The Best Men's Basics to Buy on Amazon

The concept of the "capsule wardrobe" is one that many women are familiar with – you edit your closet way, way down to eliminate anything that no longer suits you or only serves one specific purpose, then you re-fill the hangers and shelves with a more limited number of versatile basics that make getting dressed a cinch and remove all the guesswork from your wardrobe. What could be easier than reaching for the few pieces you really love and that fit well, and mixing the look up with accessories or shoes?

For many men, this was already the basic tenet of dressing. (After all, it's much easier for men to wear the same suit every day for a year and have it go unnoticed than it is for, say, his female counterpart behind the anchor desk!) However, fast fashion and online shopping can make it hard to know if the basics you're buying really will work well and hold up to wear.

If you're thinking about starting your own capsule wardrobe — or even if you just need some good basics and want to start in the easiest possible place — we rounded up our favorite finds on Amazon, backed by tons of positive reviews (and in some cases, celebrity fans). The prices are also good, so you can stock up on these styles totally guilt free.

01 of 16

The Casual Button-Up

Chambray is one of the most versatile materials, which makes this button-up a great addition to any wardrobe. It's lightweight enough for summer (roll up the sleeves and throw it over a tee and shorts with Birkenstocks) but also works well with joggers (for a fall brunch) or khakis (for a more casual office). If you go for preppy vibes, it even plays nicely with a sport coat or wool tie! This well-liked Gap number (reviewers rave about the soft, low-maintenance fabric) looks a lot pricier than it actually is.

$35 at Amazon

02 of 16

The Joggers

Banish any thought of keeping those ratty sweats from college in your closet. Joggers should fit well and look polished enough to leave the house in, and this pair from Amazon Essentials fits the bill. They come in 10 colors, in sizes up to 6X, and hundreds of reviewers rave about the weight and comfort of the fabric as well as the high quality for the price. (Buy a couple pairs!)

$24 at Amazon

03 of 16

The Sneakers

A great pair of white sneakers is a must in any wardrobe, and even more so in recent years now that they can be acceptably dressed up or down. (The very discreet design makes this pair especially versatile.) Among the thousands of glowing Amazon reviews are fans of this style who have one for tennis and one for off-the-court, a guy who declares "they are super comfortable...without being accused of being 'Dad shoes,' " and many people who declare the price is "on point."

Orig. $70 $45 at Amazon

04 of 16

The Beanie

You've seen Carhartt's unmistakably bright knit caps on celebrities from David Beckham to Rihanna to Harry Styles. The brand has been around forever and their beanies aren't going out of style anytime soon. Pick up one in your favorite color (we like this "Currant," but you've got dozens more to choose from) and wear it with literally anything, fall to spring.

Orig. $28 $25 at Amazon

05 of 16

The White Tee

Everyone needs one. Every brand claims to make the perfect one. And yet somehow, a great white tee is elusive. Why waste money on a white tee that you won't like any more or less than the rest, when less than $10 can score you a Hanes shirt with more than 110,000 reviews, the vast majority of them raves? Fans say they're comfortable, sturdy, hold up to washing and are overall "great and inexpensive."

$9 at Amazon

06 of 16

The Watch

Modeled by celebrities including Odell Beckham, Jr. and Kendall Jenner, these watches are noteworthy for their classic, effortless look that goes with a suit as well as jeans, and the aesthetic value it brings for a very reasonable price. Hundreds of reviewers claim to "obsessed" with the minimalist look and how lightweight it is.

$199 at Amazon

07 of 16

The Bomber Jacket

While you won't want to buy most of your jackets on Amazon, this bomber-style windbreaker is the perfect item to snag for under $50 because the relaxed, imperfectly fitted vibe is what makes it a winner. More than 4,000 reviewers gave this a 4.5-star rating with an emphasis on the high quality construction and materials relative to the price; one recent customer declared, "this jacket checks all the boxes for appearance, comfort and size."

$40 at Amazon

08 of 16

The Jeans

Jeans are tricky to buy online no matter who's shopping, so we're recommending the absolute most foolproof pair: Levi's men's original fit 501s. The cut is loose enough to look on trend but fitted enough not to make too much of a statement; they're indestructible and the price is good. And nearly 100,000 Amazon reviewers agree they're pretty perfect. Choose from a zillion different washes at different price points.

Orig. $80 $50 at Amazon

09 of 16

The Chelsea Boots

As at home with jeans as they are with a suit, a sleek boot is an essential part of any capsule wardrobe. This style from Cole Haan is worth trying because, as one reviewer says, "this lightweight boot is still well made, attractive and supremely comfortable. It’s also a good value."

$126 at Amazon

10 of 16

The Waffle Crewneck

Guys just look hot in these — how much more do we have to say? Okay, fine, we'll add that the style is low-maintenance, resistant to pilling and looks great relaxed with jeans or fancier with a button-up underneath. This one comes in a bunch of colors, but we like the versatile (and slightly unexpected) olive hue. "Fits true to size. Good quality. Wears well. Looks great!" says one reviewer.

$44 at Amazon

11 of 16

The Sweatshirt

Though we'll always have a soft spot for your favorite college sweatshirt, it's nice to have a slightly more "upscale" option for the days you're going further than down the block. This Champion version with a minimal logo is easy to style (try it under a bomber) and flatters everyone. More than 20,000 rave reviews praise it for comfort, cut and bang for the buck.

Orig. $50 $34 at Amazon

12 of 16

The Boat Shoes

If you've been on TikTok, you know we're ready for the Sperry resurgence — though a stylish guy knows they never really left. Ideal for any warm weather outfit (and they can even pass for loafers in a pinch on vacation), they stay in style because they're neutral and comfortable to walk in for hours.

Orig. $70 $59 at Amazon

13 of 16

The Oxford Shirt

The Oxford shirt may be the most essential item in anyone's wardrobe — women or men. This 100% cotton one from Lands' End is a heavy enough weight to be worn alone with the sleeves rolled up but will look sharp under a blazer or sweater as well. "If you want a excellent fitting, quality product that will last for years, you can't afford not to buy this shirt," says one of the happy reviewers. (Please iron it before wearing it out!)

$45 at Amazon

14 of 16

The Quarter-Zip

A preppy staple that's gone mainstream thanks to its ease and comfort, you won't find a better version than one from the brand that epitomizes a boat-forward (but land-friendly) lifestyle: Vineyard Vines. More than 80% of reviewers gave it five stars for comfort and versatility. Navy is the ideal color for the capsule wardrobe, but they have plenty of other options at other price points.

$77 at Amazon

15 of 16

The Sunglasses

If you add one thing from this list to your wardrobe, make it these Wayfarers. Universally acknowledged to make everyone who wears them look hotter – and flattering and comfortable on nearly every face shape and size — these have been an excellent investment for decades and will continue to be.

$180 at Amazon

16 of 16

Polo Shirt

Lands' End is known for their rugged outdoor gear, but they've also got great, well-priced basics, like this polo that has racked up hundreds of 5-star reviews for its breathable but substantial 100% cotton fabric. "The quality is superb," noted one Amazon reviewer, while another praised how well it holds up in the wash. And it comes in 16 colors, in sizes up to 4X.

Orig. $60 $45 at Amazon

UP NEXT: 18 Clothing Care Tips Straight from the TikTok Experts