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. With a casual shirt you will look for something with little construction that fits loosely, perhaps a size up. A dress shirt will usually be a little longer in length with curved tails in the front and back. The length and tails help to keep the shirt seated when tucked in. A casual shirt not meant to be tucked in will usually have a straight bottom hem.
A shirt with "puffy" bunches around the waist when tucked in are cut too large around the waistline. This may indicate that shirt is oversized or the pleats at the top are too generous. Start with the proper size then look at shirts with smaller pleats or no pleats and for tapering around the waist. You may also have a tailor put in darts in the back area but this may result in a shirt that appears too well-fitted.
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.
- An opposing point of view* No break or highwaters is a more modern trend but it's not for everyone. I wouldn't recommend it for taller men because anything cropped makes it appear that you can't find clothes that fit. In a formal setting go with a traditional fitment unless a modern cut is the image you want to project. With a full break, the hem of the trousers should touch the top of the shoe sole at your heel. With a half break, the hem of the trousers should be a half-inch or so above the shoe sole at the heel. With no break, the hem should just touch the shoe on the top by the lacing.
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
/fa/ usually tries to keep their shoes as simple as possible design-wise. Try to avoid irritating colorways and overly confusing lines, but then again it all boils down to taste. Just remember, less is more sometimes.
Sneakers: Sneakers are extremely versatile, and a great replacement for whatever you are wearing now(probably). They can easily be dressed up or down. A few pairs, in mute colors like white or black, should cover your wardrobe and not break the bank.
Boots: Boots are often less versatile than sneakers, but are just as vital to a wardrobe. A black and one brown pair are a good start.
For more information on these shoes and their recommended brands, please visit their respective pages.
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). 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.
When it comes to brands, don't be shy to only go for what you can afford, as outerwear can easily end up being one of the most expensive pieces in an outfit. Even though you'll find several anons who detest the name, The North Face isn't an entirely bad place to start off with outerwear, so long as you don't mind the obnoxious branding and steer clear of the over designed 20 pocket ones. To find the best, though, you may have to search if you aren't satisfied with the brands in the Brand Reviews section of the sticky as most people on /fa/ aren't too knowledgeable on the subject of what makes quality outerwear and what an appropriate price is.
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
- Is it cold out and you need to cover your ears? Wear a toque.
- Is it extremely bright and sunny and you don't want to burn your neck? Wear a widebrim
- Streetwear? Wear a five panel?.
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
- Warby Parker
- Perry Ellis
- Super
- Oliver Peoples
- Tom Ford
- Persol
- Le Specs
What to Wear During What Season
Add to the list.
Spring: Boots, Shorts/Pants, Shirts,
Summer: Low-top sneakers, Shorts, Tees,
Autumn: Boots, Shorts/Pants, Shirts,
Winter: Boots, Jeans/Chinos, Shirts,
