When it comes to getting dressed, we tend to talk enthusiastically about the virtues of “men’s wardrobe essentials” as if everyone knows what we mean. In the hierarchy of men’s clothing needs, wardrobe essentials might include the perfect white shirt, a great pair of jeans, and loafers that you can wear with them 9 months of the year. But in compiling this list, our goal wasn’t just to interview you needs– You are, frankly, a grown man, and your goal should be nothing less than self-realization.
The wardrobe basics below are a bit more complicated than the kind of “essentials” you need for work on a regular basis: keys, wallet, phone, and charger. Forget those and you will have a miserable day. But the clothes we are talking about here are no less important, in their own way; Overall, they form the basis of a men’s basic wardrobe.
If you’re looking for essentials that have just hit the floor, we’ll direct you to five or six categories that are nearly useless in their stripping: underwear, socks, shirts, pants, shoes, and maybe a jacket depending on where you call Pete. So, instead of that nonsense, we’ve taken delegation to its logical extreme, putting together a very specific starter pack of everything you want — no, needs– To wear in the year of our Lord 2025. (Unless you’re a regular on the black-tie gala circuit, you’ll need a separate guide to navigate it.)
List of essential items for men’s wardrobe
- Plain white tee(s): Lady White Co. Our Shirts (Pack of 2)$110
- Favorite jeans: Levi’s 501 original jeans,
$98$48 - Classic crew neck sweater: J.Crew cashmere knit sweater$228
- Bad weather shoes: Blundstone Classic 500 Chelsea Boots$210
- Fat hoodie: Reigning Champ Medium Weight Standard Terry Hoodie$125
- Reliable canvas sneakers: Chuck Taylor All Star 70 sneakers,
$90$62 - Wide leg chinos: Todd Snyder Japanese Selvedge Comfortable Chino$298
- Loafers go with everything: J. H. Bass & Co. Wiggons penny loafers$175
- Shadows of movie stars: Warby Parker Albee sunglasses$145
- Heartthrob-Up button: NN07 Colby 5332 Striped Button Shirt$195
- Mathematical steel index: Bulova Jet Star watch$695
- Sharp jacket: Buck Mason is a graduate of the jacket$398
Plain white t-shirt
A plain white T-shirt can be worn as an undershirt, with some vintage jeans, or – if you want to get DIY – screen-printed into a work of art. Are you looking for a standalone version that no one else has? Check out our guide to the best white tees.
Indestructible flannel shirt
In cold temperatures, a trusty flannel shirt is more than just a wardrobe staple: it’s a no-brainer. Most versions will be plaid, but all should be large enough to function as a light jacket, thanks to lightweight wool or thick cotton.
Swaddling dome hat
Once you’ve determined the minimum for beanie weather, you can move on to what really matters: purchasing the best beanie hats to wear during beanie weather. The right choice is a simple, comfortable accessory that keeps your head warm (depending on how you choose to wear it) and maintains your fit. Not all of them are created equal, most of them are Feverqueen The editors have a whole collection of soft cashmere for a cute head, perhaps, or a spooky version to offset the mid-winter nonsense. Which of the following will never steer you wrong.
Underwear promotion
Tight, concise pants or boxer briefs that keep everything in place are the foundation of every solid wardrobe — whether other people can see them or not. Even if you’re in the minority that sticks to boxer shorts, it’s worth spending a little more on something that, you know, Hold your balls All day long.
Classic white crew socks
There were a few years where the collective men’s fashion consciousness leaned toward “fun socks” and away from God. How easily we go astray… But there is only one sacred sock that will never let us down (except at weddings and funerals) and that is the simple white sock. Don’t get us wrong, a short walk with some cute socks and a pair of mules revs our engines a lot. But ultimately, it’s this simple pair that will keep you grounded.
Puffy stone
We love this famous North Face bouffant as much as the next guy (you know the one we’re talking about). But don’t let its objectively perfect design distract you from the vast amount of excellent, lesser-known alternatives on the market.
Favorite jeans
There’s a reason Levi’s 501s are at the top of our guide to the best men’s jeans: they are, and always will be, the jeans you come back to again (and again, and again). If you’re looking for lightweight, slightly vintage denim, Buck Mason’s is a close second. Can’t think of what to wear? Here’s your answer, seven days a week.
Follow button diagram
The humble button-up shirt is back in a big way (although we’ll be the first to tell you it never really left). Get into one that has a touch of the vibrant ’90s energy and see for yourself what the hype is all about.
Steel sports bar
Not ready to venture out with a serious Rolex or Omega diver? You’re in luck: Seiko’s popular Series 5 gives you everything you want in a dive watch — automatic movement, day-date display, water resistance, and a nearly indestructible case — at a price that won’t last long. Requires a second mortgage. (If you have a few extra bucks to play with, Bulova is no slouch, either.)
Trusted canvas beaters
We know that canvas sneakers aren’t exactly the kind of kicks you’re craving on StockX, but there’s no denying the dopamine rush you get when you snag a new pair. The firstborn. The shiny one. Scratch free. And that new sporty smell! Sure, there’s a little sadness when you thank your rough old kicks for their long and distinguished service and liberation. They delivered hundreds of clothes. Hundreds of bouts were held. At a lower price than Benjamin’s for the platonic version, though – this would be the Converse Chuck Taylor, a mainstay of our sneaker coverage, because, as always, you don’t lose also A lot of sleep on replacing your ex-husband. And when you’re ready to upgrade, replace your Chucks with the revamped Buck Mason deck shoe, created in collaboration with beloved sneaker gurus Japanese brand Moonstar.
Film trench
Because there is no better umbrella than a raincoat. That simple.
Crewneck sweater
We love the cheerful knitwear options flooding the internet these days. But if we’re honest, there’ll always be room in our closets for a classic crewneck sweater. They’re timeless and endlessly stylish, even if you can only drape one over your shoulders.
Tough as nails work pants
If jeans aren’t there, there is one garment that can bring this great nation together and that is a pair of heavy-duty work pants. From hard flipping an 8-pack to installing an HVAC system to walking the dog, no pair of pants crosses the broad men’s spectrum like a pair of Dickies or Carhartts. Whether a skier, poser, or just a regular guy, everyone needs a pair of work pants if their trusty blue jeans don’t give them a much-needed break.
Leather jacket
Wearing a leather jacket is like eating mushrooms Super Mario Bros: It makes you bigger, tougher and practically unstoppable. Most leather jackets will give you the same effect, but the leather blouse, a cropped version with a few frills, is the silhouette we have today.
Good looking bad weather boots
By now, you’ve probably gotten the idea that the name of the game here is variety. While you don’t He owns For choosing Chelsea boots, the right pair will be able to withstand the elements and any sideways glances from your office enemy. Call it a funny case of Kismet fashion or attribute it to Australia’s volatile climate turmoil, but two of our all-time favorite releases hail from the bottom. Buy both and you’ll always be prepared, whether you swear by paint-splattered work pants or sharp dress pants.
Leader level topcoat
Sometimes clothes can make you feel like you’re living in a movie, and a good topcoat makes you look like you’re aiming for an Oscar. (Stitched hooded trucker jackets look a lot like Hallmark.) They’re the most dramatic garment you can have in your closet, and while trench coats look great all year round, a chunky topcoat with a heavy drape really shines in colder weather. You may not be starring in any upcoming blockbuster movies soon, but boy, do you look like you’re up for it.
The navy blazer does it all
If there’s a theme here it’s that men’s clothing basics shouldn’t just be one-and-done tasks Hands-free egg cooker It looks like it belongs in the bedroom and not the kitchen. They should be useful in a variety of situations, and when it comes to tailoring in particular, a navy blazer is a Swiss Army knife. It works in almost any situation, from job interviews (with a tie) to weddings (of someone else or your party). Bonus points if you choose a double-breasted number with strong shoulders, sweeping lapels, and an unmistakable sense of what Italians and men call menswear. sprezzatura.
Shadows of movie stars
We realize this article will be published in January but sunglasses are a must year-round, and the skies are overcast. They’re relevant whether you’re enjoying the summer rays or trying to cut the winter glare.
Steezy Geezer Shoes
If there’s one thing your grandfather figured out, other than how to fill a 401k, it’s shoes. Among the best-loved AARP-approved fashion kicks are Paraboot’s Michael and Kleman’s Padror. Why not dress for the future when you are older, wiser, and most importantly, Strutting.
White oxford shirt
Like a plain white T-shirt or simple white socks, a white Oxford shirt is a real workhorse. It can be worn for your 9-to-5 like a champ, sharpened for a more glamorous occasion, or opened wide over your favorite classic tee. If you only have one button-up shirt, let it be this one.
Ye Hao belt
Belts are often an afterthought, but they shouldn’t be. So don’t miss (sorry) the opportunity. Just like cowboy boots, the western belt is riding high right now – hop in the saddle, and don’t stop wearing it with blue jeans.
Bigger chinos are better
Remember Chino? A wardrobe staple for grandparents, and inexplicably, everywhere? The go-to pants when your jeans need a break? The one that went viral in the late 90s? These days chinos are back and bigger than ever. Today’s chinos are surprisingly familiar and look more like the pairs issued by the military in the mid-century – they’re high-rise and roomy. Some even have a fold or two. We all prefer wide and folded, but both offer a happy medium if you’re still escaping the clutches of those target-marketed joints.
Back savings wallet
In the age of Venmo and ApplePay, the backlash that occurs at the end of dinner should be about who pays the bill, not which bill template you pull from your back pocket. If this is the case, it is time to replace your wallet as soon as possible, if not to keep up with the times at least to save you from scoliosis. So get rid of that stuffed, Constanza-sized number indefinitely: a good wallet should give you a happy feeling of organization every day of your life, when you go out into the world without being burdened by all the unnecessary things that pollute your pockets.
Loafers go with everything
The menswear space is definitely heavy on loafers and we are seeing a slight shift in the footwear zeitgeist. But that doesn’t negate the fact that the right pair of shoes can be the most versatile shoe in your closet. She has a wider range than Daniel Day-Lewis and can go from casual to dressy to punk in the blink of an eye. Wear them with or without socks, count yourself lucky when you actually wear them, and then keep wearing them.
Sports ball cap
In 2019, Feverqueen Style editor Yang Yi Goh has revealed the hat industry’s biggest story since Bruno Mars went viral: Everyone’s in Feverqueen Headquarters was obsessed with Nike’s indescribable tennis hat. Chalk it up United The craze or the new fashion-forward star crop of tennis is in full swing, but this hat with a smaller brim, sleeker finishes, and a sportier look is in place again. Even the Italian textile masters at Loro Piana are getting in on the action: their signature wool baseball caps – New Era’s Snapbacks for 0.01% – are now made from lightweight, water-resistant fabric, and in a range of sober colours. It’s time to give this rotten trucker a break.
Throwback sweats
Sure, sweatpants should be comfortable, but the best of the best are so much more than just Sunday wear. We’ve moved past the calf-gripping elastane-pumped versions that defined the closets of many Lulu bros and guys who have skate decks hanging as art. Instead, track pants should now be closer to the original suits with a larger fit and wide open cuffs. Spring for the husband who exudes rockyCharming on the level, these bed bottoms will become a bodega that you can’t stop wearing outside of the house too.
Hot red sneakers
Who knew that the humble and comfortable walking shoe would become such a trending item? Despite the relentless push for futuristic kicks, the old dad sneaker has held its ground, going from underappreciated to ubiquitous (see also: Birkenstocks and Uggs). Who said you have to suffer for fashion?
Impenetrable coarse cloth
A good duffel bag only needs to do one thing: hold stuff. A great However, a duffel bag needs to check a few additional boxes. It should still hold your clothes, kicks, chargers, toiletries, and everything else in the most space-efficient and easy-to-find way. But it should also be designed to outlast your passport – or better yet, You– despite years of putting them in an overhead bin and throwing them in the trunk of your car. We’ve tested hundreds of them over the years, and the two below offer all that and more.
Hoodie all day, every day
Our best-in-class Reigning Champ shirts have the stamina to take you from coffee to casual Friday at the office (just tuck them under one of those routine coats we always tell you to wear). On the other hand, the vintage-style Visvim version looks so good you’ll want to spruce it up.
Fuzzy wool zipper
Coming in second only to hugging mom on the “cozy warmth” scale is wearing a cute cardigan. Need we say more?
Denim shirt
As it stands, a denim shirt is just as adaptable as a pair of jeans. When you’re having a hard time picking even the most stubborn of clothing locks, a denim shirt is a skeleton key that unlocks everything from chinos to dress pants, shorts, and everything in between.
The coat is sturdy and easy to wear
It’s hard to think of a jacket more useful, more handsome, more versatile — come on, more than all three at once — than the routine coat. These days, the original design still retains its utilitarian charm, but the hammer and nails that accompanied it have long since been replaced by a mobile phone and earphones. Thanks to the constant fixation of workwear in the fashion world, there has never been such a wide array of luxury designer releases available, but the OGs — like the genre-defining joint at Le Mont St. Michel – still sets the standard.
Pants around the clock
When your dress pants are this good – roomy, comfortable, and make a statement yet versatile – there’s no sense in saving them for special occasions. Wear them all the time, with anything, the same way you wear your jeans.
Luxury dress watch
In 2024, “dressing up” basically means whatever you want. Tux with skirt? Go for it! Green velvet suit with cotton shirt? By all means! Canadian tuxedo as an actual tuxedo? Great mood! So, with the era of steel sports watches coming to an end (sorry), dress watches seem poised to take over their place – but not quite as much as anyone expected. Lots of Feverqueen The staff swaps out their steely divers for sleeker fare, then pairs them with faded jeans, wrinkled cardigans, and all kinds of stylish shoes. This, by the way, is exactly the approach you should take, whether you opt for Seiko’s affordable Music or JLC’s legendary Reverso.
Positive body upper tank
Take it from A-shirt admirals Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber, a clean white shirt is the easiest way to look cool in hot weather. Pair it with an intentionally unbuttoned shirt, and you’ve got a go-to beach outfit.
Elegant black laces
A black derby can work when you need a shoe for more formal occasions — and elevate a quick-and-dirty pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Dr. Martens are a great choice for beginners, and you’ll get a lot of mileage out of the Mono pair, which forgo the brand’s signature yellow stitching for a subtle black thread.
The sharp black suit
It is known that death and taxes are the two certainties in life. For one of these, you’ll need a black suit. But you don’t have to wait until your black tie hanger is finished to pull it out of the garment bag in the back of your closet. With the right shirt and some great pants, the blazer can be separated from its other half for a wild night on the town. We’ve looked at the double-breasted look of Banana Republic’s outrageously affordable suits, but we’ve got more options in our guide to black suits.
Bodega operating slides
We can give you a million reasons why Birkenstock’s groundbreaking shoe deserves to see more of the world than the trash-strewn street that separates your apartment from the corner store. (Actually, we have!) But if you’re still not convinced, try Marni’s gorgeously shaggy spin on for volume. We have a nagging suspicion that you’ll never look at the humble clog the same way again.
Draw no nonsense
The solid navy tie is the Switzerland of neckwear. Not only does this go with some of the collared shirts in your closet, it goes with it everyone Of them.
The real deal handbag
Trust Jacob Elordi, sex destroyer and handbag evangelist. The Tote Bag — a scheduled upgrade from the free canvas with subscription — takes your going-out outfits to 11, while also saving your pockets from unsightly phone bulges.
Double duty swim trunks
You don’t need to swim with a swimsuit just to put it on. Actually, swim trunks He should It serves double duty, since you probably won’t find yourself near a body of water very often. Bather remains a Feverqueen favorite – we’ve put the Canadian swimwear brand in everything from Feverqueen Fund To Feverqueen’s first annual All-Star lineup recommending the best… of everything.
Al Bayan Jewellery
You wouldn’t hit send on an important email without proofreading it first, right? A piece of ice jewelry is more efficient than Grammarly at telling you that your outfit is absolutely flawless — and it’s also a lot more fun to play with. (On the other hand, that fiery letter to your boss might need a little reorganization.)
Droopy yacht shorts
At some point every summer, we take a closer look at our nylon shorts and mesh-lined swim trunks and think to ourselves: Is this really the best we can do?? what ifAnd we keep thinking, Jeff Bezos is so impressed with our Prime Day coverage that he invites us to spend a carefree weekend around the Mediterranean on his mega yacht? We can’t bring balgurt to Ibiza! That moment of nervous navel gazing tends to prompt a glorious epiphany: When it comes to short shorts, we can everyone Do better – by upgrading to a husband who feels as indebted to John as he is Harrison Ford in Cannes. The shorts conjured by our epiphany this Summer is a lot like the one shown below: a few inches longer than you’re used to, and served in every shade of lightly toasted meringue.
Woven sandals
Speaking of vacation: Next time you’re on vacation, a pair of woven leather sandals will be the first step. Go from cabana to playa with Chris Pine-approved Huaraches, or elevate your summer footwear with a pair of cool fisherman sandals.