Every man need a solid set of style staples in his wardrobe. From plain white T-shirts to simples thrown-on jumpers, a good selection of basics will serve you well everyday.
But with every brand and designer offering these core pieces these days, where should you start when looking to replenish your wardrobe?
To guide you, we’ve rounded up ten of our 10 favourite men’s basics brands.
Uniqlo
This fast fashion retailer has played a huge part in streamlining the modern wardrobe.
Uniqlo now offers everything from cotton T-shirts and vests to linen shirts and cashmere knits in a wide range of colours, so you can make your collection of basics stand out or blend in as much as you like.
Plus, the brand’s extremely reasonable price points are tough to beat.
H&M
Swedish retailer H&M also plays its part in serving up affordable, good value basics, offering a range of in-house brands to suit your personal style.
J.Crew
J.Crew has proven itself to be a worthy contender when it comes to high quality, pared-back menswear.
Its basics are plentiful and versatile, coming in a range of shades, cuts and fabrics, including a ‘Tall Shop’ for the larger gent.
Expect a premium finish and plenty of choice.
James Perse
This LA-based label is suave and simple, taking a laid-back West Coast approach to everything it does.
Its extensive, but not exhaustive, range of premium basics are crafted from the highest quality fabrics and come in simple blocked shades that make them ideal for seasonal layering.
American Apparel
This American label offers “fashionable basics”, selling nothing but casual styles suitable for everyday wear.
You can pick up everything you need in one sweep at its stores – from underwear and T-shirts to casual jackets and knitwear – while each piece is made in the US with a dedication to sweatshop free production.
Mango Man
Joining its well established womenswear department in 2008, Mango Man (previously H.E. by Mango) has since become a much-loved brand in its own right.
Its aesthetic is fresh, understated and effortlessly cool, which carries through to its range of reasonably-priced basics. We particularly like the brand’s wide range of chinos, which come in every shade, cut and fabric you can imagine.
NN.07
This label may hail from Copenhagen, but NN.07 is dedicated to fashion with “no borders or boundaries” – the ‘NN’ part of its name even stands for ‘No Nationality’.
As a result, the brand’s range of basics is versatile and varied, providing everything you could ever need in your wardrobe, from simple striped tees to clean-cut chinos.
ASOS
ASOS’s extensive range of in-house basics also packs a punch, offering everything from plain T-shirt and underwear multi-packs to jeans and chinos in modern cuts – all at extremely accessible prices.
Whether it’s a longline top, denim jacket or summer vests you’re after, you’re guaranteed to find it here.
Club Monaco
Owned by Polo Ralph Lauren, the preppy label knows its stuff when it comes to classic casual dressing. Its range of high quality, pared-back separates are ideal for building a timeless, versatile wardrobe that will transcend the seasons.
M&S
This British high street institution is renowned nationwide for its quality basics – we’re pretty sure everyone has owned some Marks and Spencer underwear in their lifetime.
Nowadays, the retailer continues to turn out affordable pieces that are built to last. Take its collaborative loungewear line with model David Gandy as proof that luxurious basics needn’t come with an extortionate price tag.
