Are you tired of using the same things in your wardrobe day in and day out? With less consistency outside of our homes and more of the same while inside of them, we have recently found ourselves refocusing on the more reliable stylistic pieces that have stood the test of time. From layering pieces to the shoes and accessories, we’ve come up with 25 of the building blocks for every man’s wardrobe that shouldn’t be overlooked. From the best Champion deals to the best Levi’s deals: These brands have committed to making quality products, and it should come as no surprise that they have topped the essentials on this list.
The Blazer: Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer
Bonobos has earned its reputation for accessible, great-fitting clothes. Their two-button, unconstructed blazer is loosely tailored from top-quality Italian fabric for an easier silhouette that can just as easily be dressed up or down.
Read more: Best Blazers for Men
The Oxford: Everlane The Standard Fit Performance Air Oxford Long-sleeve Shirt
Date night, a presentation at work, a special occasion: A crisp white oxford shirt is your closet’s jack-of-all-trades when it comes to looking good with minimal effort. It is possibly the best piece of clothing you can pull out, put on, and someone will inevitably give you a once-over before saying you look nice.
Read more: Best Dress Shirts for Men
The Denim Shirt: Uniqlo Denim Long-Sleeve Shirt
The denim long-sleeve button-up is the oxford’s cooler counterpart. If the dress code is a little less negotiable, see above. With an excellent cotton consistency and tasteful button and pocket details, Uniqlo makes the perfect denim shirt to be layered or worn solo in all its glory.
Read more: Best Denim Shirts for Men
The White Tee: Hanes Crew Neck T-Shirt
Don’t be one of those guys who wears overpriced tees (or who conversationally will acknowledge it). With their signature high round neck and stiff silhouette, Hanes white tees are universally sworn upon.
Read more: Best T-Shirts for Men
The Henley: Outerknown Arroyo Thermal Henley
It’s a tee! It’s a thermal! It has … buttons? Henleys have the distinct ability to look cozy and classic simultaneously, and Outerknown makes the best ones we’ve seen.
Read more: Best Men’s Henleys
The Crewneck: Patagonia Men’s Recycled Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Beech Brown
Patagonia is equally reputable for its outdoor clothing as it is environmental activism. The brand’s perfectly constructed crewneck sweater is responsibly knit from recycled cashmere and wool.
Read more: Best Sweaters for Men
The Hoodie: Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie in Oxford Grey
Champion’s trademarked heavyweight, reverse weave hoodie is the one to end them all. If you don’t own at least one Champion hoodie in 2021, please stop reading this article and acquire one immediately.
Read more: Best Hoodies for Men
The Briefs: Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Classics Boxer Briefs
Calvin Klein will go down as the brand that changed the boxer brief game. Underwear went from an everyday necessity to something worthy of showing off.
Read more: Best Boxer Briefs for Men
The Jeans: Levi’s 501 Original Fit Men’s Jeans in Dark Wash
When Levi Strauss came to the United States in 1873, he created the first-ever pair of blue jeans: The Levi’s 501 Original. To this day 501’s are some of the best-selling denim on the planet and are a must-have.
Read more: Best Jeans for Men
The Chino: J. Crew 484 Slim-Fit Stretch Chino Pant in Catskill Green
Chinos are at the core of every man’s wardrobe. J. Crew’s 484 style is known for its unique pitch (the difference between rising in front and back) and flattering tapered leg. We recommend these in neutrals like their signature military green.
Read more: Best Chinos for Men
The Sweatpants: Russell Athletic Men’s Cotton Rich 2.0 Premium Fleece Sweatpants
Innuendos aside, grey sweatpants don’t deserve to be the most controversial article of clothing in the game these days. Russell’s no-nonsense sweatpants are affordable, comfortable, and snug in all the right places.
Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men
The Watch: Timex Harborside 42 mm Bracelet Watch in Black and Silver
Timex’s handsome Harborside timepiece offers sophisticated stainless steel that no one will guess costs under $100. The silver-tone case with a black dial works just as seamlessly with your best suit or jeans and a tee.
Read more: Best Watches for Men
The Belt: Brooks Brothers Silver Buckle Leather Dress Belt
Belts are one of those things that you don’t realize how much of a game-changer they are until you’ve found the perfect one. Brooks Brothers’ Italian-made calfskin leather dress belt with a shiny square buckle will make your simplest outfit look well thought through.
Read more: Best Belts for Men
The Tie: Tie Bar Grosgrain Solid Black Tie in Black
Handmade from 100% woven silk, Tie Bar’s grosgrain styles are available in six different widths. Their quality fabric and subtle sheen make for a timeless classic when you need to throw something on and look spectacular.
Read more: Best Ties for Men
The Sunglasses: Tom Ford Stephenson Sunglasses in Dark Havana
Tom Ford is synonymous with two things: smelling fantastic and fantastic eyewear. The Stephensons are universally flattering wayfarer frames featuring Tom’s signature “T” metal temple detail.
Read more: Best Sunglasses for Men
The Opticals: Le Specs No Biggie Blue Light Clear Glasses
Le Specs is one of our favorite brands for affordable stylish frames. Their modern, lightweight opticals with filters 30% of blue light to prevent eye fatigue.
Read more: Best Blue-Light Blocking Glasses
The Wallet: Bottega Veneta Card Holder in Intrecciato Nappa Leather
When creative director Daniel Lee took over Italian powerhouse Bottega Veneta in 2019, the resurgence of the brand’s woven leather was inescapable. Wallets are a smart investment piece given that you use them every day and they won’t break the bank. This cardholder from Bottega Veneta is slim enough to ease into any pocket or bag and will up your style game every time you take out your card.
Read more: Best Slim Wallets for Men
The Socks: Bombas Men’s Dress Calf Socks
Bombas are the sock experts for a reason: These guys have been exclusively studying knitwear for your feet for a long time. To top it off, for every pair purchased Bombas donates a pair of socks to someone in need.
Read more: Best Socks for Men
The Summer Shoe: Castaner Pablo Suede Espadrilles
Soft leather or canvas upper, braided rope soles: There’s a good chance you’ve seen these summer shoes on stylish dudes but don’t yet have them in rotation. Espadrilles are traditionally handcrafted in Spain, and Castaner is one of the original brands to bring them into the commercial market. We love this version with smooth suede and braided jute soles that are a no-brainer holiday shoe.
The Casual Sneakers: Nike Blazer High
High-cut canvas and narrow silhouette radiate classic cool to be worn with a simple shirt and jeans.
Read more: Best Sneakers for Men
The Training Sneakers: Adidas Ultraboost 20
Adidas continues to be at the forefront of innovation in sportswear. Primeknit upper that forms with the foot and enhances movement, super responsive midsole with 20% more of their signature boost.
Read more: Best Athletic Sneakers
The Low Top: The Greats The Royale
With a crisp all-white Italian leather upper, The Royale from The Greats are the sneakers you’ll want to wear with just about everything. While the custom tan gum soles are reminiscent of skate shoes, these puppies are polished enough to wear to work or through the weekend.
Read more: Best Men’s White Sneakers
The Chelsea Boot: RM Williams Craftsman Boot
Chelsea boots have a seemingly magical power to elevate the most basic of sartorial displays. Featuring a polished square shape, flat wooden heel, and an almond toe, heritage bootmakers RM Williams still makes the Craftsman style by hand to this day.
Read more: Best Chelsea Boots for Men
The Oxfords: Florsheim Midtown Plain Toe Oxford
Florsheim Shoes started in 1892 in a small factory in Chicago and every pair has been thoughtfully produced ever since. Every detail of their buttery leather, round toe, and fine-laced oxfords are perfect.
Read more: Best Dress Shoes for Men
The Loafers: G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns
Since 1936, G.H. Bass has been the authority for top-quality heritage loafers to wear with everything from jeans to your favorite suit. Their signature weejuns style features moc stitching and penny keeper stitching.
Read more: Best Loafers for Men
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