- To view part 2 (stockings), click here .
- To view part 3 (the costumes), click here .
- To view part 4 (shoes), click here .
The journey to your ideal menswear wardrobe starts here. Welcome to our guide to men’s basics. Our goal: to give you concrete advice to help you build your style identity, starting with mastering the essentials .
Having good basics is a key step - whether you've decided to reset your wardrobe or you already have a good knowledge of style . A basic is a simple, effective and versatile piece. A garment that will accompany you for years and that will serve as a base ( well, really! ), before incorporating other more original, more personal pieces, in short, stronger pieces .
Warning: just because a piece is simple doesn't mean you should neglect the details when choosing it - quite the opposite! It's precisely the well-thought-out, well-made and well-fitting basics that make all the difference . And that's exactly what we're here for.
BonneGueule is above all a story of passion . The blog founded in 2007 has become, over time, a company with around fifty employees . Since 2014, we have been offering our own clothes , in line with what we believe in . Here we share with you our years of experience in contact with clothing, so that you can then make your own choices, with full knowledge of the facts... and always with style .
1. The T-shirt: a basic essential all year round (and all life)
CHOOSE YOUR T-SHIRT CAREFULLY
Despite what you might think, it is not so easy to find a nice, well-cut t-shirt. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right one:
- Material: prefer natural materials (cotton, linen, wool, hemp, etc.) to synthetics (polyester, polyamide, etc.) which age poorly, retain perspiration and bad odors. Natural materials are more breathable, even thermoregulating , age better and have the potential to present a rich texture that adds character to a look.
- The shape of the collar: to start, prefer a round collar that is neither too tight nor too low-cut to the V-neck because it is the easiest to wear. You can venture to other collars when you master the concepts of layering and proportion on an outfit.
A well-proportioned round neck
- Sleeve seams : they should follow the natural curve of your shoulders and break at the acromion (the bony protuberance at the end of your shoulder). Unless it's an oversized cut of course.
- Sleeves : the safe bet is mid-bicep length but this can also vary depending on the cut. In any case, make sure that the proportions are consistent with the torso when trying it on. For example, avoid a loose t-shirt with fitted sleeves.
- The bust : a well-cut t-shirt that fits your size will be slightly fitted to the pectorals but will not hug your stomach .
- The making: Lay your t-shirt flat. If it is positioned crooked and its seams are already twisted, this could be a sign of poor quality.
To go even further, do not hesitate to consult our complete guide on the t-shirt .
HOW TO WEAR A T-SHIRT PROPERLY?
Once you have found the right t-shirt, you now need to know how to wear it . A versatile piece that lasts through the seasons, you can wear it with:
- Jeans and a jacket
- Under a casual suit
- In summer, tucked into Bermuda shorts or light trousers
- In all your casual outfits
The t-shirt can find its place in all stylistic registers: casual, more formal, rock, minimalist, workwear, etc. Each style has its own t-shirt.
To start, choose light t-shirts that will easily fit in with the other pieces of your outfit: white, beige, heather gray, etc. Once you have mastered these shades, you can try khaki, terracotta, olive green or mustard, for example.
OUR BONNEGUEULE T-SHIRTS
We make our own t-shirts with natural, textured materials and sustainable manufacturing in Europe. You will also find other brands in our "brand recommendations" section.
2. The shirt: a great classic of the men’s wardrobe
No, the shirt is not just for formal events . Now, it is becoming more popular in casual versions, to be worn every day with a t-shirt, chinos and sneakers. Well chosen, it is a very versatile piece .
CHOOSE YOUR SHIRT CAREFULLY
As with the T-shirt, the choice of cut and material are major elements to consider when purchasing. Without going into all the details of a perfect shirt widely listed here , here are a few points to check :
- The fit : A shirt that fits you should fit snugly around your body without being too tight. You should be able to move without feeling too tight.
- The material : favor natural materials (cotton, linen, etc.).
- The collar : it should be proportional to your face ( as well as the lapels of your jacket if you wear one ).
- Seams : Check that the seam falls well at your shoulder.
HOW TO WEAR A SHIRT PROPERLY?
There are two main families of shirts: formal shirts and casual shirts.
The first ones are longer and are generally worn tucked into the pants, in formal outfits: with a suit in a professional setting or for a special occasion , for example. The most commonly used fabrics are poplin, end-on-end or twill. These fabrics generally have a relatively smooth appearance.
The shape of the collar is also a good indicator: stiff and wide collars are signs of a formal shirt, which is more difficult to wear casually .
Conversely, casual shirts have a more informal look due to their cut (often shorter and straighter) and the materials used, which are more textured and grainy than on formal shirts. You will find Oxford, chambray or even flannel. Casual shirts also sometimes have one or two chest pockets while formal shirts do not.
With them, everything becomes possible: you can wear them closed, open over a t-shirt, tucked into your pants or - more often - outside.
Keep in mind that there are not only two ways to wear shirts: don't limit yourself to the styles discussed above. Today, we also wear more formal shirts with jeans and more casual shirts with dress pants, for example pleated ones, don't hesitate to play with the style rules once you master them .
OUR BONNEGUEULE SHIRTS
We make our own shirts from natural materials that make our hearts beat, with sustainable manufacturing in Europe. You will also find other shirt brands in our "brand recommendations" section.
3. Mesh: anti-cold device
Knitwear refers to all knitted items, as opposed to woven clothing (jackets, jeans, etc.). These include sweaters and cardigans - essential items for surviving the cold , in short.
CHOOSE YOUR KNITWEAR CAREFULLY
To know the quality of a knit , we look at its composition, indicated on the label. We favor natural materials - in particular wool which keeps you warm without making you sweat - over synthetic materials.
The presence of polyester or other synthetic materials should not be a deal-breaker . Synthetics can help add texture to a knit by limiting the price increase, or help bind certain fibers together (particularly in the case of sweaters made from recycled fibers). We only ensure that the proportion of synthetics does not exceed 20, 25 or even a maximum of 30% - or you can find out more about the subject here .
Also, when you buy a sweater or cardigan, don't necessarily rely on the softness of the piece. Many brands treat their materials with softeners that fade after the first wash. Instead, find out about the fibers used and their fineness: those of merino sheep's wool, for example, are about 18 microns in diameter, which is quite fine and soft.
Apart from sheep's wool, there are more noble but also more expensive materials, such as cashmere or alpaca. Warmer and softer, they are also more fragile and more difficult to maintain.
Small maintenance point: never put a knit in the dryer or above 30ºC in the washing machine, wool program and gentle spin! It must be dried flat and never on a hanger, at the risk of completely deforming the piece.
To learn all about the different wools (lambswool, cashmere, alpaca, etc.), we invite you to read this article
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY INTEGRATE A SWEATER OR CARDIGAN INTO AN OUTFIT?
For a sweater, it is more prudent to start with a round neck - as for the t-shirt. It is a simple collar to sport .
Whether you wear your knitwear over a t-shirt, a shirt or directly against your skin , make sure it hugs your collarbones without constricting you.
The knit has a relief that allows you to play with textures. Don't hesitate to try combinations between your sweater and your coat (or your jacket), it's by trying that we improve.
In addition to sweaters, a good chunky knit cardigan, with or without a shawl collar , will be very useful for facing the winter . It can be easily worn over a t-shirt or shirt, but also a turtleneck.
A sweater not to be overlooked: the turtleneck sweater . It is an easy piece to match, which instantly adds a touch of elegance to your outfit. It fits as much in a formal register as in a casual outfit.
The main advantage of the turtleneck sweater is that it keeps you warm, and can replace a scarf in winter.
Discover our in-depth content on the turtleneck here:
OUR BONNEGUEULE MESHES
Our collection also includes our own knits , with textured knits and European manufacturing. You will also find other brands of sweaters and cardigans in our "brand recommendations" section.
4. The polo shirt: between casualness and elegance
The polo shirt is a bit of a unique type of top: it's an essential part of a good wardrobe because it's right between a t-shirt and a dress shirt on the formality scale . In other words, you can wear it in any context !
CHOOSE YOUR POLO SHIRT CAREFULLY
Make sure the quality of the fabric of your polo shirt is good. More suited to the spring/summer seasons, a good polo shirt must be flexible , breathable and durable . Once again, therefore, favor natural materials .
The polo collar is an essential subject : it must hold up and form a nice curve that follows the line of your shoulders. A collar that is too thin can twist or fold unsightly, which is not the goal!
Another important topic is color. Since polo shirts are multifunctional garments, make sure that the colors you choose match the rest of your wardrobe . Navy blue or a light gray are good colors to start with.
Finally, make sure that the seams are solid and do not deform if pulled. You can judge the quality of the seams by observing the overlock (the stitches executed astride the two edges of the fabric to be joined).
HOW TO WEAR YOUR POLO SHIRT
In theory, there are not many possible faux pas with a polo shirt. Especially if it is knitted, with a versatile texture and far from connotations. In a casual setting, we associate it with jeans, chinos or Bermuda shorts, and with sneakers or canvas shoes.
In a more serious setting, the polo shirt replaces the shirt, and brings that touch of lightness that goes well. It can be worn with a blazer and dress pants without any problem.
Serious doesn't necessarily mean uncomfortable: we therefore advise you to leave the last button open. You can wear it tucked into your pants (leaving a fold covering the waist) or untucked, provided that it is not too long and does not cover your entire posterior.
5. The overshirt: a very practical twist
The ultimate mid-season piece, the overshirt has established itself in recent years as a true basic in the men's wardrobe . Its strong points? Its versatility and its usefulness as a layering piece. It can be worn over a t-shirt and/or under a coat if it's cold: it's a garment with multiple uses, which is very easy to wear .
CHOOSE YOUR OVERSHIRT CAREFULLY
Choose a soft and breathable material , which will ensure maximum comfort when worn: you are not hot, you are not cold, you have style. Natural materials such as wool or cotton will be your friends. More durable and more beautiful than their synthetic or artificial counterparts, they are what will make the quality of your overshirt .
Make sure the details and finishes are up to par:
- beautiful buttons
- functional pockets
- ribbing that holds
- a collar that is well proportioned with respect to other details (pockets, cut of the overshirt)
HOW TO WEAR AN OVERSHIRT
This is a twist that works every time : a simple and basic outfit can be enhanced with an overshirt. It can easily be paired with a t-shirt, a shirt (not too tailored) or a polo shirt, with a little layering. On the legs, a good pair of jeans or casual chinos will do the trick.
If you want to see more ways to wear overshirts, we already talked about it here with an article , and there with a video .
OUR BONNEGUEULE OVERSHIRTS
We explore overshirts in various shapes and materials in our collection, always looking for something that will add something to your style. You will also find other overshirt brands in our "brand recommendations" section, "shirts" category.
That's it for the tops! Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and everyone may have their own definition of the word basic .
Next stop on our journey into the joyful world of basics? Bottoms and pants.
Do not hesitate to ask us any questions in the comments, we will be happy to answer you!
