The Best Men’s Basics, Tested by Style Editors

If you’re not new here, then you know we’re big fans of Cole Haan, who makes some of the most comfortable dress shoes on the market. You’d be surprised—some styles are just as comfy as your favorite pair of sneakers. Take these classic wingtip oxford. To provide extra support, this streamlined silhouette comes with an EVA footbed along with a hyper-cushioned rubber sole, which absorbs impact with each step and gives you that soft, cloud-like feel underfoot. Plus, there’s added grip and durability, meaning you receive solid traction and your shoes won’t wear out as fast.

With its sleek aesthetic, this leather model easily pairs with a tailored suit for weddings or with business casual outfits when you’re heading into the office. After hitting up work events and navigating slick New York City streets, we found these shoes stay comfy no matter how long you’re on your feet.

Read More: Most Comfortable Dress Shoes

Crewneck sweatshirts are the perfect mix of laid-back comfort and low-key style. Gap’s offering is one of the best we’ve tested because it’s got the trifecta of softness, versatility and warmth. It’s washed with a unique technique to give it that lived-in feel like you’ve owned it for years. Thanks to its minimalist appeal, the piece can be dressed up for date night or kept casual for errand runs. Our fashion editors have layered it over a white oxford shirt, coupled with trousers for a refined look.

We also found it can stand alone with jeans for a relaxed vibe, but if you really unlock next-level coziness, pairing it with some sweatpants is the way to go. And with cooler temps on the way, this crewneck sweatshirt will come in handy to fend off the chill without making you look bulky.

Read More: Best Crewneck Sweatshirts

Underwear is usually the starting point as you’re getting dressed and putting on your outfit of the day. When it comes to the best of the best, Calvin Klein is a classic option that’s mastered the perfect blend of comfort and style. This boxer brief arrives in an ultra-soft cotton blend with added stretch, which ensures that the fabric moves with you and adjusts to your body, preventing any discomfort or restriction around your nether region. In fact, we’ve found this pair to be super breathable and easy to wear all day long.

Moreover, what makes CK’s classic so popular is that it doesn’t increase the bulk of your thighs in slim pants because it’s cut close yet still comfy. The contoured pouch and mid-thigh length are perfect for everyday comfort, working out and playing sports. These boxer briefs also help with flexibility and offer great support. And even after dozens of washes, these trunks keep their shape and color.

Read More: Best Men’s Underwear

Abercrombie’s Essential tee is one of the best t-shirts to snag, because, let’s face it—t-shirts are definitely the backbone of any guy’s wardrobe. In terms of fit, this one in particular hits it right on the nail. It comes with a little extra room in the shoulder area, a slightly wider sleeve, and a straight fitting body that hugs your silhouette without being tight.

Our testers found the shoulder is cut to be a little slouchy, which offers a comfortable range of motion. Produced with a mid-weight cotton fabric, the t-shirt has also gone through a special washing process that gives it a faded vintage texture that looks cool and feels super comfy. Depending on the occasion and weather forecast, we’ve paired it with jeans and shorts for a bunch of casual outings.

Read More: Best T-Shirts for Men

A polo shirt can instantly up your style game from casual to put-together without being too formal. Enter Mack Weldon’s version. This option is made with pima cotton, which is one of the highest-quality cotton due to its longer fibers that make it more resistant to fraying and fading. Plus, it’s incredibly soft, durable and has a smooth texture. The relaxed fit is ideal for those with a broader or athletic build, as it provides more room and prevents the shirt from clinging too tightly.

We found it’s also great for people who prefer a more laid-back, comfortable look or have a larger frame and want a bit more breathing space. Our editors have sported this number almost everywhere including a casual dinner, golf course, and summer party. Another bonus: the side slits allow for better movement and curb that stiff, restrictive feeling.

Read More: Best Polo Shirts for Men

Levi’s is a trailblazer in the world of denim and the brand’s 501 original fit jeans are pretty much the gold standard. They’ve got a timeless, straight-leg cut that sits a little loose in the hip and thigh, then has a gentle taper from the knee down. The fabric is extra durable and its iconic button-fly gives them that cool, authentic vibe—making this pair a staple in any wardrobe.

Based on our testing, we found this style can be worn on any day of the week because it’s versatile enough to work with everything from a tee to a button-up. There’s a variety of washes available, but Men’s Health fashion director Ted Stafford prefers the medium stonewash for pure versatility. The slightly faded indigo with specks of white compliments dark and light colors equally well.

Read More: Best Jeans for Men

If you want an affordable sweater that will not only keep you warm in freezing temps, but also looks sleek, this is the one. Uniqlo’s crewneck version is crafted from merino wool, which means it’s super breathable and less itchy than regular wool. The material is also naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, so you’ll stay dry and fresh longer than with other fabrics. It’s great for keeping you cozy without overheating and has a nice, smooth feel against your skin.

When laundry day comes, you can pop the knit in the washer (recommended to be inside a mesh bag) and there won’t be any signs of piling. To add a bit of texture and durability, the collar, cuffs and hem have a ribbed finish. Plus, it helps the sweater fit snugly, stay in place and prevent the edges from stretching out over time.

Read More: Best Crewneck Sweaters

Pros

• Minimal aesthetic makes it easy to pair with many fits
• Smooth suede and leather finishes
• Comfortable sole

Need a simple sneaker that can go with almost anything? Vince’s clean silhouette is up for the job. The lace-up design stands out with its smooth suede and leather finishes on the upper, giving it a sophisticated and polished aesthetic. The subtle vintage nod adds a touch of classic charm without being too flashy.

Plus, the fact that it’s not a busy sneaker means it plays well with all sorts of looks. Thanks to its blank canvas, our style editors have paired it with everything from a tailored suit to jeans and t-shirt, which really speaks volumes about its versatility.

Read More: 2024 Men’s Health Sneaker Awards

Before lacing up your running shoes and hitting the pavement, your trusty socks have to go on first. But not just any pair. Hanes’ X-Temp Compression socks are a solid pick because they’re all about performance and comfort. The graduated leg and arch compression provide that snug, supportive fit you need for long distance walks, keeping your feet feeling secure without squeezing too tight. Plus, the high impact cushioning is a game-changer—it absorbs shock in the spots that need it most, so your feet won’t feel beat up after a run.

During our testing, we found these adjust to your body temperature and wick away sweat, keeping your dogs cool as a cucumber. What’s even better: it comes in a quantity of three at a really affordable price, which means you can stock up on a few packs and not break the bank.

Read More: Best Running Socks

Whether you want a quality travel blazer or a quintessential navy style that can layer over your sweater for fancy occasions, this one will keep you looking sharp. We found that Uniqlo’s budget-friendly option can be worn on long-haul flights and straight to dinner. Thanks to the brand’s AirSense technology—a lightweight quick-drying, stretchy material—this option will let you move however you want, while keeping you cool. Plus, the vented back enables better air circulation, making it less restrictive and more comfortable to wear all day long.

Our only qualm is, the outer pockets are pretty flat, so you’ll want to avoid stuffing anything bulky in there. But overall, it’s a timeless blazer that showcases a clean, regular fit that’s a little looser at the waist, with a nice rounded flow from the shoulders to sleeves. In fact, it holds its own better than those that cost much more and is suitable for various occasions, whether you wear it with jeans or chinos.

Read More: Best Men’s Travel Blazers

Pros

• Stainless steel is highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and tarnish
• Water-resistant
• Cool color detail in the rotating internal top ring
• Fits a vast amount of wrists

The Timex Waterbury Dive 41mm is a stainless steel watch that’s built to look sleek and handle pretty much anything. The stainless steel means it’s tough—it’s highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and tarnish, so you don’t have to worry about it getting beat up over time. Plus, it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, meaning you can swim, snorkel, or even take it diving without stressing about water damage.

It fits wrist sizes from 150 to 205 mm, so it’s got a good range for most people, and the silicone rubber strap is soft, durable, and won’t get worn down by heat or moisture. Our testers found that it’s comfortable for all-day wear, whether you’re hitting the waves or just hanging out. A cool feature is the bright orange rotating internal top ring. This is traditionally used for tracking time underwater, but honestly, it just adds a bit of flair and functionality whether you’re diving or just timing your lunch break.

All in all, it’s a solid, stylish watch that can handle a lot more than just your everyday routine.

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