Hey man, let me ask you something. When‘s the last time you got really, genuinely excited to check out a new online store? If you‘re anything like me, you‘ve probably burned through all the usual mega-retailers and mainstream DTC brands.
I‘m talking endless scrolling, bland product descriptions, soulless "you might also like" carousels. Everything blends together until you can barely remember what site you‘re on. And too often, your cart winds up full of overpriced basics you could‘ve bought anywhere. Where‘s the thrill of discovery? The special factor?
If you can relate, I‘ve got two words for you: Touch of Modern. This site has seriously shaken up my shopping game and sparked that gotta-have-it rush I didn‘t even realize I‘d been missing.
What Is Touch of Modern?
First, a little run-down for the unfamiliar. Touch of Modern (or TOM for short) is a members-only e-commerce destination that‘s all about curating the coolest, most unique goods for the modern millennial man. We‘re talking home decor, tech gadgets, style upgrades, and all the lifestyle extras in between.
The vibe is very much "elevated everyday"—think practical stuff with a serious wow factor. TOM‘s buyers scour the globe to stock what they call "the best in design and innovation." That means you‘ll find a ton of emerging and independent brands mixed in with some familiar designer names.
So what‘s the common thread? Every single item on the site has to pass the TOM team‘s standards for quality, style, and that special something. They‘re not just filling virtual shelves here. The curation is what sets Touch of Modern apart.
A few key things to know:
- Free to join, but gotta be a member to shop
- 250+ new products added daily
- Limited-time events (drops) create urgency
- Most items discounted below retail, up to 70% off
- Free shipping over $150 in the US
- Streamlined returns and exchanges
TOM By The Numbers:
- 14+ million users
- 2500+ brand partners
- $300+ million in annual sales
- 4.7/5 stars on Sitejabber (7k+ reviews)
The stats don‘t lie. This site has majorly blown up, catering to guys who want to level up their surroundings and inject more personality into their everyday carry. But let‘s get to the good stuff. It‘s time we dive into my firsthand experience—hits, misses, and all.
My Touch of Modern Review
Full disclosure: I‘ve been a loyal Touch of Modern shopper for a couple years now. I‘d estimate I‘ve spent upwards of $2,000 across a dozen or so orders (RIP bank account). But honestly? Very few regrets. For the most part, I‘ve consistently been impressed with both the products themselves and the overall customer experience.
Since TOM‘s selection is VAST, I‘ll focus this review on some of my top category picks and best-loved items to give you a flavor of what they do best.
Home & Decor
This is the area where Touch of Modern really shines IMO. I‘ve completely transformed my space with their distinct, design-forward decor and furniture finds. A few standouts:
Noa Sofa by Kardiel – TOM‘s furniture can be a bit of a splurge, but the quality is real. This modern leather sofa looks and feels way more expensive than the $1.7k I paid. Comfy, spacious, and those clean lines are :chef‘s kiss:. Tons of compliments from guests too.
Machina Smart Desk Lamp – Love how this lamp doubles as a wireless charger and has a built-in speaker. Controls are super intuitive and it pivots smoothly. Makes my WFH setup look way more profesh.
Whisky Peaks Mountain Decanter – Stopped me in my scrolling tracks. This hand-blown decanter is molded with a miniature mountain landscape inside that‘s gradually revealed as you pour. Almost too pretty to drink…almost.
Honorable mentions: Horizon Floor Mirror, Fredericks & Mae Darts, Obelisk Air Purifier
Gadgets & Gear
I fancy myself a bit of a gearhead, so I‘m always pumped to check out TOM‘s latest tech toys and smart home upgrades. The discounts in this category can be especially clutch.
Campfire Portable Bonfire – This compact, self-contained fire pit has been a backyard game-changer. Sets up instantly, burns clean, and is virtually smokeless. Grabbed the carrying case and cooking grates too for on-the-go grilling.
Aer Cable Kit – Finally, an aesthetically pleasing way to wrangle my rat king of charging cords. The organization is unreal and I love how the case has dedicated pockets for easy access.
Ekster Parliament Smart Wallet – One of my top picks for travel. Super slim, RFID-blocking, and has a card-eject mechanism. The zippered coin pouch actually fits folded bills. Sprung for the optional GPS tracker for extra peace of mind.
Honorable mentions: Nuheara IQbuds 2 Max, Tapplock one+ Fingerprint Lock, Balmuda The Brew Coffee Maker
Style & Grooming
I tend to be pickier about style buys online, but TOM has turned me on to some interesting up-and-coming brands. Especially big on their EDC selection (bags, wallets, watches) and unique accessories I don‘t see everywhere else.
Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee – Probably my most-worn pickup from the last year. I‘ve put this tee through the wringer traveling and it still looks box-fresh. Temperature-regulating, odor-resistant, and the fit is on point.
Hardgraft 2Unfold Laptop Bag – Gorgeous, generously sized duffle in thick felted wool and leather. This baby fits my 16" laptop with room for all the accouterments. The double zipper pulls are mwah .
The Nue Co. Functional Fragrance – I was intrigued by the science behind this "anti-stress" fragrance spray. The green cardamom and iris is woody and complex, and spritzing it is strangely calming. Not mad at the unisex factor either.
Honorable mentions: Aurelian Trainer Sneakers, Timex + Todd Snyder Beekman Watch, Joycoast Electric Toothbrush
The Perks
Obviously, the products are the main draw, but it‘s the little extras that keep me coming back to TOM.
Free, fast shipping is clutch. No pricey subscription required (looking at you, Amazon Prime). Returns are equally breezy if something‘s not quite right. Just print the label, send it back, and wait on that refund to hit.
I‘m also constantly impressed by the breadth of categories and brands. Scrolling the new arrivals is like a mini dopamine hit. Even if I‘m not actively looking for anything, I know I‘m gonna discover some wild new object I had no idea I needed.
The site design makes it dangerously easy to explore, too. You can drill down by category, price, color, even ultra-specific material. Big fan of the "similar to" recs on each product page for finding complementary items. You‘ll go down a rabbit hole, but in the best way.
TOM‘s limited-edition drops also bring the fun. Sometimes a small batch from an emerging maker, sometimes a one-time collab you gotta pounce on. There‘s just something about knowing an item won‘t be around forever to stoke your gotta-have-its.
And of course, I‘ve gotta shout out Touch of Modern‘s very clutch habit of slipping promo codes in my inbox on the regular. I never pay full price if I can help it. Definitely recommend signing up for emails and keeping an eye peeled for their seasonal sales—your wallet will thank you later.
Potential Pitfalls
Alright, so we‘ve established I‘m a fan. But in the spirit of keeping it real, there are a couple small caveats to note about the TOM life.
First, the membership thing. Yes, it‘s free. No, it‘s not a huge deal. But it is an extra step, and one more set of login credentials to keep track of. You do have to hand over your email to sign up, so prepare for a potential uptick in marketing messages.
I‘ll also say the sheer volume of TOM‘s product lineup can sometimes veer into overwhelming territory. While the overall curation is solid, there‘s definitely some variance in quality and utility. I‘ve had a couple lackluster scores over the years. You‘ve gotta be willing to really read the descriptions and specs to suss out what‘s worth it.
Returns are free, but not always the most instant. With COVID delays, I‘ve waited up to 3 weeks for refunds to process. They also only offer store credit on some categories after a certain window. Again, not a dealbreaker, but something to note if you‘re on a timeline.
Lastly, I know Touch of Modern‘s taste-making factor is a big part of the draw for me. But I‘ll admit their most unique, of-the-moment picks don‘t always have the mass appeal for gifting. My normie brother, bless him, was not as stoked on that design-y Chemex pour over set as I was. Gotta know your audience.
TL;DR
Touch of Modern is a solid go-to for stylish guys looking to level up their gear without settling for the same mall store mainstays. What they lack in IRL experience (no showroom, no touching before buying), they make up for in breadth and specificity of cool, quality products.
The prices are fair for what you get, and you‘ll be hard-pressed to find a lot of these items elsewhere. Shipping and returns are generally painless, and there are lots of ways to save a few bucks if you play it right.
Most importantly, TOM consistently surprises and delights me with their distinct POV. Their buyers are seriously plugged in to what the discerning modern dude wants—and they deliver on those wants with a side of discovery. That‘s what‘s kept me loyal even after the novelty factor‘s worn off.
Of course, your mileage may vary. I‘m admittedly a bit of a sucker for the shiny and new. But if you‘re also the type who‘s always on the hunt for those special somethings, I really can‘t recommend Touch of Modern enough. Go forth and flex that membership, my guy. I bet you‘ll find a gem or 10.
