American Classics for Your Basic Wardrobe

When it comes to menswear, the American classics are many and span a wide range of styles. One thing many of them have in common, though, is their given place in any man’s basic wardrobe. Levi’s jeans and heavy jackets are not only the obvious choice for those working under harsh conditions but have also become an essential item for the well-dressed urbanite. Ralph Lauren ensures we stay stylish when it comes to trousers, shirts, jackets, and blazers, while the robust boots from Red Wing Shoes are just as suited to the Rocky Mountains as they are the city streets together with a peacoat and chinos.

Seattle-based Filson is another name to remember when it comes to American classics, having offered clothing and accessories for the outdoor adventurer since 1897. Even Woolrich deserves a mention here, providing America’s pioneers with warm and comfortable apparel since 1830 and today drawing on their almost two centuries of experience to create everyday wear of exceedingly high quality.

The below looks feature a number of such American Classics, most of which are also perfect for building an enduring and versatile basic wardrobe. We highly recommend playing around with items from both looks to create a unique and stylish combination.

The Trucker Look

The Trucker style is a common sight on the many highways of the USA. You can choose to fully embrace the look or just cherry-pick the items you like the most. If you feel the jacket and cap are a bit much when worn together, for example, try switching the cap for a rib-knit beanie or choosing a different style of jacket. Here though, we have chosen a look that goes ‘the whole nine yards’.

Buffalo Plaid

The first of our picks for this slightly more ‘Western’ look is the true original when it comes to Buffalo plaid – Woolrich were the very first to use the check pattern that so many of us continue to associate with the lumberjack life. Here, we pair the jacket with an otherwise monochrome ensemble comprising dark-grey jeans, a black shirt, and black boots.