24 Inches of Closet Space | QLC #003

The average closet space is 72 inches long (6 foot). Men tend to fill this space without any organization or regard for the actual clothing inside. We half-ass fold our shirts, hang our 2–3 button downs, and stuff our pants into a drawer. I’m unable to tackle all of these issues at once so let’s start with the most important 24 inches of closet space for men. Suits & Shirts.

For the past 300 years suits have been a traditional/fashionable choice for men. I anticipate the next 300 years being very similar. Suits aren’t going anywhere and they’re great investments while in your twenties. When building a wardrobe start with suits & shirts first. These are your staples. They’re the only outfit that consistently turns heads and generates positive attention.

Suit Do’s & Dont’s

• Two Button, Notched Lapel, Single-Breasted Suits. You literally cannot screw this up. It fits skinny guys, athletic builds, and big fellas all the same.
• Keep It Simple. Navy Blue, Black, and Charcoal Grey. The possibilities are endless with these 3 colors. You should have 1 of each before buying a pink blazer.
• Custom-made first. If that’s not in the cards then choosing a well-respected tailor is the least you can do. You will sub-consciously choose the suit that fits better regardless of color 100% of the time.
• Indochino, SuitSupply, JCrew, and Bonobos all deserve a look. They’re a step up from Joseph A Bank and don’t break the bank either.

Shirts Do’s & Dont’s

• Trial & Error until you find the brand that fits you the best. I choose SuitSupply because of my athletic build and their cutaway collars are the best I’ve seen. Honestly, get your shirts custom made and save the head-ache.
• Skip the stripes, micro-dots, and patterns until you have 3 of the same Pure White Shirts. White pairs with everything — patterns don’t.
• Stiff collars only. They’re versatile enough to work with or without a tie & with or without a suit. Shirt pockets and collar buttons do not compliment a suit and make you look younger.
• Wear a v neck undershirt. Sweat stains ruin shirts and you’ll be replacing the same $100 dress shirt every few months if you don’t wear one.

This should help fill those crucial 24 inches of closet space. Just for fun, buying everything mentioned above at SuitSupply would cost ~$1600.

Your Closet Staples Moving Forward

Bonus Accessories:

• Ties are a chance to show off your personality. I don’t mind patterns, animals, stripes, and micro-dots. Be conscious of your environment and wear a tie that matches. ie: no whales at funerals. Try a few from Eton ($155) they’ll last a lifetime.
• Your knot is just as important as the print. Stick to the half Windsor or full Windsor. Anything else tells everyone you spent 30 minutes watching a YouTube tutorial before showing up.
• The correct tie length should touch the top of your belt buckle. Too short and you’re wearing a clip on. Too long and you’re dipping it in your soup at lunch.
• This goes without saying but buy as many ties as you can reasonably afford. You can always re-wear ties but don’t be the guy who wears the same one 3 times/week.

Shinola Vinton ($550)

• Watches or time pieces are accessories not the main attraction. A subtle case with a traditional face pairs nicely with any suit. Ditch the bright yellow piece the size of a satellite. Shinola’s Vinton ($550) is the ultimate starter watch. Detroit-Made and versatile. Rolex, Piaget, Omega, Benson, and Breitling all instantly raise your status and may make other men jealous.
• You need at least 2 pairs of ultra high quality dress shoes. One black, one brown. I love Crockett & Jones ($800) and Allen Edmonds ($450). Lace up cap-toe oxfords with a memory foam insert. These will last you 5+ years with minimal wear & tear.
• Wear different shoes when going out on a date or wearing business casual. Loafers, double monk straps, and slip on’s pair well with jeans and a blazer or Lululemon ABC’s ($130) and a button down. They don’t pair as well with tailored suit trousers.
• Socks are fun when dressing down or going on a date. Stick with black/grey when wearing your formal suits.
• I’m not a fan of rings. You can wear them if you want but be prepared to answer questions. “It looks baller” doesn’t really apply here.
• Cufflinks are sexy. Another opportunity to add your personality to your outfit. Match the metal color to your belt.

Fashion is one of my absolute favorite categories to write about. Men’s fashion is a mess right now. I’ll be diving into specific outfits, pairings, and accessories as we progress through QLC. For now, grab the staples and take care of them.