If you’re here, you know a thing or two about style already.
You may have already established yourself as the most fashionable guy in the office. But we both know how hard it is to stay on top of your fashion game when you work long hours.
So how are you going to defend your title as the most stylish guy?
As it turns out, it’s not hard to keep your outfits looking new and fresh. It’s all in the details.
That’s where Gentleman’s Box comes in.
They aim to outfit guys with new stylish accessories every month, and they even offer a quarterly subscription with some big-ticket items every guy needs.
I tried out two of the brand’s Classic boxes for this review.
Were they able to pack worthwhile products, or are they just another subscription company filling packages with bargain-basement deals?
Keep reading to see my full review.
What is Gentleman’s Box?
John Haji, the founder of Gentleman’s Box, worked in the automotive industry years ago. A lifelong lover of fashion, long hours at work meant he was having trouble keeping his style game on par.
While visiting a friend, John came upon Birchbox, a grooming and skin-care subscription.
What if there was a way, he thought, to deliver classy accessories to guys who just don’t have the time?
The idea for Gentleman’s Box was born.
The company launched in the Spring of 2014 and has been delivering men’s accessories ever since.
Haji has made a simple promise that’s helped the steady growth of his subscription service—every Gentleman’s Box offers at least three times the value of what it costs.
Not only that, but every subscriber also gets a 1-year subscription to GQ magazine on signing up. Not a bad perk.
There are two subscription options:
Gentleman’s Box Classic Subscription
Gentleman’s Box has a new release every month based on a famous gentleman. Whether it’s Jack Nicholson or Jason Momoa, these packages are filled with little details that paint a dapper picture.
Generally, the Classic subscription features a tie and a pair of socks. Beyond that, you’ll find cufflinks, tie-bars, lapel pins, bracelets, headphones—the small things that busy guys love but never find the time to buy.
Gentleman’s Box packs impressive value in their Classic subscription.
While I’ve had experience with tons of other subscription services, GB is at the very top of the list for building a theme and delivering quality with nearly every item.
Gentleman’s Box Premium Subscription
For those that want access to even more high quality accessories, Gentleman’s Box offers a premium subscription, too. It’s delivered quarterly rather than monthly and is packed with a few high-end goodies.
Featuring four to six items, the Premium box still keeps the 3x value promise. These items are high-end accessories—the kind of details that make a truly distinguished man.
To get the scoop, check out my review of the Gentleman’s Box Premium subscription here.
Gentleman’s Box delivered big value going for quality over quantity, and while some items could have used more attention to detail, this package helps complete the image of the modern gentleman.
Gentleman’s Box Classic Review
Game Show Host (October 2020)
My latest delivery (October 2020) from Gentleman’s Box is called Game Show Host, and it honors Alex Trebek, the host of Jeopardy!, which I’m surprisingly good at.
The delivery is a timely tribute, as just a few weeks after my box arrived, Trebek passed away in his battle with pancreatic cancer.
All of this month’s accessories are variations on purple, the color for pancreatic cancer awareness.
Mr. Usher Socks
Part of the fun of subscription boxes is learning about new brands. Mr. Usher is an excellent concept: socks, ties, and masks with motifs that represent scenes from famous movies.
This edition of Gentleman’s Box features a pair of their purple polka-dotted socks and knitted tie. The packaging for the socks asks you to guess the film, and after doing my research, I have no idea what film these socks are meant to represent.
It’s a little maddening, to be honest.
As far as the socks go, they’re an 80% cotton blend—not especially well made, but I’m willing to bet you don’t have anything else like them.
Through my experience with Gentleman’s Box, I’ve found that while the quality of the items never blow me away with their quality, they’re always fun, stylish, and unique.
Mr. Usher Tie
The accompanying tie from Mr. Usher feels much nicer than the socks. It’s a thick polyester knit for a relaxed, classy look.
After several deliveries from the Gent’s, I’m proud of my tie collection. I don’t think I would’ve picked up a purple tie in store, but because this has a stylish slim cut and is decently made with thick fabric, it’s the perfect compliment to a few outfits.
I wouldn’t subscribe to Gentleman’s Box if you’re looking to build out a collection of routine ties that have universal appeal. I doubt I’ll be getting a black tie from them any time soon. And that’s great. I love the surprise of a new interesting tie every month, especially when the color pushes me out of my comfort zone.
Nectar Sunglasses
The Game Show Host also came packed with a pair of Nectar sunglasses, valued at $45 retail.
Made with polycarbonate, these are lightweight and scratch resistant frames. The lenses are very dark, offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and are polarized so they’re perfect for driving or when you’re near water.
I’ll be using these as beater sunglasses—the polycarbonate frame doesn’t have the same rich feeling as acetate, but it’s much more scratch resistant. Pair that with the powerful, protective sun-blocking lenses, and you have a set of shades meant for taking that dive in your next beach volleyball match.
Oak & Stone Tie Clip and Mr. Lapel Pin
Just like I’ve been building out my tie collection, I’m also starting to get a solid tie-bar set. My latest pickup is the knot tie clip from Oak & Stone.
Like all Gentleman’s Box accessories, these are meant for more casual events. They’re really best suited for folks who want to wear something unique and fun to the office.
To finish off the box, I also got a purple lapel flower from Mr. Lapel. I can’t see myself wearing this too often because I’m not really a lapel guy, but it’s a great way to bring all the accessories together.
Gentleman’s Box packs impressive value in their Classic subscription.
While I’ve had experience with tons of other subscription services, GB is at the very top of the list for building a theme and delivering quality with nearly every item.
Irish Boss (February 2020)
Packaging
Gentleman’s Box makes a special effort to have each box feel like an experience.
And on first impression, that’s no different at the brand’s lower priced Classic tier.
You’re not just getting a bunch of things stuffed inside a piece of cardboard. It’s obvious that the GB team has built a curated and thematically linked collection.
How?
Well, they include a small booklet that tells you the inspiration behind that month’s collection. February’s box was “Irish Boss”, in honor of Cillian Murphy.
The booklet has more information on all the included brands, ideas on how to wear your new accessories, date night ideas, quotes, member profiles, and exclusive deals.
Prior to the February Classic Box, I’d only tried the Fall Premium delivery. I was impressed with the booklet included in the Premium box, but at ~$70 less, I wasn’t expecting to see the same packaging quality in the Classic Box each month.
It’s a classy touch.
Gentleman’s Collective Tie
The first thing that jumped out at me was the Gentleman’s Collective tie. I think it’s safe to say that ties are the most prominent accessory in a man’s wardrobe. A close second is the watch, followed by socks.
But if you’re wearing a tie, it’s usually the first thing people notice.
That said, you can’t skimp on it. Even if you’re wearing a finely tailored suit, a bunk tie will lower the perceived quality of your whole look.
Gentleman’s Collective has done a nice job with their blue, white, with a dash of green tartan pattern.
The tie is 100% cotton, and thick cotton, too. This is an excellent delivery in the middle of winter and would look fantastic paired with any wool suit, and would crush it against a camel hair coat or heavy pea-coat.
Gentlemen of the North Socks
Gentleman’s Box also loaded the February edition up with some Gentlemen of the North grey and navy polka dot socks.
These socks aren’t exceptional quality—they’re pretty run of the mill—but I love that they match the tie, pocket square, and lapel flower.
Unless you’re in middle school and it’s crazy sock day, you don’t want your socks to stand out. Now that doesn’t mean you should opt for solid colors all the time—polka dot, stripes, and fun patterns are fine, but the colors should complement the rest of your outfit. Neon green socks for kicks and giggles doesn’t cut it.
I’ll likely be saving these socks for the days when I wear these accessories all together.
Lord of Ties Pocket Square
Lord of Ties packs in a navy and silver pocket square with yet another fun but non-distracting pattern.
The pocket square is one of those unique touches that few guys make use of. They’re highly recommended for weddings and other events. But having one tag along when you’re going to the office will surely win you “best dressed” at the company holiday party.
I’m a big fan of pocket squares because they’re small dashes of personality in what may otherwise be a boring suit.
Lord of Ties makes a solid pocket square and I’ll be using it as a dash of color for years to come.
Lord of Ties Lapel Flower
Here’s something I don’t have—a lapel flower.
Well, actually, I do now.
While the lapel flower (or boutonniere) never really went out of style, it’s making a big comeback in office attire.
This grey felt flower is a fun accessory that’s appropriate in just about any situation where you’d wear a suit. Again, it matches perfectly with the socks, tie, and pocket square.
Windsor Tie Co. Tie Bar
To round out the box, Gentleman’s Box sent along a paper clip tie bar.
This detail brings me to the thing I like most about GB. They could’ve sent along a safe silver tie bar (of which I already own two). And you know what? I wouldn’t have been upset, but I probably wouldn’t have ever used it.
But with the paper clip tie bar, they’re making a statement. Obviously, you’re not going to wear this tie bar to a funeral or anything, but it’s the perfect playful accessory for wearing to the office.
Sure, you won’t wear it all the time—maybe not even once a week.
But there are going to be some days when you suit up and this tie bar is the perfect option.
I like that Gentleman’s Box isn’t afraid of doling out some accessories that are on the playful side. Dressing well doesn’t mean you have to look like a super-serious GQ model all the time. It’s just as important to let loose every once in a while, too.
My Overall Thoughts on Gentleman’s Box Classic
What I Like
There were five items and four patterns. Paired with a simple blue suit and white shirt, these accessories will add all the flair I need for a killer outfit.
The overall value for the Classic subscription is excellent (at least for this box). I’ll get use out of every item well beyond the pretty reasonable price paid.
The accessories all match very well. Again, when you put these all together, they really make the outfit.
Gentleman’s Box isn’t just about the products they put in the package—with their unique guidebook packaging, they’re clearly committed to being a resource for Gentlemen everywhere.
What I Don’t Like
I’m not sure how long the socks will last. I’ll probably only wear them when I’m wearing the other accessories because I don’t want them to wear out too soon.
The Verdict
Gentleman’s Box packs impressive value in their Classic subscription.
While I’ve had experience with tons of other subscription services, GB is at the very top of the list for building a theme and delivering quality with nearly every item.
If you ever wear a suit and have a simple, solid colored shirt, this delivery is like an outfit in a box.
I paired these accessories with a simple blue suit and white shirt, but it looked like I put a ton of thought and effort into my outfit.
I didn’t. Gentleman’s Box did.
If you’re on a budget or not quite ready to stump up for the Premium box, I recommend picking up a Classic box and giving the Gent a try.
Gentleman’s Box packs impressive value in their Classic subscription.
While I’ve had experience with tons of other subscription services, GB is at the very top of the list for building a theme and delivering quality with nearly every item.
FAQs
What comes in Gentleman’s Box?
Gentleman’s Box Classic subscription usually comes with a tie, tie-bar, socks, and a lapel pin. There’s always one other accessory that changes month to month, like headphones or sunglasses, but the other stay the same. All accessories match and are centered around a theme.
How do I cancel Gentleman’s Box?
Call to cancel. Your request needs to be done at latest before noon EST the day before you’re billed.