeans also offers a fantastic collection of casual wear with a clear workwear influence. From sturdy-yet-soft chore jackets to organic cotton shirts, their pieces are built with quality and sustainability at their core.
Similar to Universal Works, Nudie is dedicated to quality fabrics and timeless design principles. However, Nudie has a strong denim-centric focus with an added emphasis on ethical production and free repairs for life, making them a fantastic choice for the eco-conscious shopper.
Shop now at nudiejeans.com
Everlane has built its reputation on transparency and modern basics. They offer a great selection of workwear-inspired staples like chinos, henleys, and chore jackets, all with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Their commitment to ethical factories and clear pricing makes them an easy brand to support.
Think of Everlane as a slightly more minimalist and accessibly-priced alternative. Both brands offer versatile, well-made staples, but Everlane's vibe is slick and modern, ideal for building a streamlined capsule wardrobe.
Shop now at everlane.com
John Elliott takes relaxed fits and injects them with a dose of Los Angeles luxury. The brand is known for its incredible fabrics and fashion-forward approach to everyday essentials, including elevated utility jackets and modern cargo pants.
If you love the modern approach of Universal Works but crave something with more of a high-fashion, streetwear twist, John Elliott is the perfect upgrade. The silhouettes are more daring and the materials are even more luxurious, offering a cool, elevated take on workwear.
Shop now at johnelliott.com
RRL (pronounced "Double RL") is Ralph Lauren's tribute to the American West and vintage workwear. The brand offers premium, heritage-inspired pieces like rugged flannel shirts, distressed denim, and leather jackets, all built with an incredible eye for authentic detail and high-end craftsmanship.
While Universal Works is modern and British, RRL is pure Americana heritage. If you appreciate the quality of Universal Works but prefer a rugged, vintage aesthetic that feels plucked from a bygone era, RRL is an excellent choice.
Shop now at ralphlauren.com
Best known for its performance outdoor gear, Patagonia also makes some incredibly durable and functional workwear. Their Iron Forge Hemp Canvas jackets and shorts are designed to stand up to serious wear and tear, all while sticking to the brand's industry-leading sustainability standards.
Patagonia prioritizes performance in extreme conditions, while Universal Works is tailored more for everyday style. For workwear that is genuinely tough enough for hard labor and built with the planet in mind, Patagonia's Workwear line is unmatched.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Started by surf legend Kelly Slater, Outerknown is a brand built on sustainability and laid-back style. They use eco-friendly materials to create relaxed but handsome pieces like blanket shirts, workwear-inspired jackets, and comfortable chinos.
Outerknown shares Universal Works’ commitment to practical, quality clothing but with a distinct coastal, surf-inspired vibe. If you like your workwear with a side of beachy cool and a strong ethical backbone, you’ll love what Outerknown has to offer.
Shop now at outerknown.com
Rogue Territory is a haven for those who appreciate insane attention to detail. This American brand is known for its meticulously crafted denim and rugged workwear basics. Each piece, from their iconic supply jackets to their selvedge jeans, is made with heavy fabrics and artisanal care.
Compared to the broader appeal of Universal Works, Rogue Territory has more of a cult following among denim-heads and workwear purists. It’s for the person who geeks out over fabric origins, stitching details, and the beauty of handcrafted clothing.
Shop now at rogueterritory.com
Levi’s Made & Crafted is the premium arm of the classic denim brand, offering elevated takes on their iconic styles. Using top-tier fabrics from the world's best mills, this line features refined utility shirts, perfectly-cut chinos, and of course, a new and improved spin-off of the modern men’s jean staple.
This collection hits a similar sweet spot to Universal Works: blending classic, work-inspired silhouettes with modern craftsmanship and materials. It's a great option for familiar pieces executed at a higher level.
Shop now at levi.com
Coming from Stockholm, Filippa K brings a clean, Scandinavian minimalist approach to style. Their collections focus on timeless, functional pieces like streamlined overshirts and unstructured blazers that easily fit into a workwear-inspired wardrobe.
Filippa K and Universal Works share a love for high-quality, simple design. However, Filippa K's aesthetic is even more pared-back and minimalist, championing a modern, architecturally clean look that is unmistakably Scandinavian.
Shop now at filippa-k.com
For an ultra-luxurious take on workwear, Italian tailoring house Caruso is the ultimate destination. The brand artfully blends relaxed work silhouettes with the finest fabrics and impeccable, soft tailoring. Think beautifully draped trousers and unstructured jackets that feel as good as they look.
Caruso represents the high-end, sartorial version of the workwear trend. It swaps ruggedness for refinement, making it ideal for the person who loves the idea of a chore coat but wants it crafted with the precision of a Neapolitan suit.
Shop now at caruso.com
While primarily a legendary American footwear company, Alden's aesthetic perfectly complements a workwear wardrobe. Their iconic moc-toe "Indy" boot is a grail item for many, but they've also expanded into premium outerwear and apparel with a similar heritage feel.
Where Universal Works focuses on the entire outfit, Alden is all about the foundation: indestructible, beautiful boots and classic A-2 flight bomber jackets built to last a lifetime. This brand is for those who believe in buying fewer, better things - starting from the ground up.
Shop now at aldenfootwear.com
As one of America’s oldest outerwear brands, Woolrich knows a thing or two about making clothes for the cold. They specialize in heritage pieces like heavy wool flannel shirts, down-filled parkas, and rugged jackets that have been trusted for generations.
Woolrich is similar to Universal Works in its functional, durable approach but is much more focused on outdoor performance and cold-weather protection. If you need workwear that can handle a brutal winter, Woolrich has you covered.
Shop now at woolrich.com
No list of British heritage brands is complete without Barbour. Famous for its iconic waxed cotton jackets like the Beaufort and Bedale, Barbour offers timeless, practical outdoor wear that's become a staple of classic style.
Universal Works provides a modern, urban interpretation of British workwear, whereas Barbour embodies the traditional, countryside version. For classic, weatherproof outerwear with a royal warrant and over a century of history, Barbour is the go-to.
Shop now at barbour.com
Saturdays NYC effortlessly combines laid-back surf culture with a minimal, urban aesthetic. The result is a collection of understated and cool pieces like easy-going chinos, graphic tees, and perfect-fitting overshirts that are ideal for creative work environments.
Like Universal Works, this brand nails the modern, relaxed approach to menswear. However, Saturdays NYC is infused with a bit more of a downtown-New-York-meets-surfer vibe. It’s perfect for the guy who wants his wardrobe to be as stylish as it is comfortable.
Shop now at saturdaysnyc.com
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