Barron Cuadro

This article is for the young guy in college (or getting ready to go to college) who wants to improve his wardrobe with the absolute essentials needed to dress a bit more grown-up.

So how should a kid in college dress? Most “menswear essentials” lists seem to be a bit tailored to older guys, and guys with more money.

What if you were on a budget but still wanted to dress in a smart, sharp, casual way? What are the absolute essentials that will get you started on your minimalist wardrobe, while still leaving some money in your pocket for pizza and beer and maybe a textbook here and there?

In this article, I’m going to give you a list of fall and winter budget-friendly essentials for your “starter level” grown-up wardrobe. Whether you’re a freshman or a grad student, you’ll be able to wear the smart sharp clothing on this list.

If you are a first year, just watch out for that Freshman 15 so you don’t have to keep sizing up 😉

When buying your college wardrobe essentials…

…just make sure to keep these things in mind!

Is this your definitive, grail, minimalist Lean Wardrobe in all its glory?

No, of course not.

For one, these suggestions are mostly for the fall and winter seasons. Naturally, some of the items are suggest can work year-round.

Second, since budget is the most important thing here, we’ll have to sacrifice a bit of quality and durability, but that’s OK. These are your college wardrobe essentials, after all… you’re most likely going to replace this stuff little by little throughout the years.

Eventually, when you start working and have a bit more disposable income, you’ll probably want to upgrade to nicer versions that are higher quality, made from better fabric, have a better brand name, etc.

But for now, let’s focus on getting the most bang for your buck.

Did you catch this video?

Luckily, you won’t have to sacrifice on fit!

When I was in college back in 2001 (whoa), there weren’t nearly as many budget-friendly clothing brands that catered to a younger guy looking for a classic wardrobe that also nailed fit.

Now, the options are plentiful.

In general, for a classic look, you want to 1.) buy your size, and 2.) choose a slimmer fit.

If you go too far in either direction—oversized and voluminous, or overly-tight and skinny—you’ll look too trendy.

Great example of overly tight and too loose. While trendy and fashion-forward, these styles go too far in either direction if you’re trying to wear a classic silhouette. (Images via 1, 2)

The goal is slim, but not tight. Do the best you can.

Take stock of your basic build and try on a bunch of stuff. And most likely, if you’ve never done this before, you’re wearing clothes that are 1-2 sizes too big, so size down.

Another bonus of wearing clothes that are your size and cut slim? They will fit closer to your body, which is more flattering and helps you appear more proportioned, taller, slimmer, and more mature.

Is this a list of trendy, fashion-forward clothing?

Nope. If that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t the article for you, but you could check out this video for a few tips on dressing more stylishly.

This is a list meant specifically for the younger guy who wants a closet full of sharp basics and essentials… versatile pieces he can wear to class and on a date… to the library and to the bar… a wardrobe that will look great as a freshman, and as a grad student.

These clothes will help you appear older, but in a good way (not in a “senile 96-year-old grandpa” way, not even in a “40-year-old dad” way).

In a way that shows you’re put-together but still age-appropriate, that you care, that you’re intentional and thoughtful, and should be taken seriously.

Basically, these clothes will establish you as the guy who has his shit together (even if you don’t, 100% of the time).

“So, in a nutshell, what are we going for?”

We’re going for well-fitting, budget-friendly basics and essentials in muted, neutral colors.

These will build the base of your new, age-appropriate minimal wardrobe, and are the most versatile things you can own.

This new wardrobe will make you look older (without “dressing old”), more sophisticated, and like you know what you’re doing on campus (yep, even if you’re just wearing a T-shirt and jeans!)

College Wardrobe Essentials Infographic: A quick reference guide

Want all my clothing suggestions and outfit ideas in one place? Download the infographic I created below. Just click the image and it will open in a new tab!

Essential shirts for your minimal lean wardrobe

T-shirts in gray, black, and white

This doesn’t need much explanation. Every list of basics and essentials has a few Ts. The important part is, again, making sure they fit well.

You don’t want them to be:

too long (rule of thumb: if the hem goes past the middle of your back pocket, your T-shirt is too long)
too wide (looks sloppy, makes you look bigger than you are)
A size too big (the shoulder seam will fall past your shoulder bone, the sleeves are too wide, overall sloppy looking)

I talk in more detail about shirt fit tips here that you’ll probably find useful if you’re still trying to nail down the ideal fit.

Buy the Uniqlo Supima Tee

As far as colors, the most versatile T-shirt you’ll own is a medium grey tee. It looks great with every pair of pants / shoe color / jacket combo you can think of. It’s the perfect neutral!

Of course, a black and a white tee are also great to own and come in handy when you’re in a pinch and just need to look good with minimal effort.

The Uniqlo Supima Tee is, by far, the best T-shirt I’ve come across. Supremely soft, well constructed, plenty of colors, and only $10.

Great budget button-up shirts

You might be thinking, “Button up shirts are too formal for school”. Untrue!

The truth is this: you’re not used to wearing them. Therefore, you’re uncomfortable and self-conscious, therefore, you think they’re too formal.

But they’re not. Give it a chance before dismissing them as too formal. It’s really all about the types of button-up shirts you buy. You can’t snag your dad’s OCBDs he wears with his suits to work, because those will be too formal.

These button-up shirts, however, will be perfect for on-campus outfits.

So I suggest: one white OCBD, one medium chambray or denim shirt, and one medium check shirt.

Buy White Oxford Shirt Buy Denim Shirt Buy Flannel Check Shirt

The white OCBD will give you a crisp, clean, slightly preppy look, and if you feel the need to make it even more casual, throw on your grey T-shirt underneath and wear it unbuttoned.

A chambray or denim shirt is my personal favorite—seriously, I own like 6 in all different styles and shades of blue—and can be worn with several different pants and shorts.

And “medium check shirt” may be a little vague, I know. I don’t want to suggest a plaid shirt, because that comes off sorta young and / or “bro”, especially if you get any ol’ plaid shirt off the rack at your basic men’s store.

A decently-sized check shirt, however, can look more elevated with just the right amount of visual interest (keeping everything else in your outfit solid).

For fall and winter, I suggest a wool or flannel red and black (navy, like in the example above, also looks awesome) buffalo check shirt. It’s a classic look, has major fall feels, and looks great with all your pants options.

A thick wool one can be worn as an overshirt (over a T-shirt, as a lighter outerwear item, and a medium-weight flannel version could be worn under a quilted or puffer vest for a bit of extra warmth.

The best pants for your budget minimal wardrobe

OK, let’s move onto pants, yeah?

The list basically boils down to a couple pairs of jeans, and a couple chinos.

“How should my pants fit?”

Same idea as your shirts. Slim, but not tight. A quick fit check: If you can pinch about 1” of fabric total in between your thumb and index finger, that’s about the right amount of slimness.

Your mileage may vary on this rule of thumb so use your best judgement.

As far as length, go for no break. What that means is, the hem will end right where your shoe begins. No piling up of fabric at your ankles. Why? This is the cleanest look, that’s why.

Rolling your jeans is OK. I often cuff mine 1-2 times. I also like a taller cuff (personal preference), but if yours are around 1.5” or so, that’s a decent size cuff. Rolling saves money so you’re not tailoring your jeans, and I think having a cuff looks cooler anyway.

“Which pants do I buy?”

Buy Uniqlo denim Buy Uniqlo chinos

For jeans: One pair of inky, raw, unwashed dark denim, and one pair of medium rinse denim. The dark ones have that ability to be dressed up or down as needed. The medium blue wash will be more casual.

For chinos: Your best bets will be one pair of charcoal chinos, and another in a British khaki color (slightly darker than your typical pair of khakis your farty old professor wears).

“What’s the difference between khakis and chinos?” Chino refers to the style of pants, and khaki refers to the color. But since chinos are usually khaki-colored, over time, we just started calling chinos “khakis”.

Trying to go über minimal? 1 pair of dark denim, 1 pair of British khaki chinos.

Great shoes for a guy’s budget minimal wardrobe

You can’t get any more versatile than a pair of all white leather sneakers. Shorts to dress trousers; they can be worn with anything.

The problem is, the versions that are commonly recommended (yes, including the ones I personally always recommend) are easily over $200. That’s because good leather and quality shoe construction are costly.

However, if we’re focusing on getting the right look, and we’re OK with sacrificing a bit of quality for now, there are a few options.

Buy white sneakers Buy brown boots Buy brown dress shoes

Besides a pair of all white leather sneakers, a lightweight canvas sneaker in grey or off-white is also a nice pair to have. I wear my off-white Seavees a bunch in the warmer months.

Moving on, a pair of boots is another great shoe option to have!

You can go the work or combat boot route, which is a no-brainer for fall and winter casual outfits (not to mention trekking the rainy, sleety, or snowy sidewalks). For something slightly more elevated, try a suede desert boot.

Finally, I debated for a while about including this last shoe, but I think it’s important to have at least ONE pair, juuust in case you need to dress up… and that is, obviously, a pair of dress shoes.

I’m suggesting a brown leather plain toe derby. In terms of formality, this is on the more casual side of the spectrum. You can wear this with your dark denim just as easily as a charcoal suit or dress trousers. So, again, versatility for the win!

Two Budget-friendly Outerwear Essentials for your Wardrobe

Every guy can make use of the Uniqlo lightweight down vest and down jacket. They’re really warm, yet surprisingly light and easily packable.

Buy Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket / Vest

I have two of these vests and one jacket. I wear the jacket for casual outfits, quick runs to the store in the winter, hitting up the gym, etc.

And I use the vests over a sweater if it’s only a bit chilly, or as a midlayer under a heavier jacket or sportcoat when I’m dressing up a bit.

The One Dressier Item You Need In Your College Wardrobe, Just In Case

This is definitely optional depending on how often you need to dress up, but in a pinch, a dark navy wool sportcoat can definitely come in handy.

This isn’t your classic prep school blazer with gold buttons. This is thicker and heavier to keep you warm, with casual details throughout: patch pockets, nappier cloth, possibly suede or corduroy elbow patches (you’ll find this detail on some, but not all jackets).

Buy J.Crew Factory Thompson Sportcoat

Similarly to the shoes, you won’t get the best quality or all the right details with a budget version—for example, this one has flap pockets (totally fine), a slightly narrower lapel, and only a single vent—but that’s OK. You can always upgrade to better versions later.

What keeps this young and cool and age appropriate is the fit. It shouldn’t swallow you like your old college professor’s jacket does. It should fit slim in the body (not tight, with a low button stance and slightly wider lapels (none of that skinny lapel shit from 2007).

The hem should cover your butt (at least til where your cheek meets your leg) and ideally, two vents at the back. Remember to remove all those extra stitches (they look like Xs on the vents and at the cuffs, and dotted lines along the shoulders.

3 easy, campus-appropriate outfit combos from all these essentials!

Maybe you’re stuck. You bought all the clothes, but you’re not sure how to wear them together?

Here’s the good news: Because most (if not all) of the clothes we picked out are what I call “menswear neutrals”, everything can be worn together without risk of mismatching or clashing.

More good news: Menswear neutrals are perfect if you ever want to wear any other color that isn’t a part of the menswear neutral category.

So colors like red, bright green, yellow, purple, and so on? All these colors (and a mix of them, like in a plaid button-up shirt, for example) go with menswear neutrals.

Just keep all that in mind. For now, here are some outfit examples you can try with your new clothes you just bought.

College Outfit Idea #1

This would be a great outfit for running to class.

Super easy to throw on, everything matches (of course, #menswearneutrals) and you look sharp while still being super comfortable.

College Outfit Idea #2

I love a good denim or chambray shirt! Next Level Style Tip: You can wear them with dark denim, too.

For now, we’ll stick with our British Khaki chinos. Wear this outfit to class or on the weekend when you’re just hanging out with friends. The Uniqlo down jacket will keep you warm without being too bulky.

College Outfit Idea #3

Maybe you have a hot date or a more formal event that requires you to clean up a bit more than usual.

This would be the perfect fall / winter outfit for such an occasion. The vest is optional (depends on how cold it is) but works perfectly over the white OCBD and under the sportcoat for that extra layer of warmth.

If you didn’t wear the sportcoat, the chinos + OCBD + vest combo with these brown leather derbies is another great everyday outfit on its own.

Did you find this helpful?

If so, I’d love to hear from you! Tweet at me, or DM me on Instagram.

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Lean, Minimalist Fall & Winter Wardrobe Essentials for College Guys On a Budget

Short sleeve button up shirts and polos… they get a bad rap, man. I think that’s mostly because the nerds and dorks who wear them in TV shows and movies wear them all wrong.

The fit is off, the color is off, the length is off… everything is wrong.

But in warm weather, short sleeve shirts are a life-saver! Especially if you run hot, like myself.

In this article, we’re gonna cover every detail about how a short sleeve button up shirt and polo shirt should fit.

Let’s get into it!

By the way, click on any of the fit images below to enlarge in a new tab (for a more detailed view!)

How should a short sleeve shirt fit overall?

Overall, your short sleeve button-up shirt should fit slim, but not too tight.

“How do I know if my shirt is slim, but not too tight?” I hear you ask.

Try the sit down test. When trying on a new shirt, button it up like you normally would, and then sit down in a chair.

It should feel as comfortable (and have enough give) sitting down as it is while standing. The buttons shouldn’t be pulling apart; the shirt shouldn’t be stretching like spandex on your torso.

If, while sitting, you can pull the shirt away from your belly area about 1” or so (pretend it’s a hot day and you’re trying to get some airflow) then you’re good.

By the way, the short sleeve shirts you see in these photos are from Peter Manning. PMNYC is a long-time partner of EG and I’m psyched to have their short-sleevers as the perfect example of a well-fitting short sleeve shirt in this article.

If you haven’t come across PMNYC yet and you’re a shorter / smaller guy, you’ve probably run into the issue of clothing proportions being off somehow… Whether it’s:

the shirt hem being too long
the sleeves being too long & wide
or the pockets being too big and low on your shirts and pants

Peter Manning’s taken care of all that with their clothing. They’re designed specifically for the guy of smaller stature (5’8″ and under), meaning everything—length, width, proportion, even pocket sizes!—are designed with the smaller man in mind.

PMNYC as a brand is the perfect fit for a “not so tall” effortless gent looking to build his Lean Wardrobe. They make modern, proportionately-sized versions of menswear classics. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and well made using high quality fabrics.

Think Ralph Lauren or Brooks Brothers style with direct-to-consumer pricing that we, the internet shopping generation, have gotten so spoiled by 😉

The guys at PMNYC are offering Effortless Gent readers a sweet deal (you lucky dog, you). Be one of the first 100 people to use code EG20 at checkout and receive 20% off your entire purchase!

Peter Manning Short Sleevers Price: $85 Be 1 of the first 100 people to use code 'EG20' and get 20% off your order

Check out the short sleevers above, or click through to see the rest of their collection here »

Shoulders

How your shirt fits at the shoulder is, arguably, the most important thing when it comes to fit.

Similarly to a suit, the shoulder seam needs to sit right on top of your shoulder bone. Get as close as possible.

If your shirt is too big, the shoulder seam hangs off your shoulder bone and down your arm a bit.

If your shirt is too small, the shoulder seam rides up on your traps / collarbone, which causes the sleeve to fit weird. Most likely the shirt is just too small in general, so if you’re noticing this in the fitting room, size up.

Dwight Schrute bad example of short sleeve shirt fit — Dwight Schrute: Exhibiting how your shirt should NOT fit… (credit: NBC)

Hem or Body length

In order to wear a short sleeve shirt (or any shirt, really) untucked, the hem shouldn’t go too far past your belt and the waistband of your pants. So right where your waist starts to curve outward to form your bum? The shirt should end there.

If the hem goes past mid-butt, it can start to look sloppy worn untucked.

Opposite problem if the hem is too short. Like if the hem hits too close to the waistband, whenever you put your arms up or raise the roof at a dance party, your shirt will rise up and your stomach will be exposed, so…

If the shirt’s hem sits right under your chest and your midriff is showing, then you’re wearing a crop top shirt. Take that off, immediately.

Looking for style inspiration? Check out our Five Ways to Wear One article on short sleeve shirts »

Sleeve length

Imagine a line drawn from your shoulder bone to your elbow… bone. You want the hem of your sleeve to end right in the middle (or at the peak of your bicep if you lift your arm to flex ??

If the sleeve hem hits before mid-bicep, it’s too short, and you might get an armpit wedgie.

Past mid-bicep, closer to your elbow? Also bad. Too long and will look off, proportionally.

I often cuff my short sleeve shirts when they’re too long. So that’s an easy solution if yours hit too far down on your arm.

Point being: keep your sleeve hems close to the middle of your arm!

Sleeve width

Your sleeve should hug your arm. Not too tight, but more like a gentle hug. If you can fit a finger in between your sleeve and the skin on your arm, that’s comfortable territory.

Sleeves shouldn’t be too tight, of course, because that would be uncomfortable.

And if they’re too loose (like if you can fit your whole hand in between your sleeve and your arm) the sleeves will flare out and generally look terrible.

Cuffing your sleeve (see above) can sometimes help if they’re only slightly wider than you’d like, so give that a try. Otherwise, go with a different shirt.

Silhouette

A shirt’s silhouette can be a tough thing to evaluate. You want to look at the overall fit of the shirt, yes, but also how that shirt is cut.

Here’s the thing. Some shirts are meant to be looser, more billowy, and more boxy. Think of the aloha shirt with the camp collar.

example of aloha shirt hawaiian shirt with camp collar — Aloha! A rather sharp-looking aloha / Hawaiian shirt (credit: Wal-Mart)

When I wear a shirt with a looser silhouette, I make sure my pants or shorts are slim and trim. That helps to offset the loose and flowy silhouette of the shirt.

Does that make sense?

You might not have to worry about this just yet, as it’s more of an “advanced” style thing, but it’s something to keep in mind.

“What if my shirt doesn’t fit perfectly everywhere?”

You may end up with a shirt that fits OK in some places, but not others. For example:

The shirt fits in the body, but the sleeves are too long
The shirt fits in the shoulders, but is too loose in the body
The shirt fits fine but the sleeves are too long / wide

And on and on.

You have to pick and choose your battles. Ideally, your shirt fits perfectly in all the areas I pointed out above… but sometimes, it doesn’t work out that way.

Maybe your body isn’t perfectly designed for the shirt you’re wearing, or the brand makes clothes that are more skinny fit or more traditional fit, etc.

Could be a number of reasons.

This is the order of importance, as far as fit is concerned, if you can’t have it all:

Shoulders – if the shoulder seam doesn’t sit on top of your shoulder bone, chances are the rest of the shirt won’t fit correctly either
Sleeve width – this is hard to fake. If it’s too loose (often the case) then you can’t make it smaller without tailoring, which is a pain. If it’s too tight, then it will be uncomfortable
Body – generally, shirts that fit well in the shoulders tend to fit the body. The silhouette may be boxier, or it may be more slim, but you’ll have to try on the shirt to find out. Typically, you wear short sleeve shirts in the warmer months, and in my opinion, it’s OK if the body is a bit looser (allows for more airflow and I don’t like when my shirts stick to my body when it’s hot)
Shirt length – Usually a good french tuck / half tuck solves the problem when the shirt is only a tad too long. If it’s way too long, like covering more than half your butt in the back, then tuck it in, or don’t wear that shirt at all
Sleeve length – As long as the sleeve width is fine, you can easily cuff the hem so the sleeve is shorter

How should polo shirts fit?

Polo shirts should fit the same way I described short sleeve button-up shirts, so simply follow those fit guidelines.

A few things you want to pay attention to:

How your polo shirt drapes

Overall, yes, your polo shirt should fit slim and not tight. But keep in mind the drape of a polo shirt can be different from a button-up.

That’s because the fabric is different. Typically, polos are made with a softer, lighter knit fabric (pique, almost like a waffle texture, or jersey cotton, like a T-shirt, are some examples).

Button-up shirts are generally made from a heavier-weight, woven fabric, which lends more structure to the shirt, meaning it doesn’t hug every curve of your body like a polo shirt can.

So if you aren’t super slim and trim, and maybe you have some excess weight you’d rather not put on display, it’s OK if your shirt is slightly looser (but still slim overall… I don’t want you wearing a shirt the size of a garbage bag).

Traditional polo shirts have a longer back hem compared to the front.

These are designed to be tucked in, and if the back tail is more than halfway down your butt, it’s too long to be worn untucked.

Now you know how your short sleeve shirts should fit!

Hope this article helps! If you have any other questions, I’d love to clarify. Hit me up on Twitter.

Thanks to our friends at Peter Manning for partnering with us on this article, and thanks to our dear readers for shopping the brands that support this site. Check out more of Peter Manning’s Short Sleevers here »

Short Sleeve Button Ups and Polos: How Should They Fit?

Today, we’re taking a look at the Court, a minimal leather sneaker from one of my favorite brands.

Here’s my Greats Court sneaker review, what it’s like unboxing these beauties, and my first-impressions.

Looking for a new pair of smart, stylish, versatile sneakers to add to your collection? If so, consider the Court sneaker from Greats.

They’re a modern take on the classic basketball shoe, constructed in Italy with premium materials – full grain calf skin leather and side trim and an Italian Margom rubber sole.

Greats Court Sneaker Price: $179

You get an incredible low top shoe that fits perfectly in your smart sharp wardrobe. These can go with a well tailored suit or a more casual look – and come in a variety of colorways.

Greats is a Brooklyn-based sneaker brand with a focus on classic, timeless silhouettes. That means they make the kind of shoes that easily fit into your Lean Wardrobe. Well made, versatile, and stylish.

Even though I haven’t had a chance to put these through the paces, I have been wearing my Greats Royale for a while now. They’ve easily become one of my favorite go-to sneakers for just about everything. So I wouldn’t be surprised if the Court sneaker also turns into a favorite.

But before we get to all that, let’s open the charcoal gray Greats box and see what’s inside.

Minimal Sneakers with Top Quality Materials

The tan leather has a soft, supple texture that’s pleasing to the touch with an even, smooth color. Over time it will develop and change a little, as all great leather does. Some guys prefer the crisp and fresh look of brand new leather. But if you ask me, that slight worn in style is perfect.

There’s some subtle suede detailing at the toe box and tongue with the Greats Court. You’ll also see the brand’s logo banner stitched simply at heel.

The off-white sole and gum outsole are clean and classic, with nice traction. These shoes are all about the details, even down to the waxed flat laces. They’re made to stay in place, look great, and hold up to plenty of use.

The Attention to Detail Shows

One thing I love about Greats is how much attention to detail you get on the inside of the shoe. The interior of the Court is fully lined in luxurious, full grain leather. Not many brands line the inside of their shoes with the same top quality leather as you get on the outside.

Being lined with full grain leather means these sneakers are super comfortable. And you can wear them without socks if you want – though I prefer no-show socks myself.

As far as care and maintenance, these are the kind of investment-worthy sneakers that deserve shoe trees whenever they’re in the closet. Treat them just like you would any leather dress shoe.

When it comes to sizing, in my experience Greats run true to size. I’m a size 9, that’s what I have here, and they fit just right. And these sneakers are super comfortable even if you have a wider foot. I’ve had no issues with pinching or discomfort that I’ve had before with some narrow shoes.

The Verdict After Unboxing…

As you can tell, I’m a fair of Greats. I like the brand and I love this entry in their lineup, the Court. They’re right in the sweet spot of top quality material and design at a fair price point. If you’re looking for a pair of versatile sneakers to slide into your rotation, it’s hard to go wrong here.

Greats Court Sneaker Review: Unboxing + First Impressions

Menswear subscription boxes are all the rage. They promise to help you find the perfect clothing for your personal style.

But can they really help you build the ideal Lean Wardrobe?

Menswear subscription boxes are super popular right now. You sign up and fill out a questionnaire or talk to an employee about your lifestyle and fashion preferences. Then they send you a box full of clothing they think will work for you.

And – voila! – you have an amazing wardrobe full of clothing you love. Right?

Wrong.

Almost without exception, I hate subscription boxes for men. At least the ones that are 100% focused on clothing.

That’s an unpopular opinion, I know. But here’s my argument against them, some possible exceptions, and 2 not-quite-subscription boxes that might work for you.

Why Clothing Subscription Boxes Are NOT Worth It

The supposed point of clothing subscription boxes are to help you find new styles and add them to your wardrobe. But in reality, they usually do the exact opposite.

Curating your personal style is something we talk about a lot at EG. Developing your Lean Wardrobe is all about getting to know yourself, discovering what styles you love, and learning to dress in a way that gives you confidence.

That’s a deeply personal, rewarding process. So how could you delegate that to some employee at a subscription box company?

Simply put, monthly menswear subscription boxes are not for you if you’re:

Picky about what you wear
Someone with specific taste and style
Advanced in your style journey and already know what you like

The gimmick of these boxes is that other people pick stuff for you. They curate outfits based on what they like, what they think may sell best, and what their customers generally might like.

Nothing about the is specifically tailored for you.

In my experience, after a few months with a subscription box, you’ll wind up with a pile of stuff you don’t like and won’t ever wear. Basically, the opposite of what we recommend at EG.

And if you’re a neat freak, this is even worse. All those boxes add up to a ton of clutter – definitely no good for minimalist apartment dwellers.

Who Subscription Boxes Might Work For

If you’re currently a shorts, jeans, and T-shirts kind of guy and want to step it up, clothing subscription boxes for men might be a good place to start. But only if you are:

Generally lazy when it comes to your personal style
Totally new to the idea of style and menswear
Don’t have any time or effort to dedicate to the process of developing your own style

Think of it this way: curating your own Lean Wardrobe is like cooking from scratch using a recipe. You learn about the ingredients, choose the right ones for the dish, and develop your skills on your way to preparing a delicious meal.

Ordering a menswear subscription box is like getting delivery. You’re tired, you’re hungry now, and you just need something to eat. You don’t care about the art of cooking, the ingredients, or the process. You just want to eat.

To be honest, everybody orders delivery sometimes. In a pinch, it’s a lifesaver. But it’s not the best way to eat, day in and day out.

So – although I don’t recommend them – subscription boxes might work for you if you just need some quick additions to your wardrobe and you don’t yet have any sense of your personal style.

Not-Quite Subscription Boxes That I Like

There are 2 subscription box adjacent options that have the feel of a monthly box without the downsides mentioned above.

Menlo Club

Menlo Club is a good option if you want to add some casual, streetwear, and activewear style to your Lean Wardrobe. You can shop their site directly instead of going with their subscription service.

Amazon Prime Wardrobe

In the Prime Wardrobe section of Amazon, you can fill up a box with clothing of your choosing. Once it arrives, you have 7 days to try everything on at home, keep what you like, and send back what you don’t. So it’s not a subscription service, but it has a similar feel. And it’s a good way to learn about what works or doesn’t for you in the comfort of your own home.

Bottom Line: I Don’t Recommend Subscription Boxes for Men

I can’t endorse them. I believe guys should be able to understand their own style. Get out there and curate your own look. You don’t want someone else to do it.

Think about your lifestyle, your budget, your work environment, what you do for fun, etc – and then build your wardrobe around that. Skipping that process and outsourcing it to a subscription box employee is a disservice to yourself, not a convenience.

Have you ever tried a monthly menswear subscription box? What was your experience like?

Are Menswear Subscription Boxes Worth It?

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a more affordable and a more luxurious pair of all white leather sneakers?

In this Greats Royale review, we look at 3 key details that separate the best white leather sneakers from the cheaper options.

Classic all white leather sneakers deserve a place in every guy’s Lean Wardrobe. They look great with just about everything – from chinos and denim to tailored shorts. You can even get away with wearing them with a dressed-down suit (when styled right).

So you’re convinced – you want a pair of the best white leather sneakers. But there are tons of options at a wide range of price points, from under $50 to over $400.

Which should you choose? Are expensive white sneakers worth it?

Before we give you the answer, consider these 3 main differences between affordable and high end sneakers. Then you can decide which price point and level of quality is right for you.

For this review and comparison, we’ll be looking at the high end – the $180 Greats Royale – versus the affordable $40 K-Swiss Quick Court sneakers.

Greats Royale Price: $179

1 – Type of Leather

High quality leather shoes are – unsurprisingly – made with a higher quality form of leather than their cheap alternatives. More affordable options tend to use “genuine leather”, one of the cheapest and lowest quality types of leather available.

For the purposes of our comparisons, the K-Swiss sneakers are made from genuine leather. (At least that’s what it seems – there’s no specific mention of what type of leather is used on their website. And that’s usually a giveaway that it’s the cheapest kind.)

The Greats Royale, on the other hand, are made with full grain leather. What’s the advantage?

Better feel and texture
Less prone to cracking and similar damage
Appearance is enhanced by age and wear

It’s not just that the leather is more luxurious. Greats uses much more of it in their shoes for a high end look and feel. The entire upper, inside, and tongue are lined with the same full grain leather. You won’t find that on cheaper shoes.

2 – Construction

High quality leather shoes – like these Greats Royale white leather sneakers – are built to last. They’re also designed with comfort in mind. Notice a few examples that set these two shoes apart:

Cheap sneakers:

Inside isn’t lined with leather, just a small area at the heel
Tongue isn’t padded

High end sneakers:

Inside is totally lined with top quality leather
Tongue and collar are padded

These details make more expensive sneakers much more comfortable to wear. If you’re using them all day, your feet will appreciate the feel of high end construction – like the additional leather lining and padding.

3 – Durability

Because of their lower quality materials and construction, cheap sneakers can’t last as long as their high end counterparts. You have to replace cheap leather shoes more often. They break down, wear out, and show their age quickly.

This is especially true of so-called “genuine leather” shoes. The stress points where your foot puts most pressure on the leather upper will show up quick. This cracking and damage to the leather is common in low quality shoes.

Conversely, high end white leather sneakers are designed to last. Full grain leather ages better and won’t crack like the cheap stuff. In the case of the Greats Royale, even the laces are made with durability in mind. They’re waxed cotton, so they look great, resist dirt, and last longer.

Greats Royale Review Verdict: Are Expensive White Sneakers Worth It?

Yes, definitely. If you can afford to spend $150-$200 for full grain leather sneakers, you will get a better experience and an all around better pair of shoes with the Greats Royale.

Greats Royale Price: $179

This principle of investing in quality applies to all your leather goods – shoes, belts, wallets, bags, etc.

When you spend a little more on a thoughtfully designed product with higher quality materials, you get more out of it. And at EG, we always recommend that you build your Lean Wardrobe from classic, high quality stuff that you will enjoy wearing and will last a long time.

One exception: If you just want the look of a classic white sneakers and longevity and durability aren’t critical for you, you can get the cheap shoes. Keep in mind that the experience won’t be the same and you’ll have to replace them pretty soon.

What do you think of our Greats Royale review? Is it worth it to you to spend more? Or are you just interested in the look and not so much quality?

Greats Royale Review: Are Expensive White Sneakers Worth It?

I received an email a few weeks ago with a great question.

A young man named Nick wanted to know how to dress well as a teenager when everyone around him at school dresses ultra-casual – think basketball shorts, cargo shorts, T-shirts, and hoodies.

Nick wants to dress sharp with a more grown-up style. Maybe rock some chinos, an OCBD, or a stylish sweater. But he isn’t sure how to pull it off. Plus, he’s worried about his new style standing out too much.

Sound familiar? Probably – because I get this same question from grown men who work in casual office environments too. They’re sick of looking like they just rolled out of bed and straight into their cubicles. They want to dress up a bit for the office – but without sticking out like a sore thumb.

This is not a problem exclusive to teenagers. The earlier you learn to take control of your style and do so with confidence, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

But I get it. It’s easy for me to tell you, “Just do it!” But putting it into practice? That’s a whole different thing.

In this article, I’m sharing 4 tips about how to dress well for all you teenage guys out there struggling with your style – that means you, Nick.

Are you a reader in your 20s, 30s, or older?

You should still read this article. These tips apply to men of all ages, especially when you want to dress sharper than the casual crowd around you.

Tip #1 – Change Just One Item

Let’s say your current go-to school outfit is basketball shorts and a navy hoodie. You can take that oversized, shapeless hoodie and step it up with a navy sweater instead.

Oversized hoodie → Fitted navy sweater

We’re not talking anything too crazy or different. You can even keep the basketball shorts (for now… though you probably won’t want to if your top half is already looking super sharp). Just by changing one item – ditching the hoodie for a fitted sweater – you’re already starting to elevate your look.

What if you tend to wear a plain cotton T-shirt? Change it up by adding a chambray shirt on top. The resulting look is still casual, but adds interest. And it’s a good way to experiment with layering without looking too formal.

The goal is to keep swapping out one item in every outfit. Eventually, you’ll develop a new wardrobe full of upgrade pieces that elevate your style. And since you’re doing it a little at a time, the change won’t be as shocking.

Here are a few more examples of one item swaps you can make to improve your high school style:

Basketball shorts → Fitted chino shorts (A few summer favorites.)

Graphic T-shirt → Casual fitted polo (Our top picks.)

Faded baggy jeans → Fitted dark denim (A great pair, plus how to style them.)

Tip #2 – Take Your Time

This is not a race. You want a smooth transition into your new style – not a sudden crash.

A subtle style transition that takes shape over the course of several weeks or months is best. Nothing too jarring or obvious. No sudden changes from shorts and a hoodie to a suit and tie.

Think of your goal as updating your style with as much subtlety as possible. You want people to be impressed by your style, not surprised by it. The perfect reaction is: “That looks great on you!” You want to avoid: “What are you wearing?!”

So move slowly and steadily towards your goal – resist the urge to sprint.

Tip #3 – Embrace Trends

You’re young. You’re in high school. You deserve to enjoy the way you dress. This is the perfect time to embrace trends and try out any new style you think looks cool.

Let’s be honest – one day (much too soon) you’ll feel like you’re too old to pull off the trendiest fashions. So take advantage now while you can.

What’s hot in the music, movies, and celebrity culture you love? Is there a specific artist or star whose look you’d like to try for yourself? Go for it!

If you decide you don’t love it, you can always go back to the classics. But you just might find your favorite new outfits this way. When you’re young, having fun with fashion is all about experimenting with trends and discovering your favorite look. Don’t be afraid to be the trendsetter at your school.

Quick note to the older guys: Yes, you can experiment with trends too. Maybe not like a rockstar or in outfits means for teens, but definitely with thoughtful details that update your style and show that you’re paying attention to what’s on trend in the menswear world.

Tip #4 – Chill Out, People Don’t Really Care

Reality check: Everyone is caught up in their own world. They’re all obsessed with themselves. It’s true in high school. And it will still be true when you’re older and working at the office.

So just go all in on the styles you love. Wear what you want and what you like. People don’t really care. But you’ll feel so much more confident and relaxed when you’re wearing something you love.

It’s true, some people will make negative comments. But that nonsense is really a reflection of their own lack of confidence.

When you stand out for looking your best, the naysayers are naturally going to worry about their appearance. Their negativity comes from a fear that you’re dressing better than they are – which you probably are. ?

You’re Young! Enjoy It!

Experiment with your style while you’re still a young man. Get to know yourself as a person in the process. You can easily dial it back when you decide you’re not so into that last outfit you tried. No worries.

Eventually, you’ll nail down a solid personal style – one you can continue to craft and improve on as you get older. That way, you’re already ahead of the game with your grown-up style.

Which tip did you find most helpful? Which tip do you want to implement today?