The things every man should own will ensure you’re well equipped for whatever the world throws your way. Sure, you can raw dog the game of life, or you make it a whole lot easier on yourself with the essential things men need.
If you’re tired of being ill-equipped at home, in the office, or while trolling the town, it’s time to consider stocking up on more than just video games and
Ranging from grown-up clothing to household goods, I’ve rounded up thirty things a man should have. And no, a new Xbox is not included.
Key Takeaways
To determine the things every man should own, I went to the source itself: twenty guys that I know personally. I conducted in-depth interviews with each of them to uncover what they believe are the true things men need for their day-to-day lives.
I narrowed down the hundreds of items they mentioned into the top thirty on this list to help guys worldwide prepare for anything life throws their way.
Keep reading to discover the thirty essentials. How many do you already have?
Dress shoes are a quintessential part of any gentleman’s wardrobe. Wear them to the office, a hot date, or the next wedding in your calendar. Hell, wear them to your own wedding. These black calf Oxfords by Myrqvist will get you where you need to go and are one of the top investment pieces a guy can buy. To really do yourself a solid, get them in brown, too.
Friends and family may let you down, but white sneakers never will. As one of the ultimate men’s must haves, expect to get plenty of wear out of these kicks. Dress them up or keep it casual, the choice is yours. We’re particularly partial to the
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There are a few wardrobe staples every man should own, and a crisp Oxford shirt is one of them. Ideal for the office or under a suit, this Egyptian cotton shirt is a garment you’ll actually want to throw on in the morning. The cotton is also double twisted, which means that it creases far less than the button downs you already own. Perfect for the man lacking an iron.
Looking effortless is as easy as a classic white tee. It’s just one of those things every man needs and with good reason. Style it with dark denim, cargo shorts, or under a sport coat; the versatility is unmatched. We’re currently rocking this pick from Isto, made from organic cotton with a slim form. It’s exactly what you should reach for whenever you need a polished fit.
If you don’t already own a suit, consider this a formal plea to get one. They’re things every guy should own, even if you don’t have to dress to the nines for your job. For summer weddings, formal occasions, and that trip to the Maldives (we wish), this linen suit by Luca Faloni will ensure you look sharp with minimal effort.
Regarding things a man should have, a wallet is non-negotiable. Even if it’s not brimming with cash, a slim leather bifold is worth investing in. No one will take you seriously with the tattered wallet you’ve been using since middle school. Splurge on a cardholder that will be in your life (and your pocket) for the next few decades. We recommend this elegant piece from Carl Friedrik, with supple vachetta leather and a slender design.
Sagging pants are so 1990s. Stick with this century and get yourself a quality belt. It’s one of the essential things a gent should have, not only to keep your pants up but to accessorize your outfit as well. Match a leather belt to your dress shoes to showcase your style – it’ll do double duty and help keep your shirt tucked, too. We’re huge fans of this monochrome situation created by Nixon. Just do everyone a favor and don’t wear it with brown shoes.
Most men choose between comfort and style, but wear-everywhere trousers give you the best of both worlds. These Bonobos pants look like office wear but feel like sweats (my boyfriend lives in them), making them prime for travel and long days in the cubicle. They even are wrinkle-resistant… Now do you believe me when I say this is among the best things every guy should own?
Say goodbye to disposable Bics and hello to one of the top men’s must haves: a high quality reusable razor. This basic shaving kit from Van Der Hagen is a gentleman’s best friend, kitted out with a sleek metal razor and five blades. The brand boasts luxurious quality, so if you’re ready for a big boy shave, this razor will steer you in the right direction.
Whether you’re traveling for business or spending the night with someone special, a weekender bag is the ultimate upgrade from a dirty gym duffle. It’s something a man should have if he wants to be taken seriously while on the go. God forbid you run into a client on the plane. How are you going to explain the smell of dirty socks coming from your gym-turned-carry-on bag?
There’s a reason watches are passed down from generation to generation. They’re things every man needs, not only to keep time but to show seriousness and tie an outfit together. Investing in a watch will serve you well throughout your life and act as an heirloom, especially if you choose the right model. Nomos upholds German watchmaking traditions with their Tangente Neomatik, and though it costs a pretty penny, it’s designed to last a lifetime. P.S., Take advantage of the complimentary engraving to really make it your own.
There are few items a man will use more than a backpack (except for underwear, I guess). Choosing an everyday carry bag that can hold all your stuff and look good while doing it is no easy feat. It’s worth spending on the right EDC backpack when you find one. We’re big on the Tropicfeel line, namely the Nest backpack, which expands from 16 to 30 liters to get you from the office to the campground with ease.
If you’re constantly squinting or stealing your friend’s shades, it’s high time you purchase your own pair of sunglasses. As one of the top things men need, the right pair will go a long way. We’re partial to bio-based glasses by Mueller, which are funky, polarized, and reasonably priced. Not to mention better for the environment than run of the mill Ray-Bans.
No one’s ever going to have your back like a solid pair of jeans will. Sure, you probably have several styles lining your closet, but jeans that actually fit are things every guy should own. I’m not talking about the super skinnies or ripped up pairs, but a mid-wash, straight fit denim that has endless styling possibilities. This pair from Closed will never steer you wrong, especially since they have a bit of stretch for added comfort.
Of course, underwear is one of those things that every man should own. In fact, I hope every man does own underwear. But not just any underwear… Nice underwear that’s free from holes. If you’re reading this in tattered boxers, do yourself a favor and grab a set of three boxer briefs from
Easy to style, incredibly versatile, and above all else, super comfy, a solid colored hoodie is a gentleman’s essential. It’s worth investing in a midweight sweatshirt that will carry you through the year and won’t start fraying after a couple of months of wear. Neutrale’s organic cotton hoodies are the perfect weight. Don’t forget to order a size up if you prefer an oversized look.
Whether you freshen up at the gym before work, fly frequently, or simply need to reduce countertop clutter, a toiletry bag will be your saving grace for transporting the goods and beyond. We love this one made from black leather with an internal zippered pocket for safekeeping. Now you’ll never wonder where your deodorant has gone again.
Karl Lagerfeld rolls over in his grave every time a man wears
Don’t underestimate the power of fragrance. A signature scent is one of those things men should have, especially if you want to stand out from the pack. Creed fragrances are some of the best colognes for men. Aventus, specifically, is instantly recognizable as a status symbol, telling those around you that you’re refined without ever needing to open your mouth.
Chelsea boots are some of the most versatile shoes of all time, and things every guy should own for year-round wear. Blundstones, in particular, are an exceptional choice, with a waterproof construction, rugged leather appearance, and next level durability. They’re prime for all seasons, easy to style, and combat foot fatigue. If you don’t own a pair of Chelsea boots already, take this as your official sign to get some.
If you’re only going to own one kitchen item, make it a coffee maker. Sure, you’ll save tons of cash by brewing coffee at home, but you’ll also impress anyone who comes over. Because seriously, who doesn’t need a cup of coffee the morning after *wink wink*. A moka pot is a timeless option that’s easy to use and even easier to stow away, especially if you’re working with limited space or have an aversion to fancy espresso machines.
If your mattress is planted firmly on the floor, let me be the first to tell you that a bed frame is one of the top things every guy should own. Sleeping on the ground is so college, so if you’re ready to move on from frat house vibes, this bed frame is a solid budget price with plenty of clearance to stash your belongings underneath.
I once spent an entire afternoon at a Lodge Factory Store in the middle of Tennessee. Since that day, I’ve been convinced that a Lodge cast iron is among the things everyone should own. Seriously, if you only have one pan in your entire kitchen, make it this one. Sear steaks, toast sandwiches, and bake bread with it. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that this cast iron skillet can’t handle.
Some guys wait all year to pull their winter coat out of storage, and if you’re not one of those guys, you probably need a better winter coat. As one of the top things a man should have, a high quality jacket goes a long way. This wooly pick from Forét embodies Danish simplicity with a super soft construction, button closure, and a sleek army colorway.
You may think that face wash is for the girlies, but boy, are you wrong. This is absolutely something every man should own if he truly cares about himself, because what says self love more than a skincare routine? If you’re not ready to commit to a ten-step process, this cleanser duo targets dull and dirty skin to bring it back to life.
Sure, every guy needs towels, but plush towels are things men need to turn their house into a home. This set is well loved with over 7,000 five star reviews, and will make your bathroom that much closer to a spa.
It’s hard to argue that a tool kit is a must for all men. However, that doesn’t mean it needs to be encased in a glaring orange plastic that should be stashed far out of sight. This aesthetic tool kit is a wonderful alternative for men who value good looking, highly functional objects. Outfitted with everything you’ll ever need for DIYs or furniture assembly, it’s wrapped up in a pretty little package that you’ll be proud to display as the #handyman you are.
In this day in age, a reusable water bottle is one of the things all men need. Sure, it’ll save you plenty of cash from buying single use bottles, but it’ll also save the planet, cutting down on useless plastic waste. If you’re looking for something slightly more sophisticated than a Nalgene, the LARQ bottle is self-cleaning, insulated, and will fit in the cup holder of your car.
Be honest with me real quick… Are you still sleeping on sheets from PB Teen? If you answered yes, or worse, your sheets are leftover from the college days, it’s high time to upgrade your bedding. Stat. Comfortable sheets are imperative, not only for yourself but for whoever else you may be sharing your bed with. I can almost guarantee that your next date will not want to Netflix and chill on your Hot Wheels sheets, but hey, maybe that’s just me.
Whether you use them for drowning out the world or your noisy upstairs neighbors, quality headphones are among the things every guy should own. The majority of the guys I spoke to referenced Bose’s Quiet Comfort noise canceling headphones (they’re my top pick, too). But a pair of AirPods Max will also do the trick.
Why You Should Trust Us
I am an experienced men’s lifestyle writer who has spent thousands of hours researching the best products for guys, ranging from daily clothing and grooming necessities to helpful everyday essentials.
For this article, I spoke to twenty men about what they believe every man needs and whittled down the hundreds of items to the thirty you see on this list. Ultimately, my goal is to outfit men worldwide with the tools and supplies they need to be the most successful version of themselves. Spoiler alert, it often starts with everything found on this list.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, the things every man should own may vary from person to person. However, the items on this list transcend age, race, ethnicity, and interests. Each thing found here is designed to help every man look and feel his best, whether you’re wandering the city streets or kicking back at home.
FAQ
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At the very least, the three things a man should have are wear-everywhere trousers, white sneakers, and a shaving kit. However, this is barely scratching the surface of the things every man should own.
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At home, every man needs comfortable sheets, nice towels, a cast iron skillet, and a coffee maker.
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