Wardrobe Essentials For Men: Every Man Needs These Basic Pieces

Men have a reputation of wearing the same thing over and over again. Can you blame them? They want to wear clothing that is familiar, comfortable, and matches. When someone starts experimenting with new outfits outside their style and comfort zone, it takes a lot more effort before they walk out the door. When something works, it works. Basic clothing pieces, AKA wardrobe essentials, are what every man, woman, and kid needs in their closet.

Typically, men don’t take up too much space anyway in a closet. (And if you’re a woman sharing a closet with a man, then you know that you could hog most of the closet space!) All they really need is a spot to put a few pair of jeans, a couple of nice work/occasion pants, casual button-down shirts, oxford shirts, dress shirts, polos (if that’s their style), and a drawer full of T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, and sweatpants. Seems simple, right? Men were practically made for basic clothing and casual outfits. But buying wardrobe essentials doesn’t come easy to everyone. It’s hard for some men to find their style. Once they discover what they like, though, they’re set for life. They can use that wardrobe checklist to restock if need be or replace anything that’s worn out. And if they’re feeling adventurous, they can try something new once in a while! Like women, men want to look good and feel good in what they’re wearing. Menswear isn’t as complicated as womenswear (in our honest opinion), but fit and style can make or break an outfit.

Men’s wardrobe essentials should be made of high-quality materials to last for years to come and be versatile enough to mix and match with other pieces in your closet. Being able to match pieces before you buy them will save you time and money in the long run!

Discover various wardrobe essentials every man should have in their closet for casual outfits that are cool and cozy.

Neutral Color Long-Sleeve Tops

You’ll definitely pass the vibe check for any casual event if you wear a smart-casual long-sleeve shirt in a neutral color. You can’t go wrong with a well-fitted top that pairs perfectly with straight-leg jeans. You can dress up the look by throwing on a blazer and swapping your Levi’s for chinos (see how easy it is for men to look good? No wonder why it takes them less time to get dressed!)

This long-sleeve crew neck shirt from James Perse comes in black, white, navy, and other neutral colors. It’s the slim-fit top every man needs as a wardrobe essential. The soft, lightweight jersey materials makes it perfect for layering up in the colder months. It can be dressed down as a casual look with a denim jacket and loafers or dressed up with a sports coat and dress shoes.

Shop the crew neck long sleeve top here.

Polo Shirt

For the ultimate business casual look, opt for a short sleeve polo shirt. You can go for a name brand like a classic polo Ralph Lauren or try one of James Perse’s standard polos. Polos aren’t as stiff as button-down shirts and the cotton material may give you more breathing room. They’re also stretchier than button-downs, which is why tennis and golf players wear polos. Polo shirts are typically accepted as work attire and can be paired with chinos, jeans, or even dressy pants. Slip on a pair of loafers or white sneakers, depending on where you’re going for the day. Wear a polo in the fall and layer it with a crew neck sweater if you’re feeling cold. Whatever the dress code may be for the day, every man’s wardrobe requires a polo shirt!

Shop the James Perse Standard Polo Shirt here.

Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Men live in t-shirts. Bedtime? T-shirt. Casual work day? T-shirt. Weekend? T-shirt. You can never have too many t-shirts. While your favorites are in the wash, you’ll sleep soundly knowing there are four more in your drawer waiting for you. Even though t-shirts seem like the most basic piece of clothing, there really are variations. Ask yourself: Do you want something a lower crew neck line or something higher? Do you want something lightweight or thicker? How long do you want the sleeves to be? Some t-shirts can be boxy, while others have a slim-fit.

We are big fans of the RHONE element tee that comes in every color under the sun. It’s made from SilverTech threads to keep your stink in check and long-staple Pima cotton (AKA it’s soft and durable). The minimalist design has a small xxx on the sleeve, which adds a little edge to an otherwise plain top.

Shop the Rhone t-shirt here.

What are basic wardrobe essentials for men?

Some basic wardrobe essentials for men include:

• A few pair of jeans

• A couple of nice work/occasion pants

• Casual button-down shirts, oxford shirts, and dress shirts,

• Polos

• A drawer full of T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, and sweatpants.

• Loafers

• White sneakers

• Dressy shoes

• Leather belt

• Henley long sleeve tops