15 Men’s Wardrobe Essentials

Building a wardrobe is a lot easier than you may think it is, but if you have no idea where to start, then don’t worry, because we’ve laid it all out for you in our list of 15 wardrobe essentials that every man needs. Of course, everyone’s lifestyles are different – if you’re an in the office five days a week kind of guy, you’re obviously going to need to stock up on dress shirts, pants, and other smart casual/semi-formal/formal wear. If you’re a personal trainer who lives in the gym, you’ll obviously need more athletic and casual wear.

However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have clothes for all occasions that can be mixed and matched accordingly. Read on for all the wardrobe essentials you need to have in your closet, including everything from basic t-shirts and joggers to two-piece suits and dress shoes. 

1. Basic T-Shirts

It’s important to invest in staple pieces that can be dressed up or down and most importantly, are comfortable – so it shouldn’t come as a shock that we recommend stocking up on high-quality basic t-shirts that’ll work with everything from joggers and jeans to chinos and trousers.

Try the Lululemon 5 Year Basic T-Shirt, which features a classic fit, ultra-soft fabric, and comes in seven different colors. If you’re looking for a pack of t-shirts that won’t break the bank, we suggest Hanes Ultimate® Men’s X-Temp® Sport Crewneck Undershirt 4-Pack, which will keep you comfortable, cool, and dry all day long. 

2. Button Downs

Every man needs a few go-to button downs in his closet, and that includes both basic work shirts/dress shirts and some fun, patterned short sleeve shirts. For work/dress shirts, make sure you at least invest in one white button down and one light blue button down, like the Bonobos Tech Button Down Shirt, which comes in a whopping 25 colors and patterns. For funky, patterned short sleeve button downs that are perfect for casual outings, try the Banana Republic Untucked Slim-Fit Organic Cotton Shirt in Dusty Pink Floral.

3. Chinos

Chinos are an essential style of pants that every guy needs to have, and we’re not just talking about one go-to pair. Because chinos are so versatile and come in a wide range of colors, both bold and neutral, they can be dressed up or down and are perfect for all occasions ranging from casual to semi-formal. For an affordable and stylish option that won’t break the bank, try the J. Crew Slim-Fit Flex Khaki Pant, which comes in 15 colors. 

4. Joggers

Joggers are not only great for lounging around the house in, but they’re also perfect for running errands in and will completely up your athleisure game, as the tailored fit of these bad boys offer a more structured style while maintaining ultimate comfortability. Check out the Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger, which comes in six different colors and is available in sizes XS-XXL, or the Reigning Champ Slim Sweatpants, and pair with a basic tee and some slides or sneakers for an effortless casual style.

5. A Well-Tailored Suit

It goes without saying that every dude needs at least one well-tailored suit hanging in his closet, so if you don’t have one already, here’s your sign to get one. While it’s important to get your suit tailored and shopping for one in person is the preferred method, as long as you have your measurements, you can totally order one online and then take it into a trusted tailor for a custom fit. Try looking for suit separates at a department store like Nordstrom, where you can also pick up suit accessories, like button downs, dress shoes, belts, and more. 

6. Dress Shoes

It’s important to have a few pairs of dress shoes to choose from, as dress shoes can be worn in business casual and smart casual settings, as well as formal settings. Oxfords, brogues, derby shoes, wingtips, and loafers are a few styles to have on hand, and you should definitely have a mix of leather and suede materials in your footwear arsenal when it comes to dress shoes.

Check out the Dean Oxfords from Beckett Simonon for a great option for dress shoes that go with everything, and if you’re looking for a pricier pair of loafers that’ll make you look like you stepped straight off the Italian Riviera, opt for the Allen Edmond Verona II Italian Loafer, which is handcrafted in Italy and comes in four different colors. 

7. Sneakers

Sneakers are a no-brainer when it comes to casual and comfortable footwear for men, so it’s important to have a couple of pairs in your closet. Of course, you can never go wrong with an everyday sneaker like the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, but you should totally choose your sneakers based on your lifestyle. If you live in the gym, an all-around workout shoe like the Nike Metcon 7 is a good choice, and if you’re more of a skater or hit the streets often, something like the Vans Old Skool sneaker is a safe bet.

8. Basic Knitwear

From sweaters that you can wear over a button down shirt in the office to comfy crewnecks that are perfect for cool weekends and lounging around the house, it’s important to have some warm, stylish, and comfortable knitwear options to choose from.

The Officine Generale Chris Crewneck Fleece Sweatshirt in Burnt Sand is a great option for casual wear that’ll pair well with anything you own, and something like the J. Crew Casual Crew Neck Sweater, which comes in a variety of colors, is a piece that can be dressed up or down. 

9. Blazer

Not to be confused with a suit jacket, a blazer is an essential wardrobe piece that can be worn in smart casual to semi-formal settings and looks best when paired with fitted denim, chinos, or trousers. A navy blazer like the Gwinnett Patch Pocket is the perfect addition to every wardrobe and is incredibly versatile. Wear it with some khaki chinos, a patterned button down, and some brown leather brogues, and you’ve got yourself one stylish and put-together outfit. 

10. Denim

A good pair of fitted, dark jeans that can be dressed up or down is an absolute wardrobe essential, as is a denim jacket that will edge up any casual look. Japanese denim is the way to go when it comes to investing in a great pair of jeans that’ll stand the test of time, and when it comes to denim jackets, something like the Madewell Classic Jean Jacket in Rivoli Wash is perfect for wearing with joggers or black destroyed denim and can be layered over a zip-up hoodie for an effortlessly cool street style look when the temperatures dip.

11. Boots

In addition to dress shoes and sneakers, every man should have at least one pair of lace-up boots and/or work boots in their footwear collection. Get yourself a tried and true classic like Red Wing’s Iron Ranger Boot, which comes in six colors and will last for years. 

12. Overcoat/Trench Coat

For those who live in cold/wet climates who have to be out and about in the winter months, an overcoat or a trench coat is a must-have to keep you warm, dry, and of course, stylish. Try the Calvin Klein Men’s Prosper Wool-Blend X-Fit Overcoat, which comes in five different colors and a wide range of sizes that’ll fit your personal style, and if you’re looking for a trench coat, you can’t go wrong with the Hugo Boss Water-Repellent Trench Coat with Adjustable Belt, which is available in khaki and navy blue.

13. Weekender Bag

Weekender bags are an absolute must-have when it comes to luggage, as you don’t want to be carting around a large, rolling piece of luggage if you’re just heading out of town for the weekend. The Fossil Defender Duffle is the perfect sleek and sophisticated weekender for a romantic weekend away with your partner, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, try the Herschel Novel Duffle, which is available in a whopping 21 colors and is handsomely priced at under $100.

14. Leather Belt

As far as accessories go, every man should have at least one leather belt in his closet. Your best bet is either a classic brown leather belt or black leather belt, as they’ll match with everything in your wardrobe and can be worn to casual and smart casual events to formal occasions. Try the Manistee Dress Belt from Allen Edmonds, which features intricate brogue details, and comes in nine different sizes and five different colors.

15. Sunglasses

Finally, your wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a pair of sunglasses – whether you opt for a classic wayfarer style, aviators, or round frames, a durable, name-brand pair of sunglasses will only add style to your wardrobe. Classic black Ray-Bans are the obvious choice here, but for a style that’s a little different and will undoubtedly make you stand out, try the TOMS Brooklyn Shiny Yellow Gold Bottle Green Sunglasses.