Men's Basics

New to /fa/? Come here from MFA and need to start over? Girlfriend burn your clothes? We understand.

Here's where to find some wardrobe essentials on the cheap.

If you are out of shape, pay a visit to /fit/ and return when you have your ideal body.

This Introduction is a strongly recommended read for both genders.

Tops

T-Shirts

You don't want tees that fit too close to the body nor tees that are too baggy. Be prepared to try a bunch of brands before you find a cut that fits you the best. Also try to figure out whether v-necks or crewnecks flatter you better. You still want to have both though.

- Plenty of grey, black, and white tees. These are neutral colors that can almost be worn with anything without spending too much thought and will provide solid base to expand upon. Colours such as navy, burgundy, beige and olive are good if you are confident in being able to work them into your wardrobe.

- Solid color tees in colors that suit you well. Desaturated/muted colors work well here. They generally shouldn't clash or match with your skintone. Newbies: Stick with solid color tees until you acquire a taste for what designs on a graphic shirt work.

Shirts (Button-downs/ups)

- For reference, button-downs and button-ups are simply referred to as "shirt" by the majority of online stores. Other shirts will often be labelled as such, e.g. tees, polos. Fit is everything here, especially in a business environment where it is difficult to stand out.

- Amount varies greatly - if your job requires them, get more. DON'T BUY: black dress shirts, striped dress shirts. Trust us. White, light blue You can opt for solid colors to play it safe, go for a gingham, or another subtle pattern. Buy flannels sparingly.

- There is a difference between a dress shirt and a casual shirt: For a dress shirt you will be looking for something constructed with clear shoulder seams and a stiff collar, usually with a shorter torso so that it will not create a puffy look when tucked in. Whereas for a casual shirt you will look for something with little construction that fits loosely, perhaps a size up.

Bottoms

Shorts

• Color: As a beginner you should avoid patterns and go for a solid colour, common colours are black, navy and khaki.

• Length: Make sure when buying shorts that they are the right length - choose pants that are above your knee but don't show off all of your legs, a good length is 3/4 or 4/5 thigh when standing.

• Fabric: Avoid denim shorts, they will always look bad unless you are named Tobias Fünke. If you are in high school they can be somewhat passable, but you must make sure they are a dark color denim and you roll them so they don't look like cut-offs

Pants

• Contrary to what your dad told you: you do not want pants that stack up on your shoes nor do you want pants that could fit your leg into each side twice over. Look for pants that are made with a taper that stop at an appropriate length(This would be your ankle). If you aren't able to find well fitting pants or are not able to afford the pair you find then you can take your pants to a tailor and get them altered to a perfect fit.

Jeans

• Jeans are very casual and shouldn't be worn anywhere other than a casual setting.

• Color: Once you have your first pair of jeans you may want to expand your collection, good starter colours are black, khahki and burgundy for the more adventurous.

• Skinny Jeans: If your waist is 28 and your legs are 32 you do not buy a pair of skinny jeans that are 28x32 because they will look too tight. Remember: Just because you can fit into it, doesn't mean it fits. However if tightness is what you're looking for it is advisable to try them on first. Some may be too small to even get on while others may be too loose.

• Raw Jeans: these cost more, but are typically of higher quality. Pre-washed/aged jeans are usually frowned upon as it tends to look really cheap, unpersonal and fake.

Shoes

Low-top sneakers: Low-tops are extremely versatile, and a great replacement for ratty tennis shoes. They can easily be dressed up or down. These are often not too pricey. A few pairs, in mute colors like white or black, should cover your wardrobe and not break the bank. ADD MORE ABOUT DIFFERENT BRANDS AND STUFF FROM PRICE RANGES

Examples - Cheap: Vans Authentics,Chucks/Converse, Gravis, Nike All Courts, Nike Go!, Addidas Samba, Addidas Adi Ease

Boots: See the Boots page for more details. Boots are often less versatile than sneakers, but are just as vital to a wardrobe. Two pairs, one black & one brown, is a good start. Beeswax Clarks Desert Boots, while overplayed, can be a great casual boot. Decent brands include: Wolverine, Doc Martens, and Red Wing.

== Outerwear ==

For the most part, fleece jackets and vests should be avoided as they are overdone, unstylish, and usually just bought because they are a cheaper alternative. Also try to avoid jackets with a lot of 'gearing' such as unnecessary belt straps, an excess of zippers, buttons, or straps, several pockets which would likely go unused, and very flashy designs in bright colors. THe style of jacket/coat which you may find yourself using is usually heavily influenced by the style you are attempting to use (i.e. You would not see a man into menswear wearing an oversized orange parka). For most styles, a black leather jacket works well and seems to be one of the basics for outerwear, with more styles of jackets/coats being available as the user becomes comfortable with their style and knows well what can compliment it. Pictured right is an example of an /fa/ user "doing it right". Notice how the jacket drapes yet isn't too large where he looks like a child in it. Also notice how the solid coloring doesn't conflict with the outfit below it, and in fact, compliments the color and silhouette of it. The outerwear should never conflict with the outfit underneath it and should never be the main piece of an outfit, or else when you take it off, you just become basic.

ADD TO THIS!

Undercover makes good jackets for people with more money.

Accessories

Watches

Watches should make a welcome addition to any outfit. They will need to be simple to avoid looking tacky. e.g Nato strap watch.

• Cheap: Timex Weekender, Casio F-91W

Hats

• A fedora is always a top priority to be stylish. Don't forget to brush up on your Japanese and wear your trench coat.

Necklaces

• Necklaces are almost unanimously bad. Bracelets can work if the colours match and they aren't cheap looking (e.g. beads) but it is not advisable for a beginner.

Glasses

• Ray Ban.