Every good wardrobe starts with a proper foundation. Everyone obsesses over the latest streetwear collabs and viral statement pieces, but if you don’t have the wardrobe essentials squared away first then who really cares if you just came up on the drop of the week?
We have outlined the 25 wardrobe essentials you need right now. If you’re looking for some tips, are overhauling your closet for the springtime, or just want to try out some new brands, we’ve got you covered. These are the pieces that will never go out of style. They transcend trend. No, this certainly isn’t everything you’ll have in your closet at any given time and the items themselves aren’t going to break any necks, but we’re worried about the essentials today.
From the perfect white T-shirt to a go-to pair of jeans, these are the men's wardrobe essentials that never go out of style.
The perfect white tee
We recommend: Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Oversized T-Shirt, $24.90
The white tee is the item on which all great outfits are build. We aren’t the first people to sing the AIRism tee’s praises and we won’t be the last. At $25, it’s a bargain that can’t be beat. Get a couple of them to have in rotation so they’ll stay crispy.
A white thermal for layrering
We recommend: Brut Archive Best Thermal, $85
Thermals aren’t just a base layer for the snow storm. While they are still adept at keeping you warm in the chilly temperatures, they’re also an excellent layering piece that allows you to keep your favorite tees in rotation year round. We don’t embrace every 2000s trend coming back around, but this is one we can get behind.
A grey hoodie
We recommend: Akimbio Club Hoodie, $180
Nothing much to say here. You can’t beat the versatility of a grey hoodie. Dress it up or down in any season.
A pair of blue jeans you can wear everyday
We recommend: Berlinc Uniform Relaxed Japanese Selvedge Jeans, $185
Everyone needs a timeless pair of blue jeans. There’s nothing wrong with a classic pair of Levi’s 501s, but what you really need is a pair of selvedge denim. Wear them to your heart’s content. And don’t worry about washing them either. They only get better with age.
Black pants
We recommend: Brigade Standard Cargo Pants, $168
Blue jeans almost always get the job done. Keep a pair of black pants in the tuck too just in case.
A pair of Air Jordans
We recommend: Air Jordan 4 “Bred Reimagined,” $200-$350
Trends come and go. Legends never die. Everyone needs at least one pair of Js in their sneaker rotation. Will you keep it classic and go with some 1s, 3s, or 4s? Or will you get unorthodox and pull up in some 15s or 17 Lows? There are plenty of choices.
A pair of shoes for when you can’t wear sneakers
We recommend: Clarks Wallabee Yukoner, $190
Expanding the footwear in your closet beyond sneakers will change your life. Just trust us, even if it’s only a single pair of black leather Clarks. Your girl will appreciate the dressed up black shoe on date night more than some mesh runners.
A puffer coat
We recommend: The North Face Nupste Jacket, $330
Sure, you won’t look very original in a Nuptse, but you really can’t do better. This is an icon that will never go out of style.
A pair of boots for the wintertime
We recommend: Timberland 6-Inch Waterproof Boots, $198
Whether you call them Timbs, Buttas, Wheats, or Constructs, a pair of Timberland work boots will never go out of style. Need some styling tips, we got you covered.
A belt to hold your pants up
We recommend: C2H4 Architect Loop Belt, $170
Shoelaces won’t cut it. Just get a belt. You don’t realize how important it is until you start using one.
A rain jacket to keep dry
We recommend: And Wander 2.5L Hiker Rain Jacket, $411
Don’t be one of those people that tries to brave the rain. A proper jacket will change you life. We understand the allure of Arc’teryx, but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that wick away the rain droplets just as well.
A big tote bag for errands
We recommend: Adidem Asterisks Chainstitch Script Tote, $85
Pack it for a picnic in the park, your next grocery run, or with your laptop to trek to the office. The uses for a sturdy tote bag are limitless.
A hat to rep your favorite team
We recommend: New Era 59FIFTY Fitted, $50-$100
We aren’t here to tell you what team you should be routing for. Honestly, we know some of you could care less and are just trying to color coordinate with the fit anyway. But for our money, nothing beats a classic New Era fitted with a grey underbrim.
A vintage tee to show off one of your interests
We recommend: World Wide Vintage 1998 Stone Cold Class of 3:16 Tee, $100
Frankly, the best graphic T-shirts are the old ones. There are endless amounts of vintage tees, so the specific category you want to venture into is entirely up to you. We love pro wrestling, so we went with an all-time classic, but get creative. If it exists, chances are there is a vintage tee out there for it.
A pair of sunglasses to block out the sun (or the haters)
We recommend: ASAP Rocky x Ray-Ban Rimless, $243
Do your eyes a favor and get a pair of shades. They aren’t just for the summertime. We prefer wire frames, but nothing is wrong with some classic Wayfarers. Whatever you go with, just make sure to go into a store and try them on first. Every shape isn’t going to fit everyone’s face.
A watch you can wear everyday
We recommend: Seiko SWR049, $210
We all have our Rolex and Cartier Tank dreams, but you need something in the meantime. There are plenty of affordable options out there that will get the job done for under $500, whether you want a gold, silver, or leather bracelet. Seiko, Casio, and Timex cover all of the bases. If you want something with a bit more history and have a little, you can also go vintage.
A proper wallet
We recommend: Louis Vuitton Damoflage Pocket Organizer, $440
Don’t be the guy that pulls out one of those “As Seen on TV” contraptions (or worse, just carries around their cards loose in their pocket) when you go to pay the bill on the first date. Whether you want the slimmer card holder or a classic bi-fold, a proper wallet is mandatory. While it certainly doesn’t need to be from a luxury brand, why not treat yourself a bit? You’ll have it for awhile.
A pop of color
We recommend: Manresa The Roebuck Shirt, $225
Wearing white, black, and grey all the time is definitely easier, but what’s the fun in that? You should always keep a couple pieces in your closet that provide a little pop of color. Sneakers and hats are an easier, and more subtle, solution. We also like tossing on a bright flannel or jacket. This one that Manresa just dropped is one of our favorites right now.
A cozy sweatsuit
We recommend: Blanks by Thirteen (hoodie, $78 & sweatpants, $78)
No, we don’t necessarily recommend you go full Tony Soprano and cop a velour tracksuit. But a calm sweatsuit for the morning dog walk or weekend grocery run will pay dividends.
A striped button up shirt
We recommend: Diallo Classic Striped Oxford Shirt, $265
The striped Oxford shirt is timeless. What makes it such a great foundational piece is its ability to be dressed down for everyday wear or dressed up if you have a nicer dinner or more formal gathering coming up.
A pair of trail shorts
We recommend: Brain Dead Nylon Ripstop Short, $125
The perfect mix of style and function, these are just as acceptable for a day running around the city as they are for a walk down the trail.
Some olive green pants, the baggier the better
We recommend: Gramicci Cliff Pant, $138
Like many items on this list, these are versatile. Toss them on with a favorite T-shirt for something super calm or a button-up to elevate things a bit. When you need a break from denim, these fill that gap perfectly.
A black suit for formal events
We recommend: Suitsupply Black Perennial Tailored Fit Havana Suit, $598
Some events call for a bit of dressing up. As much as you wish you could, don’t try to dress casual to a wedding. If you don’t want a full closet of blazers and slacks, at least invest in a classic black suit. It will be suitable at pretty much any formal affair. You’ll be able to use it for years to come and save some coin when you don’t have to always rent a suit for formal occasions.
