When shopping for clothes, it’s common for men to gravitate toward items they usually wear. Some men prefer purchasing simple t-shirts and leather jackets; others might enjoy buying rugged combat boots and denim jeans.

But as with all fashion, men’s clothing has evolved to provide a wider plethora of wardrobe choices. From casual to formal wear, there’s plenty of styles to choose from to update your look. But apart from buying clothes and shoes that you’re drawn to, it’s important to invest in essential pieces of menswear that you can use for various occasions. Specifically, you’ll want classic, functional, and versatile pieces that don’t easily go out of style.

How do you find the right type of menswear? Our guide will walk you through the essentials of buying the following four basic menswear pieces:

Socks

Socks are easy to overlook whenever you’re putting on clothes. But taking the time to choose the right pairs of socks, such as Burlix’s Men’s socks, can take your whole outfit to the next level. Read on for some tips:

Matching Socks with Shoes

It’s important to choose the appropriate socks for your footwear. For instance, if you’re wearing loafers, pair them with dress socks that go well with the color of your shoes and pants. If you want to wear boots, you’ll need longer calf-crew socks to guard your skin against friction. For sneakers, you can wear comfortable low-cut liners that are almost invisible under your shoes’ lining. So, take the time to check your shoes and see if you have the right socks for each of them.

Buying Comfortable Socks

When buying socks, it’s ideal to look for soft and breathable fabric, such as cotton and nylon blends. You want the sock material to be thick enough to cushion your feet against the inner sole of your shoes. It’s also crucial to invest in comfortable socks that fit well. If you can spend a little extra, choose brands that offer moisture-wicking and anti-odor properties. These types of socks will help keep your feet dry and prevent them from developing nasty smells.

Dress Shoes

Every guy will eventually need to suit up at some point. Whether it’s for a wedding, a fancy party, or a formal company event, you’ll need proper dress shoes to complete your look. The right dress shoes will not only look sharp and classy, but they can also last for up to 10 years if they’re made with durable materials. Here’s what you should keep in mind when shopping for them:

Choose Real Leather

When choosing dress shoes, try to buy high-quality leather. These usually last longer and look better with formal wear. That said, not everyone can splurge on expensive leather dress shoes. So before purchasing a pair, consider how often you’ll be using them and where you’ll be wearing them.

If you’ll need to wear dress shoes for work, it’s best to invest in a higher-quality pair. It may cost more upfront, but it will last longer and save you more money in the long run compared to having to frequently replace cheaper but lower-quality options.

Be Sure to Get the Right Size

Buying the right size will ensure that walking around in your dress shoes won’t cause any pain or discomfort in your legs and feet. To ensure that you get a more accurate fit, put on a pair of dress socks when you try on dress shoes. The right pair of shoes should not feel too tight or too loose on your feet.

Trousers

Also called dress pants, trousers are a dapper alternative to jeans. They can be worn for both semi-casual and formal occasions. Trousers can go well with plain t-shirts and jackets, as well as more formal dress shirts. Here’s some advice on choosing the right ones for you:

Choose the Right Material

Trousers are comfortable and are made with soft materials such as wool and rayon, both of which are fabrics that require dry-cleaning. They’re often used for formal wear and are on the expensive side. For a more affordable alternative that’s easier to care for, you can choose a pair made with a machine-washable blended polyester fabric. This option is ideal if you’re wearing your trousers to work every day. That said, it’s still a good idea to invest in wool trousers for more formal occasions.

Flat-front or Pleated Trousers

Men’s trousers typically come in either pleated or flat-front options. Pleated trousers come with creases that run vertically downward from the waist, while flat-front pants are plain without any creases. Determining which style looks best on you will depend on your body type and preferred comfort level.

Men with fuller body types may find pleated trousers more flattering and comfortable. This design is wider around the middle, giving you the illusion of a slimmer backside or midsection. The pleats also provide more room for movement, making it more comfortable for men with active lifestyles. That said, make sure to find pleated trousers in your exact size, as ill-fitting trousers can look sloppy and drown out your silhouette.

In contrast, flat-front trousers provide a snug fit and a cleaner silhouette for men with slim figures. However, ill-fitting flat-front pants can end up accentuating the wrong parts of your body, such as your waist and hips. And since it has no pleats, there’s less room for movement.

Whether you decide to get pleated or flat-front trousers, it’s ideal to have them tailored to your size. That way, you’ll be sure to have smart-looking pairs that are comfortable to move in.

Dress Shirt

A buttoned-up shirt with a collar and long sleeves is known as the classic dress shirt. This type of clothing is typically worn to formal events, though dress shirts can also be dressed down to look more casual. But as formal wear, dress shirts are tucked inside pants and must be buttoned right up to the top of the collar. Classic dress shirts for formal and professional settings are usually white, light blue, or off-white. Keep reading for some useful shopping tips:

Find the Right Fit

Take the time to look for a dress shirt that fits comfortably around your chest and armpits as well as across your back. Where the sleeves attach should match close to the top of your shoulders. If the shirt’s shoulders seem to ride up toward your neck, that’s a sign that your dress shirt is too tight. As for the collar size, you should be able to button it up easily with enough room for two fingers to fit between your skin and the cloth of your shirt.

Choosing Different Fabrics

Dress shirts can be made using a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, and cotton and polyester blend. Shirts made with cotton are breathable, soft, and long-wearing; they’re also more expensive, especially if they have higher thread counts.

Next, silk dress shirts are also comfortable and soft on the skin. However, this material requires special care and must be hand-washed, as dry-cleaning can damage it. So, be mindful of the proper care instructions to maintain the integrity of this kind of fabric.

Finally, cotton and polyester blend fabrics are less breathable and expensive than those made of cotton or silk. They’re often used for creating wrinkle-resistant dress shirts for men who want fuss-free clothing. If you’re concerned about comfort and breathability, look for polyester and cotton blends that are made of 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester.

These are just a few helpful tips on how to buy some of the most essential wardrobe pieces every man should have in their closet. Keep all of these pointers in mind the next time you go shopping for new menswear. By taking the time to invest in quality clothing, you’ll be sure to get classic pieces that you can use for casual and formal occasions alike.