The foundation of any man’s wardrobe is rooted in basics: tees, sweatshirts, jeans, chinos. Versatile and functional, they are your daily go-to. Even better, they get better with age — we all have our favorite tee or worn-in jeans. For contemporary inspiration, look to these current, must-have basics.
Additional contribution by Grant Tillery.
The T-Shirt
You can never have enough tees.
Resin Crew Slub Tee by Buck Mason $28
Sojourn Tee by Outerknown $42
Slim-Fit T-Shirt by Alex Mill $55
Regular Tee by Velva Sheen $59
The Polo Shirt
Like your favorite tee, but dressed up.
Polo Shirt by Lacoste for J.Crew $98
Felix Polo Shirt by Orelebar Brown $120
Cotton-Piqué Polo Shirt by Maison Kitsuné $150
Riviera Polo Shirt by Sunspel $150
The Sweatshirt
For relaxed weekends and casual settings.
Classic Pocket Sweatshirt by Todd Snyder + Champion $98
Garment-Dyed Loopback Sweatshirt by Aspesi $140
Loopback Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt by Reigning Champ $150
Freedom Sleeve Sweatshirt by The Real McCoy’s $159
Chinos
A step up from Dockers and Dickies.
Connor Slim-Fit Chinos by Club Monaco $100
Gio by Unis $198
New Fisherman Cotton-Twill Chinos by Officine Generale $275
Slim-Fit Chinos by Incotex $335
Jeans
Wear them in, and wear them for years.
Petit New Standard Jeans by A.P.C. $195
1960 606 Jeans by Levi’s Vintage Clothing $225
Slim-Fit Stretch-Denim Jeans by AMI $245
107 Ivy League Slim Jean by Orslow $329
