The best shops in the West Loop

You've likely seen the likes of Stock Mfg. Co in places like Esquire, Refinery29 and GQ, and for good reason. The previously online-only men's clothing and accessories company has become known for its fashionable, well-made and reasonably priced designs, created in its local Garfield Park warehouse. The brand recently opened its new West Fulton Market storefront in April 2015, so you can try the quality goodness for yourself in the flesh.    Because the shop is a bit off the beaten path, the brand made sure it's well worth the trip—delivering an unforgettable personal experience—half lounge, half shop. You can shoot pool at the vintage AMF table, and enjoy a complimentary brew or two, in addition to shopping the latest in menswear. 

This monthly, European-style vintage market sets itself apart with one word: variety. There's something for everyone (with monthly indoor-outdoor dates May through September and indoor-only markets the rest of the year). We're talking furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles and more in booths separated into categories within the market: Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market and Modern Vintage. 

This Near West Side shop may cater to triathaloners—swimmer, bikers, runners—but there’s something for every level of athlete. It sells bikes for commuters and racers, plus offers tune-ups and adjustments galore. Swimmers can sort through wetsuits, goggles, and swim caps, while runners can try on clothing and shoes. As the shop’s community grows, keep an eye out for group training events, educational workshops and social mixers.

Zach Uttich is a man who knows his suits. From the time he started reading his mother’s Vanity Fair magazines as a child, he became enthralled with tailored clothing. Fast forward a couple decades, after successful stints at places like Mark Shale and Suit Supply, he went out on his own to open his West Loop suit shop, which offers custom suiting, jackets, trousers, shirts and waistcoats in fabrics from Loro Piana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Thomas Mason, Vitale Barberis Canonico, E. Thomas, Reda, Albiate, Delfino, Distef & Quaregna. Custom two-piece suits start at $750, shirts at $165. By appointment only.   

Morlen Sinoway Atelier is the more chic, upscale version of Ikea, similarly enticing with mod designs, but more refined than its would be mass-produced counterpart. Home furnishings include the Blob Floor Luminaire, a discotheque garden lamp and its complementary blob wall lights and blob ceiling lights. Prices are available upon request, a sure warning for those who only buy home furnishings in the sale section of department stores, but for those willing to cough up something extra for something extra for their home, this is a shopper’s delight.

Not sure where to find the perfect baby, wedding or "just because" gift? You'll likely find it here at The Fig Tree. This West Loop spot has a charming selection of cards, baby clothing, toys, gifts for newlyweds, home decor,  jewelry and other novelties described as "fun, kitschy and sometimes actually useful."

This toy shop stocks familiar childhood favorites, puzzles galore and new games imported from Europe. Kids of every age group will find something they love, and the store even hosts family game nights and tournaments.

Known as a "Sur La Table without the 'tude" around the West Loop, this one-stop kitchen shop is a self-proclaimed "Candy Store for Chefs," and for good reason. Cookware, cutlery, bakeware, tools, smoking supplies, knife sets, and pretty much any gadget you've ever drooled over while watching Food Network—it's all here. The shop also offers knife, scissor and straight razor sharpening (starting at $3.50). You can also shop from your sofa on the store website, with free shipping on orders over $50.

A casual-chic neighborhood women's boutique, Tribeca has been a Chicago favorite for 17 years. The cheerful shop stocks an array of on-trend apparel, accessories and jewelry at a wide range of price points ($34–$200+) from brands like Susana Monaco, Dolce Vita, Yumi Kim and K. Amato. New styles are flown in weekly from NYC and LA, so you never know what you'll stumble upon.