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10 Staple Menswear Items For Spring

No matter the weather, ensure you are prepared
WORDS BY: 
Sam Brady

Spring is here, and with the change of season comes the opportunity to revamp your wardrobe. If you want to update your style for the season, you’re in the right place! Here are some staple clothing pieces every man should have in his wardrobe this spring.

Sunglasses

The hope is that with the spring weather, there comes sunshine, so it's essential to have a pair of sunglasses in your wardrobe. Not only does this accessory add a touch of cool to your outfit, but the UV protection is also actively shielding your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

When choosing a pair of sunglasses, it's important to consider the shape of your face. For example, if you have a round face, you might want to choose sunglasses with angular frames to balance out the curves of your face. On the other hand, if you have a square face, you might want to choose sunglasses with rounded frames to soften the angles of your face.

Sticking within those face-shape rules doesn't mean you can't experiment with colour. Take inspiration from stylish men in history like JFK, who favoured a tortoiseshell or go bolder with a sun-kissed colourway to make a greater statement.

Lightweight Knitwear

You may be tempted to ditch the knitwear as the temperature starts to warm up. However, as we know, on these shores, we aren't always guaranteed endless amounts of sunny days. So, a handy piece of knitwear can be essential for those intermittent weather days.

To nail this, men need to opt for a light jumper or cardigan in a merino or cotton mix. Merino holds a lot of warming properties, but the fabric's natural fibres will air to circulate, giving a perfect balance. It is an excellent transitional piece for spring and can be easily layered over a t-shirt or worn beneath a blazer.

Polo Shirt

The humble polo shirt is a staple of any stylish guy's spring wardrobe. Smarter than a classic tee but without going too formal. It hits the sweet spot of smart-casual dressing.

Inherently versatile, men can choose to wear a polo shirt with a variety of looks. Why not switch up the formal shirt and wear it with your suit for a contemporary twist on business dressing? Or, it's hard to beat the pared-back combination of a polo shirt and chinos.

Whichever way you choose to wear it, there is a wide choice of polo shirts for men to choose from. Remember, the fit is crucial for this piece to look its best. A well-fitted polo shirt should be snug around the chest and shoulders but not too tight. The sleeves should hit the mid-bicep, and the hem should fall just below the waistband of your pants.

Oxford Shirt

The Oxford shirt is a classic piece of clothing that has stood the test of time. It has been a staple in men's wardrobes for over a century and is still as popular today as it was when it was first introduced.

An Oxford shirt is named after the famous English university where students in the 19th century first wore it. The woven cotton fabric used to make the shirt is durable and comfortable, with a distinctive texture. This texture is created by weaving together two different yarns - a coloured yarn and a white yarn.

The versatility of this item is priceless. It's a shirt style that will easily integrate into any man's wardrobe. Able to be dressed up or down depending on the wearer's need, we recommend picking a white or blue colourway to get maximum wearability from it.

As the temperature starts to rise and we remove layers. It is always a bonus to have a dependable shirt like the Oxford to keep you looking presentable.

White Trainers

White trainers are a must-have for anyone who values both comfort and style. The streamlined, minimalist aesthetic make them intrinsical to warm-weather dressing. Whether it is a casual Friday work look or a trip to the pub. There is nothing quite like the faithful white trainer to see you through any plans.

Not every white trainer is created equal, though. Men should be aware of nuances when shopping for this style. White leather trainers might give the most premium outcome, but they won't be as breathable as a canvas alternative. Something to keep in mind as we move into summer. Also, cheaper leathers will deteriorate quickly over time. The white trainer is always at its best when fresh and clean. So, take note of how to clean your chosen material after wearing it for any period of time.

Society's changing attitudes to how men dress in different work or causal scenarios have changed over the years. Therefore, it is hard to think of many situations when a nice pair of white trainers paired nicely with jeans, chinos or even formal trousers wouldn't be accepted.

Raincoat

Let's not beat around the bush. In spring, it rains. Sometimes, a lot more than we would be patiently willing to tolerate. Spring is notorious for its unpredictable weather, so it's essential to have a raincoat in your wardrobe. Take note of weight and material, as men need a waterproof option that can be easily packed away if the sun decides to turn up.

Did you know that the first raincoat was invented by a Scottish chemist, Charles Macintosh, in 1823? He discovered that by sandwiching a layer of rubber between two layers of fabric, he could create a waterproof material perfect for rainy weather. That may have been 300 years ago, but this choice of jacket is still a great pick for the modern man.

Today, Macs or other raincoats come in a wide variety of styles and materials. Some are made from breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex, while others feature fun patterns or bold colours. No matter what your personal style is, there's sure to be a raincoat that suits your needs.

Chore Jacket

For those days when the heavens haven't opened, but you still need something to take the chill off, we look to the chore jacket.

Chore jackets have reached peak-menswear appreciation over recent years, and in spring it is easy to see why. Originally designed as workwear for blue-collar workers, chore jackets were made from sturdy materials like denim or canvas to withstand the wear and tear of manual labour. However, over the years, chore jackets have evolved into a fashion staple that anyone can wear, regardless of their profession.

The beauty of a chore jacket lies in its simplicity and versatility. It can be worn more casually with chinos and a t-shirt. For something a little smarter, wear it with knitwear or a formal shirt. Or, go for a mix and include a hoodie with tailored trousers for optimum smart-casual attire.

Unlined Blazer

An unlined blazer is a great piece to have in your wardrobe for spring. It's less structured than your typical lined blazer and therefore is more adept at being worn with different menswear pieces.

The overall aesthetic is a smarter vibe than the chore jacket, but we can incorporate many of the same pieces, like chinos, trainers and button-down shirts, into our looks. Though, where we feel the unlined blazer really sings as a summer formal piece—ideal for the warm-weather nuptial invite or a BBQ at the boss's house. You can stick on some smart shoes and the blazer while balancing them out with chinos and a polo shirt. The result is the Hamptons/Riveira mash-up we can all get on board with.

Desert Boots

The desert boot cut its teeth in the military but is now a spring-summer menswear staple. Smart suede uppers are paired underfoot with a hardwearing rubber sole. No matter whether you are in the 'desert' or 'chukka' camp, this is a style of boot that delivers what we need.

On the smart-casual scale, we would put the desert boot further down towards casual. That means picking to wear this footwear with jeans or chinos. Keep the rest of the look simple and you'll get a top-notch outfit.

White T-Shirt

Is there a menswear item that says laidback cool, more than the humble white t-shirt? A key foundational piece, it can be crucial within a layered look in colder months. But, on warmer days, we can bring it to the fore.

This timeless, classic piece of menswear has decades of inspiration for men to look to for approval. Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean back in the day, or Ryan Gosling more recently. Wardrobe departments have chosen the white t-shirt as their masculine weapon of choice for leading men.

Take note, or you will undo all the hard work if your white t-shirt doesn't fit well. It needs to look presentable and not be too tight or too baggy. Fit is everything in menswear and you need to get the basics right to look your best.

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In conclusion, these staple clothing pieces are essential for every man's spring wardrobe. They are versatile and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. By investing in these key pieces, you can ensure that you always look stylish and on-trend, no matter the occasion.

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