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Fashion is a fickle thing. Seasons change, trends fluctuate and what’s “in” one day is “out” the next. Style, however, is a different matter. The key to great style? A reliable selection of clothing essentials that make for a firm foundation to build on with those pesky, oh-so-undependable trends.
Despite the cyclical trends in fashion, certain men’s clothing essentials – a pale blue button-down shirt, dark indigo jeans or a pair of box-fresh white tennis shoes – will always keep you looking fresh, no matter the time of year. And when the time comes to layer up with trend-dictated details such as a puffer vest or sleeveless sweater, it's of intrinsic importance that you have a dependable starting point — say, a faithful dress shirt — for your timely runway-ready ensembles.
That said, selecting said basics is no mean feat. For example, there's a difference between a thin, uncomfortable white T-shirt and a mid-weight option that's perfectly cut to flatter your shape. Here to remove the brow-furrowing think work from the equation, we at GQ have hand-selected the 31 key men’s clothing essentials that’ll keep your wardrobe sharp, whatever the occasion. You can thank us later…
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What are GQ's ultimate clothing essentials for men?
You'll find all the specific clothing essentials worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's the 31 pieces that our editors are insisting you'll need in your sartorial arsenal:
- First up, the basics: A grey sweatshirt, a bountiful supply of white T-shirts (and black T-shirts), a short-sleeve shirt (see also, camp-collar shirts), a pair of indigo denim jeans, a pair of technical trousers
- Some elevated layering pieces: A knit polo shirt, a layer-friendly overshirt, a denim jacket, a trench coat
- Reliable loungewear: A slouchy hoodie, a pair of grey joggers
- A collection of timeless formalwear: A sharp linen suit, a black suit, a deconstructed navy blazer, a white dress shirt, a satin tie
- For accessories, you'll need: A sturdy leather wallet, a black leather belt, a pair of classic sunglasses, a baseball cap, a versatile backpack
- For shoes, think: A pair of Chelsea boots, a pair of white trainers, a pair of decadent loafers
- That perfect finishing touch: A statement ring, a Paul Mescal-esque chain necklace
- And, please, a good selection of underwear and socks
What are the clothing essentials for a man in 2024?
While there are plenty in this long ol' article to choose from, your true clothing essentials are simply the items you feel your best in — and those you reach for the most. Be it a classic pair of selvedge jeans or something a little more statement-making, when you're dressing for yourself, you can't put a foot wrong. That being said, you're going to need a white T-shirt or two. You just are.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is one of those things that sounds excellent on paper but is often hard to execute. The concept of a capsule wardrobe is that you have a minimalistic selection of pieces that can be worn and re-worn in order to create cohesive outfits in different combinations that'll never produce a dud. It's also a win for sustainability… but sometimes a good sale is hard to resist. We'd suggest using the capsule concept to build out a reliable foundation of pieces, all the while allowing yourself some room for experimentation.
What should every man own in 2024?
Whilst we've already compiled a full list of projected trends for SS24, conceptual looks from the runway and the contents of your own wardrobe don't always directly correlate. It's for this reason that we've compiled a list of thirty-three key pieces that will survive the seasons and always pack a streetwise punch. You're welcome and happy scrolling.
A grey jersey sweatshirt
A preppy, mottled grey loopback sweatshirt is an off-duty essential, as slick worn on the way to the gym as it is beneath a double-breasted camel coat with a crewneck tee or a crisp white collar popping out of the neckline. In most cases, you’ll get away with wearing a minimalist option that’s free from branding several times in a single week, but if you’re really sweet on this look, consider investing in some subtle logo branding that’ll add a sense of luxury to this otherwise simple piece.
A selection of white T-shirts
Once championed by Marlon Brando and Kurt Cobain, the white T-shirt's staying power has been exhibited by Harry Styles, David Beckham and Robert Pattinson in more recent times, to name just a few. It's not difficult to see why. The humble white tee is fashion's safest bet, worn under a suit or with a pair of jeans in any colour. Something with a crewneck in a mid-weight should be a go-to for your everyday uniform.
A sturdy leather wallet
Ever heard the old adage that you can tell a lot from a man by his shoes? We reckon the same can be said for his wallet, so it's best to invest wisely. An oft-overlooked part of our every day, most of us are walking around with either a battered wallet that began as a gift or an impulsively-purchased newer model that was only added to the rotation because its predecessor fell to pieces. Well, no more. Now's the time to make a considered wallet selection, and we have just the trio to choose from.
A short sleeve shirt
Don’t confuse short-sleeve shirts for garish Hawaiian monstrosities. While there’s a time and a place for these so-called party shirts, many shirts that go short on their sleeves come in versatile neutral hues and are, for obvious reasons, a lighter and more fitted choice. Go for a short-sleeve shirt with a Cuban collar and you’ll have yourself a piece that looks as good buttoned up as it does undone with a white T-shirt underneath.
A shade-making baseball cap
Whether you've lost your go-to shades or you're having a bad hair day, the power of the humble baseball cap knows no bounds. The humble headpiece has been known to help us style out a multitude of sartorial conundrums, all whilst adding a sporty, retro touch to off-duty 'fits.
A knit polo
Few wardrobe additions sit so nicely in the smart-casual space as the knitted polo. Tucked into a pair of pleated trousers or simply worn with your go-to jeans, the knitted polo has become office and date night uniform for many a well-dressed man, and while a finer knit sans buttons will breathe some refinement into your ‘fits, Percival is mustering something of a monopoly on the piece with myriad incarnations of its button-down signature.
A sharp linen suit
There's just no formal style right now gaining traction like the linen suit – that's a simple fact. Undergoing a major, major, resurgence, the linen suit has eschewed its reputation for dressing pretentious filmmakers/filling the costume department of 1999's The Talented Mr Ripley, and has become the ever-louche face of summer tailoring. Chic, sharp, and oh-so-breathable – it's hard to go wrong.
A white dress shirt
Invest a bit of extra money into a classic white work shirt and you’ll reap the rewards. Among the best dress shirts that aren’t custom-made can be found at Uniqlo and Charles Tyrwhitt, ideally worn with a tie, rather than open-necked. Alternatively, for a more modern take, Brioni is a safe bet for crisp, Italian minimalism done right.
A pair of slim-fit indigo jeans
As easy to dress up with a navy-blue jacket and shirt as they are to dress down with some tennis shoes and a grey marl sweatshirt, every wardrobe needs a good pair of indigo jeans. The fit should taper in at the bottom and they should always be turned up to show off a pair of white kicks or chestnut Derbies. Extra points if they're cut from selvedge denim and feature that all-important exposed stitching.
A pair of Chelsea boots
Taking their name from the London borough they were first adopted in, the Chelsea boot's appeal found its A-list adopters in The Beatles and then The Rolling Stones. These days, its style icon backing spans Ye to our June cover star, Austin Butler. For formal dress codes, black and leather is the way to go – the shinier the better. A more casual form of the boot exists in supple suede, best done in tan and brown shades that pair perfectly with light and dark denim alike.
A plain, slouchy hoodie
No off-duty look is complete without a louche, laid-back hoodie. A go-to in the transitional seasons and even for layering under more tailored jackets in the winter months, celebrity style icons are favouring plainer, subtly branded designs, with sustainably-minded emerging brands like Pangaia proving particularly popular among the likes of Tom Holland and Harry Styles. For a slightly edgier look, Manchester label Represent's Owner's Club hoodie is one of its hero pieces, distinguished by its Cobrax popper closure.
A black leather belt
Close your eyes and think of a belt. We'd bet our bottom dollar that the first image that's come into your head is black and leather. Don't underestimate the power of this style – punctuated by a shimmering silver or gold buckle, a black leather belt can be the stand-out feature of a formal look. And if the thought of shopping for one is yawn-inducing to you, you'd be surprised at the hundreds of takes out there, elevated by either unique buckle styles, tactile textures or reversible colourways for more playful occasions.
A pair of classic sunglasses
While the temptation is all too real to follow in the footsteps of Elton John when it comes to sunglasses, even the whackiest of men's style icons have a classic pair of wayfarers, aviators or clubmasters for lower-key moments. These are best done in black or rich tortoiseshell acetate, and can add a touch of luxe with gold or silver hardware (see Tom Ford Eyewear and Ray-Ban) or the subtle flex of a designer logo at the temples. Keep this with you whenever there's the tease of sunshine on the forecast, and save those more statement cat eye and matrix shapes for bigger 'fits.
A black suit
Be it for a black tie event or a funeral, the black suit is a versatile staple for your tailoring collection. There are few smarter looks than a black suit, white shirt, black tie combo, but there'll be plenty of ways to level up your looks in head-to-toe black or with a chunky pair of Derbies. Plus, you'll likely get lots of use out of the trousers on their own.
A statement ring
The best way to flesh out your ‘fits? With some almighty accessories, of course. Take a page from the style book of Mr Mescal amid others and edge-up new-season looks with a flash of metal, silver or gold atop your fingers. You're bound to discover you're a hand-talker in no time.
A pair of technical trousers
Sitting somewhere between a jogger and cargo pant aesthetically, but in the altogether lighter and more breathable fabrication of nylon, polyester, or a mix of the two, the technical trouser has become a very popular choice for those who favour the utilitarian look. Often coming with the functional details of the cargo with many more pockets than the usual five, they're best done in dark or earthy tones. Prada's are a pin-up of the style, but you'll find plenty of more affordable options out there.
A layer-friendly overshirt
Behold: the humble overshirt. A veritable building block of the stylish man's wardrobe, a good overshirt can be relied upon as a trans-seasonal layer, the bringer of a utilitarian touch, or simply as a shirt with just a little more ‘oomph’ and insulation. When it comes to the best brands for the all-important overshirt, the mid-priced but majorly stylish Percival springs to mind, particularly its Casentino wool selection. On the other end of the design spectrum, however, the luxe quilted offering from Burberry is decked out with (what else?) its ever-iconic Vintage Check pattern. Check it out.
A versatile backpack
Regardless of what you're stowing away, chances are a backpack is the bag for the job. Beginning as the preppy staple of the schoolboy, the humble backpack has now cemented its place in the offerings of top-tier fashion houses amid extensive collections of crossbody, holdalls and satchels. We've gone ahead and picked out three stylish storage options to get you started.
A pair of grey joggers
Karl Lagerfeld may well have famously deemed sweatpants as a sign of defeat, but after a number of years in which most of our meetings have been held via a webcam, we think there's valid cause to defy his style knowhow. Not only is a good grey pair cosy and easy to style, but our brethren at GQ US have also deemed the staple an “Unofficial Symbol of Fall Horniness”.
A trench coat
A trench coat is concrete in its timelessness and can be styled both casually and formally. Designed with comfort in mind, it is perfect for the drizzly British weather we are so familiar with, so a worthy investment. Need we even tell you that the best of the best comes from Burberry?
A Paul Mescal-esque chain necklace
The simplest way to level up your neckline? Add a shining gold chain à la Paul Mescal as Normal People's Connell. Whether you gravitate toward the fine and subtle or the chunky and statement-making, a glint of gold across your clavicle will not go unnoticed. Add a pendant if you're looking for a focal point, otherwise, feel free to let the chain speak for itself.
A selection of black T-shirts
In the grand scheme of things, the chances are you’ll wear your black T-shirts slightly less often than your white ones, which gives you some leeway to opt for slightly less expensive options. Reiss and Everlane would be our first port of call; both wash well and keep their colour for longer than is standard of high-street brands. If it's a bit of tactile luxury you're after, look no further than CDLP's super-soft blend of lyocell and Pima cotton.
A blue Oxford shirt
The perfect way to inject a dose of elegance into your outfit? Easy: a pale blue Oxford shirt. It's the perfect accompaniment to a navy-blue suit, but it can also be used as a smart but preppy accent beneath a slim merino wool knit or worn open with a white tee in the summer for a more casual option. Head to Turnbull & Asser for the best – HRH The Prince Of Wales granted the shirtmaker a royal warrant for a reason. If you're looking for something more preppy than dressed up, Arket is always a good shout.
A deconstructed navy blazer
As comfortable as a cardigan and as elegant as a classic suit jacket, a deconstructed navy-blue blazer will look the business worn with, well, most things. Perfect for smart-casual dress codes that don't call for the full shebang, steer clear of shoulder pads and if you're going to button up, only ever fasten the top one. We tend to wear ours with just a tucked in plain white tee.
A pair of black jeans
A good pair of black jeans needs to be treated well to retain their deep colour, which means following label instructions closely. The payoff is well worth it, though. Black jeans are as versatile as legwear gets and as cool as it comes (think Keith Richards and Mick Jagger). Look for a pair with just the right amount of stretch to stay comfortable all day long, because you'll be wearing them a lot.
A pair of white trainers
Pub-friendly, work-suitable and as comfortable as a pair of socks, good white leather trainers are a thing of simple beauty. Look for a clean, minimalist pair with smooth but sturdy leather that will retain its shape. Once you find them, cherish them… and don't mess them up.
A denim jacket
The greatest advantage of a denim jacket is its layering potential. It's as good in the summer, on days when you still need a little extra warmth, as it is through the colder months. For something classic, you'll struggle to go far wrong at Levi’s, while chic options abound from the likes of Parisian label A.P.C. Pair with a hoodie and black jeans and you're good to go.
A pair of loafers
As the most louche of formal footwear, the loafer is a shoe that will see you through summer weddings when worn sockless and less sun-soaked formal occasions when paired with a tonal sock. Styles range from classic penny loafer to those embellished with tassels and horse-bits, favoured by fashion houses like Gucci and Burberry. We say, keep it classic with a stalwart in the formal footwear game – either G.H. Bass or Church's.
A long-sleeve T-shirt
Like a T-shirt… but long-sleeved. Whilst the mercury plummets to frankly unacceptable depths, everyone needs a base layer that they can rely on. Enter the below options from Arket and Sunspel: two worthy options at re-wearable price points.
A satin tie
Don't underestimate the power of a tie. Equally, don't wait for an occasion that calls for one to invest. The best style to buy? As with a navy suit, a satin tie will work well with a single-breasted pinstripe suit on any given occasion. To get the most out of yours, opt for a block colour in a rich neutral tone such as navy or brown.
A good selection of underwear and socks
Tom Ford famously said that you should change up all of your pants and socks every six months. Here are the socks and pants you should be changing to. The immense comfort of CDLP boxer briefs cannot be understated, while the tonal branding is subtle and sophisticated. For socks, you’ll struggle to find better quality at the same value as Bresciani’s.
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