The internet hasn’t killed off the mail-order catalog. Discover a list of popular mail order catalogs from direct-to-consumer clothing and home brands who are banking on physical snail-mail pieces as an analog way of standing out in the digital age.
What's Inside
Why Mail Order Catalogs Are Making a Comeback
Growing up, my mom was queen of the mail order catalog. I remember getting everything from the gigantic Sears and JC Penny Wishbooks to catalogs for tins of popcorn, Wolferman’s English Muffins and oranges from Florida.
I would have bet that mail-order catalogs would have been a casualty of the internet age. Yet as Black Friday rolls around each year, my household gets inundated with a stack of slick clothing, footwear, home goods and unique gift catalogs from longstanding popular retailers as well as digital native direct-to-consumer brands.
It turns out that rumors of the death of the mail order catalog have been greatly exaggerated.
There are 2 reasons why catalogs are making a comeback:
Brands increasingly have a problem getting in front of customers online.
The internet has made it easier than ever to start a direct-to-consumer e-commerce company, creating a crowded landscape of impressive entrepreneurs and innovative retail brands that makes it difficult to stand out.
Consumers find it increasingly difficult to keep up, even with their favorite brands.
Everyone is inundated by ads from brands over their social media channels. It’s getting harder and harder to keep up with email newsletters, sales and deals anymore. (Though I do my best to keep track of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and other seasonal online menswear deals and sales.)
And many shoppers want to be able to touch, feel and try on a brand’s offerings before making a purchase.
Snail mail catalogs are one strategy that enables digital retailers and innovative brands to stand out.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t open about 99% of the advertising emails I receive, but I will take at least a minute to browse a catalog that looks interesting that I receive in the mail. And if it looks really interesting, I might tear out a few pages and seed a couple of gift ideas for my family.
Popular Clothing Retailers Who Send Out Mail Order Catalogs
This is a list of some of the most popular mail order catalogs from fashion, clothing and lifestyle brands I’ve received. I have listed details on how to request a catalog if I could find them.
- Scheels – Since its founding in 1902 as a small general store by German immigrant Friedrich Scheele, the company has transformed over the years into a modern retailer that features one of the largest selections in the world of casual apparel, sporting goods, footwear and more. Scheels is one of hte largest employee-owned U.S. companies, and has over 30 locations across the heartland and southern United States. Scheel’s mail order catalog showcases its impressive selection of clothing brands for women, men and kids including Bombas, Vuori, Oliver Cabell, Liverpool, Mizzen and Main, Travis Matthew, UNRL, Beyond Yoga, Hoka, Allbirds, Under Armour, L.L. Bean, Nike, Cotopaxi and more. To get on Scheel’s catalog mailing list, try calling customer service at (701) 356-8264 or emailing the company via this online form.
- Amazon has been expanding its private-label fashion brands for men and women. (Check out Modern Fellows’ guide to Goodthreads and other Amazon Prime Brands for Men, and overview of Amazon Fashion Brands for Women including Lark and Ro.) Our family received two catalogs this year from Amazon: A fashion gift guide and a separate kids’ toy book, part of its efforts to develop into an omni-channel retailer.
- Anthropologie is a great alternative to J. Crew for flowy dresses and boho fashion. Request an Anthropologie catalog online.
- Ashro features African-inspired fashion for women. Request an Ashro mail-order catalog online.
- Bespoke Post offers “goods and guidance” via monthly subscription boxes. You can also purchase clothing and unique gifts a la carte. Bespoke Post sends out holiday catalogs. Try contacting Bespoke Post at help@bespokepost.com to request to be added to their snail mailing list.
- Bluffworks makes travel clothing for men and women made from technical fabrics, and sends mail order catalogs.
- Boden – British retailer Boden is a great alternative to J. Crew, and a fine example of a sustainable fashion brand committed to sustainable manufacturing practices. They are great about sending frequent snail mail catalogs. Request a Boden mail order catalog online.
- Bombas is a great place to find colorful socks for men and women and employs a “buy one give one” model where they donate one pair of socks for every pair purchased. I’ve received several Bombas mailers, which have included coupon codes. Try contacting Bombas to get on their physical mailing list.
- Bonobos has grown into one of my favorite all-around destinations for menswear. (They also produced a women’s capsule in 2019.) The digital-first brand, now owned by Walmart, has undertaken a range of efforts to get in front of customers including by opening guideshops across the United States. (Take a look inside one of Bonobos’ Guideshops in Washington, DC.) Fill out a form online to request a Bonobos mail order catalog.
- Boston Proper is a boutique that offers “sophisticatedly sexy” and unique clothing for women. Request a mail order catalog from Boston Proper.
- Carbon2Cobalt – I have been receiving Carbon2Cobalt’s catalogs for years now. Though I’ve never bought anything from them, this year may be the year. I love the look of their casual henleys, flannel button down shirts, leather bags and loungewear. The company also sells clothing and accessories for women including casual jewelry, shaker-knit sweaters, leather jackets, sherpa fleece beanies, lounge-wear, coconut oil soap blocks and more. Register for Carbon2Cobalt’s mail order catalog via their website form.
- Carve Designs – Friends Jennifer Hinton and Thayer Sylvester turned their hobby into a business in 2003 when the founded Carve Designs. Originally inspired by surfing, the brand is increasingly guided by sustainability, focusing on recycled and sustainably-made materials for its lineup of laid-back California coastal casual clothing and swimwear for women. Sign up to receive Carve Design’s mail order catalog via their contact page.
- Charles Tyrwhitt, the entrepreneurial Jermyn Street retailer, regularly produces mail order catalogs that emphasize the company’s fashionable British takes on dress shirts, suits, ties and more for men. Their catalog, along with a series of Brick-and-Mortar stores around the world are part of their bricks-and-clicks strategy. (Take a look inside Charles Tyrwhitt’s store at Farragut Square in Washington, DC.) Request a mail order catalog online via a form on the Charles Tyrwhitt website.
- Cyrillus is a unique Parisian brand that advertises “timeless chic spiced with modernity” for women, men and children. They’re worth checking out. While at Cyrillus’ website, request a mail order catalog.
- Cuyana, “founded on a philosophy defined by lasting design, qaulity craftsmanship and sustainable practices,” according to the catalog they sent me, is an outstanding example of a direct-to-consumer stylish women’s clothing brand and a nice option to find gift ideas for your girlfriend or wife. You can email Cuyana at info@cuyana.com to try and request a mail order catalog.
- Fair Harbor – Founded by entrepreneur Jake Danehy, Fair Harbor is a sustainable fashion brand that specializes in swim trunks and shorts. The company is launching a women’s line to complement their menswear. Try contacting Fair Harbor at support@fairharborclothing.com to ask to be added to their catalog mailing list. Fair Harbor’s swim trunks and shorts are also available at Untuckit, which also sends out mail-order catalogs.
- Fatface seems like an unfortunate moniker for an outfit that sells remarkably stylish clothing for women, men and kids. The ominichannel British retailer, which sells online, in stores, and via mail order catalogs, offers a lineup of laid-back essentials from striped organic cotton Bretons for women to tapered utility pants for men to their iconic (unisex) Airlie sweatershirts made from pique cotton. Call 1-800-585-0178 from the United States to ask to receive a Fatface mail order catalog.
- Frances Valentine – Elyce Arons co-founded Frances Valentine with the late designer Kate Spade and Kate’s husband Andy Spade. Frances Valentine promises “a modern American lifestyle brand with a joyful perspective” for women. Frances Valentine’s mail order catalog is filled with pages of chunky wool cardigan sweaters, statement jackets, stretch boots and glitzy handbags. You can request to be added to Frances Valentine’s catalog mailing list online.Design Within Reach sources modern furniture meant to last a lifetime. Request a Design Within Reach mail order catalogue online.
- Free People sells Boho and vintage-inspired fashion for women. Free People is a subsidiary of Urban Outfitters, which launched the separate brand in 2002. Customers can request to be added to Free People’s mailing list to receive snail-mail catalogs.
- Garnet Hill – We regularly receive snail-mail catalogs from Garnet Hill, which offers fantastic, fashionable gift ideas for women, kids and the home. Request a Garnet Hill mail order catalog online.
- J. McLaughlin, the New York-based clothing retailer which has specialized in classic American styles for women and men since 1977, regularly sends mail order catalogs. Request a J. McLaughlin catalog online.
- J. Crew – Growing up, I fondly recall leafing through J. Crew catalogs full of roll neck sweaters, denim, swimwear and more. J. Crew still sends out mail order catalogs. Request your J. Crew mail order catalog online.
- Johnnie-O, which specializes in west-coast-casual-meets-east-coast-prep clothing for men, regularly sends catalogs. Request a Johnnie-O catalog via this online form.
- Karen Kane – Driven by the believe that “women should feel beautiful and comfortable, always,” Los Angeles-based fashion designer Karen Kane’s catalogs are full of relaxed and smart California-inspired, and sustainably and ethically-produced, casual clothing. You can subscribe to Karen Kane’s mail order catalog online.
- Knockaround Sunglasses sells “quality shades that won’t break the bank.” Their sunglasses for women and men come in fun colors, patterns and styles, and you can design your own pair if you want even more creative control.
- L. L. Bean is a favorite of mine for cozy flannel shirts, pajamas, and blankets as well as outdoor gear for the snow and hiking. It’s also a great option for Light Academia-inspired fashion. (It’s a thing.) Create an account online and choose which LL Bean print catalogues you want.
- Lands End is another time-honored option for cozy basics and rugged outdoor gear. You can request a Lands End print catalog online.
- Lunya – Ashley Merrill founded Lunya in October 2012 with a focus on modern luxury sleepwear for women. Lunya has expanded to sell sleep sets and kits, robes, intimate apparel, sleep masks, dresses, cardigans and bottoms to make the most of your off-hours. Lunya sends out direct mail catalogs but there is no form on their website to apply to receive one. Try contacting Lunya customer service to request a mail order catalog.
- Marine Layer, founded by Mike Natenshon and Adam Lynch, set out more than a decade ago to make the perfect t-shirt. I love looking through their mail-order catalog, which projects a laid-back vibe for everything from athleisure apparel for men and women to jackets, stripy sweaters and t-shirts for men to dresses and skirts and pajamas for women.
- Mizzen and Main, an excellent option for shopping for ultra-comfortable business casual outfits made from workleisure performance fabrics, sends out occasional mailers.
- Monroe and Main, a destination for everyday stylish clothing for women, sends out snail-mail catalogs. Request a Monroe and Main catalog via this form.
- Nordstrom is one of my favorite retailers and a great example of a brick-and-mortar company that has fully embraced technology and provides amazing customer service. Nordstrom regularly produces high quality catalogs, which are available to view online. To receive catalogs via snail-mail, try contacting Nordstrom.
- Old Navy loves sending out mailers with sales and coupons.
- Orvis, the longstanding popular outdoor and fly-fishing brand, sends out mail order catalogs with nice gift guides tucked inside for everything from quilted vests and merino wool quarter zip sweaters to mountain whiskey tumblers and cozy Pendleton national parks blankets.
- Pact is one of my favorite shops for affordable, comfortable, organic basics for men and women, and an excellent example of a sustainable fashion brand. (Their clothing is sourced from fair trade certified factories, among other sustainable practices.) Pact sends occasional snail mail order catalogs as well as little postcards with exclusive offers. (One recent postcard offered $25 off of orders of $100 or more.) Try contacting Pact to request getting added to their mailing list.
- Prana sells “clothing for positive change” for women and men. My wife and I have several articles of Prana’s sustainably-produced clothing, which spans athleisure, casual and business casual. (Prana is a terrific alternative to Lululemon for athleisure and workleisure clothing.) You can request a mail order catalog from Prana online.
- Pure Collection is a British-based company founded in 2002 by Adam Holdsworth and Nick Falkingham whose goal is to sell “the world’s finest cashmere, sensibly priced and expertly crafted into beautiful, modern styles to make you feel special and look terrific.” I love the variety of styles (think zip necks, cable knits and sweatshirts) and fun colors (hunter green and pillarbox red) for men and women. Pure Collection is one of Modern Fellows’ selections for where to buy cashmere sweaters online. Request a mail order catalogue via the Pure Collection website.
- Revtown makes outstanding jeans for women and men. They publish snail mail lookbooks. I started receiving Revtown’s lookbooks in the mail after I bought a pair of jeans from them.
- Stio – Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based Stio was founded to deliver “beautiful, functional products infused with mountain soul” and sells a range of high-end outdoor clothing and gear. Request Stio’s mail order catalog via this form.
- Summersalt promises “designer swimwear without the designer price tag.” I have received mailers from Summersalt with discount coupon codes along with advertisements of their colorful and attractive one-piece swimsuits. You can access Summersalt’s catalog online, though I haven’t been able to find how to get on their mailing list for snail mail catalogs. You can try emailing hello@summersalt.com to request to be added to their catalog and mailer mailing list.
- Ten Thousand sells luxury workout clothing for men and boasts of “a stoic dedication to continuous improvement.” Try emailing them at support@tenthousand.cc and ask them to send you a mail order catalog.
- The Territory Ahead – Founded in 1988, Territory Ahead is part of DAI Holding LLC, which also owns brands like metrostyle and Chasing Fireflies. The company sells what it describes as “Exceptional Clothing for Life’s Adventures” for men. I’ve found Territory Ahead to be a solid option for shawl collar and cardigan sweaters for men. You can request a mail order catalog from Territory Ahead online.
- 32 Bar Blues produces “noteworthy” clothing, footwear, accessories and gifts for men. Founded by Bruce Willard, who started up other brands including Territory Ahead (which sells great sweaters). Their clothes are mostly made in their own factories — not outsourced to third-party factories, and they produce a nice mail order catalog that showcases their casual clothing options such as plaid button-down shirts, worn-in leather bags and belts, and suede, made-in-Portugal Chukka boots. Try requesting a catalog via 32 Bar Blues’ customer service email at service@32barblues.com.
- Title Nine clothing is a women-owned company, which entrepreneur Missy Park founded out of her garage in 1989. Named after the breakthrough 1972 federal legislation that “protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance,” Title Nine the clothing company sells performance dresses, bras, tops, bottoms and other essentials for workouts and athleisure. Request a Title Nine mail order catalog online.
- Tracksmith, an independent New England-based running brand that honors the Amateur spirit, sends out interesting mail order catalogs that mix sales with editorial content and inspirational stories.
- Untuckit, like Bonobos, has transformed from a digital first brand into an omnichannel, bricks-and-clicks retailer, opening a range of stores inside malls across America, including several shops in the greater Washington, DC area. Untuckit has also expanded their line to include a range of offerings for men, women and boys. Untuckit offers dress blouses, casual shirts and tee-shirt dresses for women to complement their traditional focus on men’s shirts that look good untucked. Try contacting Untuckit to request a mail order catalog.
- Vineyard Vines focuses on colorful, preppy clothing for men and women, and is an interesting alternative to Brooks Brothers (though the company tends to plaster its whale logo on much of its clothing). Request a Vineyard Vines mail order catalog online.
- Vuori advertises in its mail order catalog that it provides “a new perspective on performance apparel.” The company makes sturdy and simple workout and athleisure apparel for women and men, including from recycled and organic materials. With its focus on waste reduction, creating a sustainable work culture, and offsetting 100% of its climate footprint, Vuori is a great example of a sustainable fashion brand. You can request a mail order catalog from Vuori via its website.
- Wool and Prince specializes in “Everyday Merino” wool clothing for men. Their compact mail order catalog does an amazing job of explaining the benefits of merino wool (odor and wrinkle resistant and can be washed less), showcasing their staple garments (button downs, t-shirts, hoodies and boxer briefs), and explaining their efforts to ensure traceability in their supply chain. Try emailing help@woolandprince.com to ask to receive a mail order catalog.
Mail Order Catalogs to Find Unique Gifts
A number of popular retailers who specialize in unique gift ideas still send out mail order catalogs:
- Uncommon Goods is an amazing repository of thoughtful and unique gifts for her and him and kids. Request an Uncommon Goods catalog online.
- MoMA Design Store offers a very popular catalog with unique gift ideas for modern and contemporary home décor and more. Look to MoMA to everything from colorblock cloth napkins to a petite collage wooden Ferris Wheel toy set.
- Sharper Image is still around. I still remember wandering through the Sharper Image store in New York over the holidays as a kid and sitting in their gigantic Shiatsu massage chair the cost thousands of dollars. The company continues to collect a list of wants, not needs, in its always-entertaining catalog, featuring everything from portable evaporative coolers and flying insect and mosquito traps for outdoors to wide mouth duffle bags, a draft system for canned beer and massage chairs. Request a Sharper Image mail order catalog online.
- Society6 is a platform that sells home decor, clothing and more featuring designs from a community of independent artists. Society6’s mail order catalogs make their offerings — everything from art prints and coffee tables to throw pillows, sweatshirts and beach towels — come alive. You can also view Society6’s mail order catalogs online.
- Heartland America has been selling giftable overstocked and liquidated inventory direct to consumers via mail order catalogs since 1985. Check out Heartland America for everything from hiking boots to snow blowers to retro tech like cassette recorders and record players, plus a selection of those “as seen on TV” innovations.Request a mail order catalog via their online form.
- Tiny Prints, which sells a variety of amazing photo gifts, sends out mailers, coupons and catalogs.
- Aurate, which makes ethically-sourced jewelry, sends out mail order fliers.
- Olive and Cocoa sells a range of unique gifts from food baskets to pajamas to flower arrangements.
- Calvert Woodley, the popular Washington, DC wine and gourmet cheese emporium, sends out an incredible bible of a catalog. I have no idea how I got on their mailing list, but I’m happy to be there.
Home Goods and Furniture Retailers Mail Order Catalogs
A variety of popular home goods and furniture retailers maintain mail order catalogs for everything from bed sheets to carpets to kitchen tables.
- Crate and Barrel, the popular furniture and home goods retailer, sends out catalogs periodically, including a holiday gift guide and separate brochures for its kids furniture.
- Costco sends out “member only savings” each month to all members. Executive Committee members also receive the monthly Costco Connection magazine, which is a slick combination of content and catalog. To start receiving their mail order catalogs, join Costco.
- Home Depot – Bear with me here. I know the Home Depot is more famous for lumber and lighting fixtures, but it has developed a remarkably upscale and attractive catalog filled with home goods, furniture, kitchenware, appliances and décor. You can shop an online version of Home Depot’s catalog, or call Home Depot at 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337) to try and request a physical copy.
- Parachute – Ariel Kaye founded the well-regarded Parachute “to bring more comfort to your world through premium, accessible essentials” for the home, including bedding, bed inserts, bath, décor and living. Try contacting Parachute to request a mail order catalog at help@parachutehome.com.
- Plow and Hearth offers a mail order catalog to display its wide selection of rustic furnishings, textiles and everything you need for your fireplace along with Christmas decorations and holiday lights. Request a Plow and Hearth catalog online.
- Pottery Barn is another terrific furniture and home store that sends out catalogs via the mail.
- Serena and Lily – Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter founded the increasingly popular Serena and Lily to bring California style and precise design for the home. I love my duvet cover from the brand, which is simple and soft and exactly what I was looking for. Request a mail order catalog from Serena and Lily online.
- Frontgate is a popular luxury home and garden retailer that sends frequent mail order catalogs. Founded in 1991 by Paul Tarvin, Frontgate specializes in furniture for the outdoors, kitchen, bath, and living and bedrooms. The company is now owned by Qurate Retail, Inc., the parent of QVC and HSN, as well as e-commerce brands Zulily, Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill and Grandin Road. Frontgate distributes hundreds of millions of catalogs annually. Request a Frontgate mail order catalog here.
- Wayfair, the popular Boston-based furniture and home goods retailer founded by Niraj Shah, offers a great snail-mail catalog. Request a Wayfair mail-order catalog via a form on their website.
- Williams Sonoma offers a gorgeous mail order catalog filled with popular high-end kitchen appliances and furnishings. Request a Williams Sonoma mail order catalog online.
- World Market, the popular home goods retailer, occasionally sends out mail order catalogs. Try contacting World Market to request a catalog.
- Design Within Reach sources modern furniture meant to last a lifetime. Request a Design Within Reach mail order catalogue online.
- Room and Board is an outstanding destination for simple, modern and expensive American-made furniture and décor. (While we can’t afford the statement pieces, we have found success with lighting and accessories.) Request a Room and Board catalog online.
- Interior Define is a cleverly-named direct-to-consumer startup that specializes in “endless customization” of furniture. The company’s mail order catalog explains the concept and showcases the extensive customizations that are possible across its lineup of sofas, sectionals, dining tables and chairs, accent pieces and more. Use Interior Define’s contact form to request a snail-mail catalogue.
These Companies That Used to Send Out Mail Order Catalogs Have Closed
- Hill City made technical or performance wear for everyday. San Francisco-based Gap launched the brand and tapped former MLS goalie Noah Palmer to develop an identity, which registered as a certified B Corp. (That means the company balanced “profit and purpose” and met certain environmental and social standards. Hill City sold good looking shirt jackets, t-shirts and everyday chinos that incorporate technologies like XT2 advanced-odor protection. You’ll note all of this is in past tense. Gap discontinued the Hill City Brand as of January 2021.
- Ryu, which stands for “Respect Your Universe,” was a Canada-based high-end urban sportswear brand that focused on sleek performance apparel for women and men. Ryu delivered their first mail order catalog to U.S. households on November 8, 2021 (and even put out a press release about it). Sadly, their website is no longer operating.
What Other Brands Send Out Mail Order Catalogs?
Do you have a favorite brand that sends out snail-mail catalogs? Who else should be on this list? Let me know in the comments section or send an email.
About JakeJake is an expert on men’s style and fashion based in Washington, DC. He founded Modern Fellows in 2012 to get to know the entrepreneurs and innovative clothing and lifestyle brands helping men dress sharp in the digital age. He has published hundreds of articles on style and apparel, and regularly interviews small business CEOs and startup founders about industry trends. Jake has written about entrepreneurship, international business and fashion for outlets including Business Week, Forbes, Inc., Details Style Syndicate and Primer Magazine. |
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I am looking for a wooden stereo system replica
of an antique where can I find one I bought one about 20 yearss ago and it was lost
Hammacher Schlemmer America longest running catalog. 174 years
Items ranging from inflatable lawn decorations to multimillion dollar submarines.
Is there one list to get numerous catalogs sent o my home??
Thanks
Van
Looking for DVD series old movies
Jonathan Adler furniture store sends out a catalog every season
JC Penny, O’Neil, Sears, Spencer’s, Clare’s, K-mart. Just to name a few
Duluth trading has a catalog which can be ordered from the website! EASTBAY, has a catalog as well via website
I’m trying to remember the names of some of those gift catalogs from the 80’s and 90’s. Are any of those still sending out catalogs? I’m thinking of the ones that always had those unusual gift ideas.
Hi, Jake — couldn’t get Wayfair to cooperate on their website. Tried various ways to get a mail order catalog, but they don’t seem to have a way to do that. Just thought I’d let you know.
Thanks,
Juli
Thanks for letting me know. I updated the link.