Image via Complex Original
Whether you’re preoccupied with school, a full-time job, or an exhausting list of side hustles, it’s safe to assume you’re a pretty busy guy. We understand the chaotic work week is overwhelming at times, so much so that it can be easy to forget about your everyday style essentials; you know, the gear that makes life either more convenient, efficient, or just simply more comfortable.
Well, in an effort to alleviate the unnecessary stress, we’ve compiled a list of must-have items for guys on the go. Everything from sensible clothing to grooming products to practical tech devices are included in the round up. And, of course, all featured pieces look pretty damn sharp.
So if you’re a dude who’s looking to make your everyday life a whole lot easier, check out the list below. And don’t say we never did anything for you.
Related: The Best Men's Style Brands of 2016
Levi's® Motion 514™ Straight Fit
There’s a reason why jeans have been, and will always be, a menswear staple. They’re relaxed, durable, and easy to pair with almost anything. But these Levi’s® 514™ Straight Fit jeans are especially ideal for the everyday hustle, as they not only look good, but are also extremely comfortable.
The straight-fit cut has a classic appeal that’s appropriate for nearly any occasion; however, the X factor is that they’re constructed with the brand’s Motion technology—a new high-performance soft fabric with extra stretch for added mobility.
S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle
When it comes to getting through a long day, hydration is key—especially if you’re constantly moving. But we know it can be easy to neglect your water intake when you’re faced with a never-ending to-do list. Just don’t let it become a habit. In order to properly function and avoid a bout of dehydration, you’re going to need some water ready at any given moment. So we suggest never leaving the house without a slick water bottle, like this stainless steel S'well joint that keeps beverages cold for 24 hours, or hot for 12 hours.
WANT Les Essentiels Carry-All Bag
You’re going to need a bag to carry all your junk in, so you might as well invest in a piece that will last season after season. You want it to not only feature top-tier construction, but also have a sleek look that is extremely versatile. Take this WANT Les Essentiels tote for instance.
Available in three understated colorways, this bag comes with four interior pockets, a detachable crossbody strap, and Italian leather details—proving practicality can also be luxe.
Chapped Lip Remedy by Buckler's
Is there anything worse than having chapped lips? Sure there is, but having a crusty, dried-up kisser can be a pain. So it’s important you always have a remedy on hand, like this Buckler's no-shine lip balm, infused with SPF 12.
Made from peppermint, avocado oil, and shea butter, this product prevents dryness and locks in moisture for hours on end. And believe us, this little tube can be a life-saver when it comes to making a good first impression.
WTAPS Cotton Cap
If you’re going to be out and about during the day, it’s vital you protect yourself from the elements. One easy way to do this is by copping a simple headwear piece you can easily slide into your existing wardrobe. Enter Japanese favorite WTAPS, which presented this minimalist five-panel cap as a part of its Spring/Summer 2015 collection. Notice how there’s no bold branding or head-turning patterns—just a clean logo patch, tonal woven eyelets, and an adjustable leather strap. And did we mention it’s constructed from lightweight, durable cotton? You’ll be glad you have one of these when the sweaty realities of summer set in.
Triple C Power Card Charger
We hate to admit it, but in this day and age, electronics are essential in performing our everyday tasks. Whether it be smart phones, tablets, or laptops, at some point we need to access these devices to get our jobs done; so it’s important we have them charged at all times. But what if you’re in a situation where your battery is at 10 percent and there’s not an outlet in sight? In regular circumstances, you really can’t do a thing but have an internal panic attack, however, if you’re equipped with the Triple C Power Card Charger, you can rest easy.
This life-saving device is compatible with iPhones, mobile phones, speakers, and a slew of other electronics that can be charged with a USB cable. It’s also very easy to carry around as it is said to be the lightest and thinnest (5mm) charger in the world.
Acne Studios Nylon Face Jacket
Fickle weather has the potential of completely ruining your day. But that’s less likely to happen if you’ve got your layering game on lock. Is the weather too hot? Peel off a layer. Too wet or cold? Just add another. It’s a pretty simple and obvious concept, but, again, you want to execute this in a way that reflects your personal style and taste. So why not cop a piece like this Acne Studios coach’s jacket?
It’s made from nylon, so you know it’s going to be lightweight and easy to carry around. But the best part of this design is its awesome details, like snap closures, a drawstring hem, and a water-repellant shell with subtle padding.
Beats by Dre Wireless Headphones
Sometimes the only way to get through the day is to tune everything out. If you’re lucky enough to have this option, you should definitely have some quality headphones on deck, like these Beats by Dre wireless joints.
Available in a wide range of colorways, this device has dual-mode adaptive noise canceling features, as well as a 12-hour rechargeable battery. Throw them on during a long commute or when you’re engaging in solo work; they may very well prevent a complete meltdown.
Illesteva Mirrored Lenses Sunglasses
Sunglasses are awesome. They up your cool factor by several degrees and also provide some much-needed protection from the glaring sun—especially during the spring and summer months.
So instead of creeping out your fellow pedestrians with your squinty face, be sure to always leave the house with a clean, classic pair. If you don’t already have sunglasses in your wardrobe, then you should check out these handmade acetate frames by Illesteva. They’re sharp, high quality, and come with UV-protection lenses.
Tanner Goods Key Lanyard
Losing your keys is a straight-up crisis. It happens to everybody, probably more than a few times, but it never gets easier to deal with. After a few minutes of searching, panic starts to set it. You become distressed, then annoyed, and eventually your whole routine is thrown off.
But there’s a simple solution that may prevent all the trouble: a key lanyard. This one was created by leather specialists Tanner Goods, and it is one of the best looking we’ve seen out there. It’s clean, high quality, and, above all, very functional. The rugged leather strap is intended to wrap around your belt loop and secure with a custom brass button, so you’ll always have your keys by your side.
New Balance M996 Sneakers
If you’re on the move all day, you want to make sure your feet are comfortable. Now, we understand the importance of sensible footwear, but you don’t want to rock shoes that look like they serve an orthopedic function. They need to give you support, provide plenty of cushion, and remind the world that you actually take style into consideration. We recommend these New Balance M996 sneakers because, well, they give you all of that.
Made in the U.S. from top-tier suede, these kicks are the perfect addition for your everyday sneaker rotation. They also feature 3M detailing for an added technical touch.
Reigning Champ White Tee
Ah, the white tee. Chances are you have plenty in your closet or dresser, so we’re not going to waste a bunch of time explaining how essential they are. But we will advise you to invest in a higher-quality variation, like this Reigning Champ cotton-jersey tee. It was handmade in Canada using ring-spun cotton yarns, which resulted in a stronger and noticeably smoother finish. This basic item will undoubtedly be a wardrobe staple all year round, so you want to make sure they’re going to last. Buy them in bulk and always have an extra tee or two at your desk or in your bag. You might not always need it, but you’ll be glad you stowed one away when there’s an emergency.