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Our Favorite Wardrobe Staples to Wear in 2023

Basic but not boring, our picks for the best T-shirts, jeans and sweatshirts comprise a rock-solid core to ground any closet.

tshirt, pants, socks, and a sweatshirt on a graphic background with a title card that says the best of basics

By Gear Patrol

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This story is part of the 2023 Gear Patrol Style Awards. To see the full list of winners, click here.

Wardrobe basics make up the foundation of how we dress. They’re the tried-and-true everyday staples we reach to without thinking twice. As such, they’re often the garments that get the most wear.

We’ve reviewed countless basics from T-shirts to socks to sweatshirts to jeans, and found the brands and garments that prioritize comfort, fit and durability. Our best basics of 2023 comprise a solid core to ground any closet.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

This hoodie utilizes hefty 23-ounce fleece from South Carolina and features a double-lined hood and a reinforced kangaroo pocket. What’s more, it’s got a 10-year guarantee so if it wears out in a decade, the brand will repair it.

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Made from organic cotton, this shirt is loosely knit for an airy feel which goes well with its relaxed silhouette. The garment-dye process also gives the tee more character.

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Richer Poorer’s sweats look like a successful vintage score — like super soft, worn-in sweatpants colleges would assign to student athletes. They have a unique faded gray color to them, and super soft, relaxed-fit legs.

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No other garment has aged nearly as well as the historic Levi’s 501. The quintessential blue jean comes in all shades, washes and distressing. These button-fly, straight-leg jeans work as well with a pair sneakers as they do boots.

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Buck Mason’s Officer-inspired khakis come cut from slub twill, a soft, durable fabric designed to age with wear. Plus, they’re a versatile weight that’s comfortable year-round. Pick from four colors: light green, tan, darker tan and black.

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Outerknown’s Sur Sweatshirt has a hemp and organic blend terry fabric that make it a hefty-yet-soft option. The raglan sleeves offer a full range of motion, while the collar is neither too wide nor tight.

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The Yosemite Shirt from Taylor Stitch combines heavyweight chamois shirting, tonal nut buttons and two front flap pockets. It’s heavyweight without being suffocating, and you feel like you have plenty of room without carrying excess fabric.

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Rhone’s Commuter Shirt proves machine washable and interwoven nylon and elastane offer natural wrinkle release. The collar’s handy button stays are easy to use and create a trim neckline for the tie to hang from.

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The Crew Sock by Arvin Goods comes in eight colors and two different sizes, S/M and L/XL. Built with an elasticated cuff and arch, these socks also have a padded footbed for added comfort.

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Made from organic cotton heavyweight will, this shirt is sturdy, soft and breathable. It has two button-flap chest pockets and natural nut buttons. Plus, if heather grey doesn’t hit the spot, this style comes in over a dozen colors.

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Colorful Standard’s the best way to top off your fit. It’s perfectly proportioned, made in Portugal with Italian superfine merino wool for a silky touch and comes in every color you could conceivably want. Oh, and it’s just $40.

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Everlane’s offering of cashmere sweaters may be the best thing they make. Each one is made using 100 percent Mongolian cashmere which sits at the upper echelons of both fineness and length — they’re also really soft and really durable.

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