Style Essentials: Classic Men’s Clothing You Need in Your Wardrobe

By Chase McPeak Published May 18, 2018

It’s safe to say that American fashion dominated the 20th century. From Levi’s denim securing its spot as the de facto work-wear to Clint Eastwood elevating the cowboy boot from practical, range-riding protection to its current place as a symbol of bad-assery, U.S. style has been seeping into global culture since the advent of Hollywood. However, the entertainment complex can’t take all of the credit.

Why? Because most well-known (and well-worn) American fashion began life as clothes for the working man, meaning it had to be both tough and comfortable. In addition to denim and the cowboy boot, a perfect example is the white T-shirt. Originally created during the Spanish-American war circa 1898, it was so beloved that the Navy began issuing them in 1913 to sailors as undergarments, and by the 1920s, workmen were wearing them daily, along with most young boys.

Recommended Videos

To honor our fashion heritage and to help you, dear reader, achieve iconic style, we put together a list of our favorite iconic American fashion pieces and a few options you can get today.

Outerwear

Leather Moto Jacket

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing moto jacket belstaff — Belstaff - $1,895 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing moto jacket alexander mcqueen — Alexander McQueen - $4,195 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing leather jacket tom ford — Tom Ford - $5,695 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bomber Jacket

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing bomber jacket alpha industries — Alpha Industires - $149 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing bomber jacket belstaff — Kellend - $550 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing bomber jacket j crew — J. Crew - $260 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Denim Jacket

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing denim levi s trucker — Levi's Trucker Jacket - $90 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing denim made in los angeles — Todd Snyder - $298 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing denim nordstrom — Treasure & Bond - $78 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Blue Blazer

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing blue blazer bonobos — Bonobos - $400 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing blue blazer brooks brothers — Ministry of Supply - $375 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing blue blazer ministry of supply — SeaVees - $63 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Footwear

Sneaker

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing sneakers koio — Koio - $250 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing sneakers seavees — SeaVees - $63 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing sneakers oliver cabell black — Oliver Cabell - $146 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Loafer

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing loafer cole haan — Cole Haan - $320 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing loafer gh bass — G.H. Bass - $110 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing loafer to boot new york — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Work Boot

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing boot wolverine 1000 mile — Wolverine 1000 Mile - $365 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing boots danner brogue — Danner - $220 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing boots thursday — Thursday Boots - $199 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tops

Knit Sweater

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing sweater finisterre — Finisterre - $98 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing sweater h m — H&M - $25 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing sweater connolly — Connolly - $590 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Polo

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing polo flint tinder — Flint & Tinder - $58 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing polo tommy hilfiger — Tommy Hilfiger - $70 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing polo zachary prell — Zachary Prell - $77 Image used with permission by copyright holder

The T-shirt

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing tshirt mack weldon — Mack Weldon - $32 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing tshirt western rise — Western Rise - $96 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing tshirt other — Richer Poorer - $24 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hoodie

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing hoodie todd snyder — Todd Snyder + Champion $178 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing hoodie marine layer — Marine Layer - $96 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing hoodie bonobos — Bonobos - $198 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bottoms

Denim

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing denim mott and bow — Mott & Bow - $118 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing chinos levis — Levi's - $88 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing denim raleigh — Raleigh Denim - $225 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Chino/Khaki

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing chinos uniqlo — Uniqlo - $40 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing chinosa and f — Abercrombie & Fitch - $68 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing chinos bonobos — Bonobos $98 Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Short

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing shorts free fly — Free Fly - $59 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing shorts polo ralph lauren — Polo Ralph Lauren - $65 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing shorts chubbies — Chubbies - $60 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cowboy Boots

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing cowboy boots heritage boot co — Heritage Boot Company - $420 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing cowboy boots ariat rambler — Ariat Rambler - $150 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing cowboy boot aria drifter — Ariat Drifter - $200 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sunglasses

Wayfarer

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing wayfarer ray ban — Ray-Ban - $153 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing wayfarers warby parker — Warby Parker - $95 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing wayfarer moscot — Moscot - $290 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Aviator

1 of 3

Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses — Ray-Ban

style essentials classic mens clothing aviators quay — Quay - $60 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing aviators warby parker — Warby Parker - $145 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Clubmaster

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing clubmaster raen optics — Raen Optics - $160 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing clubmaster quay — Quay - $50 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing clubmaster ray ban — Ray-Ban - $203 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Watches

Field Watch

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing field watch jack mason — Jack Mason - $195 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing field watch weiss — Weiss - $1,995 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing field watch timex — Timex - $70 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Chronograph

1 of 3

style essentials classic mens clothing chronograph rose gold — MVMT - $135 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing chronograph linjer — Linjer - $259 Image used with permission by copyright holder

style essentials classic mens clothing chronograph vintage — About Vintage - $349 Image used with permission by copyright holder

And if you’re not just down for American style, but American made style, check out these all Made-in-the-USA gifts.

Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual

Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…

Topics

Fashion & Style

Converse High Top Sale: Chuck Taylors and other sneakers starting at $30

The Converse Chuck 70 Seasonal Color on a gray background.

Converse just launched a sale on its high top shoes, which includes discounts on different variants of the popular Chuck Taylor sneakers. In addition to the lowered prices, you can get an extra 25% off for some pairs by applying the code JUNESALE upon checkout. Feel free to look through everything that's on sale, but we've also highlighted some sneaker deals below if you want some recommendations. You need to hurry though -- some styles and sizes are already selling out, so you're going to lose your chance at huge savings if you hesitate.

What to buy in Converse's High Top Shoes Sale

Fashion & Style

Breitling unveils updated Superocean Heritage with Hawaiian surf inspiration

Wave rider: Breitling's superocean heritage update celebrates hawaiian surf heritage with kelly slater

Breitling superocean sea watch

Breitling refreshes its Superocean Heritage collection for the first time since 2017, introducing updated sizes, the new B31 manufacture movement, and a limited edition created in collaboration with surfing legend Kelly Slater. This revision balances vintage 1950s style with modern elegance and pays tribute to Hawaiian surf culture through special partnerships.

The Superocean Heritage line originally launched in 1957 as Breitling’s dive watch, combining stylish design with underwater capability. Early models like the Ref. 1004 time-only and Ref. 807 chronograph featured spear and arrow hands, anodized rotating bezels, and compact proportions—appealing to those who valued both aesthetics and function.

Fashion & Style

G-Shock’s original DW-5000c gets mighty full metal reissue

Steel evolution: G-shock's full metal 5000 series celebrates iconic dw-5000c heritage

Casio G-shock original product shot

G-Shock highlights its heritage with the 5000 Series Full-Metal GMW-B5000D-1C, a watch that reinterprets the groundbreaking 1983 DW-5000C. This new release blends the classic styling with updated materials and technology, marking an evolution for the brand’s core design.
The original DW-5000C nearly faded into obscurity but was ahead of its time. It gained traction with younger skaters and surfers, especially after being featured on American television. Today, it’s considered an icon among watch enthusiasts and everyday carry fans, establishing G-Shock’s reputation for toughness and practical utility.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is the first Full Metal model to feature the original’s signature red, blue, and yellow accents—each color carrying meaning: red for “the passion to take on challenges,” blue for “excellent water resistance,” and yellow for “outstanding shock resistance.” Previous Full Metal versions used different color schemes, so this release is especially significant for longtime G-Shock fans.
The construction is a major upgrade from the original’s resin case and rubber strap. The GMW-B5000D-1C uses a stainless steel case and linked bracelet, making it more durable and long-lasting while retaining the iconic look that made the DW-5000C famous.
Modern features include a Tough Solar quartz movement, replacing the old lithium battery and drawing power from sunlight. Bluetooth connectivity allows the watch to sync with a smartphone for easier control and enhanced functionality, bringing the 1980s design into the digital age.
Despite these updates, the essential G-Shock principles remain, especially the shock resistance that first set the brand apart. The GMW-B5000D-1C captures the original spirit, honoring it with new technology and improved durability.
Alongside this release, G-Shock also introduces the GM-B2100SD-1C, which applies the same color theme to the first Full Metal watch’s round case. This two-part launch demonstrates G-Shock’s commitment to honoring its roots while exploring new expressions within the Full Metal series.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is featured on G-Shock’s website, though pricing and availability details have not yet been announced. The timing suggests a focus on collectors and fans seeking a piece of G-Shock history, now reimagined with premium materials and modern features.
This release illustrates how classic designs can evolve through new materials and technology, preserving the core qualities that made them legendary and appealing to both longtime G-Shock enthusiasts and newcomers discovering the brand’s origins.