Best Wardrobe Basics For Men
Photo courtesy of Converse
No Matter Your Style, These Basics Will Upgrade Your Look In Seconds
By Corey Kelly for AskMen.com
Basics are your wardrobe essentials that make getting dressed a whole lot easier. Think about it: Life would suck without a plain white t-shirt or that sensible work-appropriate button-up. The same goes for your collection of underwear or your go-to gym attire. They’re your key everyday items that act as the foundation of your wardrobe. But sometimes (just sometimes!) they’re due for a much-needed upgrade. For example, wouldn’t it be nice if someone designed an everyday dress shirt that took the drama out of getting dressed? Or what if someone invented an undershirt that never untucked? Well, your prayers have been answered. Below, we list six must-have essentials that have upgraded their status on what it means to be basic.
Photo courtesy of Converse
The Suede Sneaker: Converse Pro Leather ‘76 Vintage Suede
Want to take a simple, casual outfit to the next level? Throw on a pair of suede sneakers such as the new Converse Pro Leather ‘76 Vintage Suede kicks. A sleek and modern version of a classic court silhouette, the sneaker features a hairy suede upper and white leather details. And thanks to its Nike Lunarlon sockliner, you will stay comfortable -- and look effortlessly cool -- all day. — $75.00 at Nike.com
Photo courtesy of Sharply
The Jeans You’ll Want To Live In: Sharply Slim Jim Jean
Every man needs a great pair of jeans. You just found yours thanks to Sharply, a new menswear brand that specializes in making comfortable, high-quality wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time.
Made from 100% Japanese cotton selvedge denim, this pair of jeans is the most comfortable one you’ll ever own. The slim fit helps accentuate your legs and backside while still leaving a little to the imagination — a modern yet easier to pull off alternative to skinny jeans. The Slim Jim comes in two different (but equally versatile) washes: dark and medium. — $195.00 at ShopSharply.com
Photo courtesy of Birddogs
The Junk-Free Gym Short: Birddog Thruster Shorts
Fellas, say goodbye to gym-time free-balling (you know who you are!) because the team over at Birddogs has come to the rescue. They’re a men’s clothing brand specializing in gym shorts for those of you who enjoy going commando. Each short, specially-designed with a stretchy underwear-like ball pouch, keeps the goodies in check. Thanks to extra-deep hand pockets for loose items, not to mention secret pouches for your phone and wallet, these bold-colored shorts (with contrasting liners) are an upgrade from predictable gym attire. — $54.95 at BirdDogShorts.com
Photo courtesy of Fruit Of The Loom
The T-Shirt: Fruit Of The Loom Stay Tucked Undershirt
Fruit of the Loom was on to something by updating the basic white T-shirt with an added feature: additional length. Just think about it: all it took was a few more inches and the stay-tucked undershirt was born. We’ve all struggled with messy undershirts: the fussiness in trying to keep them tidy and neat. But Fruit of the Loom’s Stay-Tucked T-Shirts are designed to stay in place. Made with 100% Eversoft cotton, these tag-free tees not only keep their pristine white appearance after many washes but their collars retain their shape as well. — $13.95 at Amazon.com
Photo courtesy of Converse
The More-Bang-For-Your-Buck Chuck: Chuck Taylor All Star II Reflective Print Sneaker
When it comes to casual footwear, there’s nothing more basic than a pair of white Chuck’s. They’re an all-around classic sneaker, perfect for lounging around on weekends — not to mention a great item to pair with a suit for a casual Friday at the office. However, thanks to Converse’s latest release of their Chuck Taylor All Star II collection, these best-selling originals have finally been upgraded to next-level-status.
Built for serious support and comfort, the new All Star II’s insole is constructed with Nike’s Lunarlon sockliner. The quality of the sneaker’s exterior is upgraded to a premium canvas combined with a reflecting material for the night owl in all of us. With the addition of the sneaker’s micro-suede lining, it’s now an elevated product packed with more-bang—for-your-buck features. — $64.99 at Converse.com
Photo courtesy of Mizzen + Main
The Drama-Free Dress Shirt: Mizzen + Main Blackman 2.0 Shirt
We’d never seen dress shirts with so many fantastic features until we stumbled upon menswear brand Mizzen + Main. A favorite among professional athletes, their shirts are designed for the modern man who’s on-the-go. They’re made from a unique blend of fabric that not only pulls and stretches in four directions, but never wrinkles, prevents sweat stains and is machine wash-friendly to the core (say goodbye to those dry cleaning bills). Available in two fits (standard or trim), these practical shirts take the drama out of getting dressed. — $125.00 at MizzenAndMain.com
Photo courtesy of Ten Thousand
