No matter how much you like dressing to the nines and showing off a cultivated taste for men’s fashion, everyone’s favorite way to dress is casual.
It’s easy, it’s comfortable, it makes you feel your best.
Take it from me—I wore the same zip hoodie to school every day for about six months during my freshman year of highschool. Amidst the many discomforts and anxiety-inducing situations that highschool had to offer, casual clothes were a safe space that I could control.
It’s easy to say the same thing about adulthood—with all the things we can’t control and endless responsibilities on our too-small plates, dressing casually is a sigh of relief.
That said, wearing football sweatshirts and baggy, torn jeans every time you leave the house for a casual outing is potentially taking the concept of “casual” too far.
I had ditched my highschool sweatshirt years ago, but still felt the draw to hoodie and jeans outfits whenever I left the house. Since I want to give the impression of a thoughtful, put-together individual but still want the comfort that casual clothing provides, I decided to look for casual men’s clothing brands that take an elevated approach to these styles.
After trying the bestsellers of close to 100 brands as a style reviewer here at The Adult Man, I’ve narrowed down my favorites to these six.
What Makes a Brand “Casual”?
A casual brand is one that makes clothing for everyday life. Everyday clothes can be jeans, chinos, hoodies, sweaters, button-downs, t-shirts, and more.
Quality casual brands, like the six in this article, are in the business of creating durable, well-constructed clothing that looks neat and keeps you comfortable.
If your definition of casual entails ripped jeans and stud-encrusted t-shirts like the entire cast of Jersey Shore, this might be a rude awakening.
When I say “casual”, I’m referring to an outfit you could wear to a casual workspace, a brewery’s happy hour, or dinner with your in-laws. Probably best to pass on the jean shorts and wife beaters.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Outpost Makers | Buckle
While Buckle is commonly known as a hub for other casual clothing brands, the brand actually has a number of their own clothing lines.
Their Outpost Makers line, which is a happy mix of rugged and metropolitan styles, gets my pick for the top men’s casual clothing brand.
Featuring rugged flannels and jeans alongside quilted quarter zip and cable-knit sweaters, Buckle’s Outpost Makers has all the essential items to build a quality, stylish casual wardrobe.
Outpost Makers also has a line of boots with modern, tough styles to help finish your outfit and make it stand out.
I’m a big fan of the brand’s shirt jackets, which they refer to as “shackets.” They come in a greater variety of styles, colors, and fabrics than I’ve seen from any other brand, and they’re perfect for transitional weather date nights, happy hours, and even some casual work environments.
The best part?
The price.
Most sweaters, shackets, and jeans fall in the range of $60-$85, which, for a durable piece of clothing that won’t disintegrate after three washes, is a good deal.
What I Like
- For every rugged, Western-style piece of clothing, Outpost Makers has an equivalent metropolitan piece.
- Large selection of shackets, quarter-zips, and other versatile pieces that function as outerwear or a top layer.
- The prices are affordable for well-constructed, durable pieces that will stand the test of time.
What I Don’t Like
- They almost have too large a clothing catalog—it’s difficult to get a full scope of all the pieces they offer.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviews for Buckle’s Outpost Makers are overwhelmingly positive. Happy customers love the wide selection of rugged and sophisticated styles, and many were pleased with how the jeans and flannels fit.
Of the negative reviews I could find, several mentioned that their sweaters ran slightly large. It may be worth sizing down if you’re between sizes.
The Verdict
Buckle’s Outpost Makers is everything you could want in a casual men’s clothing brand. There’s a huge selection of styles, the quality is top-notch, and the pieces are affordable.
If you’re looking to revamp your casual wardrobe and want a surefire place to find some new staple pieces, this is a great place to start.
Buckle’s Outpost Makers is everything you could want in a casual men’s clothing brand. There’s a huge selection of styles, the quality is top-notch, and the pieces are affordable. If you’re looking to revamp your casual wardrobe and want a surefire place to find some new staple pieces, this is a great place to start.
Best Casual T-Shirts: Fresh Clean Threads
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve worn a t-shirt twice and then had to give it away because it shrunk in the wash.
Fresh Clean Threads solves this problem in several ways.
First, quality t-shirts.
Many of their tees are made from a blend of cotton and polyester, which prevents the shirt from shrinking but also makes it crazy soft. In their own words, “It’s like wearing a cloud.”
Second, they sell their tees in bundles of varying sizes, with varying colors so you can knock out your need for basic tees in one fell swoop. Even better, you can sign up for their subscription service, which may be a good option for you if you’re a guy who always replaces his old tees a few months too late.
Apart from t-shirts, the brand also makes joggers, polos, outerwear, socks, and other men’s basics.
What I Like
- Their t-shirts are made from a blend of cotton and polyester, which makes them soft and comfortable to wear and prevents them from shrinking.
- They have a huge selection of t-shirt styles and colors that are perfect base layers.
- The subscription option guarantees free shipping on your favorite t-shirt packs, and also keeps your wardrobe stocked with fresh tees on autopilot.
What I Don’t Like
- Cotton and polyester blend shirts can be too thin for some.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
It’s safe to say that Fresh Clean Threads has a cult following. Satisfied buyers love how soft the shirts are, how well they fit, and how they don’t shrink or get worn out after three washes.
Of the few negative reviews I found, several reviewers reported that the fabric was too thin for their liking.
The Verdict
Fresh Clean Threads takes all the pain out of finding quality t-shirts. With a variety of different fits, colors, and styles they make it easy to find your go-to t-shirts, and make it even easier by selling them in packs or with a subscription option.
If you’re looking for quality, soft tees that you can keep coming back to, check out Fresh Clean Threads.
Fresh Clean Threads' tees have a unique, flattering fit that emphasizes your shoulders and doesn't swallow your arms. The cotton-polyester blend holds its color well and doesn't wrinkle easily.
Best Premium: Everlane
If you’re looking for casual, minimalist clothing that’s made with premium construction materials, look no further than Everlane.
The brand has an approachable lineup of metropolitan, sleek clothing, from jeans and performance chinos to flannels and parkas.
The simple styles and muted earth tones of the majority of their clothing make for pieces that are timeless and won’t be going out of style any time soon.
What I Like
- Their casual clothing is sleek, minimalist, and not going to go out of style.
- They use premium construction materials along with recycled to make quality, sustainable clothing.
- Their commitment to business transparency gives me confidence that I’m not being up-charged an arm and a leg.
What I Don’t Like
- Despite the business transparency, their products still aren’t cheap.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Overall, Everlane has rave reviews from its customers. Reviewers are particularly satisfied with how the jackets, t-shirts, and button-downs fit, and they love the minimalist styles and colors.
Several reviewers had issues with the waist sizing on Everlane’s popular pairs of pants, but these reviews were few and far between.
The Verdict
Everlane keeps casual clothing simple with sleek, metropolitan styles. Their minimalist approach to clothing design ensures that these evergreen pieces will stand the test of time and never go out of style.
If you’re looking for some classy, simple casual clothes to add to your wardrobe, and you’ve got the budget to support it, Everlane is well worth a look.
With their high-quality essentials apparel and an ethical approach to clothing production, it's no surprise that Everlane is fast becoming the go-to retailer of choice for guys who like to keep it simple.
Most Versatile: Western Rise
Western Rise likes the idea of a pair of pants that you can wear on a hike, but also wear to the office.
This casual clothing outfitter is all about versatility. Their performance garments are meant to be worn all day, through any combination of activities, and stand up well to the task.
Although they have only a modest selection of clothing, that’s kind of their point: do more with less.
These basics are stylistically simple, but appropriate for hiking, biking, happy hours, office functions, and everyday use.
What I Like
- The brand’s expertise in technical fabrics is evident in the versatility and functionality of their clothing.
- Their products are designed to be as simple as possible and pack away easily, which makes them great for travel.
- The brand has prioritized sustainable business practices and all of their technical fabrics are 100% carbon neutral.
What I Don’t Like
- Their clothing catalog is small, but still offers a good selection of casual basics.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Western Rise has truckloads of positive reviews, especially regarding their performance pants. Satisfied customers love the stretch and all day comfort the pants provide, especially for those with active lifestyles.
Of the few negative reviews I could find, several had to do with the fit being too small or too slim for heavier customers. Most of Western Rise’s products are slim cut, but I’m sure they’ll be expanding their product lines to include larger fittings soon.
The Verdict
In a day and age that endorses excess, Western Rise is here to advocate for doing more with less. Their lineup of simple, technical casuals is great for active lifestyles, and versatile enough to transfer between hikes, breweries, and the office without a hitch.
If you’re in the market for a set of performance casuals that you can use all day every day without discomfort, check out Western Rise.
The team behind Western Rise are experts with technical fabrics, and they’ve reimagined wardrobe staples with the modern world in mind. Though they have somewhat limited sizing, you can take these light, packable, and fashionable clothes anywhere.
Best Heavy-Duty: Taylor Stitch
If L.L. Bean had a younger, more stylish and aesthetic brother, it would be Taylor Stitch.
Like L.L. Bean, the brand has an expansive selection of durable, casual basics that are great for outdoor activities or relaxing by the fire and reading a book, but Taylor Stitch also mixes in a sophisticated, metropolitan edge.
The brand is a shirting company at its core, and many of its most popular products are still its button-downs, but they also offer jeans, pants, tees, outerwear, and fun accessories like pens, knives, and candles.
Taylor Stitch is all about durability. Each product has been meticulously designed to “wear in, not out” and stand the
They’ve learned the secrets of storied clothing manufacturers from around the US to adopt the highest quality construction practices, and they also partner with environmental protection companies to keep the world wild and beautiful.
What I Like
- Taylor Stitch’s clothes have a rugged, sophisticated vibe that feels manly and durable.
- They have a huge selection of button-downs that are great for active lifestyles, the office, or everyday wear.
- All of their products are simple, understated, won’t be out of style any time soon, and place construction quality over flashy designs.
What I Don’t Like
- This construction quality and durability comes at a steep price, which may be restrictive for those on a budget.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Taylor Stitch is well-loved by many. Many positive reviewers noted how their shirts, t-shirts, and jackets fit, and remarked on the impressive construction quality that doesn’t wear out over time.
The few negative reviews I could find noted some inconsistencies in the color of clothes from the product photos to what they actually received. These reviews were few and far between, however, and the majority of customers were enthusiastic about all aspects of their purchase.
The Verdict
Taylor Stitch strikes the ideal balance of rugged, sophisticated, durable clothing. I’m a big fan of their shirts, boots, and outerwear, which might not be cheap but will last for the long haul.
If you’re looking for rugged, tough casuals that keep your style timeless and refined, take a look at Taylor Stitch.
Taylor Stitch uses crowdfunding to ensure they make just enough to meet demand without overstocking so they can keep their prices lower. The brand has a unique, wear-for-life ethos that we can get behind.
Best Sustainable: Outerknown
If you’re in need of updated, refined casuals but want to support a company that prioritizes the environment, you can’t do better than Outerknown.
The brand is outspoken about their passion for protecting the environment and supporting fair labor, and publishes an annual review that shows actionable data on how they’ve used more sustainable products in manufacturing and practiced fair labor laws.
Their casuals have a coastal touch of the Pacific Northwest, where mountains meet the ocean. I’m a big fan of this style, and their clothing looks cozy, durable, and great for a variety of situations.
They’re especially known for their shirt jackets and sweatpants, but also have a great selection of jeans, board shirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.
What I Like
- The coastal vibe to their clothing is unique, refined, and brings an elevated sense to otherwise casual clothing items.
- Their commitment to sustainable business practices, fair labor, and protecting the environment makes me feel good about buying their clothing.
- Rather than throwing out your old Outerknown clothes, you can resell it on their in-house resale service, Outerworn.
What I Don’t Like
- Using recycled materials in construction and utilizing sustainable business practices unfortunately commands a premium price for their clothes.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Outerknown’s clothes have rave reviews. From the fit and style to the construction quality and materials, reviewers have almost nothing but good thing to say about their shirts jackets, jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants, and board shorts.
The few negative reviews I could find had to do with order fulfillment, but there were only a few of these and they seemed to be resolved by the Outerknown team.
The Verdict
Outerknown is an easy choice for sustainable, environmentally-conscious casuals. Their clothing has the coastal vibe of the Pacific Northwest, is simple and durable, and is made with a responsibility for the environment in mind.
If you’re in the market for tasteful, cozy casuals that embody environmental protection practices, you can’t go wrong with Outerknown.
Backed by surf legend Kelly Slater, Outerknown makes trunks from recycled water bottles and beach-ready gear that will make you say "dude" more often than you'd like.
2 Key Things to Consider When Building a Casual Wardrobe
When building a casual wardrobe, it’s important to consider your personal style. If you’re into the rugged, durable look, start with brands like Buckle’s Outpost Makers or Taylor Stitch.
If you prefer a sleek, understated style, check out Everlane and Western Rise.
The other consideration is your budget. Casual clothes don’t need to break the bank, so I recommend getting quality, durable basics that will stand the
Once you have a good base of basic items, if you have the money for it, mix in some statement basics, like patterned shirt jackets or sweaters that will elevate your casual game.
Get Casual
Building a casual wardrobe is more than just going to Walmart and buying jeans and a hoodie. Between these six brands, there’s something for everyone who wants casuals that reflect their personal style.
If you want a mix of rugged, Western and sleek, sophisticated casuals, get started with Buckle’s Outpost Makers. Their catalog is expansive, offering a little something for everyone, and is affordable and high quality.
Buckle’s Outpost Makers is everything you could want in a casual men’s clothing brand. There’s a huge selection of styles, the quality is top-notch, and the pieces are affordable. If you’re looking to revamp your casual wardrobe and want a surefire place to find some new staple pieces, this is a great place to start.
T-shirts are a staple in any man’s casual wardrobe, and my favorite place to get them is from Fresh Clean Threads.
If you like minimalist, simple clothing that won’t phase out of fashion, check out Everlane or Western Rise. I recommend Western Rise if you want performance clothing that’s versatile in a host of different situations.
If you want rugged, durable casuals that will go the long haul, get started with Taylor Stitch.
Lastly, if you want to support a company that protects the environment, check out Outerknown.
Know someone who needs to retire his football sweatshirts permanently? Share this article with them—they’ll thank you when effortlessly stylish and still comfortable.
FAQs
Where should I buy quality men’s basics?
Buckle’s Outpost Makers brand is a great place to start for quality men’s basics.
When should you dress in casual style?
You should dress in casual style for running errands, going to breweries, lounging at home, and in casual office environments.
What is the most comfortable clothing brand for men?
Buckle’s Outpost Makers’ quality fabrics and construction process make for affordable, comfortable clothing that will last for the long haul.
