The Five Things EVERY MAN Should Have in His Dresser
Men, unlike women, are rarely taught the finer points of dressing, especially when it comes to undergarments. So we developed a list of the five things all men MUST have in their drawers-including how many you should have and when you should toss them. No need to wait for your mother/wife/girlfriend/laundry lady to point out the obvious because you’re now empowered to make the change yourself.
1. Underwear
Why You Need Them: Do we really have to explain this?
How Many Do You Need: At least 14 pairs (yes 14) of underwear. It’s 3 packs of Hanes.
When to Toss: Evaluate your collection every six months or so. In general, when a pair is getting a little loose (falling off), the elastic is falling off, it’s a victim to tough-to-remove stains and/or has a hole, it’s time to replace it. And, of course, if you’ve gained some pounds, gain some new boxer shorts that fit.
2. Handkerchiefs
Why You Need Them: Besides adding a bit of color and class to your suit jackets, this little pieces of cloth can be used to soak up your sweat during the summer.
How Many Do You Need: At least 3-5, more if you start to use them everyday.
When To Toss: Handkerchiefs should be thrown out at the end of the summer/flu season. Also throw them out if they have any strange smells or stains. There is nothing more off putting than a dirty handkerchief
3. T-Shirts
Why You Need Them: Undershirts/t-shirts provide an extra layer of warmth in the winter and absorb sweat during the summer. It also protects your “man nipples” from peaking through.
How Many Do You Need: At least 7 t-shirts/undershirts. More if you’re sweat alot or don’t know how to wash clothes.
When To Toss: There is nothing attractive or sanitary about pit stains- so these tees need to head straight to the garbage bag. Also any t-shirts that have stretched necks (no washing them in hot water won’t make the necks contract back), stains, and holes big enough to be considered an extra arm hole. T-shirts are pretty inexpensive. We like ones from Old Navy and the Merona and old school Hanes from Target.
4. Socks
Why You Need Them: The 80s are dead.. you actually need to wear socks now. Socks keep your feet warm as well as keep your shoes smelling normal.
How Many Do You Need: At least 1 pack (6 pairs) of white tube socks and 8 pairs of dressier socks.
When To Toss: You should reevaluate your sock wardrobe every 3 to 4 months, throwing out socks that are stretched out, have holes, are embedded stains, and have strange smells. This is especially important if your toes have the tendency to “eat” your socks. When purchasing a new batch, look for socks with reinforced toes.
5. Jeans
Why You Need Them: These are the ultimate weekend pant, giving you a welcomed break from the khakis.
How Many Do You Need: 2-5 pairs depending on your lifestyle.
When To Toss: Ask yourself these questions: Do your jeans look washed out even though you didn’t buy them that way? Do they sag or bite into your stomach because you’ve put on some weight? Do they have even just one hole? Are they frayed at the bottom? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions it’s time to give them the boot.
Just wanted to be persnickety towards one piece of advice here – if your t-shirts are stained, stretched or sporting holes, you shouldn’t throw them into the garbage. You should donate them to a Salvation Army or neighborhood charity. Those shirts will still be warm and comfortable for someone without an income. Dry shirts are a lifesaver to a homeless person, and the same goes for socks.
Actually Joe- Thrift stores like Salvation Army sell clothing to support their activities and most of the people who shop at this stores aren’t homeless but middle class/working class folks who need items that their children can wear to school and they can wear to work. Also the store is NOT the place to send your garbage. Would you want to wear someone’s stained t-shirt? A better idea would be to use the old t-shirts for a craft project.
Another use: if you know a string player (violin, viola, cello or bass) they make terrific rags for removing the rosin from the body of the instrument after playing. Any string player reading this, you should be using two rags. One to take the rosin off the strings, the top of the instrument (don’t forget under the bridge) and the top end of the fingerboard. The second to wipe the sweat off the strings and the main part of the fingerboard. Otherwise the sweat cakes the left-over rosin and makes an unholy mess. For obvious reasons, this works best with different coloured rags.
I have one pair of jeans which I never wear. Khakis are far more comfortable; why would you wear stiff, coarse cotton when you can wear soft, breathable cotton?
good post! mad i didn’t think of this list. i know for me, when my t-shirts get old i just collect them and end up using them to wash/dry the car with.
i thought i was the only still buying handkerchiefs! ha! i prefer to buy the plain white one’s because they can be washed/bleached after use. it’s always suave to offer a lady a handkerchief when needed. just tell her to keep the damn thing though, don’t attempt to give it back! ewww.