Men's Basics

The best outfits rarely start with the boldest piece in your wardrobe. They start with a white T-shirt, a pair of well-fitting jeans and a jumper that goes with everything. Basics are the foundation of a wardrobe – and precisely because they are understated, they determine how good everything else looks.

Our men's basics collection mainly features knitwear, T-shirts and sweatshirts, along with underwear and socks. Most styles come in Regular or Relaxed Fit, in black, blue, green, grey, beige and white, and many are available in handy multipacks. Find out which essentials really belong in every wardrobe – some are in our basics collection, while others can be found in our other categories.

What are the must-haves for men?

If we had to choose the eight most important basics, these would be our picks:

The white T-shirt: A classic white tee is perhaps the most versatile item of clothing. Ever since Marlon Brando wore one in the 1951 film 'A Streetcar Named Desire', taking it from underwear to outerwear, it's been a wardrobe essential. Our tip: keep it plain, without eye-catching slogans, so it works under a blazer just as well as with joggers.
Dark jeans: The ideal basic jeans have a mid-rise waist and a straight leg – in other words, Regular Fit jeans like our Clark model. Dark denim without heavy fading is especially versatile and offers endless outfit combinations for different occasions.
The shirt: A good shirt is essential for every man. In white or light blue, it works at the office; worn open over a T-shirt, it's perfect for downtime. A tee and shirt together are a timeless, stylish combination.
The sweater: A classic sweatshirt or knitted jumper in grey, navy or beige belongs in every basics wardrobe. Wear it over a shirt, with a T-shirt or even beneath a blazer.
The hoodie: For everyday wear and weekends, a hoodie is the ultimate basic. You'll also find hooded sweatshirts and zip-up hoodies in our basics collection. A plain black, grey or navy style works with jeans, sweatpants or beneath a jacket.
Joggers: Comfortable at home and casual in town, simple grey or black joggers are now just as much a staple as jeans.
The leather jacket: A leather jacket never goes out of style. It originated in military pilots' flight jackets and became famous thanks to Marlon Brando in 'The Wild One'. This timeless fashion piece looks great with jeans and a tee or a hoodie.
White trainers: White trainers go with every outfit, from suits to shorts. The classic leather version looks smart enough for more dressed-up looks, too.

Men's Basics from JACK & JONES

At JACK & JONES, we've focused on this kind of everyday clothing for more than 30 years – denim, T-shirts, sweatshirts and knitwear that fit your lifestyle. And because our basics collection is built mainly around knitwear, tees and sweatshirts, you'll find the pieces you wear every day.

Most come in Regular Fit: straight, comfortable and uncomplicated. Almost as many are available in Relaxed Fit, with a little more room around the chest and sleeves. If you prefer a roomier look, you'll also find Loose, Wide and Oversize fits; for a closer silhouette, choose Slim Fit. Black, blue and green lead the colour palette, followed closely by grey, beige and white – shades that are easy to mix and match.

Stock up on basics in multipacks

You rarely need just one pair of socks, one pair of boxer shorts or one T-shirt. That's why many of our basics come in packs of 2, 3, 5 or even 7 – a practical way to refresh your essentials all at once. Find them in our multipacks collection.

Keep your basics looking good for longer

Basics get worn and washed a lot. A few simple habits will help keep them in shape:

Wash T-shirts and sweatshirts inside out at low temperatures to keep colours and fabric surfaces looking fresh.
Avoid the tumble dryer when possible to prevent shrinking.
Lay knitwear flat to dry instead of hanging it up, so it doesn't stretch out of shape.
Separate light and dark clothing to help whites stay white.

Three layers, one look

Basics really shine when you combine them. For daytime, a tee, jeans and trainers are all you need. Add an open shirt and a bomber jacket to make it an evening outfit. The easiest formula is three layers – T-shirt, shirt or sweater, jacket – in no more than three colours. Simple accessories, such as sunglasses, a leather belt or a watch, complete the look.

Build on the basics

Once you've got your essentials sorted, the rest comes naturally. Explore our men's clothing for pieces that build on them: jeans for every fit, jackets for every season and loungewear for relaxing at home. With the right basics as your foundation, everything comes together.