This is the best clothing store in SC — and one of 50 best in US, NYT ranking says. Here’s why

A South Carolina clothing store is one of the 50 best clothing stores in the United States, according to The New York Times.

It is Charleston’s Ben Silver, now in its 47th year and located on King Street.

The Times describes it as “preppy staples in almost every color,” saying it has become a “brand recognized for outfitting men and women of the boldly colorful species known as the Southern prep from head to toe.”

Ben Silver, the man, was a maker of men’s overcoats, which became decidedly unpopular after President John F. Kennedy braved the elements without one during his 1960 inauguration.

“Seeking another way to utilize the skills of a lifetime, he began to manufacture fine traditional blazers, complemented by blazer buttons with the enameled insignia of a number of universities,” the company says on its website.

They were a hit, but what really stuck were the buttons, which nearly every university, college prep, and prep school wanted to sell in their bookstores.

“Ben Silver became known as a purveyor of fine jewelry quality blazer buttons, producing the blazer buttons for American Presidents as well as corporations and clubs,” the website says.

The store is now run by Sue Prenner, Silver’s daughter and is known for polo shirts with a palmetto logo in a range of pastels.

The Times notes “a vibrant assortment of braided belts, along with an array of smart suiting, dress shirts, striped ties, trousers, shoes, watches and eyewear.”

Ben Silver, the store, has been mentioned previously by Martha Stewart Living, the Today Show and previously by The New York Times in an article about tying a bow tie, among others.

The company made a special tie in 2022 to raise funds for Ukrainian Relief and gave $3,200 to World Central Kitchen in 2020 for the “unparalleled global economic and humanitarian crisis due to COVID-19.”

In the TV series “Outer Banks,” Ben Silver was the setting for helping outfit one of the characters.

The Times described walking into a great clothing store was like taking a vacation.

“A spell is cast,” Steven Kurutz wrote. “You are transported to a different world, if only for 10 minutes. A great store will make you think about who you are — and may change that perspective in real time.” He said his list includes stores that are distinctive and inspirational and most are independent small businesses. In all, 30 states and the District of Columbia are represented.

“Stores whose proprietors deserve praise and exposure,” he wrote. “Stores intently focused on the customer experience. Stores that are surprising and satisfying and, above all else, keep alive the thrill of in-person shopping in this age of e-commerce.”