When it comes to getting dressed, we tend to rhapsodize about the virtues of “wardrobe essentials for men” as if everyone knows what we mean. On Maslow’s hierarchy of menswear needs, wardrobe essentials might encompass the perfect white tee, a killer pair of jeans, and the loafers you can wear with them. But in compiling this list, our goal wasn’t simply to meet your needs—you are, frankly, a grown-ass man, and your goal should be nothing short of self-actualization.
The wardrobe essentials below are fundamental. in their own way. In aggregate, they constitute the foundation of a rock-solid men’s basic wardrobe. For the total rube, we could start you off with a handful of categories: underwear, socks, shirts, pants, shoes, maybe a jacket depending on where you call home. When it comes to “essentials,” we took the mandate to its logical extreme, pulling together a highly specific starter pack of everything you’ll want—nay, need—to wear in the year of our lord 2025.
The Plain White T-Shirt
A plain white T-shirt can be worn as an undershirt, standalone with some vintage jeans, or—if you want to get DIY—screen-printed into a work of art. Looking for an indie version no one else has? Check out our guide to the best white tees.
The Upgrade Undies
Slim, abbreviated trunks or boxer briefs that keep everything in place are the foundation of every rock-solid wardrobe—whether other people can see ‘em or not. Even if you’re in the minority that’s committed to boxer shorts, it pays to spend a little more on something that’s, you know, holding your balls all day long.
The Go-To Jeans
There’s a reason that the Levi’s 501s is at the very top of our guide to the best men’s jeans: it has been, is, and always will be the jeans you come back to again (and again, and again). If you dig your denim light and a little retro, though, Buck Mason’s is a close second. Can’t think of what to wear? Here’s your answer, seven days a week.
The Classic White Crew Socks
There were a few years where the collective menswear consciousness leaned into “fun socks,” and further away from God. How easily we are led astray… But there’s just one holy hosiery that will never fail us (except for weddings and funerals) and that is the simple white crew sock. Don’t get us wrong, a little joyride in some eye-catching socks and a pair of mules gets revs our engines plenty. But at the end of the day, it’s the simple pair that will keep you grounded.
The Trusty Timeless Beaters
We get that canvas sneakers aren’t exactly the type of kicks you lust after on StockX, but there’s no denying the rush of dopamine you get when you break out a fresh pair. At less than a Benjamin there’s the Converse Chuck Taylor, a mainstay of our sneakers coverage, since, uh, always.
The Do-It-All Navy Blazer
If there’s a theme here it’s that menswear essentials shouldn’t be unitaskers like a hands-free egg cooker that looks like it belongs in the bedroom and not the kitchen. They should be useful in a variety of situations and when it comes to tailoring in particular, the navy blazer is a Swiss Army Knife. It works in almost any situation, from job interviews (with a tie) to weddings (someone else’s or your own). Bonus points if you opt for a double-breasted number with strong shoulders, brash peak lapels, and an unmistakable sense of what Italians—and menswear guys—call sprezzatura.
The White Oxford Shirt
Like a plain white tee or simple white crew socks, a white Oxford shirt is a true workhorse. It can take the 9-to-5 like a champ, sharpen up for a fancier occasion, or kick back wide open over your favorite vintage tee. If you only have one shirt with buttons, let it be this.
The Yee-Haw Belt
Belts are often an afterthought, but they really shouldn’t be. So don’t waist (sorry) the opportunity. Much like cowboy boots, the western belt is riding high right now—hop in the saddle, and don’t get hung up on wearing it with blue jeans.
The Bigger-Is-Better Chinos
Remember chinos? The wardrobe staple of preppies and, inexplicably, grandpas everywhere? The pant that taps in when your jeans need a break? The ones that Gap viral-ized in the late-90s? These days chinos are back and bigger than before. The chinos of today are surprisingly familiar and look more like the military-issued pairs of the midcentury—high rise and hella roomy. Some even have a pleat or two. We’re all for going wide and pleated, but these both present a happy-ish medium if you’re still escaping the clutches of those target-marketed joints.
The Go-With-Everything Loafers
The menswear-sphere admittedly overloaded on loafers and we’re seeing a slight shift in the shoe zeitgeist. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the right pair of loafers can still be the most versatile kicks in your closet. They’ve got more range than Daniel Day-Lewis and can go from casual to dressy to punk in a flash.. Wear ’em with socks or without, and count yourself lucky when they get truly worn in—then keep wearing them.
