Itโs more acceptable than ever for guys to wear โfeminineโ style clothing. From pink shirts to floral shorts, us guys can wear what we want without fear of judgement.
However, there are still clothes that many consider traditionally โmasculineโ. From the suit to the biker jacket, these pieces have withstood the test of time and continue to be popular among men who want to dress in style and understand how to look more manly.
In this article, we will look at 10 of the manliest clothing items you can wear and explain what makes them so appealing to women.
We'll cover:
- A Well-Fitted Suit
- A Poplin Dress Shirt
- Polished Dress Shoes
- Mid-Blue Jeans
- A Dive Watch
- Aviator Sunglasses
- A Leather Biker Jacket
- Leather Driving Gloves
- A White Fitted T-Shirt
- 5 O'Clock Shadow
Masculine Clothing #1. A Well-Fitted Suit
A well-fitted suit is one of the most masculine items a man can wear. It shows that he is confident, in control, and knows how to dress like a man. It's quite simple: a suit is not only stylish but also projects power and authority.
For starters, a well-fitted suit makes a man look taller, broader on the shoulders, and slimmer at the waist. It also gives him an air of sophistication and professionalism, something which many men seem to lack nowadays.
Women love a man in a well-fitting suit.
Regarding fit: a suit jacket should sit comfortably on your shoulders without feeling too tight or constricting. The sleeves should be long enough to cover most of your shirt cuff while leaving roughly half an inch on show. The pants should be tailored to fit snugly around your waist without feeling too tight or loose and should fall just on top of your dress shoes.
When you wear a well-fitted suit, you look like a man who knows how to dress well and take care of himself. You convey masculinity, power, and confidence.
A word of warning: a poorly fitted suit can have the opposite effect, making you look sloppy and disheveled. It sends the message that you donโt care about your appearance and lack the knowledge of how to dress correctly. In fact, a poorly fitting suit can make a man look weak and out of shape, so be sure to get yours tailored to suit your body structure.
Masculine Clothing #2 A Poplin Dress Shirt
What is poplin, and why is it the best fabric to buy when shopping for a masculine shirt for men?
Poplin is durable, breathable, and easy to care for – making it the perfect choice for any man who wants a shirt that will last.
A poplin dress shirt also has a very masculine look and feel to it. The fabric is thick and sturdy, but light – meaning it always looks crisp and clean. This makes it the perfect choice for any man who wants to look his best.
Dress shirts, like suits, are a staple item for men who want to look their best. After all, a man in a well-fitted dress shirt looks smart, stylish, and masculine.
But how do you make sure you buy the right dress shirt? There are a few things to keep in mind.
First, make sure you choose a high % cotton poplin shirt. This will ensure it is durable and easy to care for (provided you wash it correctly and keep it well pressed!)
Second, pay attention to the fit. A well-fitting dress shirt will hug your shoulders and chest without being too tight or too loose. It should also be long enough to tuck into your pants without coming untucked during the day.
Finally, choose a color and pattern that suits you. A white dress shirt is always a safe choice, but if you're looking to mix things up a bit, light blue or pink can also be great options for guys looking to impress and stay sharp.
Again – women commonly wear shirts of this kind, but that doesn't mean that it takes away from the masculine nature of a crisp dress shirt worn with a well-tailored suit.
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Masculine Clothing #3 Polished Dress Shoes
For hundreds of years, men have used polished dress shoes to demonstrate their class, sophistication, and masculinity. In the modern day, a pair of well-shined cap-toe Oxfords sets you apart from the wingtip wearers in the office and shows you're a man of taste and masculinity.
But what is it about polished shoes that makes a man so attractive?
For starters, polished shoes show that a man takes pride in his appearance and pays attention to the small details. It shows he is willing to put in the time and effort to make sure he looks his best.
Polished shoes also convey a sense of sophistication and refinement. A man who wears polished shoes is someone who knows how to dress well and take care of himself.
Also, polished shoes demonstrate that a man has confidence. A man who is confident enough to wear well-shone shoes is someone who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it.
The takeaway? If you want to look more masculine and attractive without spending more than a few bucks, grab some shoe polish and start by buffing your dress shoes on a regular basis.
Masculine Clothing #4 Mid-blue Jeans
It's no wonder that mid-blue jeans are on this list – after all, they were worn by cowboys, James Dean, and Marlon Brando. All icons of masculinity.
Mid-blue jeans are a timeless wardrobe staple for any man who wants to dress in a masculine way.
But what makes mid-blue jeans so masculine? First and most obvious: theyโre made from denimโฆ a sturdy and durable fabric. Denim is the perfect fabric for those who want to convey a sense of strength and durability – whether it be in jeans, a shirt, or a denim jacket.
Mid-blue jeans are also very practical. They can be worn in many different settings and look appropriate whenever casual wear is on the menu.
But women wear mid-blue jeans, right? So surely they can't be THAT masculine?
Not true – while women can certainly wear mid-blue jeans, they will never look as masculine as they do on a man. This is because of the way they fit on the male body. Jeans that are too tight or too loose will never look as good on a man as a pair of well-fitting mid-blue jeans.
In short, a quick and easy way to dress like a man's man is to ditch your skinny jeans and invest in a pair of mid-blue, straight-leg jeans instead. You won't regret it.
Masculine Clothing #5 A Dive Watch
A dive watch is one of the most popular watch styles.
It is designed to be waterproof and can withstand the pressure of being underwater – though most guys don't use them for this function.
Dive watches have been popular among men for many years.Typically, they are quite large and bulky, which gives them a sense of power and strength. They are also practical and can be worn as an everyday watch, even if you don't live near the ocean.
A dive watch is a perfect accessory for any man who wants to portray an adventurous, tough, and rugged image. It conveys a sense of confidence and capability, two very attractive qualities in a man.
Dive watches are also versatile. They are perfect for both formal and casual occasions, making them a great choice for any man who wants to dress in a masculine way in different settings.
When wearing a dive watch, it is important to remember that it should be the focal point of your outfit. Keep the rest of your look simple, and let the watch do all the talking. Choose plain colors or subtle patterns for your shirt and pants, and let the watch be the star of the show.
Masculine Clothing #6 Aviator Sunglasses
Tom Cruise's ‘Maverick'… need I say more?
Aviator sunglasses are bad-ass. Why? Because they were originally designed for fighter pilots.
That's right – these sunglasses were specifically designed to help pilots deal with the harsh sunlight at high altitudes. They were also designed to be as lightweight and comfortable as possible so that pilots could focus on flying their planes rather than on their sunglasses.
Nowadays, aviator sunglasses are worn by everyone from movie stars to regular guys – but they still retain that sense of danger and adventure.
What makes aviator sunglasses so masculine? First, they are very practical – they offer great protection from the sun while still being comfortable to wear. Second, they have a very ‘tough' look about them – something that is often associated with masculinity. And finally, they convey a sense of adventure – something that is also very attractive to women.
The best part? They suit most face shapes, so you probably won't have to worry about your Aviator sunglasses looking weird on your head.
So, if you're looking for a pair of sunglasses that will make you look masculine and stylish, aviator sunglasses are the way to go.
Masculine Clothing #7 A Leather Biker Jacket
Another classic masculine item is the leather jacket. But more specifically, the biker jacket – worn by bikers, movie stars, and regular guys alike.
Leather jackets come in all shapes and sizes, but when trying to exude masculinity, a man can't go wrong with the classic biker jacket.
What makes a biker jacket so masculine? First, it is made from leather – a material that is often associated with toughness and strength. Second, it has a very ‘road warrior' look about it – something that is sure to turn heads (in a good way). And finally, it is the perfect item for guys who want to project an air of danger and mystery.
Sure, you might not be an all-action bad boy who lives life on the edge and calls the highway his home, but wearing a biker jacket can make you look like one.
So, if you're looking for a jacket that will make you look masculine and stylish, a biker jacket is the way to go. In my opinion, the construction of the biker jacket is what makes it so masculine. The leather studded lapels, broad collar, and loose hanging belt all help to create an image of a tough, rugged man.
Not to mention the fact that biker jackets just look damn good. They are the perfect item for guys who want to turn heads and look stylish. Combine it with a pair of aviator sunglasses, and you're on to a winner.
Masculine Clothing #8 Leather Driving Gloves
I'll admit it, a lot of the items on this list are kind of a given.
We all know that guys look good in suits, and the biker jacket helps portray that classic ‘bad boy' aesthetic that women love.
However, I hope this masculine item made you think a little bit.
So what are leather driving gloves? I bet some of you have never even heard of them before, am I right?
Leather driving gloves are gloves that are made from, you guessed it, leather. They are designed to be worn while driving, hence the name.
What makes them so masculine? First and foremost, they look great – they have a luxurious and stylish appeal that most men can pull off. Second, they convey a sense of power and control – and show that you're the type of guy who isn't afraid to try something a bit different.
And finally, they are the perfect item for guys who want to add a touch of class to their outfits. Whether you're wearing them with a suit or jeans, leather driving gloves will make you look like the sort of guy who enjoys a cruise around the countryside in his E-Type Jaguar with the wind in his hair and a beautiful woman in the passenger seat – what more could a man want?
Masculine Clothing #9 A White Crew Neck T-Shirt
You knew it was coming. I couldn't write a list of manly clothing items without including the classic white, crew neck t-shirt.
Marlon Brando. James Dean. David Gandy. Mark Wahlberg. David Beckham.
All men who have sported the white crew neck and looked like a million bucks doing it.
The fact is, any guy can wear a white crew neck. A white crew neck will make you look good whether you're a skinny guy or a dad bod enthusiast.
What makes a white crew neck so masculine? First, it is simple and understated – which conveys a sense of confidence. Second, it is versatile – it can be dressed up or down with jeans or a suit. I'd go as far as to say that it's the most important item of clothing a man can own.
The difference between a crew neck and a v-neck? Crew necks are easier to pull off and look far more timeless. While v-necks have their place, they are often associated with a more ‘metro' style.
So, if you're looking for a classic and masculine clothing item, a white crew neck t-shirt is the way to go. It's simple, stylish, and will make you look like a man who knows how to dress. Wear one underneath a biker jacket, and you really can't go wrong.
Masculine Clothing #10 Five O'Clock Shadow
Okay, so the final item on my list isn't an item of clothing. But hear me out.
A five o.clock shadow is the perfect way to add a touch of masculinity to your look. Sure, it's not something you can buy in your local store, but it's something that most guys can grow and style without spending a single dollar.
What is a five o'clock shadow? In short, it's the stubble that appears on a man's face after he has gone a day or two without shaving.
Does this mean that you can just let your facial hair grow to achieve a perfect rugged look? No – five o'clock shadow requires careful shaping to maintain a sense of style and sex appeal.
But when shaped correctly, women absolutely LOVE a man with a five o'clock shadow. It's the perfect way to add a touch of ruggedness to your look without looking like you've just rolled out of bed.
Unlike the other items on this list, five o'clock shadow isn't tied down to formality. In the modern day, a man can wear his five o'clock shadow at pretty much any level of formality – from a casual weekend to a black tie event. So long as you ensure you're careful with how you shape the stubble, you can pull it off whenever you want.
To correctly maintain a neat five o'clock shadow, it's important to use a razor to trim the edges of your facial hair. This will ensure that your stubble looks intentional and stylish rather than unkempt.
In short, you should shave your stubble up to where your jaw meets your neck and in a straight line just below your cheekbones.
Looking to learn more about masculine facial hair styles? Check out my guide to beard types every guy should know about.