Guidelines for A Man’s Closet

Again, from the Art of Manliness, a great and comprehensive article that I could write no better myself. Bravo Antonio!

The Constant Professional’s Wardrobe

Written by Antonio Centeno President, A Tailored Suit

You wear a suit Monday through Friday, often find you are having dinner with clients, and even on the weekends dress well as you might run into colleagues and clients out on the town.  Your image is tied closely to the reputation you have carefully crafted over the years – a man who pays attention to the details and can be trusted to handle others people’s affairs with professionalism.

Items that should be in the Constant Professional’s wardrobe:

• 6+ Suits
• 3+ Pair Dress Shoes
• 2 Pair Casual Leather Shoes
• Belts that match above shoes
• 15+ Dress Shirts
• 15+ Ties
• 1 Pair jeans that fit – no holes
• 4 Pair Slacks, Dark & Light
• 4+ Button-up collared sport shirts
• 2+ Solid Polo Shirts
• 5+ Sweaters
• 10+ Undershirts V-neck
• 2+ Sports Jackets
• 1 Navy Blazer
• 10+ Pocket Squares
• 2 Simple Dress Watches
• 1 Overcoat
• 1 Pair Leather Gloves
• 1 Trenchcoat
• 1 Hat
• Presentable Athletic Clothing
• Collar Stays, Cuff Links

Items that would be helpful for the Constant Professional to have:

• Full black tie ensemble – A onetime investment enables you to have a perfect fitting and better quality tuxedo that has paid for itself after 5 wearings.

 

The Business Owner’s Wardrobe

You occasionally wear a suit when meeting with clients or investors but in the confines of your office you are more casual while still maintaining a level of professionalism around your employees.  In the evenings with friends and family you are much more relaxed, and even if you head to the office Saturday morning, you’re going in jeans and a polo.

Items that should be in the Business Owner’s wardrobe:

• 1+ Suits
• 1+ Pair Dress Shoes
• 2 Pair Casual Leather Shoes
• Belts that match above shoes
• 10+ Dress Shirts
• 3+ Ties
• 2 Pairs of well-fitting Jeans
• 5 Pair Slacks, Dark & Light
• 5+ Button-up collared sport shirts
• 5 Solid Polo Shirts
• 5 Sweaters
• 10+ Undershirts V-neck
• 2+ Sports Jackets
• 1 Simple Dress Watch

Items that would be helpful to have:

• 1 Navy Blazer
• 5+ Pocket Squares
• 1 Overcoat
• 1 Pair Leather Gloves
• 1 Trenchcoat
• 1 Hat
• Collar Stays, Cuff Links

The Uniform Man

You have a specific uniform you wear that is required by the nature of your work.  The only time you need personal clothing is when you have time off in the evenings and your weekends.  You wear a suit rarely, but when you do you like to look sharp as being a man of detail you pay attention to the small things.

Items that should be in the Uniform Man’s wardrobe:

• 1 Suit
• 1 Pair Dress Shoes
• 1+ Pair Casual Leather Shoes
• Belts that match above shoes
• 4+ Dress Shirts
• 3+ Ties
• 2 Pairs of well-fitting Jeans
• 2 Pair Slacks, Dark & Light
• 2+ Button-up collared sport shirts
• 3 Solid Polo Shirts
• 3 Sweaters
• 5+ Undershirts
• 1 Sports Jacket
• 1 Simple Dress Watch

Items that would be helpful to have

• 1 Navy Blazer
• 3+ pocket squares
• 1 Overcoat
• 1 Pair Leather Gloves
• 1 Hat
• Collar Stays, Cuff Links

The Casual Creative’s Wardrobe

You work in an environment in which creativity is valued and conformity is dreaded.  Although you have some colleagues that dress in the clothing they slept in, you realize that dressing up a notch does not mean you are losing yourself as an individual.  Rather it gives you a chance to better express it without compromising your chance for opportunity.

Items that should be in the Casual Creative’s Wardrobe:

• 1 Suit & 2 Ties (Just in case!)
• 1 Pair Dress Shoes
• 2 Pair Casual Leather Shoes (Suede or Saddle Shoes)
• Belts that match above shoes
• 10+ Dress Shirts (tailored, contrast stitching, unique fabrics)
• 4 Pairs of well-fitting Jeans
• 2 Pair Slacks, Dark & Light
• 6+ Button-up collared sport shirts
• 2 Solid Polo Shirts
• 6 Sweaters
• 10+ Undershirts
• 1+ Sports Jacket – unique style or fabric
• 1 Simple Watch
• 5+ Pocket Squares
• 1 Overcoat (Aim for a Unique Fabric)

Items that would be helpful to have

• 2 Vests – possibly wear in lieu of a jacket
• 1 pair Leather Gloves
• 1 Hat
• Collar Stays, Cuff Links