25 essentials every man should have in his wardrobe
Looking to build a wardrobe of clothing essentials that are timeless, free of fashion trends and worth the investment?
Words: Zak Maoui
Fashion is a funny thing. While something by considered "in" today, tomorrow it won't be. Trends come and trends go. But if that all sounds like a lot of work to you, and you still want to look good, then you're in luck, because there are a handful of menswear essentials that will simply never stop being stylish. These investment pieces will always keep you looking good, no matter the season, or what's going on over on TikTok or the catwalk.
From knee-skimming trenchcoats and sturdy leather loafers to Levi's 501 jeans and a pair of Chelsea boots, these are the menswear essentials every guy needs in his wardrobe.
Canali coat
The most versatile piece of clothing any guy can own is a black overcoat. You can spruce up a tracksuit with one, or wear it with a suit for the morning commute. It goes with anything and instantly adds a smarter edge to an outfit. Canali's is cut from fine wool-cashmere and is refined in shape and colour.
Brown lace-up Derbies
One of the most versatile, and therefore timeless, shoes on the planet. A pair of brown lace-up round toe shoes, such as the Shannon Derby by Church's, will go with anything, anytime of the year. A suit? Definitely. A pair of straight-leg jeans? Absolutely. Shorts in the summer? Match with a pair of thick grey marl socks and you're good to go.
Straight-leg blue jeans
Levi Strauss patented his "blue jeans" idea on May 20th 1873, and today this date is considered to be the birthday of the piece of clothing. But despite being over 150 years old, blue jeans are as relevant today as they were back then. Everybody has a pair, whether you're Joe Biden or Jacob Elordi, and there really are none better than the classic Levi's 501 rinse wash straight-leg version. Cut to fall vertically down your leg, skinny jeans these are not, and they can be worn with just about anything in your wardrobe, whether it's a navy blazer for a preppy fit or a white T-shirt for that James Dean vibe.
A decent white shirt
When you were younger the white shirt was what you were probably accustomed to wear to school. Hated it, right? But as you've got older, you've hopefully realised the versatility and wearability of a crisp white button-down. Whatever the occasion a white shirt will work. Dressed down with jeans, dressed up with a pair of tailored slacks and an oversized blazer, or simply worn with your favourite suit and tie. Trust us when we say investing in one is a wise idea.
A logo-free wallet
It's not chic to shout about your money, and so your wallet should be equally as quiet. No logos here thanks. Opt for one that says little, but does the job. Our advice? Go for a full leather bifold from Bennett Winch, which has been crafted in London by the finest leather artisans. It's terribly chic, and will last a lifetime if you look after it. “Most men, no matter how well or badly dressed, carry overstuffed, beat up wallets that should have been replaced years ago," said American write Jonathan Carroll. "Every time I see a guy take out a wallet anywhere, it looks like a piece of old melted chocolate cake-with strings." Don't be that guy.
A white T-shirt
Many men have made the white T-shirt part of their everyday uniform. Marlon Brando wore them. James Dean's were as famous as his looks. Harry Styles has a solid collection. The best of the best, that won't cost the earth? Sunspel, of course. The British brand's "Classic T-shirt" is handmade in its factory in Long Eaton, England, using the finest, extra-long staple Supima cotton, which can also be traced back to its Californian farm of origin.
Tailored trousers
A decent pair of tailored trousers will get you through life. Made in Italy in Connolly's exclusive wool flannel stretch fabric, these are the perfect trouser for both day and night. Cut with a slim fit, they're unlined for extra comfort, meaning they'll take you from the office to dinner and wherever else you may end up with ease.
A white linen shirt
A linen shirt is the face of summer wear. The Talented Mr Ripley costume department made sure of that. And that's never going to change. Whether you're battling the inner city climes of a sun-drenched London in July or catching rays on a yacht in Capri, a lightweight linen shirt is always a good idea. Luca Faloni's is made in Bergamo, Northern Italy, by a set of skilled artisans who use the finest Italian pure linen.
A baseball cap
Celebrities use them to disguise themselves (not very well), regular guys use them to hide bad hair, and us? We wear them because they're timeless and always look good. Baseball caps, such as Ralph Lauren's Polo 5-panel hat, are never a bad idea.
A pair of durable Chelsea boots
The belief is that the first Chelsea boot was designed by Queen Victoria's bootmaker, J Sparkes-Hall, in 1837. A "paddock boot", it was designed for horse-riding, but today most brands are doing them for every walk of life. Austin Butler wears them on the red carpet, City Boys wear them in the office. Crockett & Jones' easily come out on top, and the slightly pointed Chelsea 8 is deserving of its place in your footwear arsenal.
A simple hoodie
Few brands can do casualwear in a chic and timeless way, but that's what Fear Of God is good at. This super luxe hoodie is slouchy in all the right places and comes in a neutral colourway that will never be out of style.
A solid belt
Every guy needs a belt. But some belts don't belong on every guy. Skip the logo-heavy buckles and opt for something a lot more subdued. Made from calf leather in an ultra-smooth finish, the Alsavel belt from Loro Piana comes with minimal branding. Quiet luxury at its best.
Classic sunglasses
As weird and wacky as sunglasses may be (look at the types of thing Justin Bieber wears for evidence), there really is nothing better than a pair of classic, black shades. Ray-Ban is the patron saint of the black sunglasses movement, with its Wayfarer style being as strong as ever.
A black suit
Interview, funeral, wedding, work do at a fancy venue. There will be an occasion in your life that will call for a black suit. In fact, there will be more than one occasion. There will be multiple. And so for that reason you're going to want to make sure you've got a decent one hanging up in your wardrobe. And where do you head for fine tailoring? Giorgio Armani, of course. Mr Armani's classic black suit is impeccably crafted entirely from wool and features classic notched lapel, meaning it's neither here nor there when it comes to too fancy.
A simple overshirt
A humble overshirt is one of the key elements in a capsule wardrobe. It's versatile: it can be used for layering up or worn on its own. It's suitable in the winter, but equally as useful in the summer. An overshirt always looks good.
A versatile backpack
You want a backpack that you can use for a short trip. You want one that's good enough for the office, but doesn't look like an office-only carry-round. You want a backpack that does it all, and doesn't skimp on style. Our advice? Always go for a black one. Leather is always a winner, if not leather-trimmed canvas. And look to those brands - Tod's, Montblanc, Aspinal, Coach et al - that know what they're doing when it comes to leather.
Everyday sweatpants
You lived in them during the pandemic, and you're probably still wearing them at the weekends or when you work from home. Sweatpants are an absolute necessity for anyone who champions comfort (and style). Sweatpants aren't just for the gym, they're sort of a style essential in themselves. Just take a look at your Instagram explore page - there you'll find archive images of JFK Jr rocking grey marl sweatpants, or John Travolta in a full slubby, sweatpant-shirt combo. But to achieve the look, you need to know where to go.
A heritage trench coat
A trench coat has gone from military fodder to one of the world's most necessary pieces of clothing. Burberry introduced its own during the First World War for functional use, but today it's a style statement in itself. The classic Burberry trench is archive-inspired and is woven with the label's signature gabardine and comes with a Vintage check lining. Wear it open, wear it buckled up. Wear it over a suit, or wear it with a hoodie and jeans. A trench coat is your outerwear best friend.
Black loafers
Loafers are the most informal formal shoe out there. They can be worn to a wedding sure, a job interview too, but they can also be dressed down with chunky socks and a pair of shorts. Or even worn with a pair of sweatpants. As shoes go, loafers are likely the most versatile on the planet. Our go-to for proper black slip-ons? Cheaney, the Northamptonshire-based shoemaker, does them best. The fully leather shoes come with a Goodyear welted leather sole and heel, which are extra flexible for a comfortable fit.
A set of black T-shirts
Much like their white counterparts, black T-shirts are a must. No logos, no branding. Just plain black tees. They go with anything, whether it's a grey suit or a pair of rinse wash blue jeans and trainers. CDLP does a set of two lyocell and pima cotton blend, which are nearly as soft as silk and won't loose their shape in the wash.
A grey sweatshirt
Much like grey sweatpants, a grey sweatshirt is essential. Again a favourite in the wardrobe of the ever-stylish JFK Jnr, a grey sweatshirt can be easily worn as a thrown on at home on WFH days, or worn with relaxed fit denim for a Nineties-vibing outfit.
White trainers
Since day dot white trainers have been the go to for athleisure nuts, but today the humble pared back footwear is favoured by everybody come rain or shine. Common Project's sneakers have a minimal, streamlined profile that is handmade from leather.
A statement tie
The easiest way to jazz up your officewear? With a fun neck tie. The best? A classic Turnbull & Asser number.
Grown-up underwear
Bin the spotty briefs and get rid of the animal-printed boxer shorts. As an adult there is no time for any of that, even if you don't intend to show anyone your under garments. Us? We head to CDLP for super soft, minimal and adult-friendly briefs.
Nice socks
Much like your underwear, you want your socks to be given special attention. You should never wear mismatched socks, and our advice is to always stick to neutral or darker hues. Bright pink socks peaking out from under your suit in a boardroom meeting is not a good look.
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