Top 11 Essentials for Every Man’s Closet
There are certain items every guy’s gotta have in his closet. These simple items will become the foundation for building a wardrobe that’s tailored for anything that comes your way. Even as trends come and go, these 11 Essentials are sure to stand the test of time.
1. White T-Shirt
It’s a classic. It’s also an essential. Having a dependable white t-shirt with a great fit is a must have for any man no matter who you are. These days there are a lot of lengths and cuts but sometimes it’s better just to keep it simple. A white tee from ASOS or Zara should do just fine. Whether you’re layering it under a button up and a jacket, or just rocking the white tee-blue jeans James Dean look, he White T-Shirt is an absolute essential.
2. Dark Jeans
What’s more American than a nice pair of blue jeans? Maybe apple pie and baseball, but that’s it! Not only are they patriotic, they’re also very stylish and versatile. On top of that, you really only need one pair of jeans to get the job done. They go with almost everything, and denim is such a quality fabric that it’s unlikely to rip or tear within the first year or two of wearing them. Let’s be honest, if they were to rip or tear they might even look better than they did brand new! My current favorite is the Levi 512.
3. Oxford Shirt
A must have in any self-respecting man’s wardrobe, the Oxford shirt. Whether you go with the classic white Oxford, or the cool blue variant, you can’t go wrong with the Oxford shirt. A lot of guys have a closet with 5 or 6 dress shirts but how many do they actually wear? Instead of emptying your wallet and filling your closets with different button-downs, you should choose 1 or 2 colors that go with a lot of different outfits. We recommend the Oxford Shirt by Van Heusen.
4. Brown Boots
Every guy should own a nice pair of brown boots. As a modern man, you want a concise wardrobe that’s as streamlined as your life is. No frills. That’s exactly what you get with a quality pair of brown boots. Pair them with a nice pair of chinos or jeans, and you’re good to go for nearly any occasion. We are in love the Thursday Boot Company Captain Men’s Lace-up Boot.
5. Tan Chinos
You can’t always wear jeans right? Switch it up with a smooth pair of Tan Chinos. Of course there are other colors out there, but there’s just something about that khaki color. Make sure you try before you buy, as they can look a bit odd if they are too baggy or too tight. You can wear them with a shirt, t-shirt, sweater, layer it with a bomber jacket – the options are infinite. The Tan Chinos, for when you go for the blue jeans but think your outfit deserves better.
6. A Fresh Pair of Kicks
Just as important as some quality leather boots, a man needs to have at least one fresh pair of sneakers ready to go. It doesn’t have to be a brand new pair of Yeezy 350 Boost V2, or some Gucci Ace Lows, nearly any white sneaker will suffice. Whether it’s the classic Stan Smiths, Reebok Classics, Nike Blazer Low, or just a quality pair of white leather shoes, having a pair of minimalist shoes in your rotation is essential.
7. Grey Crewneck Sweater
It goes with everything, and every guy looks good wearing one. If you don’t have a good Crewneck Sweater in your closet you are missing out my friend. Whether you’re layering it under some outerwear, or just rocking it by itself, you can’t go wrong. It doesn’t have to be cashmere or alpaca, a simple cotton blend can give you the desired look. A neutral tone is recommended for versatility and wearability, but you’re more than welcome to venture out and try an unlikely color. You’ll look great either way.
8. Bomber Jacket
Originally created as a flight jacket by the US Army during World War II, the Bomber Jacket is as functional as it is fashionable. Not limited by style, gender or age, the bomber jacket has no limitations. They are available in a slew of styles and colors, but the olive green or black are my personal favorites. You can wear one with just about anything, but I like to match it up with a pair of jeans or the next essential, the Jogger Sweats.
9. Jogger Sweats
Whoever said ‘beauty hurts’ obviously never tried on a pair of joggers. Simply the best pant to wear if you’re traveling, working out, or just lounging around your place. The Jogger Sweats are as flexible as their fabric. Gone are the days where we need to sacrifice style for comfort, when the joggers hit the scene they changed the game.
10. Hoodie
While we’re on the topic of comfort, a good Hoodie is absolutely essential for the later months of the year. Whether it’s a pullover or a zip up, you need a sweater with a hood and a pouch no matter what. With this piece, brand doesn’t matter as much, but you do want one with a thick material. Dress it up or dress it down, with a good hoodie you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you, that is, if your girlfriend doesn’t steal it from you.
An added plus is that all women like them because of their versability – and if she likes you, she will want to wear yours as well.
For more on impressing that special lady in your life, please read our other blog post here.
11. Versatile Timepiece
What time is it? Time for you to get a watch. While I own a few watches, I really only wear one, the Timex Weekender Chrono. It has a black face and leather band, so you can dress it up or dress it down. If you’re not a watch collector I wouldn’t recommend getting anything more expensive than this simple watch.
If you’re able to add some of, if not all, of these pieces to your collection you’ll be able to cut out the fluff from your wardrobe and bring in a true sense of style that you can build on for years to come. Now this list is not the be-all end-all of men’s style, think of it more as the building blocks to a style savvy wardrobe. Start hare, and you’ll be on your way.
For more essentials to add to your wardrobe, have a look at Esquire’s 20 Things Every Man Should Have In His Wardrobe.
