7 Casual Clothing Essentials for Men

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Joanna

/

Updated September 4, 2022

Casual clothes menPin
Discover casual clothing essentials for men

When it comes to building out your wardrobe, there are key pieces that every man should have in his closet. There are formal and informal styles. Casual clothes for men can seem like an easy section to nail, but it takes serious consideration. This is why we put together a list of seven essentials that should be on your shopping list. Every fashionisto needs to keep their cool factor when it comes to clothes, and these pieces certainly help. From the iconic leather jacket to an easy linen shirt, discover seven casual clothing essentials below.

Casual Clothes for Men

The Parka

Sebastian Åhman sports a parka and camouflage-print fashions from the Zara SRPLS collection.Pin
Sebastian Åhman sports a parka and camouflage-print fashions from the Zara SRPLS collection.

Nothing quite says casual style more than a parka jacket. We love the classic army green look, but you can also wear the style in black or khaki. Pair with a camouflage print for an on-trend look, or keep it simple with a matching pant. The parka can be worn during the warm or cooler months since it’s perfect for layering. Wear with sneakers for a casual look.

Express Heavy Duty Parka $198Pin
Express Heavy Duty Parka $198
Burton Menswear Parka Jacket in Khaki $79Pin
Burton Menswear Parka Jacket in Khaki $79

Hoodie

Alpha Dia wears a green J.Crew French terry full-zip hoodie, essential crewneck t-shirt, 1040 athletic-fit jeans, and Converse Chuck Taylor All Star '70 low-top sneakers.Pin
Alpha Dia wears J.Crew French terry full-zip hoodie, essential crewneck t-shirt, 1040 athletic-fit jeans, and Converse Chuck Taylor All Star ’70 low-top sneakers.

Another way to wear casual clothes starts with a humble hoodie. It’s a great piece for the everyday look. Show off your personality in a bright color or statement print. Or you can stay more versatile with a neutral hue like black, navy or grey. The hoodie pairs well with jeans or relaxed joggers. Rock with your favorite sneakers or sport espadrilles for the spring-summer months.

Forever 21 French Terry Colorblock Hoodie $22.90Pin
Forever 21 French Terry Colorblock Hoodie $22.90
Todd Snyder Cashmere Popover Hoodie in Navy $348Pin
Todd Snyder Cashmere Popover Hoodie in Navy $348

 

Bomber Jacket

Désiré Mia rocks a Canada Goose bomber jacket and Tretorn booties with a tee and pants by Arc'Teryx. Photo: East DanePin
Désiré Mia rocks a Canada Goose bomber jacket and Tretorn booties with a tee and pants by Arc’Teryx. Photo: East Dane

The bomber jacket has seen a major resurgence in the past few years. Its unique silhouette easily adds structure to any outfit. You can wear it with slim-fit jeans or cargo pants for a military-inspired look. When it comes to wearing casual clothes for men, you will never go wrong with wearing a bomber jacket. Make a statement in a bulky shape or keep it understated in a slim fit bomber jacket.

Bershka Bomber Jacket $36Pin
Bershka Bomber Jacket $36
Brand That Unites Reversible Bomber Jacket $148Pin
Brand That Unites Reversible Bomber Jacket $148

Leather Jacket

Sporting a leather biker jacket and turtleneck, Dominik Sadoch fronts Reserved outing.Pin
Sporting a leather biker jacket and turtleneck, Dominik Sadoch fronts Reserved outing.

The leather jacket is just synonymous with cool. Stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando immortalized the classic leather jacket and white tee look. Bikers popularized the look, but you don’t have to ride a motorcycle to show off this look. The leather jacket is ideal for wearing on a casual outing including lunch with friends or even running errands. No matter the case, it’s difficult to not make this cool. Just shy away from ruining the cool look by wearing leather on leather, or pairing with an over the top print.

Acne Studios Leather Jacket $1,800Pin
Acne Studios Leather Jacket $1,800
Theory Morvek Slim-Fit Leather Jacket $995Pin
Theory Morvek Slim-Fit Leather Jacket $995

Hawaiian Prints

Cal Fernie wears a Double Rainbouu t-shirt and swim shorts with Hawaiian prints. Photo: East DanePin
Cal Fernie wears a Double Rainbouu t-shirt and swim shorts with Hawaiian prints. Photo: East Dane

Even if you’re not one for print, a Hawaiian print shirt or shorts belongs in your closet. Great for those warm-weather months, pretend to be in the tropics even if you live in Nebraska. For those who are bold, you can mix prints. Or keep it simple with a simple white t-shirt paired with patterned shorts. The style exudes pure casual ease while an eye-catching print will add some color to one’s look.

Boohooman Palm Print Short Sleeve Shirt $22.40Pin
Boohooman Palm Print Short Sleeve Shirt $22.40
Todd Snyder Short Sleeve Island Photo Print Shirt $188Pin
Todd Snyder Short Sleeve Island Photo Print Shirt $188

Linen Summer Look

John Halls sports a Todd Snyder button-down linen shirt in lavender with 9" burgundy stretch Italian corduroy camp shorts.Pin
John Halls sports a Todd Snyder button-down linen shirt in lavender with 9″ burgundy stretch Italian corduroy camp shorts.

Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean you have to skip out on style. Forget the basic tank top or t-shirt. The casual piece of a linen shirt or shorts can really up the cool factor. Whether shopping at H&M, J. Crew or Todd Snyder, a lightweight linen style pairs well with your favorite jeans. Stay minimal in a monochrome look or don’t be afraid to play around with print. No matter the case, every man should have a linen piece on deck.

Everlane Linen The Standard Fit Shirt $60Pin
Everlane Linen The Standard Fit Shirt $60
REISS Cash Linen Blend Tailored Shorts $160Pin
REISS Cash Linen Blend Tailored Shorts $160

Denim Shirt/Jacket

Serge Rigvava wears a Saint Laurent denim jacket with white jeans by Burberry. Photo: YOOXPin
Serge Rigvava wears a Saint Laurent denim jacket with white jeans by Burberry. Photo: YOOX

Another essential that can fit in just about any wardrobe is the denim jacket or shirt. It’s a versatile due to the classic material and can be worn so many different ways. Step up your closet game and get a denim shirt or jacket to finish your selection of casual clothes for men. If a dark wash or light wash is your preference, it does not matter. Another great aspect of a denim jacket or shirt is the layering factor so you can wear it in spring, summer, fall or winter.

Express Classic Button-Down Denim Shirt $59.90Pin
Express Classic Button-Down Denim Shirt $59.90
J. Crew Distressed Denim Jacket $100Pin
J. Crew Distressed Denim Jacket $100

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