There are things that society deems as a man's needs. Fast cars, big cigars, and shiny toys — these are what a man needs, right? Wrong. What a man genuinely needs are things that will improve his everyday life. From using them and getting the job done to simply enjoying them on an aesthetic level, these things are meant to make life easier, not more complex.
These items most probably require trial and error, so we went ahead and gathered some of the most trusted products in each category. Here are 26 things every man should own in 2023.
Randolph x Todd Snyder Aviator
Affordable sunglasses can have a place and a time, but investing in some high-quality shades is a worthy investment, especially when it's imperative to protect your eyes. This collaboration from Randolph Engineering and Todd Snyder is the combo you didn't realize you needed. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell meets Mr. Don Draper; need we say more?
Ralph Lauren 45 MM Chronometer Steel Watch
An essential must-have for any man is an excellent watch, or a few if we're being quite honest. While Ralph Lauren has been known for its exquisite apparel, this brand has wonderfully expanded into accessories, and the watches are of premium quality — so much so that the stainless steel watches sell out almost immediately.
This sporting version is elegant enough to wear for a black-tie affair yet rugged enough to take to the gym. A stunning black dial face with sleek Roman numerals and a solid stainless steel case come together with a black alligator leather band. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile option.
Jetsetter Slim Fit Stretch Wool Blazer
Light, flexible, affordable. There’s a reason the Ludlow is Prince Harry’s jacket of choice. A linen and cotton blend affords the ability to handle those summer days — something most jackets aren't made for.
Boardroom
A great pair of dress socks should be breathable as much as they are comfortable. The Boardroom Socks are made with merino wool and come in an array of classic patterns and colors. They’re also made in the USA.
Cole Haan Original Grand Short Wingtip Oxfords
Out of all the different pairs of dress shoes you can buy, every man needs a good pair of wingtips. Not only are they timeless but they're also comfortable. No dress shoe can beat Cole Haan’s signature outsoles.
Hoka One One Clifton 8
A solid pair of running shoes should make you excited to go out and hit the pavement for a half marathon. Hoka’s are the crème de la crème for doing just that. The Clifton 7 offers elite orthopedic comfort while staying light as a feather.
The James Brand The Carter
A proper knife should be able to do everything from slicing an apple to sawing through a branch. The Carter is such a knife, and it comes with a modern design and feels. A thumb disc makes it easy to open one-handed, and a slide locking mechanism provides security when in use. In short: A must-have for your everyday carry.
Leatherman Wave+ Multitool
Wire cutters, pliers, and screwdrivers are must-haves when looking for a trusted multitool. This has all three and then some. Crafted with stainless steel and designed to be opened with one hand, the Leatherman Wave is a multitool that is tough enough to tackle everything life throws at you.
Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Luggage
There's no longer just one brand synonymous with luxury aluminum luggage — enter the somewhat newcomer and American brand, Sterling Pacific. If there was an American version of James Bond, this would be his luggage of choice.
Full 5052 aluminum body with impact-bearing ridges and full-grain Italian leather handles, soft twill weave lining, and a lifetime warranty all equals the epitome of travel luggage. Rolling this carry-on around makes you feel like a dashing, young Leo DiCaprio in, Catch me if you can, via a young Pan Am pilot; classic and stylish.
Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter with Airtight Geometric Stopper
Paksh uses Italian-crafted glass to create a decanter that tells a story. Plus, it holds up to 24 ounces of your best white wine or whiskey.
Whiskey Peaks American Mountains
Don't pour a finger or two of good whiskey into an improper glass. Match the decanter above with this American mountain set featuring Half Dome, Denali, Mt. Rainer, and Mt. Whitney. There’s an opportunity for a drinking game to be made out of these, we’re sure of it.
Between the World and Me
Between the World and Me is a modern must-have that provides a framework of how far the roots of racism have dug themselves into American history. Coates paints this narrative in a letter to his adolescent son, who will one day have to reckon with the same burden Coates has felt his entire life. Every man must experience a read that will change how he views the world in one way or another. This is one of them.
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
Kobe Bryant was scratching the surface of what his post-NBA success would look like before his sudden and tragic death. He lived by a code of hard work and dedication so he could be the best to ever do it — no matter what it was. The Mamba Mentality offers a look into how everyone can learn to take on such a legendary mindset.
Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72
Political books are far from what anyone wants to read right now, but it’s necessary to have at least one in your library — so why not own one written by Hunter S. Thompson? Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72 turns political reporting into comedic gold. And 40 years later, it still parallels much of what exists in our current climate.
1byone Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable
A man needs a music player to enjoy his favorite tunes. A turntable is a classic solution. However, shopping for one can be a mess. The 1byone Wireless System offers ease of use thanks to its slim design and supreme sound.
Sony SRS-XB33 Wireless Portable Speaker
A more up-to-date solution is a Bluetooth speaker. The Sony SRS-XB33 carries elite sound quality no matter how high you turn up the volume. It’s durable, and it works excellently with other Sony products using Party Connect. The SRS-XB33 can is waterproof and lasts all day.
Our Place Home Cook Duo
There are certain things worth investing in, in life — a premium set of cookware is a must. Those cheap, 20+ sets made from Teflon are garbage and toxic. Our Place has the answer you're looking for: the home cook duo. The stunning pan and pot can replace 16 different pieces and are made with aluminum bodies, perfect for all cooking temperatures.
They have a "magical" nonstick ceramic coating free of PTFEs, PFOAs, other PFAS, lead, and cadmium — simply put, the stuff that can kill you. The cookware pieces also come in eight eccentric colors to perfectly match whatever kitchen aesthetics you're going for.
The Kudu Grill
The Kudu is named after the traditional African grill that showcases the communal experience cooking creates. Aside from grilling, the Kudu also sautés, sears, fries, boils, smokes, and steams — at the same time even! Its heavy-gauge steel base and ceramic coating guarantee easy cleanup for many years to come.
Global 8” Chef Knife
One of the methods in searching through a sea of kitchen knives is to find a chef co-sign. The late Anthony Bourdain once recommended this G-2 as a great starter knife — and it won't cost an arm and a leg either.
The Grey The Essentials Kit
Guys, you don't need to overcomplicate your skincare routine. Keep things as simple as possible. The essentials kit from The Grey, which makes the best men's grooming products for the active modern man, has the three main products you need for basic men's skincare: cleanser, face cream, and SPF.
MAURA Turkish Bath Towel Set
You use a towel or bathrobe almost every day of your life, so why not invest in a quality set? This Maura Turkish Bath Towel collection uses ring-spun cotton to ensure powerful absorbency and luxurious softness.
David Gandy Wellwear Robe
One of the finer, little luxuries in life that any man can do is to upgrade his personal hygiene and grooming routine, notably in how he relaxes after some proper self-care. If you have yet to invest in a bathrobe, we recommend you do so, particularly this one from David Gandy Wellwear.
Made with 100% BCI cotton and infused with natural anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to aloe vera, this robe will have your brain releasing some "feel-good-boosting" oxytocin to help you unwind and get some much-needed R&R.
Avocado Green Mattress
It’s hard to overstate the value of a superlative mattress. In the past 10 years, many great new players have entered the mattress industry. One mattress brand that is separating itself from the rest is Avocado Green Mattresses.
These sleeping surfaces feature 100% GOLS-certified latex, wool and cotton and they are handmade in the U.S. — sustainability meets exceptional comfort. The best in eco-luxury. We also recommend getting the organic pillows, and for those who prefer a plusher sleep, the pillow topper is an excellent choice, too.
Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert
Boll & Branch's mission is simple: Start with organic cotton to make the most luxurious fabrics on earth. Today, it is doing just that. This down duvet is available in three different weights for every type of sleep temperature. Its unique "bafflebox" construction keeps the down evenly distributed, offering the perfect sleep opportunity each and every night.
Parachute Percale Duvet Cover Set
It's high time to invest in some better quality bed sheets and move away from your typical retail store sets. This percale set from Parachute is excellently crafted using 100% premium-quality, certified, long-staple Egyptian cotton in a cool, lightweight material, and it's the perfect year-round option. Sleep has never felt this good.
Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Again, upgrading your bedroom sheets, and you might as well get the percale sheet set from Parachute to go with your duvet set.
There comes a time in every man's life when he must upgrade his lifestyle and opt for better quality items, products, things, and gear. These must-have's are how you can elevate your life and look, as well.
