Essential Accessories for Every Modern Man

If you’re not prepared, you’re prepared to fail.  There are certain things every guy should carry with him, or at least have handy.  Being prepared and having quality objects sets the tone for success. This isn’t a sponsored post.

Watch

I’m a big watch guy.  Not that I have many watches, but I appreciate them.  It’s the most common form of jewelry for men.  And it says a lot about you.  Is your watch flashy?  Practical?  Understated? Broken? It’s one of the first things people notice. You only get one first impression!

Notebook and Pen

This may be out dated and old fashioned, but I’m a pen and paper kind of guy and think it’s superior to digital notes.  I think there’s benefit to seeing your own words in your own hand writing,  You also don’t have to worry about your battery dying, or your information being hacked remotely.  It’s obnoxious to use your phone in the presence of others. It’s also distracting.

I keep my pen and notepad together, for the most part.  I used to carry a pen with me all the time, until I lost it.  I will say, there’s something nice about always having your own pen on you.  For signing receipts or anything else.  Maybe I’ll get something I’d be less afraid of losing.

Attache

Are you a professional?  Then you need some kind of attache, portfolio or briefcase.  You know, to hold all of those important contracts and multimillion dollar deals.  I have a portfolio like leather envelope.  It holds just enough: my computer, papers, notebook and pen, business cards and whatever other small things I have.  The nice thing is, that if I’m carry a lot of stuff, I can just toss it in my backpack. I know, that doesn’t sound very professional. This one is stamped bovine leather.

Wallet

Every guy needs a nice wallet or card carrier.  You don’t want to be that guy on a date that pulls out a wad of receipts and cards held together with a rubber band.  I’ve gone back and forth between a card holder and wallet.  I’m currently using an Alligator wallet. What sold me on this one, is that it’s American made from hand-wrestled alligator.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are one of the biggest scams played on the people of this earth.  Most sunglasses are made by the same company, in the same factory.  It’s easy to charge upwards of $300 for a piece of plastic if you’ve got a monopoly on the market.

But sunglasses can either make or break a look.  Make sure they fit your face, your outfit and the environment.  If you’re wearing sunglasses at night, you’re going to get looks. These are Herbrand and were just over $100. They’ve held up very well.

Gucci Loafers

This is the only brand specific accessory.  Classic Gucci Horsebit Loafers should be a staple in every guy’s wardrobe.  They’re really high quality, recognized but not flashy, and versatile.  I’ve worn them with suits, shorts, jeans and pretty much everything but a tuxedo.  Don’t wear loafers with a tuxedo.  They’re almost $700, but with proper maintenance they’ll last forever.  Read more here.

Belt

Every guy needs a belt.  And it’s not hard to find a nice one.  Something classic and well made is all you need.  Plain black/brown leather with a sturdy buckle will suffice.  You can go exotic if you want, but that might be a little less versatile.  There are plenty of nice reversible belts out there. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve definitely seen this one. I wear it all the time. It was a birthday present from my mom. The buckle was made by Touaregs and the strap is reversible.

Suitcase

Do it right the first time.  I know so many people that go through suitcases left and right.  They go to TJMaxx or whatever and get whatever cheap suitcase is on sale, use it once or twice and when the zipper breaks, toss it.  That’s not sustainable, and can get expensive.  

Insert Picture Here (I didn’t feel like pulling my suitcases out).

I’m very lucky, in that I have many nice suitcases.  I bought myself a Rimowa classic that has served me very well.  I also have my grandparents’ luggage set.  They’re heavy, unstructured leather Gucci suitcases in 3 sizes.  They’ve been to almost every continent! Unfortunately, not with me.  This just goes to show, that if you get quality goods, they’ll last forever and save money in the long run.  I’m not advocating Gucci suitcases.  These are from the 70s and I would imagine the quality isn’t there anymore, just logos.

Knife

I almost always carry a switchblade on me.  It’s come in very handy.  Especially for opening packages.  I’d say that’s what I use it for mostly.  You never know when you or someone you’re with will need one!

Lighter

Buy a nice lighter, and you’ll have it for the rest of your life, theoretically. Even if you don’t smoke, it could come in handy. I can’t tell you how many times this winter I tried to get into my car but the lock was frozen. You could be waiting outside a restaurant for the valet when a beautiful woman near you pulls out a cigarette, and there you are, prepared to help her out. What an introduction! Nine years later, you’re married with three beautiful kids, all thanks to your lighter.

I love this lighter. It’s got a great weight to it and is a little larger than the average lighter. It also has a soft flame AND torch.

Bonus: Cigar Stuff

Maybe this isn’t essential for every modern man.  If you enjoy smoking cigars, it’s nice to have your own accoutrements.  There are all kinds of smokers out there, the once a year-er, the three a day-er and everything in between.  Having your own lighter, cutter and storage system shows that you’re cultured and have an appreciation for the finer things in life.  Cigars are particularly special, because to enjoy them you really need to sit back and relax and take your time.

I’m not saying go buy a thousand dollar humidor, but it doesn’t hurt to have the things I listed above.  A nice lighter, a sharp cutter and either a case to carry with you, or a Tupperware with some bovedas for storage.