Spring is when a lot of guys start changing up their clothes.
Don’t get me wrong. Winter menswear is one of my favorites, but it can get a little dark after a time.
Spring is the time of year when you should start wearing brighter colors and lighter fabrics in your clothing.
You might be wondering what specific products would help you demonstrate that you have finally awoken from your winter slumber.
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite spring essentials that will help you get ready for the spring.
These options are listed in no particular sequence, and one of the nicest things about them is that you can mix and match them to design some amazing costumes, regardless of your age or body type. They’ll even last you until the end of the summer.
Table of Contents
Henley
This is a highly contentious shirt, as most men should not be wearing it.
However, if some elements are already in place, it’s a piece that can function incredibly well, especially during the spring months.
I’m going to tell it as it is. This isn’t something that every man can do. Henley is most effective on muscular and thinner men.
The reason behind this is that the henley was created as an underlayer rather than an outer layer in the first place. As a result, they have a very trim fit over your body, especially through your shoulders and arms, which can look quite sexy if you’re in shape, but can appear very unflattering if you’re not.
Also, if you are skinny, you should get the fit correct because it might work against you by emphasizing your thinness, which is why I like to layer henleys under something heavier like a great jacket.
The rest is up to you after that. The choice is yours: two buttons, four buttons, short sleeve, long sleeve, darker colors, lighter colors.
Just remember to pull up the sleeves and show off your forearms if you’re wearing a long sleeve.
When it comes to spring colors, my usual rule is that the hotter the weather becomes, the lighter your colors should be, and vice versa.
Light Jeans
Light wash denim jeans are a seasonal garment that should only be worn in the spring and summer.
They’re a less formal, more comfortable, more breathable variant of its indigo-colored cousin.
They’re suitable for men of all ages, much like chinos, but you should be cautious about how light you go.
They also go nicely with a number of the items on this list.
Also, and this should go without saying, no rips or intentional distressing should be present. This rule applies to the entirety of your wardrobe.
Light-wash jeans go with anything, from tees to Oxfords to polo shirts in a variety of colors.
They’ll be an item you’ll be wearing until the fall, so invest in a couple of nice quality ones to last you until then.
Polo
The second item on my list is a nice quality polo shirt, which is something that never goes out of style.
This simple and timeless piece is a must-have addition to your spring wardrobe.
Button-Down Shirt with Long Sleeves
I adore flannel shirts in the winter, but now is the time to start replacing them with something a little lighter and more breathable.
This leads me to the next item on my shopping list: a long-sleeve button-down shirt.
Long-sleeve shirts, which are essentially the focal point of your ensemble, can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair them with.
If you’re going on a first date and want to make a good impression, put on a great pair of fitting jeans.
When the weather turns hot, slip on a pair of shorts and a pair of white sneakers.
The particular sort of shirt you choose is entirely up to you, but if you don’t already have one, I’d recommend starting with the basics, such as an Oxford in both white and light blue.
If you really want to express yourself with your clothing, you can then move on to more daring colors or patterns.
If you’re searching for a classic European aesthetic, a chambray shirt is a good option. Chambray is a light blue shirt that looks like denim and may be worn with a variety of outfits.
If the weather warms up and you want to flaunt that lovely forearm, make sure you know how to roll your sleeves appropriately.
Chinos
One of my favorite things about spring style, in case you haven’t realized, is that it’s all about shifting from darker to lighter colors.
The following item on my list, chinos, exemplifies this transformation better than any other.
You probably already own a pair of denim jeans, but I’m going to say something bold: chinos are just as versatile as jeans. At least in the springtime.
Chinos are often mistakenly associated with college students, European Vespa riders, and your boomer father.
However, they are traditional, casual, and comfortable pants that can be worn in a variety of ways by almost any man.
By way of chinos I’m not talking about khakis.
Khaki is basically just a light brown tint, although chinos come in a variety of colors.
If this is your first pair, I’d choose a slim fit chino or a straight leg if you’re a bigger guy, and a solid blue tone that you can easily replace your jeans with.
After that, I’d opt for a pair in a lighter sand tone, which looks great with both darker and lighter top half pieces.
Classic Denim Jacket
It’s time to rethink what you’re wearing as an outer layer now that the weather is finally starting to warm up.
The classic denim or trucker jacket is my personal favorite when it comes to buying a jacket for spring.
Denim jackets are a classic, rough, and surprisingly adaptable jacket of menswear.
If this is your first time, I’d suggest going with a dark wash because it can be worn up or down and has a slimming appearance.
If you want it to gently embrace your body with the length finishing just above your waist and the sleeves ending just above your wrist, you might want to go down a size.
If you want to dress it up a little, I’d recommend chinos, black jeans, or some wool pants instead of a denim jacket and blue jeans, unless you want to go full Canadian tuxedo.
Crewneck Sweater
The weather is getting brighter and warmer now that spring has arrived.
However, it’s not quite time for the beach yet, and you’ll need a few key pieces of apparel to keep you warm until speedo season officially begins.
This leads me to my next spring essential: a crewneck sweater.
Sweaters are typically associated with the fall and winter seasons, but they can also be worn in the spring, especially when made of brighter colors and lighter fibers like cotton or cashmere.
One of its best qualities is that, when styled appropriately, they can be worn with almost anything, from casual jeans and sneakers to more formal shirt and tie ensembles.
Your crewneck sweater should fit like a glove, just like Henley’s, and it should only be worn as a layering piece beneath a jacket if you’re a bigger guy.
It will just make you look bigger if worn as a top layer.
Before you start playing with colors, I’d suggest starting with a traditional gray cotton or cashmere crewneck and maybe a black or camel tone.
If you get the fit just right, you’ll have an item that will last you all year.
