If he’s stuck in a rut of wearing tees or graphic tees, it’s time to introduce some classic pieces. Black tees hug biceps in all the right places, and a leather jacket makes every guy look cuter.
A boy with his own style can make a difference in middle and high school.
Gray Sweatpants
If you’re looking to give your boy a style upgrade, consider swapping his old college sweats for some fresh gray lounge pants. These versatile men’s terrycloth trousers are the perfect mix of cozy and chic, offering a polished look that can elevate your guy’s casual wardrobe. They also come with a stylish drawstring, which gives them an added touch of sophistication. You can pair them with a crew neck tee or a stylish button-down, making them a comfortable and classic choice for day-to-day activities.
While many boys still love their threadbare holier-than-thou, pizza-stained sweatpants from high school, today’s workforce is starting to embrace a dressier, more relaxed look at the office. This means that grey sweats are becoming more acceptable, especially for younger professionals who work from home. These joggers from Mack Weldon are the perfect example of this trend, blending the comfort of traditional men’s sweatpants with decorative seam details for a sophisticated silhouette.
Even though the internet craze for guys in grey sweatpants is relatively new, its roots go back further than that. The phenomenon was first popularized by Twitter users as far back as 2014, and a 2015 BuzzFeed article titled “Gray Sweatpants Are the Most Important Thing A Man Can Wear” helped to publicize it on a larger scale. Since then, my obsession with these droopy pants has grown.
It’s been determined that the allure of grey sweats is primarily because you can see the outline of a man’s dick through them, but the appeal doesn’t end there. Some women have said that they feel attracted to their baes when they wear them, while others swear that the color makes them more attractive.
As winter draws near, you’ll want to have your boy stock up on some of the best gray sweatpants on the market. You can also grab a pair of these comfy joggers for yourself – just make sure to pick a color that shows off the weathering of the fabric well. It’ll be easier to find the right shade if you have a few pairs of grey sweatpants on hand for reference so that you don’t get the wrong one!
Black T-Shirts
Kids’ shirts can be the foundation of a great outfit, and while white may be the classic choice, black is an easy-to-wear alternative that can help keep things interesting. A few quality black T-shirts will help your boy have more outfit options, especially for casual events or days at home.
Having the right black tees will also allow your boy to dress up and look put together with the addition of a leather jacket or other stylish layering pieces. It can also be a great way to show your support for any cause he cares about, as these tees are available in a variety of styles and materials to showcase your family’s values and interests.
The enduring appeal of the basic tee makes it essential for every closet, so you’ll want to make sure your boy has plenty of black ones in his wardrobe. While there are countless styles to choose from, some have been rated as more desirable than others, and it’s important to pick out one that will suit your boy’s personality. For instance, if your boy is a sports fan, consider picking one that highlights the logo of his favorite team or athlete.
Another thing to consider when shopping for a black tee is the silhouette. Whether fitted, loose or somewhere in between, you’ll want to select a fit that flatters your boy’s figure, advises Cortne Bonilla, a Fashion & Beauty Content Editor at InStyle. You can also select a style accentuated with tiny details, like twin-stitch sleeves or a ribbed neckline.
If your boy loves to surf or is an avid outdoorsy guy, he’ll love having the option to pair his favorite t-shirt with a pair of board shorts. It’s a great option for beach trips or weekend cafe lunches with friends during the summer.
For a sleeker look, you can also try a sleeveless black T-shirt. The sleek, rounded hem creates a delicate draped effect that looks fantastic with linen pants or a skirt. The lightweight fabric is soft to the touch, and this style is available in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find the perfect match for your boy’s personality.
Leather Jacket
If there’s one piece of clothing that all boys need, it’s a leather jacket. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what it is about them, but there’s just something about a good leather jacket that makes guys look way cuter than they would without it. Combine it with black tees, rings, and chain necklaces, and you have a dude going places in life.
The leather jacket became a fashion icon through its inextricable link with the Hollywood adventurer. Movie stars like Gary Cooper and Harrison Ford wore them in their roles as swashbucklers and heroes.
A leather jacket in dark brown is a classic choice and can be worn with almost anything. If you’re shopping for one, make sure to measure yourself and have a professional do it (a tailor can do this, but most clothing stores have staff available to help you out). You also want to assess the quality of the hardware on the zipper and buttons. A higher-quality brand will use hardware that feels solid when you press on it and will click securely into place. Look for RiRi or YKK zippers, which are known for their durability.
It’s important to understand that different leather types have unique qualities. For example, full-grain leather looks thick and durable but can be stiff. If you’re looking for a softer leather jacket, choose naked top-grain leather. It has the same durability but is softer and lighter.
You should also test the feel of a leather jacket by touching it. A real leather jacket will be warm to the touch and will begin to transfer heat to your hand. Faux leather, on the other hand, will be cold to the touch and will not absorb heat. A real leather jacket will also darken when wet, while water drops roll off an artificial analog.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to save money by going faux, but a real leather jacket will last for years and look better every time you wear it. If you struggle to afford a leather jacket, find a used one online or in a thrift store. Ensure you get a high-quality one; your boy will thank you.
Casual Button-Downs
A casual button-down shirt is one of the most versatile pieces in your boy’s wardrobe. These shirts work well under a sweater or sports jacket and can also be worn with a tie for a semi-formal look. They can even be dressed down for a day at the office or for casual Fridays. These shirts tend to have softer fabrics, like cotton or flannel. The collars are generally softer, making them more relaxed than the stiffer styles found on a dress shirt.
The level of formality is mostly determined by the type of collar and the shirt fabric. Poplin, broadcloth, and oxford cloth are more structured than the softer flannels and chambrays. The shirt’s hem also contributes to its formality, with straight hems being more formal than tail-shaped ones. If your boy wants to wear a tie with this style, a soft silk or linen necktie will look best, but a wool necktie could also be worn depending on the occasion.
A striped or checkered pattern can add a nice touch of contrast to the shirt, and some patterns also have a little texture that helps break up the pattern. However, your boy should avoid bright colors or aggressive patterns, as these can look too juvenile and can detract from the professional impression he is trying to make.
Whether your boy is tucked in or untucked, he should always wear a belt and dress shoes with his shirt. This will create a classic and polished silhouette. A nice belt will cinch in your boy’s waist, which can help to create a more masculine figure. It can also provide a focal point for his attire, which can draw attention away from his waistline and onto the shirt.
While many men will tell you that the casual button-down isn’t appropriate for a day at the office, this is simply not true. The only time the casual button-down should be left at home is when he must wear it under a suit for an important event.