William Barton

The Oxford cloth button down shirt, otherwise known as the OCBD, is a wardrobe staple and having a small collection of these classic shirts will open up a ton of classic style possibilities.

It’s best to stick with neutral colors for your Oxford shirts, especially if you’re trying to build out a Lean Wardrobe and keeping it as minimal as possible.

Of course, the two most popular and versatile colors are white and light blue.

But you don’t have to stop there. Olive, black, navy, grey—and if you want to be a little adventurous, pink—are all excellent looks for the OCBD.

So if you’re looking to pick up a piece that classes up casual and takes the edge off of business attire, check out our six favorite Oxford cloth button downs.

The Best Budget OCBD options

My #1 favorite budget OCBD? Uniqlo

It’s hard to find a better value for an Oxford shirt out on the market right now.

You might be able to time it right and find a killer deal somewhere else, but year-round, Uniqlo offers a solid shirt with a great fit, at an unbeatable price.

Barron’s had a few Uniqlo oxfords for five or six years, and they still look new. Considering the longevity and the price, we recommend picking up a few of these for your casual wardrobe.

Every guy would do well to have a white oxford shirt and a light blue oxford shirt.

And with Uniqlo, you can score both without breaking the bank.

Buy The Uniqlo Oxford

My Favorite Mid-Range OCBD Options

Best mid-range oxford shirt #1: Kamakura Shirts

Kamakura shirts bring Japanese craftsmanship to the OCBD. And they do it well.

This white oxford shirt is constructed similarly to a dress shirt, meaning it can be tucked in easily.

While many oxford shirts are designed to be worn untucked, this version is perfect if you’re looking for something that can fit into both a casual and business casual wardrobe.

Buy The Kamakura Oxford

Best mid-range oxford shirt #2: Everlane

Everlane has an extensive range of color options — all true to their philosophy of making timeless, minimalist clothing.

It’s hard to choose any two items from Everlane that wouldn’t work well together, and their Japanese OCBD is no exception.

Buy The Everlane Japanese Oxford

THE BEST Luxe OCBDs… oh yeah baby

Best luxe oxford shirt #1: Todd Snyder

Japanese Selvedge cotton is widely regarded as some of the nicest fabric you can put on your body. So Todd Snyder made a range of oxford shirts with the stuff.

Of all our luxe options, Todd Snyder is the most relaxed. While many high-end OCBD makers focus just on the classic white and blue oxford shirt, Todd Snyder has opened their lineup to include striking colors like black and pink.

Buy Todd Snyder Oxford

Best luxe oxford shirt #2: Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers have been setting the standard for classic style forever.

No seriously. They made Abe Lincoln’s favorite suit.

Choose either white or blue in this high-end oxford shirt. The buttons are genuine Mother of Pearl and the cloth is American-made Supima cotton.

Needless to say, this is definitely a more “dressed up” OCBD better suited to a professional setting, or in a sophisticated business casual wardrobe.

Buy The Brooks Brothers Oxford Shirt

Best luxe oxford shirt #3: Gitman

Gitman’s been making some of the best OCBDs for over 40 years.

This classic is a little more relaxed compared to Brooks Brothers, yet the quality of the cloth and construction is fantastic. They even have an extensive style and fit guide worth scrolling through.

Finally, don’t forget to add a monogram for that special, unique touch.

Buy The Gitman Oxford Shirt

Looking to build a minimalist wardrobe?

If you want to build a lean, versatile wardrobe that makes it easy to put together great outfits every day, check out our Minimalist Wardrobe Guide.

Oxford Cloth Button Down Shirts: Our 6 Favorites, from Budget to Luxe

It seems like performance fabrics are taking over business casual office wear. More and more often, I spot new brands hawking office-friendly business casual dress clothes made with performance fabrics.

Dressing comfortably for work has never been easier (or as stylish). But how good are these clothes made from “performance fabric”? Is it better than traditional fabrics for office wear, like cotton and wool?

Today, we’re taking a close look at how performance fabrics will revolutionize what you wear to the office and the level of comfort you experience every day.

But before we get into it, let’s talk about what performance fabric isn’t.

Check out the video! 5 Reasons to Wear Performance Fabric Office Clothes ↑

A note from Barron: My first experience with dress shirts made from stretchy performance cloth was from a brand called Mizzen + Main back in 2013. Since then, we’ve covered the brand a few times on this site, and I still think they’re a great option for any guy looking for a bit of comfort in their work clothes. I’d venture to say the performance fabric office wear trend got its start partially thanks to Mizzen + Main. But before I get too far into it here, I’ll let William continue…

Common Misconceptions about Polyester and Other Synthetic Fabrics

I don’t blame you for thinking, “You want me to wear polyester pants? No way!”

I remember those bright, weirdly-textured pants my grandma wore, too.

Polyester fabrics have come a long way in the last twenty years. Technicians have engineered the fabric to look and feel almost identical to cotton, but with stain-fighting, wrinkle-resistant properties.

For instance, take a look at this outfit from Mizzen + Main:

mizzen main baron chinos and leeward shirt

Care to take a guess how much polyester is in those pants?

(If you guessed 100%, you’re right.)

And the shirt? 85% poly, 15% Spandex.

So yeah, it’s safe to say polyester fabrics ain’t what they used to be. They’re way better.

Mizzen + Main PERFORMANCE + COMFORT ALL DAY: Mizzen + Main's wrinkle resistant, four-way stretch, moisture wicking fabric keeps you in style & comfort all day long.

Why Performance Fabric Makes More Sense for Office Attire than Cotton

Ok, so maybe companies like Mizzen + Main can convince you that performance fabrics like polyester can look great. But cotton chinos and oxfords look great, too. Why switch?

Here are four YUUUGE reasons performance fabrics are taking over the white collar uniform.

1.Performance fabric doesn’t shrink

Unlike cotton, you don’t have to worry about having your shirt fit perfectly out of the box, only to find out it’s a full half-size smaller after you wash and dry it.

performance fabric chinos and shirts effortless gent — via Instagram

Now, it’s always important to follow what the care label says, but if you hang dry your performance fabric shirts, they won’t shrink at all.

And unlike cotton, your shirts should nearly be dry straight out of the wash. Most performance fabrics are quick-dry, so there’s no need to send them through a mechanical dryer anyway.

A ten-minute hang is usually all they need until they’re ready to wear.

2. Performance fabric doesn’t stink

Because performance fabrics don’t absorb sweat and moisture like cotton, they don’t build colonies of bacteria, which can lead to major stank.

mizzen main baron chinos — via Instagram

Polyester and nylon have been used for gym clothes for a long time for this reason, but now that brands are making comfortable, professional, stylish clothes with the same properties, why put your colleagues through that?

3. It doesn’t turn pink

Have you ever accidentally mixed your colors in with your whites when doing laundry? And that pristine white dress shirt takes on a faint pink hue because you washed it with your red boxers?

It happens to the best of us.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Performance fabrics hold color much better than cotton. So not only will the colors not run as much, you don’t have to worry about washing whites and colors together (though, to be honest, it’s still best practice to separate them).

Even better, the dyes in cotton tend to begin losing their vibrance after about ten washes.

Well-made polyester clothing, like Mizzen + Main’s Baron chino, will continue looking brand new even after 30-40 washes.

4. It doesn’t wrink…le. It doesn’t wrinkle.

Ahh, we were so close to a great ongoing subheading rhyme!

I saved my personal top reason for making the switch to performance fabrics for last.

They’re wrinkle resistant.

That means no more ironing or steaming your work clothes during laundry day. Or, if you’re the type of guy to wear un-ironed 100% cotton shirts and chinos… welcome to a whole new pressed and polished look (with no effort!).

A Closer Look: Mizzen+Main’s Performance Dress Shirts and Chinos

Mizzen + Main got their start crafting dress shirts that work perfectly in the office or in a business casual wardrobe.

mizzen main white leeward shirt and navy baron chinos

While all of their shirts make use of performance fabrics, they have a few different fabric blends for any situation you might come up against.

Their Leeward line is their most straight-forward: made with 85% polyester and 15% spandex, this four-way stretch, spread-collar badboy is the perfect alternative to your standard cotton dress shirt.

Mizzen + Main also has the Spinnaker, Cunningham, and Halyard shirts, each one softer than the next.

I’ve had the chance to try the Halyard, which is a poly-cotton blend, and the texture is amazing. It’s much thicker than a standard dress shirt, and has a rich look and finish.

Mizzen + Main PERFORMANCE + COMFORT ALL DAY: Mizzen + Main's wrinkle resistant, four-way stretch, moisture wicking fabric keeps you in style & comfort all day long.

They’ve also expanded their collection to feature layers, and now, chinos.

Their Baron chinos are 100% polyester, so they have those stain-fighting, wrinkle-resistant, no-shrink, no-fade properties.

And the cut is fantastic.

They’re slim through the thigh and tapered below the knee. Mizzen has cut out as much excess fabric to create a modern silhouette that will truly have you looking like the best dressed guy in the office.

Performance fabric vs regular cotton

Let’s take a closer look at how these fabrics compare to cotton.

First up is the Leeward shirt (white, right side) vs. a standard cotton shirt (striped, left side).

The biggest difference right away is the wrinkle-factor.

Just look at that purple striped shirt. That’s gonna need some serious ironing. The white Leeward shirt came straight out of the wash like that — no iron, no steam.

The fabric is tightly knit, but not completely solid, so it’s very soft, but still breathable.

Next, let’s do a little chino comparison.

On the left is the blue Mizzen + Main Baron, and on the right is a standard cotton chino. The closer knit the fabric, the softer it is.

Cotton, a fabric hailed for its softness, isn’t as smooth and silky as the polyester on the left.

So if cotton’s not necessarily softer, what’s the point?

And as you can see again, the performance fabric comes out much neater and less wrinkled than standard cotton. For the pants, it’s not a massive difference, but it’s the details that count.

Who Should Wear Clothes that Use Performance Fabrics?

Really, performance fabric clothing is for everyone. But if any of these describe you, you’ll definitely want to check out performance menswear now.

Guys who sweat… a lot

Sweat much? No more dark circles under your arms thanks to the fact that performance fabrics don’t absorb moisture. It’ll wick sweat away from your body and release it.

Slim Fit can be too snug, Regular Fit is too loose

Are you athletic and normally feel restricted in “slim fit” cotton dress shirts? You know, like you’re afraid you’ll bust out of your shirt if you sneeze?

Mizzen + Main’s shirts offer four-way stretch, so you can sneeze all you want. Heck, you can even throw in a round-house kick if you’re so inclined.

You’re a bigger guy in general

Bigger gentleman? One of the toughest issues larger guys face is a lack of mobility when it comes to their clothing.

With the amount of stretch possible in performance fabrics, you’ll keep full range of motion, plus your pants won’t stretch out nearly as much at the knee as regular 100% cotton does.

Why does performance clothing work so well in the office?

Performance clothing is perfect for the office because it stays crisp throughout the day, but also throughout the months and years you own them.

The wrinkle-resistance ensures that you don’t get that weird, accordion-patterned back wrinkle situation you sometimes get with cotton shirts when you sit for too long.

The colorfast nature keeps your clothes looking new even after thirty to forty washes. And the durability means you’ll have them for years.

And unlike cotton, they won’t bacon-out or stretch in strange places. Performance fabrics fit like new every time you wear them.

Mizzen + Main PERFORMANCE + COMFORT ALL DAY: Mizzen + Main's wrinkle resistant, four-way stretch, moisture wicking fabric keeps you in style & comfort all day long.

Ready to Revolutionize your Wardrobe?

If you ever feel restricted in your work clothes, or if you’re just tired of smoothing out the wrinkles in your dressier outfits, definitely give performance fabrics a try.

And definitely start with Mizzen + Main; they can outfit your office-friendly wardrobe with performance dress shirts, midlayers, and now, chinos.

You’ll love their sleek, modern silhouettes, and you’ll be hard pressed to find any other professional and business casual items that are as comfortable.

The Baron chinos have become the most comfortable pair of chinos I own, and I love the tapered look. While they’re excellent pants for the office, don’t forget that chinos look great in your casual wardrobe, too.

You can wear them as-is with a pair of minimalist white sneakers or cuff them at the bottom for a super-relaxed look.

Over to you: Have we convinced you to try a few shirts and pants made from performance fabric? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram.

A note from Barron: Thanks to Mizzen + Main for partnering with us on this article about performance fabrics in office-friendly clothing. I’ve worked with M+M a few times over the years and they continue to be a great option for guys who want an alternative for their business casual clothing. Check out more at Mizzen + Main.

Is Performance Fabric Transforming Men’s Business Casual Office Wear?

It’s hard to think of anything that wouldn’t look great paired with dark wash jeans.

Maybe a tuxedo jacket. Or a clown hat.

But other than that, dark blue jeans are one of the most versatile items you can put in your closet.

You can throw on some dark denim for a business casual outfit, change the shirt for a killer date night, and wear the same pants for Saturday brunch. Seriously, the options are endless.

We put together our six favorite pairs of dark jeans that will become your minimalist wardrobe go-to’s.

And here they are! ↓

Best Budget Dark Wash Jeans

Budget dark wash denim #1: Levi’s 502

Levi’s are the original. We’re confident saying they’re not going out of style soon. The 502s are a great standard fit, so they’ll fit most body types.

They have a slight taper below the knee, which is perfect for a more tailored look. Too much fabric pooling at the ankles (or too wide an opening) can make your jeans look sloppy.

We like the dark blue jeans (the Rigid Raw colorway, for example) for everyday wear, but with Levi’s you have a squillion different washes.

Shop Levi’s Jeans

Budget dark wash denim #2: Uniqlo

If you want to keep a slimmer profile without slimming your wallet, check out Uniqlo. They have slim, skinny, and regular fit options available that are well worth the price.

Their slim fit is similar to the Levi’s 502 (The Regular Fit would be closer to the Levi’s 541, so bear that in mind). We recommend giving the slim fit a try as the tapered silhouette is usually flattering for most guys.

Skinny jeans are a bit too tight and reduce the overall, everyday wearability of the jeans, so we recommend staying away from them (unless you’re a modest man, of course).

Uniqlo does a great job with their clothes, offering a solid value for the price. They’re a great store to come back to for other minimalist wardrobe basics, too.

Shop Uniqlo Jeans

Best Mid-Range Options

Mid-range dark jeans #1: Bonobos

Bonobos offers extremely comfortable jeans that have some polyester and elastane built into them for extra stretch.

If you don’t want to worry about bending over and blowing out the seat of your pants, a sweet pair of navy blue jeans from Bonobos will do the trick.

They offer a few different fits and a great selection of washes, too. But when you’re building your minimalist wardrobe, we’d stick with a dark wash—it’s much more versatile.

Shop Bonobos

Mid-range dark jeans #2: Unbranded

Unbranded makes excellent selvedge raw denim. Not sure what that means?

I’ll just say this: selvedge raw denim is like the chef’s cut of jeans. While everyone’s out at the dining tables eating their flavorless, yet tender filet mignon jeans, you’re in the back with your bone-in rib-eye raw denim. Ok, this stopped making sense.

Let’s just keep it simple: raw selvedge denim will last a long time if you treat it well and it’ll look better and better with time.

Unbranded is the best value for this kind of creme-de-la-denim.

Shop Unbranded

Best Luxe / Investment Worthy Options

Premium dark denim #1: Todd Shelton

Todd Shelton’s Pro Original jeans are perfectly designed.

No extra fabric, as close to tailored fit as you can find off the rack with tons of customizable fit options, and only top-notch materials, made entirely in the USA (New Jersey, to be specific).

Plus, they only offer the one cut. Because it’s the best. That’s minimalism at its finest.

Shop Todd Shelton

Premium dark denim #2: AG (Adriano Goldschmied)

AG (short for Adriano Goldschmied) is a fantastic L.A. based company that produces great fits with Japanese selvedge denim.

The company history is steeped in denim manufacturing, and they’ve created a lineup that shows mastery of the style.

Shop AG

Looking to build a minimal wardrobe?

If you want to build a lean, minimal wardrobe that makes it easy to put together great outfits every day, check out our Minimalist Wardrobe Guide.

Dark Wash Jeans for Men: Top 6 Options from Cheap to Investment-Worthy

For many guys, a watch is the only accessory we wear. If we’re married, we get a ring. Other than that, accessorizing just isn’t something we talk about often.

Here’s the thing, though: it all comes down to the subtle details. A well-placed bracelet or necklace can set you apart from the crowd.

Gentlemen, today we’re going to talk about the mack daddy of all accessories… the signet ring.

In this article, we’ll cover:

what exactly is a signet ring,
how to wear one, and
where to buy the best signet rings…

…so you can add another stunning detail to your wardrobe today.

What is a Signet Ring?

Signet rings have been around a long time. Let me rephrase that… they’ve been around a looooong time.

A Brief History of Signet Rings

I’m talking since 3500 BCE, when Mesopotamians were using limestone rings to print worship scrolls for the Sun Gods.

Total ballers, those Mesopotamians.

Throughout the Middle Ages, people in power used signet rings to seal official documents. The engraving on the ring, when pressed into melted wax, created a signature. Hence the term “signet.”

Signet Ring of John, Imperial Spatharios, 10th century, Byzantine, from Metropolitan Museum of Art New York — via Metropolitan Museum of Art

While a signet ring doesn’t carry the same official weight it used to, wonderful little clubs like biker gangs and Freemasons still make use of them.

The signet ring can still be a symbol of power, as when worn by the head of a family. In some cases, rings are passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing a priceless family heirloom.

Why You Should Start Wearing a Signet Ring

Not all of us (probably none of us) have an heirloom signet ring. But does that mean we shouldn’t wear one?

Of course not.

Signet rings are a perfect balance between bold and understated.

rebus signet ring on middle finger with vintage turquoise signet ring on pinky finger

On the one hand (no pun intended) it’s a large ring, so there’s bravado and a little bit of peacocking attached.

But at the same time, it’s a ring, so it’s likely the smallest accessory you’ll be wearing.

Nothing says masculine and “in charge” like a signet ring, so if you want to play off those vibes, you should definitely consider rocking one.

Where Can I Buy a Custom Signet Ring?

I’m going to assume we’re on the same page and are going for the “quality over quantity” approach here.

Sure, you could pick up a cheap signet ring from, say, Etsy, and that’s totally fine if you want to experiment with the look and need something affordable.

But if you’re ready to make big moves and want to add a handsome, high-quality signet ring to your jewelry collection, I suggest going with UK-based Rebus.

Rebus Signet Rings Precious metal signet rings die-stamped, handmade and hand engraved at their in-house workshop in Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewelry quarter.

The Style Of Your Signet Ring

Signet rings come in all shapes and metals. The most common shapes are:

Round
Oval
Oxford Oval
Octagon
Cushion

signet ring shapes from rebus — Different signet ring shapes, via Rebus

Consider your finger shape before buying. If you’ve got larger, rounder fingers, ring shapes like the Oxford oval or square cushion will help visually lengthen your finger.

If you’ve got skinnier fingers and want to add a little optical bulk to them, round and oval shapes are your best bet.

And as far as precious metal choice, Rebus gives you options in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum.

The metal color you choose is totally up to you. I’d consider the color of the other jewelry you wear, and buy something similar, so that all your metals match.

The Best Engraving For Your Signet Ring

Let’s chat engraving really quickly. When you’re customizing your signet ring, there’s a right and a wrong way to go.

A lot of companies out there will laser etch a custom logo or design for you on the ring’s surface, which looks cool, but isn’t the traditional way to do it. We prefer the old school method of reverse seal engraving.

gold signet ring with wax impression example from rebus — Reverse seal engraved knight on gold oval signet ring from Rebus. The engraving is in reverse so when pressed into wax, the seal is right side up.

If your goal is to create a piece you can use and enjoy today, while eventually becoming an heirloom you can pass down as part of your legacy, we definitely recommend seal engraving over any other method.

I encourage you to read all about what makes the creation of Rebus’ signet rings special. There’s a lot that goes into it, and frankly, it’s fascinating.

They’ve been making custom rings for 39 years and employ some of the best goldsmiths and engravers in England. Their handwork is fantastic and the look is something you can’t reproduce with a machine.

If you’ve never compared a mass-produced, computerized laser etching with bespoke hand engraving, you’ll have to trust us here, but the difference is huge.

rebus traditional hand engraved initials into cushion signet ring — Can you believe this was engraved by hand? Insane.

If you love the idea of having a custom design but you’re not sure what to choose, they have a huge database of family crests, monogrammed, initials, and talismans.

I typed my family name “Barton” into their database and here are some of the possible family crests that came up:

A few options for the Barton surname in the Rebus catalogue

Are you kidding me? Griffins, owls, dragons… an ACORN!?

SO cool.

Signet rings from Rebus start around $730, and the precious metal combined with the quality (not to mention meticulous attention to detail) of the hand-engraving, you’ll have a fantastic piece you can pass down to the next generation.

Rebus Signet Rings Precious metal signet rings die-stamped, handmade and hand engraved at their in-house workshop in Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewelry quarter.

How to Wear a Signet Ring

There are a few ways to crush it when wearing a signet ring, but be careful because it’s easy to overdo.

A classic placement is the ring finger on your right hand.

A ring on your left ring finger means “taken”, so even if you’re not married, reserve that space because you don’t want to give off any unwanted signals.

Signet ring with formal attire

One of our favorite examples is James Bond in A View to Kill.

He pairs a simple gold and black ring with an all-white getup. He’s wearing the signet ring on his right hand ring finger. Oh, and this particular ring also happens to be a high-tech spy camera.

As symbols of power and class, signet rings fit in perfectly with formal attire.

Signet ring with business casual outfits

Don’t have any black-tie events coming up? No worries.

Signet rings look great in business or business casual outfits, too.

So even if you’re not in a full suit, you can wear your signet ring just as you would any other accessory.

If anything, adding accessories like a signet ring will only improve and elevate your overall look and will show that you’re a man that pays attention to the little details 😉

Casual outfit with signet rings?

Check this out: You don’t even need to dress up at all just to wear a signet ring. For instance, check out pro-photographer-turned-YouTube-fan-favorite, Peter McKinnon.

peter mckinnon signet rings — Photos via Peter Mc K innon

Peter has a more rugged, casual street style, and in general, is much more laid back (think jeans and a hoodie).

But as you can see, bold signet rings fit right in with his style. So if you have a similar casual look you sport on a daily basis, know that you, too, can pull off a great signet ring.

“How many signet rings can I wear?”

We suggest never going beyond two signet rings at the same time. Adding a third becomes a bit distracting.

You can add a third or even fourth ring (on a different hand), but they shouldn’t be the bold signet ring style.

The key to timeless style is balance.

If you’re wearing a watch, bracelet and a signet ring all on the same side, you’ll need to balance out the other hand. Switch your bracelet over for a much more even look.

Rebus Signet Rings Precious metal signet rings die-stamped, handmade and hand engraved at their in-house workshop in Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewelry quarter.

“Which Fingers Should I Wear My Ring On?”

You can wear your signet ring on any finger. You’ll notice that in this article’s photos, each person wears it on different fingers.

Barron wears his on his middle finger (see below).

When you wear your ring on your pinky, it traditionally means you have an affiliation with whatever organization or club the ring comes from.

rebus signet ring with wedding ring and black dial rolex watch on left hand

So if you have a class, championship, or another organization ring (think Elk’s club, Shriners, Masons) those go on the pinky.

But other than that, there isn’t any tradition or special significance to wearing your ring on any other finger (besides the left hand ring-finger—that’s for marriage). So go ahead and wear it on any finger you want.

Put a (Signet) Ring On It

Gents, we don’t have many opportunities to accessorize. Beyond the watch and the wedding ring, we’re pretty strapped for options.

But with the lack of options, there’s a surprising opportunity.

Because most guys don’t wear a bold accessory like a signet ring, putting one on gives you a signature look that’ll make you stand out in a crowd.

Whether you want to rock a single signet ring, or toss a few on for real boss vibes, do yourself a favor and check out Rebus.

Their fully customizable rings are perfect for customizing your own unique look that’s unapologetically you. Plus, you’ll be creating an heirloom worthy of passing down to future generations.

So what do ya’ say? I think it’s time to revive the old signet ring tradition.

Rebus Signet Rings Precious metal signet rings die-stamped, handmade and hand engraved at their in-house workshop in Hatton Garden, London’s famed jewelry quarter.

A note from Barron: Thanks to Rebus for partnering with us on this informative article. I’ve been wanting to write an article about signet rings for a while now, and Rebus made that possible. I’m proud to partner with THE standard in custom signet rings. So if you’re looking to invest in a custom signet ring of your own, please consider Rebus! More info here.

Men’s Signet Rings: A Stand-Out Accessory With Tons Of Style (And History)

When it comes to building a minimal wardrobe, you want shoes that work across multiple seasons and look great with a variety of colors.

The simple, minimal white sneaker is an absolute must if you’re building a stylish lean wardrobe. They look great with jeans, chinos, shorts… heck, they even look great with a suit.

Summer, spring, fall… you can wear white sneakers year-round. You can even get away with wearing them in the winter, too, if you’re in a relatively warm climate.

Below, we’ll cover what to look for, what to avoid, and our top choices for the best minimal white sneakers.

Buy Quality… The Investment Will Pay Off

When you’re building your perfect minimalist wardrobe, every item should be an investment.

Why? The goal is to have fewer, but better (meaning higher quality) clothing and accessories that fit well and work together.

That doesn’t mean that you need to spend a fortune. There are plenty of companies that make great products at a wallet-friendly cost.

But don’t think you’re doing yourself favors by picking up the cheapest pair of sneakers you can find. Yeah, they may look great for a month or two, but soon enough they’ll fall apart and you’ll be out looking for a new pair.

Best Budget Minimal White Sneakers

Our top choice for a minimalist white sneaker under $100 is the New Republic Kurt.

Small details like the padded tongue, micro-suede lining, and the all-leather upper make this shoe an excellent choice. If you’re on a tight budget, you can’t beat the New Republic’s Kurt sneaker.

Buy The New Republic Kurt

Best Mid-Range Minimal White Sneakers

Common Projects put the minimalist white sneaker on the style map. The only issue is that they’re over $400.

Since they’ve come out, a few companies have (nearly) matched the quality but at a fraction of the price.

Greats Royale

The Greats Royale is a great middle-ground.

Italian leather made in an Italian factory… these sneakers pack tremendous value and are recommended by just about anyone who’s ever tried them.

Shop The Greats Royale

Koio Capri

Full-grain calf leather upper, Margom rubber soles, and hand-painted edges. These sneakers are a bit of an investment, but they’re worth every penny.

The leather is so buttery smooth and develops a beautiful crease pattern over time. These look fantastic straight out of the box and five years down the road.

Shop The Koio Capri

Best Investment-Worthy Minimal White Sneaker

Common Projects Achilles Low

Can’t help yourself? Want the original?

You can find CP quality in other brands like Koio, but you can’t find that Common Projects swagger anywhere else.

Shop Common Projects Achilles Low

Looking to build a minimalist wardrobe?

If you want to build a lean, versatile wardrobe that makes it easy to put together great outfits every day, check out our Minimalist Wardrobe Guide.

Minimal White Sneakers for Men: Our 4 Favorites, from Budget to Luxe

Note from the editor: If these are sold out, be sure to check back frequently… most brands need to restock after the crazy holiday shopping season!

Winter is one of the most magical times of the year…for about two days.

But after that, it’s just freakin’ cold. Snow squalls, frozen mornings, scraping ice off your windshield. Maybe the old people who move to Florida have it right.

Guys, just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to throw on that big ugly jacket you’ve had for years.

Yes, if you’ve got the right winter coats, it’s actually so easy to look great all season long.

Today, we’re going to cover our four favorite warm winter coats (and we’ll even toss in three medium-weight options) so you can look great and stay warm even when it snows for the one-squillionth time.

Florida, we love you, but with these awesome jackets, we’ll hold off for another year.

Everyday Winter Coats For A Smart Sharp Style (not for Arctic exploration or extreme temperatures)

Maybe it goes without saying, but if you find yourself in deeply cold environments, like Alaska or up in Canada, forego style for the sake of survival.

Sure, you’d look fantastic in a chunky knit cardigan running the Iditarod, but you’d wake up dead. Not a good look.

All of our suggestions are meant to be taken with a little dose of common sense.

If you’re in, say, Minnesota, it might not be a great idea to wear a quilted jacket over a T-shirt on the coldest day of winter. But most of these coats will be fine with multiple layers on those non-record breaking days.

So now that we’ve absolved ourselves of the responsibility for any fashionable hypothermia, let’s dive into our four favorite winter coats!

Warm Winter Coat #1: The Classic Parka

The parka is a classic winter coat, and it’s the heaviest on our list.

Parkas can handle some pretty cold weather (layers underneath help) so they’re a great choice if you live in a northern or midwestern city.

Most parkas are made with at least a water-resistant shell. While not all are weather-proof, most will do just fine if the rain or snow starts to pick up.

Our favorite parka is the Land’s End Men’s Expedition Winter Parka.

Land’s End offers five different colors, but if you’re just dipping your toes (or whole upper body) into winter coats, we recommend something like navy or black.

You can’t go wrong with those darker neutral tones and they’ll fit with just about everything in your wardrobe.

One of the great things about shopping with Lands End is that they usually have discounts available. You can pick up this parka when it’s at a great price and get it for a fraction of the MSRP.

This bad boy works down to -34°F degrees, and that’s just the coat with no mid-layers.

One issue with parkas is that they can get pretty bulky. One of the reasons we like the Lands End parka is because you can cinch the waist to slim your profile.

The waist pockets are great because they have buttons on top, AND slits in the side. It’s like two pockets in one! Naturally, when the wind picks up, you want to keep your hands in your pockets and these side-entry pockets are perfectly positioned to keep your hands warm when you need to.

Your parka should end mid-thigh. You want to cover your whole core, but you’re not going with the same extra coverage you might find with a trench coat.

If you go with our Lands End choice, size down. Don’t think about it too much, just size down. Lands End tends to make all their clothes on the larger side. But parkas, in general, are built a little bigger.

For an alternative, we’re also big fans of the Canada Goose Expedition Parka. Triple FAT Goose makes great parkas as well. And LLBean has a parka called the Baxter that looks great (you’ll probably have to size down with this one, too)

Warm Winter Coat #2: The Quilted Car Coat

The quilted car coat is our ideal winter coat. It’s got enough weather resistance to beat cold days but isn’t so heavy that you end up looking like a marshmallow man when layering.

warm winter coat olive green quilted jacket

The texture you get from the quilting adds a little interest to the coat overall. Plus, it’s great on its own for fall and spring.

This is our go-to coat for traveling, too. With layers, it’s warm enough to beat most cold days (barring blizzards and the arrival of the Night King). And if it only gets chilly at night where you’re going, it’ll be totally comfortable and stylish on its own.

Again, our favorite here is the Land’s End Quilted Car Coat.

It’s got a super cool two-toned look to it with matching corduroy collar.

We’re big fans of the olive car coat with the brown corduroy. We’re still sticking in that sweet neutral range, but it’s a little different than the navy and black you’ll see everywhere in the streets.

As with the parka and all other Land’s End products, size down.

The Quilted Car Coat has pleated flap pockets with that same awesome dual pocket technology they had in the parka. I love that. So many extra compartments, but none of the bulk.

The brass snap buttons offer a nice, classy touch. Another cool thing about this coat is the two-way zipper—it’s great because you can unzip from the bottom when walking to give your legs a bit more room to maneuver.

In the back, you’ll see double-vents which isn’t very common. This definitely adds more flexibility when moving around, or you can snap them shut if you’re worried about back-chills.

Pair this car coat with a sweater or a suit jacket… it works equally well with either. The navy blue option was a close second, but the olive was just too good to pass up in our opinion.

This car coat is your best option for most occasions. It’s versatile in a smart, sharp wardrobe, and not as intense as the parka. That being said, it’ll still keep you warm in most situations.

For a great alternative, we also recommend the Barbour Heritage Liddesdale Quilted Coat.

Warm Winter Coat #3: The Classic Wool Peacoat

Man, we love peacoats.

How could you not?

They’re a staple for all smart, sharp dressers. The heavy wool is great for keeping the cold away and the structure they add is great.

Our top choice for value is J.Crew’s Dock Peacoat. J.Crew has a ton of different color options available, and like Land’s End, they seem to have sales year-round so you can usually get a killer price on one of these.

We really love the olive for the Dock Peacoat, too. Again, olive is technically a neutral color (#menswearneutrals), but it’s a departure from standard black, navy, and charcoal. That being said, we do recommend your first winter coat be in one of those darker shades. There’s a reason why black, navy, and charcoal are so common—they just work with everything.

The only drawback to peacoats is that they can become really heavy over time. It’s wool and insulated, which is great for staying warm, but it can wear you out over the course of a day.

Peacoats are tough on those days where it starts cold and gets strangely warm when the sun comes out. Then you’re stuck with a heavy coat and it’s just uncomfortable.

For that reason, we think the car coat has a slight edge over the peacoat, but we’re still huge fans of this classic winter staple.

Perennial favorite Spier & Mackay has a polished, classy peacoat, which is a great alternative to J.Crew’s version.

Warm Winter Coat #4: A Classy Topcoat in Wool Cashmere

If you want to go with a more formal look, a camel wool cashmere coat is an incredible investment. But do note… more often than not, they are investments.

But when you have one, it’ll last you most of your life. We don’t necessarily recommend it as your first / only winter coat, but it’s an amazing option for when you want to go more upscale with your winter wardrobe.

Spier and Mackay is an excellent brand and they make a great version of the camel wool overcoat and a surprisingly affordable price. Their clothes are elegant and they don’t break the bank.

We’d choose this when looking for a coat that pairs well with a suit. But just because this looks great paired with a suit doesn’t mean you can’t wear it with jeans. You don’t have to go formal, but the camel wool coat just unlocks that option.

If you’d like an alternative to the Spier and Mackay, check out J. Crew’s Ludlow Topcoat.

3 Lighter-Weight Winter Coats for Warmer Climates

You thought you could get away with just four recommendations, didn’t you?

Well, these three lighter- to mid-weight coats are also nice to have on those weirdly warm days of winter that pop up here and there.

These also work if you run a little hotter and find you don’t really need a heavy winter coat… or maybe you just live in a warmer climate.

1. A Water-Resistant Trench Coat (with bodywarming liner)

A trench coat is a classic. It’s our coat of choice when carrying a Tommy gun, preferably worn with a fedora. (haha)

But seriously, Uniqlo makes a great trench coat that gets down to ridiculously low prices during certain times of the year. The fit is slim, but the coat overall is still very traditionally styled.

A trench should come down just above the knee. When it’s raining outside, you want all that coverage. It doesn’t add a ton of warmth, but the trench is invaluable when things get stormy outside.

Some trenches have built-in body warmers, which is a definite bonus.

2. A Killer Leather Jacket

Who doesn’t want a leather jacket?

They’re one of the best buys you can pick up in fall, and they’ll last you well into winter, too.

AllSaints makes fantastic leather jackets in a variety of styles. The leather they use to make their coats is super soft and beautiful.

One of our favorites is the biker style because it has interesting quilting on the shoulders. Complete with an asymmetrical zipper, this jacket’s got the hallmarks of classic biker coat.

If you’re not ready for all the frills and fashion-forward elements of the Biker, check out All Saint’s Cafe Racer and Bomber style jackets. These are more toned-down but have great texture and fit in perfectly during fall and winter.

3. Ultralight Down Jacket

Last up, we call this one the “pack-master.”

Ultralight down jackets are musts in our opinion because they’re so easy to pack.

You can literally roll this jacket up into a little ball and stuff it in your day bag. If you’re not sure whether you need a coat or not, just pack this and bust it out when things get chilly.

Uniqlo has one of our favorite ultralight down jackets. They also carry a vest version and we love both. Whenever Uniqlo has a great sale, we recommend picking up both the vest and jacket as they seem to come out early and often when the weather starts to cool.

Stay Warm All Season Long With These Winter Coat Suggestions!

Alright, gents… you came for four recs and you ended up with seven.

And truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

If you love to layer up and have a ton of sweaters around the house, pick a lighter coat and mix and match with what you already have.

If you’re just starting to dress with a smart, sharp style, get a classic coat in a neutral color. That’ll be your base and you can build from there.

We may not know what that the groundhog says yet about the amount of winter we have left ahead of us, but you can count on these coats to make you look great and keep you warm at the same time.

4 Of Our Favorite Warm Winter Coats for Men

Holiday parties are good for more than just gathering precious dirt to use on your coworkers for the upcoming year.

You know, like when that quiet guy who normally stares at his phone during meetings has a few too many drinks and takes his shirt off.

We wait all year for that sort of rare behavior.

Obviously, that’s not going to be you this year (hopefully it wasn’t last year, or the year before, either).

This year, your holiday outfit is gonna be on-point! We’ll help you be the best-dressed guy in the room.

Wanna know how I know?

Because you’re going to read this article… that’s how I know!

I’m going to break down three different outfits you can wear to any holiday party.

Got a work party and need to look sharp? Take a look at outfit #1.
Need to make a good impression with your new in-laws but don’t want to over-do it? Outfit #2 is a classic and won’t let you down.
Getting together with friends and want to spruce things up a bit? Look no further than outfit #3.

No matter what joy or trauma you’re up against this holiday season (we can’t get shirtless Joe out of our heads!) make sure your outfit is one of the highlights.

What’s Different About Holiday Outfits?

You don’t have to go over the top and wear a pointy red hat. No, that’s not what this is about.
When you’re rollin’ to a holiday party, do you really want to wear the same outfit you wore to work earlier that day?

Of course not! ‘Tis the season and all that jazz.

Feel free to get into the spirit with rich burgundy and forest-green tones.
Layer on your thicker fabrics like wool and flannel.
Bust out those suede shoes.

The holidays are the best time to bring out all those richly textured items in your closet and let them shine.

Can’t I just wear that gimmicky suit I bought for $30 off Amazon?

I once watched a man walk into a holiday party with such a suit. He bent down to pet the dog and completely blew the seat and crotch out of his pants.

After everyone had a good laugh at his expense, he started saying his ‘hellos.’

When he gave the host a hug, his suit jacket busted open at the back and, as far as I know, he’s never lived it down.

You can wear that gimmicky $30 suit. I just hope you have a thick skin. A very thick skin.
And some nice underwear.

Ok, no gimmicky suit, so where do I go?

We used Peter Manning’s catalog to put these three outfits together. We’ve been huge fans of Peter Manning for a while now and we’re proud to partner with them again for this article.

Peter Manning specializes in making clothes that fit the “not-so-tall” guys who typically need a 30” inseam or shorter. If you find yourself regularly going to a tailor (or just skipping the tailor and living with shirts and pants that are too long) you need to know about Peter Manning.

Good news, fellas. The first 100 Effortless Gent readers who head over to Peter Manning can get 20% off by using the code EG20 at checkout.

Insane.

Peter Manning NYC Quality clothing for the "not-so-tall" guy! The first 100 Effortless Gent readers can get 20% off by using the code EG20 at checkout.

Not only do they make pants with inseams sizes 25”- 30”, they design their whole collection with the shorter gent in mind. That means v-necks don’t cut too low, shirt sleeves fall where they’re supposed to, and sweaters aren’t comically long.

A well-curated wardrobe from Peter Manning will ensure you’re the best-dressed gent in the room.

Taller than 5’10” and PMNYC doesn’t work for you?

We chose these items because they’re fairly common, so don’t despair if you’re taller than 5’10”. You can easily pick up similar versions of these items elsewhere.

Let’s get into the outfits, shall we?

#1: What to Wear to a Holiday Office Party

Everyone’s office is a bit different… some keep a tight ship and basically require a suit and tie to the holiday party.

Others hand out those silly jingly reindeer hats that make everyone look ridiculous.
Let’s just go ahead and assume you don’t want to look ridiculous.

Grey suit (jacket and pants), (option 1) black watch shirt / navy tie, (option 2) red stripe shirt / green tie, black cap toes

Even if you’re wearing a suit, holiday parties are more relaxed affairs (hopefully). A grey suit is a perfect choice. You’re dressed up, but you’re not going formal with a black or deep-navy suit.

For parties, I love putting on something patterned underneath my jacket. If you’re going for a subtle look, pair your suit with this Black Watch Plaid Everyday shirt from PMNYC. The navy and hunter green are festive without loudly announcing themselves.

Wear it with a solid, textured navy tie and black shoes to complete the look.

Some of you won’t settle for rich, subdued tones.

Some of you just need to pump the Christmas bass… that’s cool.

For you, put a solid hunter green tie on this red university stripe shirt. You don’t have to be obnoxious to show your holiday spirit after all!

With both options, we love the Allen Edmonds cap-toe oxford. It’s a formal shoe, but the brogue detail along the cap adds a little ornamentation to celebrate this special time of year (and also dials down the formality).

#2: What to Wear to Family Dinner

If it helps, you can think of a holiday party as the “final boss battle” on your quest to mastering texture layering.

This outfit has it all… denim, corduroy, wool, suede. It’s like an all-star cameo-filled outfit featuring all the winter favorites.

Navy cords, denim shirt, burgundy sweater (PMNYC option / Uniqlo, pictured), herringbone sport coat (PMNYC option / J.Crew, pictured), camel top coat, tan suede Chelsea boots

If your office party will be a little less formal, you can go with this combo, but this is a great choice for heading over to the in-laws for dinner. You know, those moments when you need to punch it up a bit but you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard.

Start with an unstructured and minimally-lined wool blazer. If you’re going for a smart casual style, it’s important that you choose an unstructured blazer. Jackets that have lots of structure can be good for the office or any formal occasion, but you don’t want to look like you’re walking into a job interview when sitting across from your father-in-law (even if you feel that way).

From there, we put on a denim shirt…again, going with a casual shirt to keep things relaxed.

Layer a rich burgundy Merino wool sweater on top for the classic blue and red holiday pairing.

You can go with dark denim (just make sure they fit well), cotton chinos, but if you want to take things to the next level, hit ‘em with the corduroy pants.

The Kittredge Cord from Peter Manning is textured enough to look rich, but they don’t become distracting. Corduroy got a bad rap after some brands took it too far. Luckily, Peter Manning is restoring the good name.

Go full stunner with a pair of suede Chelsea boots on the bottom. The light color here really pops. Voila, your texture masterclass is complete!

#3: What to Wear When Getting Together with Friends

Ah, yes. You’ve noticed the tree doesn’t have ornaments. It has liquor singles.

You must be at a friend’s holiday party.

Good thing you didn’t wear your suit.

Navy chinos, gingham shirt, quilted vest, leather jacket, cream cashmere scarf, black sneakers

When going to a casual gathering with friends or coworkers (not the office party), you still want to put in some effort.

Now’s the time to show off the best of the best in your casual wardrobe.

For us, that’s a cashmere cream scarf and lambskin leather jacket from Peter Manning. Seriously luxurious.

Break up the solid colors with a nice grey and burgundy patterned oxford, and do a classic pairing with chinos. These bottom layers are staples, so hopefully, you have some in your wardrobe already. If not, get on it!

Since its winter and I hate the idea of freezing to death, I like to add a mid-layer. My go-to is the Flatiron Vest. This thing gets so much use in fall, winter, and into spring. I don’t know what I’d do without it.

Of course, on top of the vest, you have your show-stoppers…the cashmere scarf and leather jacket.

Finish the look with some black Greats hightop Royals. The black leather pairs perfectly with the lambskin leather jacket, but keeps things casual and relaxed.

Ready for the Holidays?

Well, we can’t help you with the family and office politics.

But we can help you look great as you scramble for an excuse to head outside and take a breather.

If you head over to Peter Manning and use the code EG20, you can get 20% off your entire purchase. But the offer’s only good for the first 100 readers who head over, so if you want to bump up your holiday style, jump on this deal while you have the chance.

Peter Manning NYC Quality clothing for the "not-so-tall" guy! The first 100 Effortless Gent readers can get 20% off by using the code EG20 at checkout.

The holidays are a special time. You could wear the same stuff you’ve been wearing all year… but where’s the fun in that?!

Step it up this holiday season, and if you’re lucky, grandma will slip you an extra twenty from her purse. Rub that in your cousins’ faces.

Want a few more holiday outfit suggestions?

3 Great Holiday Outfits: Be The Best Dressed Gent in the Room

Whenever winter comes along, I always think twice about wearing my leather and suede shoes. What if I get caught in a rain shower or snowstorm and my leather shoes aren’t protected? All that leather just exposed to the elements.

Duck boots and rain boots are great, but who wants to wear them every single day? Not me.

Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years so I can keep wearing my favorite shoes all year round.

In this article, we’ll cover 5 ways to waterproof and weatherproof your leather and suede shoes from the cold, rainy, slushy sidewalks of winter.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

(Make sure to check out the video, too!)

1. Buy water-repellent, weather-resistant shoes!

So this isn’t a waterproofing trick, necessarily, but more a suggestion to plan ahead.

Obviously, the best way to keep your shoes safe and dry throughout the winter is to get weather-resistant shoes in the first place.

Normally, this means picking up a pair of Bean Boots or some other weatherproof (read: casual) boots.

Casual boots do work with a casual outfit, but an effortless gent with a smart, sharp style (that’s you) likes to have a few options in his closet.

The Problem: Most weather-resistant, waterproof shoes are casual and clunky

About a month ago, my friends at Ace Marks reached out about their newest line of Chelseas and chukka boots made with a water-repellent suede.

I immediately thought, damn, this is the perfect example of a sharp-looking shoe that’s easily dressed up or down… and most importantly, is weatherproof!

The suede uppers have been specially treated so water just runs right off. You don’t have to worry about ruining that soft, luxurious texture.

Lots of shoes are weatherproof and water-resistant, but rarely are they above that casual level on the spectrum of style formality.

And of course, you can have a nice suede shoe or boot, but can they withstand the elements straight out of the box? Probably not.

Here’s the kicker (and my favorite part about these new boots): They have 100% rubber outsoles that look just like leather outsoles.

They’re not bulky, bulbous, or obviously rubber in any way. Ace Marks designed their rubber soles to the same specifications as their leather soles, so you won’t even notice a difference (other than they won’t get ruined in the snow or rain).

So you get the sleek, slim, streamlined look of a Chelsea or chukka, but with the functionality and utility of a weatherproof rain shoe (i.e. you won’t slip and slide on a slushy sidewalk).

Plus, the soles still have the classic Italian Blake stitching so they’re easy to replace after years of wear.

So a handsome-looking, Italian handcrafted boot made with water-repellent suede and a sleek rubber outsole that looks like leather… is there a better way to complete your rainy-day smart, sharp outfit? I’d say no.

Tap below for a special discount, just for being an EG reader 👇🏼

Ace Marks Water-Resistant Suede Chelseas Price: $330 Classic Chelseas with a water-repellent suede upper, calfskin leather lining, Blake-stitched, 100% Rubber outsole and padded insole, handcrafted in Italy

(Thanks to Ace Marks for partnering with us on this article! And thanks to you, dear reader, for supporting and shopping the brands that make this site possible.)

2. Keeping your leather shoes cleaned, conditioned, and polished protects the leather!

A great polishing routine won’t save your shoes in a heavy downpour, but sometimes a little bad weather comes along unexpectedly.

If you’re out and about when it starts sprinkling, having conditioned and waxed leather will preserve the shape and look of your shoe. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of repair.

I recommend picking up a few leather-treatment basics. Anytime you have a leather shoe that’s over $100, you’re better off keeping them protected.

At the very least, use a good leather conditioner regularly

scuffed up brown leather mens boots — What your boots look like after months of wear and no conditioning or polishing.

Leather conditioner comes in many forms and names: mink oil, conditioning cream, leather honey.

Make sure you use the right leather conditioner for the right shoe. For example, pure mink oil is generally used on working leathers (think saddles and work boots) and not fine leather dress shoes.

One of the classic conditioners is Saphir’s Renovateur. Made with a combination of mink oil, lanolin, and beeswax, you really only have to use this a few times a year to give your nice leather shoes a good conditioning, which will keep the leather soft and prevent cracking in the long run.

A simple product like Bickmore Bick 4 or Venetian Leather Balm is the perfect all-purpose leather conditioner.

In general, you want to think of it like applying hand cream on a cold, dry day. How much better do your hands feel once they’re moisturized?

Leather is skin, after all… and it needs to be moisturized just like your own skin does.

Cream polish or wax polish?

After conditioning your leather shoes, you may be ready to give your shoes a good polish. If you’re buying your first cans of polish, you may be unsure which is better: cream or wax polish?

This topic would be highly debated among leather shoe aficionados, but after a bit of research, experimentation, and general firsthand experience…

cream polish tends to nourish and moisturize leather better
while wax polish brings out a shoe’s shine and gloss better, and also adds an extra layer of protection.

I’ll have to save the particulars of a good shine for another article, but in general, if you’re going for a full shoe shine:

start with an all-over application of cream polish, and
finish off with a layer of wax polish if you want extra protection and bling-bling shine.

Boom 💥

The best shine you’ll ever get will be from using Saphir products; Saphir is basically the Bentley of shoe care products.

If you’re on a budget or just starting a shine routine, this kit from Kiwi has everything you need to keep your shoes as good as new.

Suede Protector

If you’ve got suede shoes, one good rain is all it takes to ruin that delicate texture.

While you won’t be hitting the suede with cream and / or wax polish (bad idea), you simply need to give it a good once-over with a stiff-bristled brush to get the nap in line and remove any dirt.

Then, just hit it with any suede protector spray—this one from 3M is hard to beat.

If you go with the Ace Marks suede Chelseas or chukkas, you won’t need to spray with suede protector (but because I’m anal, I probably would anyway haha)

3. SWIMS Galoshes

SWIMS overshoes on a pair of brown dress shoes (Photo via The Shoe Mart)

Overshoes (or galoshes) are making a comeback thanks to companies like SWIMS.

For years people have avoided the bulky, frumpy look of galoshes in favor of duck boots and other waterproof footwear.

But SWIMS has changed the game. Their galoshes are slim-lined so you don’t look like you’re walking around wearing massive rubber boots.

With a felt interior, these are easy to slip over your dress shoes if it starts raining like crazy. And they’ll provide good traction on slippery surfaces.

What’s best is you don’t need to bring a second pair of shoes to the office—just slip off your SWIMS when you show up and set your galoshes in your desk.

They’re certainly the coolest galoshes we’ve seen, and they’re extremely effective with minimal fuss. Plus, no one is going to notice your shoes in the middle of a downpour anyway.

4. Prevent Salt Stains (+How to Remove Them)

salt stained shoes — Salt and weather damage on a pair of double monk straps (photo via The Dapper Advisor)

A great polishing routine like we mentioned above will prevent the salt spreads on city sidewalks from getting to your leather.

But what if the salt’s gotten to your shoes anyway?

Don’t worry, they’re not ruined.

Here’s a salt stain solution worth trying:

Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water
Rub the solution into the salt stain, focusing on the ridge of salt buildup.
It’ll take a few minutes and you’ll have to add more solution to keep working the salt down.
When the stain is gone, let your shoes dry for an hour. (Don’t put them next to a heater or blowdry them… if your shoes have salt damage, they’re starving for some TLC, so artificial heat isn’t a good idea)
After they’ve dried, go through the polishing routine we mentioned above. They’ll be good as new.

If you’re looking for a product to help with stubborn salt stains, give Bickmore Bick 1 a try.

This is a pretty strong leather cleaner that’s guaranteed to not discolor your tanned leather. Just make sure to follow it up with Bick 4 to re-moisturize the leather.

5. Always use shoe trees to keep the shape and absorb moisture

light tan loafers with cedar shoe trees inserted — Shoe trees absorb moisture from wear and help keep your shoe’s natural shape

Do you just throw your shoes in the closet?

Good lordy lord, please don’t!

For your nice leather shoes (that goes for everything from loafers to boots in both leather and suede)… the shoes you care about most… make sure that after a long day of wear, you put a pair of shoe trees in them.

Cedar shoe trees are your best option.

Metal and plastic shoe trees might be more affordable, but they tend to trap moisture inside the leather, causing more cracking and damage in the long-run.

Cedar shoe trees absorb moisture, which is exactly what you want. Any moisture and dampness from your feet can cause damage, so cedar shoe trees are a must if you want your shoes to last.

And if you’re trying to keep it to a bare minimum, one pair of cedar shoe trees will suffice.

Always keep them in your most recently-used pair, and whenever you wear different shoes, take it out of the current pair once you get home and place them in the pair you were just wearing.

Do these waterproofing and weatherproofing tips help?

Ok, gents, it’s time to get out your polishing kits for winter!

At the bare minimum, don’t forget to moisturize your leathers and spray moisture protectant on your suede shoes.

Of course, if mixing solutions and timing your saddle-soaping, conditioning, and polishing sessions sounds a bit daunting, you can pick up a pair of shoes that will get you through the toughest days of winter. In suede, no less!

Make sure to check out Ace Marks’ new line of water-repellent, weather-resistant suede boots.

(And don’t forget, they’re hooking up EG readers with a special discount for a limited time! Just hit that link below ↓)

They have all the sophistication of classic Italian style, but they’re built to withstand those unexpected downpours that would ruin a lesser pair of shoes.

If you’re like me, you think of all your shoes as an investment.

For that reason, putting in some extra love into keeping your leather shoes conditioned and your suede bois brushed and protected is just what you do.

Gotta keep that investment strong, right?

Best of all, if you use these tips, you no longer have to relegate yourself to big chunky rubber boots all winter long. As you’ve just seen, there are a ton of ways to stay stylish in suede and leather shoes, even when the weather’s a bit rough.