Wardrobe Essentials for College Guys - Complete Guide

As a guy in college guy, it’s important to have the right clothing essentials in your wardrobe. You’ll need clothes to wear to class and lectures, as well as for nicer occasions both on and off the college campus.

If you’re going to college for the first time, this is a great time to freshen up your wardrobe with some basics as well as classic pieces that suit your personality.

As a recent college graduate, I share college wardrobe essential for guys that are actually in style right now. Most of these clothing items are budget friendly basics that you’ll wear throughout your college years.

From everyday outfits you can wear to class, to dressier outfits that you can wear for internships and presentations, this college guys clothing list has everything you need.

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College Wardrobe Essentials for Guys

Getting ready for college can be exciting and overwhelming. However, this list of wardrobe essentials for college guys will help you to get organized and prepared.

This men’s clothing packing list includes everything you need for your upcoming college semester! From the college dorm, to class, to study dates and sports, use this as a clothing checklist for college guys.

T-Shirts

T-shirts are a basic wardrobe essential that every college guy needs. These days, a nice white t-shirt makes a great base for a stylish and casual outfit.

Whether it’s a white t-shirt, graphic tees, or a few basic t-shirts, you are going to want to have a few different shirts in your college wardrobe.

How many should you bring? If you’re staying in a dorm room, your storage space will tight. However, since t-shirts are an important basic, packing 5-10 t-shirts will get you through the semester.

It’s a good idea to start off with less, since you’ll likely get a few free t-shirts from college campus events. Promotional t-shirts will be given out at student union events, cultural days and theme days.

Throughout my time in college, I would attend campus events for the free t-shirts and they were perfect for wearing around my dorm or to the gym.

Tip: Get a pack of Hanes 6 basic white or black tees, which can be worn on it’s own or under a sweater or crew neck in the fall.

Polo Shirts

As a guy in college, it’s important to have a few different styles of tops. While a t-shirt is very casual, a polo style shirt is a little bit of a nicer look and a must in any guy’s wardrobe.

A collared polo style shirt is perfect to wear for events around campus, to lectures, as well as to parties and on dates. Polo shirts look great with a pair of jeans and leather sneakers.

It’s best to have 2-3 polo shirts for the semester, so that you can change up your outfit and look.

Casual Button-Up Shirts

Your college wardrobe should include 1 or 2 button-up shirts. There will be occasional times when having a button up shirt will come in handy during the college semester.

Depending on your program, you may have class presentations that will require you to look a bit more professional. Your casual button-up shirt is great for those occasions, as well as on campus events, job interviews and even going out to a club.

Tip: Make sure to pack an iron or clothes steamer for college so that you can iron your shirts. A big mistake college guys often make is to wear a wrinkled button-up shirt to class.

Dress Shirt

A dress shirt is an essential item for any man’s wardrobe. However, dressing up isn’t required for most college programs, so having only 1 dress shirt will be enough.

Keep in mind that may need to wear a dress shirt for a formal event, job interview or for a presentation. A white dress shirt is the perfect choice, as it will be versatile and it goes nicely with a professional wardrobe.

Tip: Always make sure to hang up your dress shirt and have it ironed or pressed.

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Hoodies

Be sure to pack a couple of hoodies to wear with jeans or joggers. You can bring these from home or consider buying a hoodie with your college name or logo, which is very popular with many college students.

You can purchase school merchandise at the clothing store on campus. A school hoodie is great for wearing around campus on colder days or when you are hanging out with your friends.

As a guy who likes dress comfortably, hoodies were definitely part of my everyday wardrobe when at college.

Crew Neck Sweaters

Your college clothing list should include at least one crew neck sweater. Crew necks are very popular among college guys and look great with a pair of joggers or jeans.

A crew neck sweater is a great way to level up your personal style. Crew necks are comfortable, trendy and a versatile top for any guy’s outfit.

Tip: If you want to show school pride, you can find find a crew neck with your college’s name and logo on it at your schools apparel store.

Half-Zip Sweater

A fall or winter guy’s college wardrobe item to include is a half-zip sweater. Half-zip sweaters have a very nice fit and will make your arms, shoulders and chest look bigger. If you want to take your style game to the next level, I highly suggesting adding this shirt to your list.

Half-zip sweaters are great for wearing to lectures, around campus or to college parties. Having 1-2 half-zip sweaters will make your college outfits look very stylish.

I typically wear a half-zip sweater with a white shirt underneath. This is a classy look that will get you tons of compliments.

Spring and Fall Jacket

It’s important to have the right outerwear for every semester. Fall and spring months will require you to have at least one versatile jacket.

Some great options for college guys are a bomber jacket, jean jacket or sherpa jacket. Wearing a lightweight jacket is a great way to layer your outfit and improve your personal style.

Tip: When shopping for a jacket, consider buying one in a neutral color such as beige, tan, black, gray or navy, so that it will look good with all your outfits.

Jeans, Joggers and Cargo Pants

Jeans, joggers and cargo pants are great styles of pants for guys in college or university. These pants are perfect for walking around campus, going to parties, going on dates and hanging out with friends.

The most popular and trendy jeans for college guys these days are slim-fit and straight leg jeans. One style of je college guys may want to avoid, as they are out of style for guys, are skinny jeans.

Joggers and cargo pants are very popular among college students this year. In fact, college guys will look great wearing a pair of joggers or cargo pants to college parties and around campus.

Chino Pants

Chino pants have a classic look and they can be worn with many different guy’s outfits, including a button-up, polo or dress shirt.

The reason chino pants are so good for college, is because they are very versatile. Chino pants can be worn during lectures, when you’re hanging out with friends and even after college once you reach the real world.

If you’re want to have a professional wardrobe, you’ll want to bring least 2 pairs of chino pants with you to college.

Tip: If you’re shopping for chino pants, experiment with different colors. Khakis are a classic color that looks good, but consider trying blue, grey and green chino pants for a trendier look.

Sweatpants

Can you wear sweatpants in college? Absolutely!

Guys in college will want to have at least two pair of sweatpants. Sweatpants are perfect for walking around your dorm or when you are hanging out with friends.

If you want a more stylish pair of sweatpants, look for styles that are cuffed around the ankles. Cuffed sweatpants will look better and they will show off your shoes.

Chino Shorts

During the warmer months, you may want wear shorts at school. Chino shorts are perfect, as they aren’t too sporty or casual for a class environment.

Chino shorts are stylish and they have a classy look. If you want a comfortable outfit that require minimal effort to put together, try wearing chino shorts with a crew neck sweater.

This outfit will look good and it’s very comfortable. If you plan on wearing chino shorts a lot, I would bring between 2-3 pairs to college.

Gym Shorts

If you’re a college guy that likes to workout or play sports, make sure to pack some gym shorts. If you exercise frequently, your college packing list should included least two pair of athletic shorts.

Gym shorts are perfect for physical education class, the gym and for when you play sports.

Tip: Many college freshman make the mistake of becoming sedentary, so make sure to stay active and have the right clothing for your physical activities.

Sneakers

In college, you will want to bring at least two pairs of sneakers. I always recommend bringing a pair of white shoes and a pair of black shoes, that way you can rotate between the two.

A pair of white sneakers is best for days where the weather is nice. Wear your black shoes on rainy days as these shoes will be easier to clean.

Make sure that you have at least one pair of running shoes. You will want to have a pair of running shoes for when you go to the gym or if you’re playing sports with your friends.

Here are a few shoe recommendations for college guys:

Nike Dunks
Adidas Ultraboost
Nike Blazer Mid 77′
Converse Chuck 70’s
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops
Adidas Stan Smith
Nike Air Force 1

Recommended: 20 Most Popular Shoes for College Guys

Dress Shoes (optional)

You may need a pair of black dress shoes for nicer occasions in college. If you are studying business, or another program that requires you to dress in formal attire, then you should bring a pair of dress shoes.

In college, you may have a big event, a formal interview, or an important presentation, so consider packing a pair of dress shoes!

Backpack

One of the most important college essentials is your backpack. Not only will you want a backpack that looks good, but you should get one that is comfortable and can fit all of your belongings.

It’s important to invest in a good backpack for college. Throughout college, you will be wearing your backpack each and everyday!

Brands like JanSport, Herschel, Lululemon and North Face, make great backpacks for college students.

If you’re looking for backpacks, this article will help: 12 Best Backpacks For College Guys – By a Recent Graduate

Socks

Many people overlook this one, but don’t forget to pack socks! It’s important to bring at least 10 pairs of socks that are comfortable and have the fit you are looking for.

You can choose between ankle socks, low socks or high socks. Personally, I like ankle socks, but I do wear low socks with certain shoes. Socks are a quick and easy way to improve your personal style.

Underwear

Underwear is a college essential that must never be forgotten!

When you’re going to college, bring at least 10 pairs of underwear. It’s important to bring underwear that you know is comfortable and that you enjoy wearing.

Most people won’t see your underwear, so buy your underwear from the brand that you personally like the most!

Accessories for College Guys

As a college guy, it’s important to accessories your outfit. Accessorizing is a great way to standout and develop your own unique style.

Don’t be afraid to try new accessories and to be different from others. College is a great place to experiment with different styles and aesthetics.

Belts

When you’re going off to college, make sure to pack at least one belt. You will need a belt for when you wear chino pants, jeans and dress pants.

During your high school days, you may have been able to get away with not wearing a belt. However, now that you’re in college, you are going to want to wear a belt with your pants.

Tie (optional)

If you are bringing a suit to college, then pack a tie. Personally, I don’t like to wear ties, however they are an essential part of dressing formally.

Watch

Whether it’s an Apple watch, or a casual watch, wearing a watch to school is a great way to level up your outfit. A watch is a simple accessory, but it can really make your outfit look more complete.

If you’re going to college, consider buying a watch that you can wear on a daily basis. You may even want to ask for a watch as a graduation gift (that you can wear for years!).

Hat

A hat is a college essential that every guy need. When you wake up in the morning and you don’t have enough time to fix your hair, just wear a hat to class.

Throughout my time in college, I would wear hats all the time when I was in a rush to get to class. A hat is an essential that every college guy should have!

Jewellery (optional)

If you like the look of jewellery, then bring some to college. You can wear bracelets, chains, necklaces and rings and they will look very nice.

Suit (Optional)

In college, there are some programs and sports teams that require you to wear a suit. If this applies to you, then you are going to want to bring a suit, dress shoes and a tie.

I had to wear a suit on a few different occassions throughout my time in college. It’s a good idea to purchase your suit in advance, as you don’t want to have to rush and by a suit last minute.

Winter Jacket

For those college guys that go to school in a colder climate, make sure to bring a winter jacket. A lightweight North Face puffer jacket should be perfect for wearing to school.

Just because the weather is cold, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still be stylish. Don’t be afraid to try some different outfit ideas during the winter months. You can wear a hat, scarf, gloves and a trendy winter coat.

Winter Boots

If you live in a colder climate, then you’re going to want to add a pair of winter boots to your wardrobe. A warm pair of winter boots is perfect for those snow days and you will have to wear them throughout the semester.

I live in a cold climate, so I would have to wear winter boots to college during the colder months. It’s so important that you have a comfortable and warm pair of boots for those colder days!

College Wardrobe Checklist

5-10 t-shirts
1-2 polo shirts
1 dress shirt
2 hoodies
1 crew neck sweater
1 half-zip sweater (optional)
1 spring/fall jacket
4 pairs of jeans, joggers, cargo pants or chino pants
1-2 pairs of sweatpants
2 pairs of chino shorts
2 pairs of gym shorts
2 pairs of sneakers
1 pair of dress shoes (optional)
1 backpack
10 pairs of socks
10 pairs of underwear
Accessories (watch, hat, tie)
1 suit (optional)
1 winter jacket (optional)
1 pair of winter boots (optional)

Can You Wear Chinos to College?

Chino pants are great for college guys. You can wear chino pants to lectures, on campus activities and around campus.

Many guys in college will wear chino pants daily, as they are comfortable, versatile and stylish.

What Do College Guys Wear to Clubs?

Your outfit will vary, depending on type of club that you’re going to. If you’re going to a night club that’s popular with college students, college guys usually wear jeans, or casual pants with t-shirt or a crewneck sweater. For a nicer night club, college guys usually wear a nice pair of chinos paired with a button-up shirt.

What Is Formal Dress Code for Men in College?

Typically, formal dress code for college guys is a dress shirt, dress pants and dress shoes. Some guys will wear a sports blazer and tie, but that is optional. Another option is to wear leather loafers instead of dress shoes.

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Final Thoughts on Wardrobe Essentials For College Guys

As a college guy, it’s important to have the right wardrobe essentials. Having the basics for your wardrobe will help you to be well dressed for class, social occasions and events.

This college guy’s packing list focused on clothing essentials that can be worn for your college years, and form the base of a young man’s wardrobe.

Wardrobe Essentials for College Guys – Complete Guide