Men’s Wardrobe Essentials: Pieces Every Man Needs

A core wardrobe is the cornerstone of a man’s everyday style; how he presents to the world. Without one, it’s hard to establish a sense of consistency and confidence in how people—including yourself—see you. 

The right foundational pieces can keep you cool, calm and comfortable all day, every day. That includes undershirts that work as a base layer to level up your outfits and protect your outer layers for years of durability and style.

Below, we’ll provide some context for why a core wardrobe matters and give you a men’s wardrobe checklist for all the most critical pieces you should have, along with styling ideas.

Why a Core Wardrobe Matters

Having a curated core wardrobe is important for a variety of reasons. Beyond the basic aesthetic principle of having a style that’s totally you, locking in a core wardrobe offers practical benefits.

A core wardrobe can save you time and reduce decision fatigue, which contributes to other kinds of tiredness and burnout. Stocking your closet and drawers with high-quality essentials you know you can trust reduces the number and complexity of decisions you make daily.

Core wardrobes can also help you make better financial decisions by reducing unnecessary purchases. By investing in high-quality essentials, you can undo some of the common clothes shopping mistakes that lead to excess spending, like burning through your cheaper basics.

This is why strong foundations like reliable undershirts support an effective core wardrobe.

Men’s Wardrobe Checklist

Given how important it is, we believe every man should have a core wardrobe. And, while it can take years of curation to get it exactly right, there’s no better time to start building it than now.

Our men’s wardrobe checklist breaks down into a few key areas:

• Everyday basics
• Smart casual staples
• Outerwear essentials
• Footwear foundations
• Accessories to finish the look

Once you’ve mastered these, you can start branching out and adding in more elements, depending on your lifestyle. However, these essentials are the bare minimum for a core wardrobe.

Everyday Basics

This is where every core wardrobe starts, and it’s arguably the most important part. These pieces will get the most wear out of anything in your closet and drawers, so don’t look to skimp.

Here are the most important essentials for your everyday wardrobe:

• T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts – These are your everyday staples for anywhere a collar isn’t required. Make sure they fit well and opt for neutral colors for easy matching.
• Casual button-downs – These are a step up from tees but not quite formal. Aim for oxfords, flannels or chambray shirts, and don’t be afraid of bold colors or patterns.
• Everyday pants – Every guy should have at least 3 pairs of jeans, cargo pants or other 5-pocket options for your daily errands.
• Quality undergarments – This is your foundation layer. Thompson Tee sweat proof undershirts will keep you dry and comfortable all day and protect your outer layers.

It can’t be overstated how important base layers are. Whether your daily uniform leans more athlesiure or suit-and-tie, quality undergarments will keep you cool without compromising style.

Smart Casual Staples

For men who have to wear a collar to work or otherwise want to have some nicer options for more elevated occasions, smart casual is key.

Here are some essentials to keep your core wardrobe ready for smart casual events:

• Dress button-downs – Look for sleeker fabrics like poplin or pinpoint, and make sure to have at least one plain white and light blue option.
• Trousers – For smart casual events, ditch the 5-pocket (i.e., jean) style and opt for a chino or other tailored silhouette in neutrals like grey, navy blue, olive or brown.
• Lightweight sweaters – Every man looks good in a white button-up with a black V-neck sweater over it. Aim for at least 3 in different neutrals, and consider adding a cardigan.
• A versatile belt – Look for a leather belt that matches the color of your preferred dress shoes, ideally with hardware that matches your watch or other jewelry.

It’s important to invest and take good care of these slightly elevated pieces. Wearing quality undershirts will prevent sweat from yellowing your crisp shirts, helping them last longer.

Outerwear Essentials

Top layers like jackets, coats and other outer layers can complement any outfit, even in the warmer months, so they can’t be overlooked.

Here are the outerwear layers we think every man should own:

• Denim jacket – No man looks bad in a denim jacket. Ideally, you want a looser fit that can accommodate layers. Bonus points if it’s a different wash than your favorite jeans.
• Bomber jacket – While it’s tempting, you shouldn’t wear the same jacket every day. Aim for 2 short (“bomber”) options, ideally in neutral colors like navy, brown, olive or black. 
• Lightweight blazer – A sport coat is the perfect way to dress up any casual look. Tweeds work well in fall, while a seersucker option will catch eyes at any summertime gathering.
• Seasonal coats – Make sure to have at least one heavy winter coat (e.g., a puffer). It also can’t hurt to have a more formal option like a top coat or overcoat for elevated winter events.

Whether you’re layering to stay warm in winter or simply dressing to impress, a jacket or coat can pull your outfit together and make your look more cohesive and complete. 

Footwear Foundations

Unless you like putting your feet in danger, you need shoes for stepping out of the house. And there’s truth to the idea that you can tell a lot about someone by what kind of shoes they wear.

To round out your stable, consider these four essential footwear categories:

• Sneakers – These aren’t just for physical activity. A white sneaker is perfectly acceptable in most smart casual situations. When in doubt, opt for more muted colors and shapes.
• Dress shoes – You need at least one pair of true hard-bottom leather dress shoes. Opt for a black or dark brown option, or spring for both if you dress up often.
• Boots – As with sneakers, boots aren’t just for construction or hiking. A sturdy pair of boots can get you through the winter, and a Chelsea boot is perfect for smart casual.
• Slip-ons – Loafers, boat shoes, and other slip-on options ride the line between formal and casual. Look for a color you don’t have in dress shoes or boots as an alternative.

Lifestyle plays a big role in how many of each kind of shoe you’ll need. We recommend having at least one quality option in each of these categories to cover the majority of your footwear needs.

Accessories That Finish the Look

Finally, every man has certain accessories that just make sense. From functionality to pure style, you can think of these as tools in your toolbox—you want to have them at hand when needed.

Here are our top priorities when it comes to accessorizing for men:

• Watch – Whether it’s a smart option like the Apple Watch or a more classic look like a museum, diver or aviator, a watch should be a fixture on your wrist.
• Quality socks – Socks can be so much more than just coverage for your feet. Bold colors can add a pop to an otherwise muted outfit, and options like wool are highly functional.
• Hat or cap – A ball cap can be a lifesaver on days when you aren’t happy about your hair or want to quickly clean up. The same goes for a warm beanie in the colder months.
• Everyday bag – Whether you prefer a backpack, messenger or other style, you need at least one bag to carry your stuff day-to-day. Choose leather or canvas for a more elevated option.

Many men find that a favorite watch, bag or hat is a lifelong companion that travels with them everywhere. Find one you like, and stick with it.

Build a Wardrobe That Works for You

Every man should have a core wardrobe. Owning a set of staples that you look and feel good in is a boon to your confidence, and it can also help your mental and financial health. One of the most important parts of that core men’s wardrobe is the foundational layer of quality undergarments. A great undershirt sets you up for comfort and protects your other clothes, helping them last longer.

Thompson Tee undershirts are a practical everyday foundation for a long-lasting wardrobe. Our patented sweat proof undershirts are guaranteed to block 100% of sweat—or your money back!

Explore our undershirts today to build the foundation your core wardrobe needs.