You might have seen frightening Black Friday footage of a grown woman wrestling a TV from a child in Minnesota and thought it wasn't your cup of tea, but there are plenty of non-violent ways to get a good deal.
Obviously we're going to lay it all out below for you, but first we must stress the importance of – you guessed it – shopping online. While we miss the aromas of overpriced candles in designer stores, and the crisp paper bags that come with even the most entry-level of purchases, we don't miss the stress that comes with queues or limited in-store stock. Quite frankly, we wouldn't even toy with the idea of heading to the IRL shops on November 24 when it's much easier to shop from your sofa.
Those smart enough to avoid the 7am Oxford Street queues (tents were involved in some cases) have been skipping Black Friday pavement pounding for years. The preferred method usually involves an iPad/laptop that allows one to double screen to their heart's content – meaning you can pick up some new Prada boots while your boss is berating you over Slack, or from the comfort of your couch with Netflix flickering in the background. Then, of course, there's the modern delight that is smartphone browsing: you could be adding new swag to basket while you're making that third cup of coffee or, er, in the loo. And that's as sexy as online shopping gets.
Which brands take part in Black Friday?
Not many are blessed with enough commercial discernment as to skip Black Friday altogether. However, there are some high-end fashion houses that choose to rise above it, which is why you'll notice their absence in department stores' line ups.
Although many of these luxury retailers, Selfridges and Matches included, don't label their discounts with the official Black Friday tag, they usually have some sort of offer available – which obviously has nothing whatsoever to do with the global event. In general, high street stores are expected to play ball, but some brands, like Arket, have been known to opt out for sustainability reasons.
Here's a list of the retailers we're expecting to take part in Black Friday 2023:
Black Friday designer men's fashion deals:
Mr. Porter
Mr Porter's Black Friday sale isn't a given. Back in 2019, the luxury e-tailer took a hiatus from the event, only to return – generous discounts in tow – the November after. Luckily, we're seeing much of the same for 2023.
Mr Porter launched its sale four days early for 2023, with a generous 30 per cent off new season pieces in its warm-up event. Now, for the big day, we're seeing discounts of up to 50 per cent. Here's what on our wishlist:
Selfridges
Though not technically a 'Black Friday' sale, the London luxury retailer usually drops its annual 'Christmas Come Early' sale over the exact same weekend.
With a growing menswear offering that includes everything from NEWGEN brands Martine Rose and Wales Bonner to high end labels Loewe and Gucci, the sartorially-minded won't be disappointed.
Matches
Apparently Matches doesn't do Black Friday, but they often have a 'Friends and Family' sale over the same weekend. Whatever they're calling it is fine by us, because the brands stocked by the retailer are some of the best – and they're offering 30 per cent off selected pieces when you use the code 'MATCHES30'.
Farfetch
In the past, Farfetch has delivered on the discounts, with customers snapping up designer pieces for up to 50 per cent off. For 2023, there's an extra 20% off existing sale stock.
LuisaViaRoma
LuisaViaRoma's Black Friday sale is one of the best. Whilst some marketplaces seem to shove the end-of-season runts of the litter into the sale, the Italian retailer typically includes seriously coveted new-in pieces, instead. For 2023, use the code BF40 for 40% off selected new-season lines.
END. Clothing
END has dropped a blanket discount of 20 per cent off everything on the site (beware: some brands are excluded, the usual culprits as you can imagine). These are the best kind of deals, if you ask us, because there's a chance to get new-season items at their cheapest. This reduction is normally applied automatically once you reach the checkout.
The brand is a big fan of full-price promos, but it also has a decent clearance sale available pretty much all year round. On Black Friday, it's even better thanks to the extra discount – so if the new-season reductions aren't quite doing it for you, you're bound to find bargains at up to 60 per cent off in there. Be warned: you need to be prepared to get down and dirty with a hefty scroll through countless sale pages. Do yourself a favour and shop our edit instead.
SSENSE
We're sure you're familiar with Canadian fashion retailer SSENSE, which stocks a range of cool, younger brands alongside the household names (and if not, when better to become acquainted than Black Friday?). This year, the e-tailer has launched its sale – which sees the price of thousands of items cut by up to 50 per cent – a few days early.
Flannels
This year, Flannels' Black Friday offering isn't exactly straightforward. If you spent £500 you'd receive a £100 voucher, with the maximum credit available being £200 (so, if you spend a grand, you'll have both a diminished bank balance and two £100 vouchers). Just to clarify, this was not a 20 per cent off/minimum spend situation, and the voucher was eligible for 'future' purchases only.
Paul Smith
Whilst menswear expert Paul Smith doesn’t always participate in the sales (back in 2021 the British designer withdrew from Black Friday altogether), last year the designer returned with code that provided 25 per cent off for the duration of the weekend. This November, the brand is back with an even better deal of 30 per cent off selected lines when you use the code 'BLACKFRIDAY' at checkout.
Everything by the British label is expertly crafted in luxurious fabrics, from leather goods to outerwear and tailoring. The only problem? Whittling down the extensive range of products to your favourites – but fret not, because we've taken the liberty of editing them down for you. Browse our top pick below.
Black Friday high street men's fashion deals:
Amazon
Not your normal fashion go-to, but the Black Friday daddy does big discounts on everything from staples to luggage to watches. There's usually up to 70 per cent off men's fashion, watches and footwear from the likes of Carhartt, Puma and Nike.
For 2023, ASOS has reduced literally everything on its site by up to 70 per cent for Black Friday. And if last year's event is anything to go by, extra discounts will released closer to the weekend.
AllSaints has always been a fan of Black Friday: the retailer has offered up a generous 30 per cent blanket discount for the past five years and 2023 is no different.
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John Lewis
John Lewis has kicked off things a week early for Black Friday. In the warm up event, there's currently 20% off selected lines – including knitwear and coats – and up to 30% off brands like Ted Baker, Gant and Barbour.
Men's sportswear Black Friday deals:
Nike
The biggest name in sportswear also has one of the biggest sales. There's 25 per cent off everything – including full price and clearance items – using the code START23.
Lululemon
Yes, the yoga Moms' mecca does menswear now. It's pretty good stuff, but it comes at a price – so when better to take the plunge than Black Friday? There's currently up to 50 per cent off the menswear section.
Adidas
Get a jump on your New Year's fitness resolutions with discounts at Adidas. Whether you're in the market for new running trainers or a matching two-piece training set, for Black Friday the sportswear specialist usually discounts selected products across their entire men's range.
Reebok
Reebok released one of the most comprehensive sales last year with up to 65 per cent off more than 3,000 products, from trainers to track tops. This year, the event sees stock reduced by up to 50%.
What should I buy on Black Friday?
First up, it's the final weekend before December's festivities begin, so if you've got any parties on the horizon then it's a great time to stockpile partywear – silk shirts, pleated trousers and smart shoes, included.
Then, staple pieces that you'll wear time and time again are always a good investment. When the big dogs like Browns, END Clothing and Selfridges are offering up to 70 per cent off luxury labels, it's the best time to splash out on brands that usually seem a touch too expensive. Look out for quality knitwear, premium denim and elevated basics to take your day-to-day attire to the next level.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday and its sibling holiday Cyber Monday have gathered momentum, travelling across the pond to the UK in the last decade. The festival of capitalism began when bored and turkey-filled Americans ventured out after Thanksgiving to spend their holiday shopping, rather than with their loved ones. It's now the biggest retail day of the year, overtaking Boxing Day as the ultimate sales event – makes sense, really, since by 26 December we're all skint and slumped in a post-Christmas food coma.
When is Black Friday 2023?
Determined by Thanksgiving dates in the US, Black Friday always falls on the fourth weekend of November which, this year, is the 25th. Unlike flash tech deals, fashion sales are likely to last longer than one day, probably through the weekend and until midnight on Cyber Monday.
