10 Basic Clothes Every Man Needs
Whenever guys think about throwing together their dream wardrobe, basic clothes rarely make the list.
I mean, socks and underwear. What more can I say here? Nothing really exciting about socks and underwear.
But here’s the thing: basic men’s wardrobe essentials serve as the solid foundation of a closet that’s going to look and feel versatile, timeless, and smart; from work to weekends to everything in between.
Those basics are anything but. They’re like style chameleons: lurking in your closet, in your drawers… the unsung hero pieces that ensure every outfit looks pulled together. And as spring approaches, it’s a great time to refresh your wardrobe with some of the essentials.
So, let’s dive into 10 basic clothes that every man needs in order to maintain a closet that is versatile, polished, and ready for anything.
10 Basic Clothes Every Man Needs
No. 1: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: White T-Shirt
If ever there were a basic piece of clothing that every man needs, it’s a white t-shirt.
Wear it with joggers for a low key weekend. Pop it under a blazer for date night. Is there anything a white t-shirt can’t do?
But much like finding a good mate, you may have to kiss a few frogs before you find The One.
When looking for the best white t-shirt, aka your “dressy” t-shirt, always go for high quality cotton. Do not buy if it comes wrapped in plastic and can be found in the underwear aisle.
Two of our favorites include the Son of a Tailor White T-Shirt. Plug in your measurements and they’ll send you a custom-made t-shirt for 64 bucks. Best part? They’ll remake it for free if the fit is off. We like the heavy weight version for an impeccable drape across the chest and torso. Crafted from 100% Supima cotton, it’s insanely comfortable.
Also topping the list is Robert Barakett's White T-Shirt. Silky smooth, thin but not too thin, and one of their signatures that’s crafted from USA-grown Pima cotton, amongst the softest in the world.
No. 2: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Oxford Shirt
The Oxford Shirt reigns supreme as the smart casual basic that should be always be hanging in your closet. Wear it with chinos, shorts, jeans, under a blazer, on its own, or unbuttoned and layered over your t-shirt.
Oxfords are typically made from cotton and have a distinguishable basket weave pattern. They hit the scene in the late 19th century, having been popularized by British polo players who wanted a shirt that was breathable, durable, and comfortable. JFK was also a huge fan.
White and light blue are considered the classics, although these days they come in almost every color of the rainbow, prints included.
If an Oxford feels a little too prep school, unbutton the top two or three buttons, and cuff and roll the sleeves for a more relaxed vibe.
One of the best budget friendly options out there is the Everyday Oxford Shirt from Bonobos. You get to choose your size, fit, and even length, which basically ensures the perfect fit. On the higher end is the Solid Oxford Shirt from Eton, made in Italy from extra long staple cotton for a luxe spin.
No. 3: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Dark Denim Jeans
Timeless. Versatile… You’re probably starting to notice a running theme when talking about basic clothes that every man needs. But it’s hard to describe dark denim any other way.
These jeans are always going to skew on the elevated casual side, and can look like you made quite the effort taking 30 minutes putting an outfit together when really, it took you all of 30 seconds.
When styling our clients, the Modern Slim Tellis from AG Jeans tends to be the most popular; a premium denim that offers a structured fit and slight taper at the leg, not to mention a whisper of stretch.
If you’re a raw kinda guy, check out the Dry Selvage from Nudie Jeans with its organic cotton fabrication and slubby yarns.
No. 4: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Navy Blazer
Navy blazers may harken back to days spent languishing in preparatory school in the stuffy classroom of a tyrant of a teacher, but still, they’ve earned a solid reputation as a must-have when talking about basic men’s wardrobe essentials.
Much like dark denim, a navy blazer will instantaneously elevate any outfit and works well with chinos, five pocket pants, jeans and even shorts.
The Stretch Fresco Bedford Jacket from Proper Cloth is a great all-season option, given the lightweight merino wool fabrication. It also scores a 4 out of 5 for wrinkle resistance.
The unstructured version, like this Tailored Fit Blazer from Suit Supply is another favorite; no shoulder pads or lining means it’s more relaxed, both in fit and feel.
Regardless of the style, protocol says you should button the top, but never the bottom, button of your blazer. Why? According to legend, King Edward VIII, monarch of the early 1900s, was so round he couldn’t close the bottom button of his suit jacket. As a courtesy (and to avoid embarrassing their king), his court followed suit and the rest is history.
No. 5: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Neutral Crewneck Sweater
In-between seasons tend to be an annoying time of the year, when you find yourself either too hot or too cold but like Goldilocks, never just right.
Crewnecks made from natural fibers like wool, merino wool, cashmere, and cotton are going to be super comfortable and breathable. They’re also generally of better quality than synthetics like polyester, acrylic and nylon, which are notorious for trapping heat against the body and turning you into a sweaty mess.
Black, gray, navy, olive, brown, ivory or white are the most versatile neutrals that embody fashion-meets-function. Plus, the crewneck sweater provides the ideal layer of warmth when you don’t want to wear a jacket and also plays well with both t-shirts and button downs, too.
Guys looking for a low maintenance version will love the machine washable, merino wool crewneck sweater from Charles Tyrwhitt which is also garment washed for a silky feel.
If you’re in the market for a ridiculously cozy, chunkier knit, you’ll love the Country Crew Neck sweater from Luca Faloni, a plush 4-ply cashmere knitted in Northern Italy.
No. 6: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Chinos
You’re getting dressed in the morning and hit a brick wall. Jeans feel too casual. Trousers feel way too dressy. So, what do you wear?
Chinos are your happy medium.
Essentially a pair of cotton pants (that often come with a hint of stretch), chinos began their life as military trousers starting in the mid nineteenth century. Since then, they’ve evolved into an insanely versatile basic that works for business casual days, date nights, and weekend outings to the winery.
We love the side tab and concealed button that the Slim Fit Cotton Blend Chinos from REISS will give you for a sharp, modernized look. If tradition is up your alley, you can’t go wrong with the Washed Stretch Chino Pant from Ralph Lauren, which comes in a rainbow of colors and has been specially washed for a slightly timeworn look.
No. 7: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Tailored Suit
I can already hear a collective groan resonating from the usage of the dreaded “S” word.
Even if you aren’t tromping down Wall Street to spend your day at the NYSE, weddings, funerals, formal events, and job interviews are impossible to avoid, thus justifying the need for at least one well-tailored suit.
If that’s not enough to keep you motivated, consider this: there is little in life that compares to the magnetic attraction that a man has on a female when he’s wearing a well-tailored suit. Sorcery, at its finest! James Bond never could have cast his spell on Honey Ryder, Goodnight, or any other femme fatale in his impressive harem had he been running around in sweats.
Charcoal or navy suits will be the most versatile, which include the Jetsetter Wool Suit from Bonobos, a beautiful option that won’t break the bank at $600.
If you’ve got money to burn, the International Suit from Loro Piana is a breathtaker; meticulously crafted from virgin, Tasmanian wool boasting “delicate folds of origami-like precision woven into the rhythm of the threads.”
Remember: ties, pocket squares, and even lapel flowers add a breath of fresh air to your suit. We’re loving the Laura Ashley x Kentucky Derby collab for The Tie Bar for a pop of personality this spring/summer, but for a more timeless classic look, any of their Best Sellers will do the trick.
No. 8: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Classic White Sneakers
Over the past few years, white sneakers have secured their spot in the hierarchy of basic essentials for men; a wear-them-with-almost-anything option that pairs just as well with jeans as with trousers.
Leather ensures a more polished look vs. canvas and is also much easier to maintain. If properly cared for, leather sneakers will retain their shape for years to come.
The Triple White Capri from KOIO remains a top pick thanks to the gorgeous handcrafting done in Italy and full-grain leather set on a rubber sole. But the Premier Low Top from Thursday Boot Company, also boasting Italian leather and a rubber sole at a shockingly reasonable price, is worthy of mention.
Style tip: to ensure your white sneakers stay white and don’t turn gray after one wear, be sure to pre-treat them first. We’ve had great success with the Repel Premium Stain & Water Repellent Spray from Jason Markk but also recommend you spot treat any future smudges with the Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean.
No. 9: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Leather Dress Shoes
You’re going to need a formal pair of shoes to go with your formal suit, but the good news is that you actually have more options here than you may think.
Traditionally, it’s the Oxford or Derby that has cinched it for formal and professional affairs, but if you want to let your hair down, there’s the Grant Black Calf Double Monkstrap from To Boot New York. If going strapless is your preference, you can’t go wrong with the deliciously rich, cinnamon brown Melo Lace Up from Magnanni with its clean, minimalist design.
If you’re not sure which to wear, rule of thumb is that black will always skew maximum formality while brown tends to be more of a business casual or semi-formal option.
No. 10: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Versatile Jacket or Coat
Clients in places like Arizona and Florida who have balked at the idea of investing in outerwear eventually come to appreciate the handy functionality of a jacket or coat. Even in desert or tropical climates, the AC is usually on blast indoors. A jacket or coat an serve as a comfortable layer.
You can’t go wrong with a denim jacket for casual layering, and we love how the design of the Tennyson Inlet Jacket from Rodd & Gunn adds a fresh twist to the classic trucker style.
And since April showers bring May flowers, a good trench is always worth the investment. If money is no object and decades of iconic craftsmanship are appealing, it’s hard to resist the Long Kensington Heritage Trench Coat from Burberry. Made in England with shower-resistant cotton gabardine, the interior is lined with Burberry Check cotton, which the house has been using to line their coats since the 1920s. It also comes with a garment bag.
BONUS:
No. 11: Basic Clothes Every Man Needs: Socks and Underwear
You thought I forgot, didn’t you?
As I mentioned in the beginning of this blog, there’s truly nothing exciting about socks and underwear.
The only thing that’s less exciting than socks and underwear is a pair of socks or underwear that’s ripped, stretched, or (horror of horrors), stained.
If ever there were basic clothes that every man needs, it’s these two. Bombas is hard to beat with no show socks that actually don’t show and calf socks that won’t roll down to your ankles as well as their modal blend underwear that’s breathable and comfortable.
And the Sweat Proof Undershirt from Thompson Tee is a godsend to ensure you stay dry and free of embarrassment throughout the day.
Taking your style to the next level…
So there you have it: 10 basic clothes that every man needs in his closet and (maybe even more importantly) how they’ll ensure you have a versatile, timeless wardrobe that keeps you covered from work to weekend to everything in between. We hope you enjoyed our simple guide and are ready for a refresh.
If you want a more in-depth approach and like the idea of having a personal stylist curate a shopping list specific to your tastes, body type and budget, we’d love to talk to you!
You can click here to schedule a free, 20-minute Style Strategy consultation call to see if we’d be a good fit.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers!
Kate
