Upgrade Your Wardrobe for Less than $50
Because men's style doesn’t have to be expensive
Like most people, I often find myself lusting after $400 leather boots, $600 down puffies, and $200 wool sweaters. But then I remember that there’s no need to spend half my paycheck on one single wardrobe upgrade. In fact, many of my favorite go-to pieces are significantly more affordable, including these seven that are all $50 or less.
Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit LS Tee ($45)
After wearing this shirt all other cotton t-shirts will feel like some form of sandpaper. It’s really that soft thanks to a particular kind of Supima cotton harvested from California’s San Joaquin Valley that’s knit with a special technique called “Baby Jersey.” Pair it with jeans and boots and you can do anything and go anywhere.
Arcade Guide Belt ($30)
Once you’ve worn a stretchy belt, you’ll never go back. Not only does it keep your pants up and go with shorts, slacks, or denim, but it also gives and moves while you ride your bike to work, while you bang out a couple pull ups at your door during lunch, and after you’ve had too many post-work beers.
Upstate Stock Albany Black Spruce Solid Trail Cologne ($20)
I was never a cologne person because I didn’t want to smell like a department store, or bring on a headache. Upstate Stock changed my mind. Their fragrances are made out of natural and essential oils so they’re considerably more subtle and easy on everyone’s nose. That plus you get to walk around smelling like a forest.
Ridge Merino Boxer with (M)Force Technology ($25)
The men’s underwear revolution we’ve written about just keeps getting better. I like Ridge’s contribution because they achieve a perfect fit with a blend of merino, nylon, and spandex. There’s no pouch, but there’s really no need. And yes, it’s worth saying one more time; thanks to the merino wool, the boxers also fight your stink.
American Trench Merino Activity Sock with Silver ($20)
Merino socks aren’t just for skiing or hiking. These everyday socks, which come with the old-school color ribbing up top, will make work, travel, or just chilling around home that much better thanks to cushioning in the sole, spandex in the calf, and a damn soft merino that keeps your dogs warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot.
This Is Ground Metro Wallet ($30)
Fat wallets, be gone! Thanks to just two pockets, this tiny, handmade leather pouch will only carry a couple cards and some cash, forcing you to pare down and simplify your life. It might not be for everyone, but for looking to clear out wallet clutter, it’s a God-send.
Western Rise Icon Camp Hat ($30)
Five panel hats are great because they’re a little more stylish than truckers, but still just hats. Western Rise makes the nicest one around. It’s built from a ripstop cotton that’s breathable but tough, and the hat comes with classy touches like an adjustable leather strap, a metal clasp, and a removable logo pin up front.