Gentleman's Box Review

What is Gentleman’s Box?

Gentleman’s Box is a monthly subscription service for men that delivers premium accessories, clothing, lifestyle, and tech items for the modern gent. Each monthly collection is curated to follow a specific and interesting theme. What makes these themes so compelling is how they exemplify a real gentleman, so that other men can lead by his example. Inside each box is a pamphlet that explains why Gentleman’s Box chose the theme, how to use the items provided and what men can do to become a better, more rounded gentleman in their daily lives.

Gentleman's Box offers a few subscription options that vary on price point. Choose from single item subscriptions (like 'sock of the month' or 'tie of the month' ) to box subscriptions (the classic box and the premium box). Gentleman’s Box also uniquely sells backdated boxes on their websites for guys who miss an event. In addition, they provide gift subscription options and special offerings for groomsmen.

• Gentleman’s Box is a men’s fashion and lifestyle subscription box service for modern gentlemen
• Each box follows an interesting theme that seeks to educate and inspire men to become better versions of themselves
• Items are hand selected; each item follows a general theme, and can often be paired in a box with another complimentary item
• Men can expect to receive high-quality items from brand names, with real leather, and a genuine commitment to providing quality and value
• These boxes make great packages for groomsmen or miscellaneous gifts 

Unboxing Gentleman’s Box

Unlike other subscription box services, Gentleman’s Box has paid a lot of attention to how they package and present their items. The unboxing process is to be savored and features small but important details, such as literature with a welcome note from the curator to tips on how to make the most of what you have received.

Each month contains advice on how to use products (which is especially useful if presented with something uncommon) along with general lifestyle tips that all men can appreciate. The tone is not condescending, and the quality of the box and printing is what you would expect for the price. I feel this is a gift that all men can benefit from, and the attention to detail exemplifies how a gentleman ought to act.

I received the Narrator classic box, which, while compact still contained a good number of items. Mine had five items, including a pair of Rutherford Sock So. socks, a Gentleman Collective tie bar (in the shape of a saxophone), G Fox & Co. wayfarer sunglasses, Soft Landing collar stays, and a deck of Seasons playing cards. 

My second box was from Gentleman's quarterly premium collection. Instead of being themed around a noteworthy man ( as they do with their Classic box) mine was themed around a city. My box had a London theme, with items inspired by the British city. The box included a Royal London watch, English Laundry Oxford Bleu Eau de Parfum, PX messenger bag, and a Gent Life silk tie.

A part of the box that’s likely overlooked and underappreciated is the pamphlet of information that comes packaged inside. Not only does it give a brief overview of the brand and product, it also gives tips, like what colors complement the accessory and how to appropriately pair the items.

The Review

As a Michiganer, I was excited to try Detroit-based Gentleman’s Box . Since their launch in 2014, they’ve been helping guys across the country up their style game. I’m an avid subscription product user, as it’s not only a way to receive a regular supply of everyday essentials (like toothbrushes and shaving products), but it's also a way to continually refresh my wardrobe with new, trendy items.

Gentleman’s Box offers two different boxes. The first is a monthly ‘Classic’ box, which contains four to six lifestyle and grooming products. These boxes are themed and curated around “noteworthy men,” and the products are “chosen in essence of the featured gentleman’s legacy.” Past boxes have been given enigmatic names like “King of Horror” or “Adored Activist,” and each box contains some background on the chosen man. It’s fun to put the puzzle together to discover who inspired the box.

The second box option is the Premium box. This new option is only available in limited quantities and you have to apply to subscribe. They only approve 50 memberships a day and the box is delivered quarterly. The price point is higher -- it clocks in at $100 a box -- but the quality and caliber of products are also higher.

The Classic Box

The classic Gentleman’s Box I received was titled, “Narrator,” inspired by an actor who hails from Memphis, Tenn., and served in the Air Force in the 1950s. He’s starred in everything from The Shawshank Redemption to Million Dollar Baby...It didn't take me long to discover my box's inspiration -- Morgan Freeman! Inspired by the great narrator, himself, I was pleasantly surprised at the box’s variety and value.

First up, was the Rutherford Sock Co. socks. They’re black and adorned with yellow polka dots. While polka dotted socks aren’t usually the look I rock, they were so darn cozy I couldn’t not wear them. Plus, the cuff at the top had just the right amount of elastic to keep them up all day without cutting off my circulation.

The box also included Soft Landing collar stays -- essentially the upgrade to the flimsy plastic ones that come with your dress shirts. They came in three different sizes (2.25 inches, 2.5 inches and 2.75 inches) and they were of really nice quality. I’ll be swapping these in for formal occasions.

I quite enjoyed the G Fox & Co wayfarer sunglasses with UV protection. For a pair of (noted) $25 sunglasses, the build was solid and they arrived in great condition. I’ll be adding them to my bag for my European summer adventures.

The hidden gem of the box was the Seasons playing cards. These aren’t just any cards, they’re beautifully designed and of excellent quality. They’ll definitely bring some class to poker nights.

Last, but not least, my favorite item was the saxophone-shaped tie bar. This tie is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and most definitely a conversation starter. Regardless of if you’re into jazz, this tie bar is a sure fire way to up your tie game while still showing your creative side.

The Premium Box

I received the first quarter Premium Box which had a value of $450 and was themed around London. Fittingly, the box included a Royal London watch -- mine featured a more rectangular shape (rather than the traditional circle) with a gold case and rich leather band. I felt mighty posh sporting it around town.

Building on the mother England theme, the box also featured an English Laundry fragrance. The “Oxford Bleu” eau de parfum is perfect for warmer days ahead. I loved the light, minty citrus top notes paired with the heavier base of vanilla and sandalwood. It’s a rich, sexy fragrance that should definitely be worked into your summer cologne rotation.

The Premium Box also included a Gent Life silk tie. Mine was a rich navy blue with blue flowers printed on it and it felt on par with my other luxury silk ties.

I really enjoyed the Anson belt that came with this box. It’s a micro-adjustment belt (meaning it ratchets with magnets instead of eyelets), which ensures the perfect fit, instead of trying to jockey between too loose and too tight. And, the blue canvas pairs perfectly with a wide range of outfits.

The PX Clothing messenger bag capstones the Premium Box. The literature states that styles and colors may vary, as mine came in gray and black canvas. It was big enough to hold my 13-inch laptop (with room to spare) and all my random accessories (charging cords, notebooks, and mirrorless camera). I especially loved the smaller outer pocket -- perfect for stashing my phone or quick-grab items (like a boarding pass or metro ticket) when you're on-the-go.

I thought the Premium Box was an excellent value. It is a stylish step up from the standard subscription box,  ideal for guys looking for trendy, luxury finds.

All in all, I was extremely pleased with the Classic and the Premium boxes. I feel that they provide a lot of value, both regarding what is physically delivered to your door, and what is given to you in the literature. It is evident that careful consideration and time was put into each Gentleman’s Box delivery. 

Cost

Gentleman’s Box offers multiple purchasing options. In addition to the $25 Classic Box (pro-tip: the annual subscription will drop the price of each box to $23) and the $100 Premium Box, you can also sign up for their $12 Sock of the Month or $15 Tie of the Month subscriptions. These single-item subscriptions are a great way to build up your tie and belt collection without breaking the bank. Classic Boxes are also available to purchase after they are released, which is especially useful if you miss a month.

For gifting options, customers have the choice to gift three, six, or 12- month subscriptions for $75, $150 or $275 (The 12-month includes one free box). For groomsmen gifts, there are three box options priced at $30, $45 and $60. 

How to Subscribe

To subscribe, visitors should visit GentlemansBox.com, and determine if they want to ‘Join,’ or ‘Gift’ a subscription box. Unlike other service providers, there is no questionnaire to fill in with preferences. Each monthly box is largely the same for each recipient (styles or colors may vary) and is based instead on a unique monthly theme. People who sign up for a gift service will select a three, six or nine-month subscription and pay in total at the checkout.

For the Premium Box, you have to fill out a short questionnaire to be accepted before you can add the box to your cart. Expect questions like “How would you rate your style” (from 1-10), and “How many days a week do you wear ties?”

Managing Your Subscription

Once you have signed up for your subscription, you can manage your service by logging into the website. This is a simple area that uses Facebook or email authentication and will store your payment information securely. People who gift a box will expect to see their shipments go out for the number of months requested. You can cancel a monthly subscription at any time via the ‘My Account’ portal on the website although cutoff dates apply.

From here, you can:

• Change your frequency or subscription information
• Order new items or cancel a subscription

Is Gentleman's Box Worth It? THE VERDICT: Yes

Gentleman’s Box surprised me. Their unique and useful selection of themed items came through in value and style. I felt that for their price, both the Classic and Premium Box over delivered, and I was happily surprised by some of the products. The boxes are a great way to expand your style horizons and add new accessories, patterns and products to your wardrobe -- that you might not have tried otherwise.

Without Gentleman’s Box, I would have never found a saxophone-shaped tie bar or thought to upgrade my battered playing card set. And, with the Premium Box, it was nice to “treat yo self” with higher quality products than I usually opt for at a decidedly lower price than what they’re valued at. Gentleman’s Box also allows you to refresh and update your look on a monthly and seasonal basis without actually going to the store, helping you look fresh without spending time and energy on shopping.

Gentleman’s Box Competitors

• Read Birchbox Review
• Read Sprezzabox Review
• Read Bespoke Post Review

Deals, Coupons, and Promo Codes

• STYLEMENS = $15 off first box
• FB10 = $10 off first box