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26 must-have things every man should own

There are certain things every man needs. Check out our list to upgrade your life

Randolph x Todd Snyder Aviator
Randolph x Todd Snyder Aviator
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Ralph Lauren 45 MM Chronometer Steel Watch
Ralph Lauren 45 MM Chronometer Steel Watch
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Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer
Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer
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Cole Haan Original Grand Short Wingtip Oxfords
Cole Haan Original Grand Short Wingtip Oxfords
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Hoka One One Clifton 8
Hoka One One Clifton 8
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The James Brand The Carter
The James Brand The Carter
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Leatherman Wave+ Multitool
Leatherman Wave+ Multitool
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Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Luggage
Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Luggage
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Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter with Airtight Geometric Stopper
Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter with Airtight Geometric Stopper
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Whiskey Peaks American Mountains
Whiskey Peaks American Mountains
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Between the World and Me
Between the World and Me
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The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
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Fear and loathing
Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72
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1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Wireless Connectivity
1byone Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable
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Sony SRS-XB33 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker IP67 Waterproof BLUETOOTH 24 Hour Battery and Built In Mic for Phone Calls, Black
Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
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Our Place Home Cook Duo
Our Place Home Cook Duo
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The Kudu Grill
The Kudu Grill
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Global 8” Chef Knife
Global 8” Chef Knife
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The Grey The Essentials Kit
The Grey The Essentials Kit
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MAURA Turkish Bath Towel Set
MAURA Turkish Bath Towel Set
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David Gandy Wellwear Robe
David Gandy Wellwear Robe
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Avocado Green Eco Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
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Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert
Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert
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Parachute Percale Duvet Cover Set
Parachute Percale Duvet Cover Set
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Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Parachute Percale Sheet Set
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There are things that society deems as a man's needs. Fast cars, big cigars, and shiny toys — these are what a man needs, right? Wrong. What a man genuinely needs are things that will improve his everyday life. From using them and getting the job done to simply enjoying them on an aesthetic level, these things are meant to make life easier, not more complex.

These items most probably require trial and error, so we went ahead and gathered some of the most trusted products in each category. Here are 26 things every man should own in 2023.

RANDOLPH X TODD SNYDER AVIATOR sunglasses in gunmetal.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Randolph x Todd Snyder Aviator

Affordable sunglasses can have a place and a time, but investing in some high-quality shades is a worthy investment, especially when it's imperative to protect your eyes. This collaboration from Randolph Engineering and Todd Snyder is the combo you didn't realize you needed. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell meets Mr. Don Draper; need we say more?

Randolph x Todd Snyder Aviator
Randolph x Todd Snyder Aviator
A Ralph Lauren 45mm Chronometer Steel Watch with a black strap on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ralph Lauren 45 MM Chronometer Steel Watch

An essential must-have for any man is an excellent watch, or a few if we're being quite honest. While Ralph Lauren has been known for its exquisite apparel, this brand has wonderfully expanded into accessories, and the watches are of premium quality — so much so that the stainless steel watches sell out almost immediately.

This sporting version is elegant enough to wear for a black-tie affair yet rugged enough to take to the gym. A stunning black dial face with sleek Roman numerals and a solid stainless steel case come together with a black alligator leather band. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile option.

Ralph Lauren 45 MM Chronometer Steel Watch
Ralph Lauren 45 MM Chronometer Steel Watch
Bonobos Jetsetter Slim-Fit Stretch Wool Blazer.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer

Light, flexible, affordable. There’s a reason the Ludlow is Prince Harry’s jacket of choice. A linen and cotton blend affords the ability to handle those summer days — something most jackets aren't made for.

Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer
Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer
Boardroom Socks.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Boardroom

A great pair of dress socks should be breathable as much as they are comfortable. The Boardroom Socks are made with merino wool and come in an array of classic patterns and colors. They’re also made in the USA.

Boardroom
Boardroom
Cole Haan wingtip dress shoes.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cole Haan Original Grand Short Wingtip Oxfords

Out of all the different pairs of dress shoes you can buy, every man needs a good pair of wingtips. Not only are they timeless but they're also comfortable. No dress shoe can beat Cole Haan’s signature outsoles.

Cole Haan Original Grand Short Wingtip Oxfords
Cole Haan Original Grand Short Wingtip Oxfords

Hoka One One Clifton 8

A solid pair of running shoes should make you excited to go out and hit the pavement for a half marathon. Hoka’s are the crème de la crème for doing just that. The Clifton 7 offers elite orthopedic comfort while staying light as a feather.

Hoka One One Clifton 8
Hoka One One Clifton 8
James Brand The Carter knife.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The James Brand The Carter

A proper knife should be able to do everything from slicing an apple to sawing through a branch. The Carter is such a knife, and it comes with a modern design and feels. A thumb disc makes it easy to open one-handed, and a slide locking mechanism provides security when in use. In short: A must-have for your everyday carry.

The James Brand The Carter
The James Brand The Carter
LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool in black.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Leatherman Wave+ Multitool

Wire cutters, pliers, and screwdrivers are must-haves when looking for a trusted multitool. This has all three and then some. Crafted with stainless steel and designed to be opened with one hand, the Leatherman Wave is a multitool that is tough enough to tackle everything life throws at you.

Leatherman Wave+ Multitool
Leatherman Wave+ Multitool
Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Luggage in a silver aluminum finish on a white background.
Sterling Pacific

Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Luggage

There's no longer just one brand synonymous with luxury aluminum luggage — enter the somewhat newcomer and American brand, Sterling Pacific. If there was an American version of James Bond, this would be his luggage of choice.

Full 5052 aluminum body with impact-bearing ridges and full-grain Italian leather handles, soft twill weave lining, and a lifetime warranty all equals the epitome of travel luggage. Rolling this carry-on around makes you feel like a dashing, young Leo DiCaprio in, Catch me if you can, via a young Pan Am pilot; classic and stylish.

Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Luggage
Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Luggage
Paksh whiskey decanter.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter with Airtight Geometric Stopper

Paksh uses Italian-crafted glass to create a decanter that tells a story. Plus, it holds up to 24 ounces of your best white wine or whiskey.

Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter with Airtight Geometric Stopper
Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter with Airtight Geometric Stopper
Whiskey Peaks Glasses.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whiskey Peaks American Mountains

Don't pour a finger or two of good whiskey into an improper glass. Match the decanter above with this American mountain set featuring Half Dome, Denali, Mt. Rainer, and Mt. Whitney. There’s an opportunity for a drinking game to be made out of these, we’re sure of it.

Whiskey Peaks American Mountains
Whiskey Peaks American Mountains
Between the world and me, Mamba Mentality, and Fear and Loathing on the campaign trail 1972, book cover images on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Between the World and Me

Between the World and Me is a modern must-have that provides a framework of how far the roots of racism have dug themselves into American history. Coates paints this narrative in a letter to his adolescent son, who will one day have to reckon with the same burden Coates has felt his entire life. Every man must experience a read that will change how he views the world in one way or another. This is one of them.

Between the World and Me
Between the World and Me

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

Kobe Bryant was scratching the surface of what his post-NBA success would look like before his sudden and tragic death. He lived by a code of hard work and dedication so he could be the best to ever do it — no matter what it was. The Mamba Mentality offers a look into how everyone can learn to take on such a legendary mindset.

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72

Political books are far from what anyone wants to read right now, but it’s necessary to have at least one in your library — so why not own one written by Hunter S. Thompson? Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72 turns political reporting into comedic gold. And 40 years later, it still parallels much of what exists in our current climate.

Fear and loathing
Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72
1byone Turntable.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

1byone Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable

A man needs a music player to enjoy his favorite tunes. A turntable is a classic solution. However, shopping for one can be a mess. The 1byone Wireless System offers ease of use thanks to its slim design and supreme sound.

1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Wireless Connectivity
1byone Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable
Sony SRS-XB33 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker

A more up-to-date solution is a Bluetooth speaker. The Sony SRS-XB33 carries elite sound quality no matter how high you turn up the volume. It’s durable, and it works excellently with other Sony products using Party Connect. The SRS-XB33 can is waterproof and lasts all day.

Sony SRS-XB33 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker IP67 Waterproof BLUETOOTH 24 Hour Battery and Built In Mic for Phone Calls, Black
Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
Our Place Home Cook Duo in char colorway.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Our Place Home Cook Duo

There are certain things worth investing in, in life — a premium set of cookware is a must. Those cheap, 20+ sets made from Teflon are garbage and toxic. Our Place has the answer you're looking for: the home cook duo. The stunning pan and pot can replace 16 different pieces and are made with aluminum bodies, perfect for all cooking temperatures.

They have a "magical" nonstick ceramic coating free of PTFEs, PFOAs, other PFAS, lead, and cadmium — simply put, the stuff that can kill you. The cookware pieces also come in eight eccentric colors to perfectly match whatever kitchen aesthetics you're going for.

Our Place Home Cook Duo
Our Place Home Cook Duo
The KUDU Grill.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Kudu Grill

The Kudu is named after the traditional African grill that showcases the communal experience cooking creates. Aside from grilling, the Kudu also sautés, sears, fries, boils, smokes, and steams — at the same time even! Its heavy-gauge steel base and ceramic coating guarantee easy cleanup for many years to come. 

The Kudu Grill
The Kudu Grill
Global 8 Chef's Knife.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Global 8” Chef Knife

One of the methods in searching through a sea of kitchen knives is to find a chef co-sign. The late Anthony Bourdain once recommended this G-2 as a great starter knife — and it won't cost an arm and a leg either.

Global 8” Chef Knife
Global 8” Chef Knife
The Grey The Essentials Kit for men's skincare.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Grey The Essentials Kit

Guys, you don't need to overcomplicate your skincare routine. Keep things as simple as possible. The essentials kit from The Grey, which makes the best men's grooming products for the active modern man, has the three main products you need for basic men's skincare: cleanser, face cream, and SPF.

The Grey The Essentials Kit
The Grey The Essentials Kit
Maura Turkish Bath Towels in charcoal.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

MAURA Turkish Bath Towel Set

You use a towel or bathrobe almost every day of your life, so why not invest in a quality set? This Maura Turkish Bath Towel collection uses ring-spun cotton to ensure powerful absorbency and luxurious softness.

MAURA Turkish Bath Towel Set
MAURA Turkish Bath Towel Set
A navy blue David Gandy Wellwear Robe on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

David Gandy Wellwear Robe

One of the finer, little luxuries in life that any man can do is to upgrade his personal hygiene and grooming routine, notably in how he relaxes after some proper self-care. If you have yet to invest in a bathrobe, we recommend you do so, particularly this one from David Gandy Wellwear.

Made with 100% BCI cotton and infused with natural anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to aloe vera, this robe will have your brain releasing some "feel-good-boosting" oxytocin to help you unwind and get some much-needed R&R.

David Gandy Wellwear Robe
David Gandy Wellwear Robe
An Avocado Green mattress on a wooden bed frame in a bedroom.
Avocado

Avocado Green Mattress

It’s hard to overstate the value of a superlative mattress. In the past 10 years, many great new players have entered the mattress industry. One mattress brand that is separating itself from the rest is Avocado Green Mattresses.

These sleeping surfaces feature 100% GOLS-certified latex, wool and cotton and they are handmade in the U.S. — sustainability meets exceptional comfort. The best in eco-luxury. We also recommend getting the organic pillows, and for those who prefer a plusher sleep, the pillow topper is an excellent choice, too.

Avocado Green Eco Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
Boll and branch down duvet insert in white.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert

Boll & Branch's mission is simple: Start with organic cotton to make the most luxurious fabrics on earth. Today, it is doing just that. This down duvet is available in three different weights for every type of sleep temperature. Its unique "bafflebox" construction keeps the down evenly distributed, offering the perfect sleep opportunity each and every night.

Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert
Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert
Parachute Percale Duvet Cover Set in gray colorway.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Parachute Percale Duvet Cover Set

It's high time to invest in some better quality bed sheets and move away from your typical retail store sets. This percale set from Parachute is excellently crafted using 100% premium-quality, certified, long-staple Egyptian cotton in a cool, lightweight material, and it's the perfect year-round option. Sleep has never felt this good.

Parachute Percale Duvet Cover Set
Parachute Percale Duvet Cover Set
Parachute Percale Sheet Set in white color.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Parachute Percale Sheet Set

Again, upgrading your bedroom sheets, and you might as well get the percale sheet set from Parachute to go with your duvet set.

Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Parachute Percale Sheet Set

There comes a time in every man's life when he must upgrade his lifestyle and opt for better quality items, products, things, and gear. These must-have's are how you can elevate your life and look, as well.

Jeff Turbett
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jeff Turbett is a health and wellness coach with over three years of experience transforming clients lives and physical…
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