How Much Clothes Should You Have? A Guide to the Ideal Man's Wardrobe

When you think about the ideal man’s wardrobe, you probably imagine something very specific. You might imagine a man who has an organized closet filled with tailored suits, crisp shirts, tweed jackets, and leather boots. That’s all well and good, but how many of those clothes do you really need? What are the essential items that a man needs to create various looks? With so many clothes available in so many different styles and variations, it can be difficult to determine exactly how much you actually need. After all, every man is different and what works for one guy won’t necessarily work for another. Fortunately, we have some helpful tips on determining how much clothing you need as well as what types of clothes you should invest in. Keep reading to find out more!

What’s the Ideal Man’s Wardrobe?

Josh Bluman Co-Founder of JJ Suspenders"As a business owner in the men's fashion industry selling the best suspenders, I often delve into discussions on wardrobe essentials and the balance between having enough clothing and having too much—especially for men. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how many clothing pieces a man should have, I advocate for quality over quantity.

A versatile wardrobe for most men typically includes around 5-7 pairs of pants, 10-15 shirts, a few blazers or jackets, and a selection of accessories like ties and, of course, suspenders to add flair and functionality. When shopping for the perfect pair of pants, it's crucial to prioritize fit and fabric quality, ensuring they're comfortable and complement your body shape. Investing in timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly allows for maximum versatility.

On the flip side, a man might have too much clothing when his wardrobe becomes cluttered with items rarely worn or duplicates of the same style. When selecting clothing, it's essential to consider whether each piece adds value to your style and serves a purpose in your daily life. Streamlining your wardrobe to include only items you genuinely love and wear regularly not only simplifies your morning routine but also ensures each piece gets the attention it deserves." 

Determining How Much Clothes You Need

Grace Davies Owner of Dress Rental NZ shares with us that "A man should have as many items of clothing as he will reasonably wear and use throughout the year, and a few pairs of high-quality shoes. When shopping, prioritize fit, quality, versatility, and comfort. You have too much clothing if your closet is cluttered, you rarely wear certain items, or organizing becomes difficult."

Basics: T-Shirts, Sleep Shirts and Shorts

If you’re just getting started in the world of fashion, you might want to start with a few essentials, like a few different types of t-shirts and shorts. T-shirts are a great item to invest in because they’re affordable, they can be used in a variety of different ways, and they can be paired with tons of different other items, like button-ups, shorts, and even blazers or jackets. Shorts are another essential that every man should have at least a few of. Whether you prefer athletic shorts, denim shorts, or swim shorts, shorts are a versatile piece that can be worn all year long.

Basics: Pants and Chinos

Pants are an essential item that every man should have at least a few of, especially if you have an office job. Chinos are a more casual alternative to pants that can be paired with button-ups, sports jackets, and blazers. Depending on how often you wear suits, you might want to invest in a few different pairs of pants and a couple of pairs of chinos. Depending on the type of work you do, you might want to invest in dress pants as well. These are a more formal variation of pants that are best paired with dress shirts.

Basics: Blazers, Coats, and Jackets

Blazers, coats, and jackets are essential items that every man should have in their wardrobe. Blazers can be worn for both formal and informal occasions, like work, dates or nights out with friends. Coats are perfect for the colder weather and can be layered over a variety of different outfits. Blazers and coats are made from heavier materials, which makes them perfect for the colder months. Blazers also look great when paired with dress pants for a more formal look. Blazer: A blazer is a type of jacket that has side pockets and is often worn by men as part of a suit. Blazers are perfect for pairing with formal clothes, like dress pants and dress shirts, and they can be worn for work and special occasions.

Basics: Dress Shirts and Professional Combinations

If you work in a professional environment, you’ll want to invest in a few different types of dress shirts. Solid color dress shirts are a great basic option that can be worn with just about anything. White dress shirts are great for special occasions, like weddings or fancy celebrations. Dress shirts can be paired with a wide variety of different pants, including chinos, dress pants, and suit pants. Depending on what type of work you do, you might want to have a few different combinations of pants and dress shirts in your wardrobe, like a pair of dress pants with a solid color dress shirt and a sports jacket.

Basics: Suits

Suits are an essential item that every man should have in his wardrobe. There are a few different variations of suits that every man should have at least one of, like a tuxedo, a three-piece suit, or a two-piece suit. Suits are best for more formal occasions and work. You really only need one or two suits in your wardrobe, but they’re perfect for interviews, fancy dinners, and special events like weddings.

Basics: Shoes and Accessories

Shoes are an essential item in the wardrobe of every man. You should have a few different pairs of casual shoes, like sneakers, hiking boots, and tennis shoes, as well as a few pairs of dress shoes. While shoes are an essential item, accessories are not. You don’t need to invest in a wide variety of belts, bags, or other accessories, especially if you’re on a budget. Instead, focus on a few key items, like a few different types of shoes and a few different types of belts. 

When it comes to the ideal man’s wardrobe, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you don’t need to own a lot of clothing to create various stylish looks. You don’t need ten different pairs of pants and twenty shirts to create a variety of different looks. Instead, you should focus on buying a few different types of pants, shirts, and jackets that can be paired with each other in a variety of different ways. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can add other items to your wardrobe as your budget allows.

Written by: Jimmy Sullivan