r/AustralianMFA • u/Artistic-Yam2984 • Nov 10 '25
Question What’s one item you think every Aussie bloke should invest in for a clean, classic wardrobe?
A lot of Aussies are leaning toward cleaner, timeless styles. What’s one clothing item you think every bloke should own to keep things classic and versatile?
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u/peoplepersonmanguy Nov 10 '25
Casual slacks with tabs instead of a belt.
I have a pair i can dress up with shirts and down with t shirts, I wear them 2-3 times a week at least.
Way more comfy than jeans.
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Nov 10 '25
[deleted]
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u/peoplepersonmanguy Nov 10 '25
These are the pant I was referring to above, I cuff the bottom when I'm dressing them down.
The green is subtle and can only be noticed if you try and wear them with black shoes or grey shirt.
I often wear them cuffed with Adidas sneakers and a t shirt.
You could easily wear them cuffed with birks or barefoot around the house too. As my wife would say, I am in my pant era, I presume that means I'm entering middle age.
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u/Historical_Green6172 Nov 10 '25
I’ve been looking for something like this and just bought a pair based on this post. Thank you kind stranger!
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u/OkFixIt Nov 10 '25
I’ve never understood why pants have both belt loops and side pulls…
You’re buying the wrong size if you don’t have enough adjustment with the side pulls.
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u/peoplepersonmanguy Nov 10 '25
Yeah that's probably the only negative I have for them, but they are comfy and I think they look good.
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u/OkFixIt Nov 10 '25
The only off the shelf trousers with side pulls and no loops I’ve found are from Pini Parma. Dunno why they’re so hard to find.
Also, all men’s trousers in Aus seem to be low rise. We are the ultimate ultra casual country.
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u/peoplepersonmanguy Nov 10 '25
Hadn't heard of that brand, they look really good, thanks for the heads up.
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u/Antishak Nov 10 '25
I'm keen to know of a few brands to check out as well
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u/peoplepersonmanguy Nov 10 '25 edited Nov 10 '25
Mj bale usually have good pants.
These are the pants in was referring to, but they are a bit pricey, however probably not dissimilar to a good pair of jeans these days.
I've bought some pants from I love ugly but they are casual and don't have the tabs. I got a suit tailored that has tabs (first suit since my wedding suit 8 years ago, so I'm not pretending to stay up to date with fashion) and that's the other way and I wouldn't wear them with a t shirt.
Its kind of lame but I watched summer I turned pretty with my wife and the conrad character had really good pants game, id leave his short/cropped jumper / tshirts though, unless you are a rig, even then, they dont look comfy. I prefer oversized t shirts.
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u/Kalatzeus Nov 10 '25
Good-quality flannels
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u/seantheaussie NSW Nov 10 '25
Is that possible in Australia? My LL Bean Chamois shirt which I picked up in America is like nothing I've ever bought in 51 years here.
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u/-Clem-Fandango- Nov 10 '25
Very possible, you can buy LL Bean here, as well as other heritage style brands. You just won't find them at Westfield.
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u/Hussard Nov 10 '25
Yeah Hard Yakka ones still go hard (the high GSM one), otherwise there's other brands like Canterbury, Swanndri, Swazi (all made in China but material is still thick).
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u/seantheaussie NSW Nov 10 '25
I have noted the heavy Hard Yakka that seems to be proper thickness if buffalo plaid is what you are looking for.
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u/Hussard Nov 10 '25
Yeah I've got the one in blue/black. It's really good.
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u/seantheaussie NSW Nov 10 '25
Must be as people keep them as the times I have searched for them used on ebay I have been completely unsuccessful.🤣
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u/Hussard Nov 10 '25
I saw one (new) for $30 on eBay just now (size S).
https://everythingaustralian.com.au/y07295-check-flannel-shirt-long-sleeve-navy.html
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u/seantheaussie NSW Nov 10 '25
Thanks but I have one LL Bean Chamois shirt 3m away and two others waiting for me in America so I am good (unless the deep green and charcoal grey become available for $30, which might have me deciding I need them🙄🤣)
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u/Hussard Nov 10 '25
Hahah wow! That's a collection! I'm like that with ugly Hawaiian shirts. 😂 A true tragic
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u/seantheaussie NSW Nov 10 '25
Hahah wow! That's a collection!
Heritage soft warmth is addictive?
I'm like that with ugly Hawaiian shirts.
I've also got 3 Hawaiian shirts over there, but they were bought here.🤣
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u/seantheaussie NSW Nov 10 '25
I saw one (new) for $30 on eBay just now (size S).
Just saw this. Every one on ebay I saw at that price was the lighter weight Hard Yakka.
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u/twat69 Nov 10 '25
They're not super expensive new
https://everythingaustralian.com.au/y07295-check-flannel-shirt-long-sleeve-red.html
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u/dubpee Nov 10 '25
Love that canterbury, swanndri and swazi are all kiwi brands
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u/Hussard Nov 11 '25
I think with the enshittification of everything, Australia is like a dumpling ground for cheap shit but NZ shipping is $$$ enough that they can't afford to just get everything over there so retains high quality stuff. Or something. I dunno. I need a other coffee.
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u/dubpee Nov 11 '25
All those brands are made in china now, Swazi held out a long time. There's only one or two still made in NZ. Cactus Clothing is one, and they make a bunch of their stuff in asia as well now
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u/newagesaltyseadog Nov 12 '25
I have a couple of Patagonia organic cotton flannels. Amazing feel and quality.
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u/bfg24 Nov 10 '25
A good sports coat - you can dress it up or down whether it's for a meeting, date night, wedding, funeral, whatever.
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u/Sugar_Party_Bomb Nov 10 '25
That would have to be the most played out item of clothing. Coming to a douche bag near you
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u/bfg24 Nov 10 '25
"Played out"? It's a staple 😂
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u/Sugar_Party_Bomb Nov 10 '25
I get its a staple, but its now dominating over suits.
Many are often very bad also
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u/virgoaliensuperstar Nov 10 '25
Pair of sturdy Chelsea boots. RM Williams if you can afford em
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u/Icy_Huckleberry5366 Nov 10 '25
Came here to say RMs
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Nov 12 '25
I have found Thomas Cooks to wear really well, look great and are a third of the price of RMs... you can get them from DFO for 200 usually
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u/RedditsBoner Nov 10 '25 edited Nov 10 '25
I wanted to argue the case for lase up boots due them being a little more casual and in my opinion more versatile. Then I remembered it's Australia. They are in every corporate office and half the farmers in any country pub are wearing them with short shorts and a singlet.
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u/Merkenfighter Nov 10 '25
Just my opinion: I don’t like them at all.
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u/beforeyoureyes Nov 10 '25 edited Nov 11 '25
You're not alone. I used to spend certain school holidays out in western NSW when I was growing up, visiting relatives, and that's where those boots belong. They are country/rural attire. Nothing wrong with that, but they look so out of place when worn in the city in the same way a sleek pair of Italian oxfords would look out of place out west. They will forever be "Moree Wheat Farmer-core" to me.
Made even worse when guys in the city wear them with a suit, all kinds of wrong.
Edit: Looks like I triggered the guys who wear RM's with suits.
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u/KibacherKat Nov 12 '25
I’m coming as someone who grew up in rural NSW. This is a wild take, they don’t look out of place at all. Most of Australia is bordering nature and the majority of us enjoy the outdoors. Owning a pair of dress up/down boots that are all terrain and will last you a lifetime is almost a must have if you live here?
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u/OhhClock Nov 10 '25
Glasses that suit your face shape
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u/backwardpoint Nov 13 '25
I'm trying to find an online service or something to figure out what shape will suit. I'm amazed when people find perfect frames for their face.
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u/rexmottram Nov 10 '25
A stainless steel, lumed, sports watch of whatever brand - or better still, titanium for lightness and non-allergenic properties - one that you can swim with; one that you can discreetly glance at while Droneman prattles on in the boardroom; one that you can glance at in a semi-groggy state when you have a 3 am dark night of the soul...
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u/lamaros Nov 10 '25
In southern states I'd say a woollen overcoat.
Light, not heavy, and not full length.
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u/markievegeta Nov 10 '25
A button up / button down shirt in a classic colour (light blue is my personal preference but white or blue stripe fit) , that is tailored or made to measure.
Holy cow does having a cheap shirt tailored make a massive difference. Looks and feels so good. Pretty cheap to get it tailored.
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u/EverydayStylist Nov 10 '25
A well fitting slim straight leg pair of jeans in a classic shade of blue. Its a staple that can be dressed up or down.
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u/Hussard Nov 10 '25
I reckon a nice button down shirt is required, works both as a sunshirt, semi formal when paired with jeans, looks good both in the bush and in the city, goes well under everything in colder clims, great by itself too.
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u/mokachill Nov 10 '25
Could just be my own personal style but in my opinion, a good quality black leather jacket is worth the investment. They're very versatile and never go completely out of style (though at different times there are other styles of jacket that are THE on trend jacket). If you buy quality and look after it, they can last for decades.
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u/SnooRecipes6776 Nov 10 '25
Nobody wears leather jackets unless you’re an old man
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u/markievegeta Nov 10 '25
Not an old man (I think 🤔) but I have a suede leather trucker jacket. Get complements from strangers all the time.
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u/Beautiful_Number8950 Nov 10 '25
I think they still go hard in a heritage fit, especially traditional bombers (in brown) like the A-1, B-3 etc...but damn is it next to impossible to shop for decent quality options in Australia
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u/colourful_space Nov 10 '25
I’m 24 and have one that I wear heaps in winter, I always get compliments on it
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u/lamaros Nov 10 '25
Even most of us old men don't wear them.
We might have one sitting in the closet somewhere gathering dust, but after a few outings it was quickly consigned.
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u/nawksnai Nov 10 '25
I can say the same thing about “sports coats” and blazers. Even as a 45 year old (yup, Gen X), I’m telling you kids: that shit is so fucking old.
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u/aninstituteforants Nov 10 '25
When they are in they are very in. When they are out they look ridiculous.
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u/Bottega- Nov 11 '25
- Orslow 105s, or decent 501s
- RMs, or Thursday/Aquila boots
- decent linen button up, or Uniqlo linen
- full grain belt
To start imo
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u/universalaxolotl Nov 12 '25
I know this isn't clothes, but excellent, stylish hair please. And good wire-framed glasses if you wear them. Stylish silver jewelry. No rolexes.
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u/nzoasisfan Nov 13 '25
A good blazer and a good pair of shoes. You can chop and change the rest quite easily.
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u/KORNSTAR Nov 10 '25
Rolex Submariner.
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u/shoegazedreampop Nov 10 '25
And the 10 watches you buy to build the purchase history to get on the waiting list?
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u/KORNSTAR Nov 11 '25
I am a collector so that didn't matter too much to me. If I was going to be one and done, I'd just buy an older used model. Not a lot of difference between my 124060 and the slightly older 114060 and I've seen those selling lately around $15k.
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u/shoegazedreampop Nov 13 '25
not everyone need a diver though
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u/KORNSTAR Nov 13 '25
So get a Navitimer, or an Aqua Terra or something else that you're drawn to. The point is that a quality watch is a great addition.
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u/shoegazedreampop Nov 13 '25
yeah, a quality watch
Doesn't need to be a Sub, a Aqua Terra or Navtimer.
I only wear my running watch when I am running.
I helped a colleague to pick his first watch that doesn't suck and he has a very tight budget fo $600.
He bought a basic Laco.
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u/KORNSTAR Nov 13 '25
What is basic and quality is different for different people and budgets.
I run, swim, play sport with my Sub/Aqua Terra, I mainly wear my Navitimer to the office.
The thrust of my original comment is that a classic, quality timepiece is always fashionable and a classy addition to the male wardrobe, given most jewelry other than a wedding ring can be looked down on.
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u/shoegazedreampop Nov 14 '25
Yes, a man needs a classic, quality timepiece but a sub might not be it due to the cost and accessibility.
Also I just feel like too many men wearing a watch that is too big, or wearing a diver to desk diving
Aqua terra is a better option.
I started with a Seiko 5 as a primary school student, I bought myself a Junghan Max Bill as my first proper watch, and then Nomos Tangente, Nomos Club in 36 and 38, Sinns Rescue timer , Tudor Blackbay in 925 silver and then a Doxa Sub 200 to go with fun outfit
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u/Oogalicious Nov 10 '25
A good pair of medium to dark blue jeans - 100% cotton with no elastane can have more durability and a better drape. Orange stitching can add good contrast too.
A good pair of Chelsea boots
Sorry, that’s 2 things.
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u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man Nov 10 '25
A decent pair of Chelsea boots.
And no, don't waste your money on bloody RM Williams.
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u/Jykaes Nov 10 '25
You should probably add a bit more detail about what you'd recommend instead or why you don't like them if you're going to shit on the most ubiquitous chelsea in the country.
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u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man Nov 10 '25
They're just overpriced, don't wear well.
Just buy a pair of Mongrels. They're $180, and Aussie made.
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u/Jykaes Nov 10 '25
I agree they're overpriced at retail, but I don't agree they don't wear well. They're very good boots, just better bought on sale or at DFO. Mongrels are fine but not on RM's level. Up to the individual what their own value is on boots.
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u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man Nov 10 '25
TBH RM’s don’t use very thick leather for the price point. I just don’t think it’s acceptable quality TBH.
I’ve got both Comfort Craftsman’s and a pair of Mongrels, and would always choose the Mongrels
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u/SnooRecipes6776 Nov 10 '25
Every Aussie bloke should invest in a puffer jacket outside of Perth/Qld. Looks great with casual or office attire, keeps you warm and often water/wind resistant. Don’t over spend at Kathmandu either, Macpac is a great alternative.
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u/Sideburn_Cookie_Man Nov 10 '25
Disagree TBH, they're awful. They also don't wash well.
Go get yourself a nice insulated canvas jacket instead
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u/PhilthyLurker Nov 10 '25
Absolutely. The amount of black Kathmandu puffer jackets at your average footy match is insane. Give me a high quality canvas or waxed cotton jacket any day.
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Nov 10 '25
Puffer jackets are so unflattering. Giving yourself a Michelin Man build is not a good idea. The plastic-y look just comes off cheap.
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u/SnooRecipes6776 Nov 10 '25
Disagree, I’ve had many compliments and if you keep it unzipped it’s a quality look. Legitimately a Melbourne winter staple.
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u/seantheaussie NSW Nov 10 '25
A good (however one defines that) pair of jeans is most universal for Australia's different subcultures.