The Ultimate Guide to Basics
Set the right tone for spring by adding good quality basics to your wardrobe
This is the time of the year where a lot of us start going through a wardrobe refresh. We’re putting away the winter garms and taking out those spring item that have been collecting dust in our closets.
To some, this might be a stark realization that you need to re-up on some everyday basics as we move towards spring. This is a great opportunity to level up your style by going with options that are above brands like Buck Mason, Uniqlo, and Madewell—not to direct shots at anyone but in the menswear zeitgeist these are the brands I hear of often, and honestly, I’m tired of it.
The way I approach getting my wardrobe ready for spring is by re-upping on some good quality basics that will serve as the foundation to the stuff that I’ll acquire throughout the rest of the season. These might not be necessarily the clothes you might be going out a lot in, but having a solid foundation of everyday basics sets you up for success later—I wrote about this topic in a past letter which you should read if you’re going through your own wardrobe overhaul right now. There’s some wisdom that will definitely help you.
I’m at home right now wearing a slub cotton tee from Warehouse, a pair of sweatpants from [Redacted], and socks from Kapital. It’s nothing crazy but I’m extremely comfortable, and I still look good.
Now there’s levels to this comfort game. Everything I’m rocking is simple, yet the elevated quality makes me feel much more put together. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t achieve if I was wearing a tee from Hanes and some Uniqlo sweatpants for example. It’s just not in the same league.
Think of this way; yeah, I spent a bit more on higher quality but these items allow me to quickly jump outside to run an errand without changing. If I was wearing the Hanes/Uniqlo combo though, I would most likely change before running that same errand—the higher quality just looks better on body, where the cheaper alternatives end up looking sloppy.
In today’s letter I’m going to share what brands I keep in my back pocket when re-upping on basics like; t-shirts, thermals, and sweats. Where to buy Made in America basics that are still affordable, and brands that nobody seems to be talking about online that are making great everyday basics.
BURGUS PLUS
Here at SNL our readers pride themselves in buying into brands that not a lot of people know about. It’s the SNL difference. These brands are quietly making bangers, but because a lot of the online discourse around menswear is ran by tourists, these great brands end up slipping through the cracks.
Burgus Plus is one of those brands that should be getting way more love online but doesn’t for whatever reason, so let’s change that. What originally started as a brand with a heavy focus on denim, has evolved to offer an array of basics that are rooted in vintage styles.
A lot of good stuff that’s priced well, plus it’s slightly more elevated than just your regular basics. Sure, you can get your normal crewneck, but if you are up to it they offer styles with double pockets that give a little bit more edge to that everyday classic.
Check out their full selection over at Hinoya shop here.
THE REAL MCCOY’S
Fans of the true 50s/60s fit will feel right at home with The Real McCoy’s. I don’t think I have to explain their quality, but if you didn’t know, it’s absolutely insane. This is a brand that offers basics for people who want to just buy something once and have it for a few years without having to worry about replacing stuff.
They have a huge selection that’s influenced by vintage American sportswear. Yes, you’re going to spend a little more here but it will be levels above anything else that you have in your wardrobe.