The only wardrobe pieces a man needs

Building a wardrobe full of key items that you can grab and go doesn’t have to be a herculean challenge. We know that pushing and shoving in a shopping centre and- heaven forbid -trying something on in an inexplicably small changing room isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, and the disappointment of returning home empty handed is enough to make you never want to set foot in a store ever again. But not to worry, assuming that you already have the basics- a suit, jeans, and a plain white t-shirt- we’ve put together a concise list of menswear essentials to fit around your existing wardrobe, your lifestyle, and your individual style.

Shirts

Men’s Shirts L-R: Barbour Liam Shirt, Crew Classic Stripe Shirt, Barbour Nep Shirt, Barbour Frank Tailored Shirt

A simple button down shirt is the number one item all men should invest in. A crisp white shirt shows you mean business during the day, and in the summer, is perfect for warm evenings with chinos. A pale blue is perfect for softening up a dark suit and complements all skin tones. If you’re channelling a more classic look, a striped shirt is ideal for bringing a plain outfit together, and look fantastic underneath knitwear. For weekend wear, you can never go wrong with a check shirt. With so many different colourways available, you can easily show off your individual style.

Trousers & Shorts

Barbour Striped Shorts

Joules Stretton Chino Trousers

Hackett Trinity Twill 5 Pocket Trousers

We shouldn’t have to tell you not to leave the house without your trousers on, but we also know that finding a good fit, comfy material, and neat cut can be a real struggle! The most important thing is to know your size and shape so the rest can just fall into place. Measure the inside of your leg from the top to your ankle bone, and your waist along the natural waist line, just above your hip bones. Although you may already have a pair of suit trousers to match a blazer, it’s always good to have a neat pair of cotton trousers for events where you don’t need a jacket, but still need to look smart. For the weekends a chino in the summer and moleskin trouser in the winter are comfortable options that come in a range of colours: great for out of the office! Finally, if you’re heading abroad, make sure you invest in a quality pair of swim shorts, ideally with a drawstring waist, which will last you for longer than one summer.

Jackets and Blazers

Barbour Summer Lutz Jacket

Barbour Harrington Slim Jacket

Magee Dillon K2 Tailored Jacket

There are so many different styles of jacket to choose from, but an impeccably cut blazer is something you shouldn’t skip on. Be sure of your chest measurements to allow for a comfortable fit that won’t restrict your movements. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, tuck under the arms and ensure the tape is flat against the back. For weekend jackets, the world is your oyster, so fit the jacket around your lifestyle, not just what’s in fashion. If you’re always on the go, then opt for a utility style with its many convenient pockets, if you’re more style conscious, then a slim Harrington design is a timeless cut that will flatter most shapes.

Sweater

Men’s sweaters L-R: Fynch Hatton V-Neck Sweater, Crew Padstow Pique Striped Sweater, Barbour International Rowhill Zip Sweater, Barbour Shellback Sweater

As much as we would love to spend our lives in shorts and flip flops, we can’t escape the cold here in the UK! When you need to layer up but still look smart, a plain, neutral-toned v-neck sweater will look perfectly at home layered over a shirt and tie, and even under a blazer. For the weekend, a crew neck or sweat shirt over a simple t-shirt is ideal for a relaxed look.

Coat

Barbour Coater Waterproof Jacket

Original Penguin Traxtion Jacket

Barbour International Hartwell Tailored Jacket

A high quality coat is an investment, so choose wisely. Know your style and what shape suits you before you buy, and do your research. It’s also important to think about when and where you will be wearing the coat- do you work outdoors or is it purely for the morning commute? A classic Barbour waxed jacket will last for years to come if cared for correctly and is great for rural work, while a straight cut pea coat will never go out of style. If you’re looking for a trendier coat, then a youthful parka style or quilted jacket will provide warmth and style all at once.

Accessories

Men’s Accessories L-R: Barbour Leather Tarras Bag, Barbour Leather Belt, Dubarry Leather Grafton Wallet, Barbour Wax Sports Cap

Nothing separates the men from the boys more than a belt. If you agree that there’s nothing worse than loosely hanging trousers and underwear on show then congratulations: you have successfully graduated into manhood. A leather belt is a must have for all dapper dressers, we recommend a brown and a black one to suit work and weekend looks. No matter how many pockets your jacket has, a bag is a much more convenient option for day to day life. A leather messenger bag is a simple design that will easily match any outfit. You might not think it, but your wallet says a lot about you, so make sure you pick good quality one that will stand the test of time, this Dubarry wallet is a timeless design in a beautifully soft leather that will easily fit into your pocket. For weekend wear, a comfortable hat that will protect you from the sun is a must-have, and you can’t go wrong with a neutral toned baseball cap.

View our entire menswear collection here