Before I get into this list of items that you shouldn’t wear, ask yourself if the person I’m referring to is rich or famous, because if they are, the rules don’t apply.
Rich and famous men can do whatever the hell they want. So if I say, “Don’t wear a fanny pack,” don’t point out that Joe Rogan does. Ask yourself, is he rich or famous? If the answer is yes, he can do it, but you can’t.
Here are the big 26 that you shouldn’t wear in 2026
- Tech & fake watches. Casios are cooler than tech watches. Tech watches are functional but not stylish. Fake designer watches are obvious and embarrassing. Wear a stylish and sexy watch. Don’t need to spend a ton of cash on it either — Seiko, Omega, Timex, Orient, or Hamilton are great options.
- Lots of bracelets. A man wearing many bracelets. Looks like he’s having a midlife crisis.
- Fake leather.
- Audacious belts. Don’t wear worn-out belts or super trendy ones. Also, don’t wear fake Gucci belts. Just go simple and clean like an Anson Belt.
- Shredded, super distressed, or sagging jeans. Big and baggy pants or too-tight pants are out. If you can’t pinch an inch or two on either side, they’re too tight. Sagging pants are also not acceptable.
- Extra-long line t-shirts. If they come past your crotch, it’s a thumbs down.
- Deep V or deep scoop shirts. Any weird collar is a thumbs down.
- Little boy polos. These suck.
- Shirts with logos. These are uncool.
- Big and bulky dad sneakers. These clunky shoes look like a clown’s.
- Cheap boots. If they’re super long, fake, pointy, bedazzled, or have rhinestones, don’t do it. Have a clean and masculine aesthetic.
- Worn-out t-shirts. If your shirts are stretched out, have a bacon collar, or pits, these are terrible.
- Muffin top. Muffin tops look like a can of biscuits exploded around your belly. Reciprocally, if the buttons are pulling and look like they’re struggling to hang on because you’ve gained a few pounds, this look is a deal-breaker too.
- Anything other than a two-button suit. One and three-button suits shouldn’t be worn. When wearing a two-button suit, unbutton the bottom one, and then, when you sit down, unbutton the other.
- Super thin ties and lapels on jackets, along with super tiny collars on dress shirts.
- Long pants. Shorten them.
- Expensive designer fragrances. Don’t spend hundreds of dollars when you can get a deal like Pete & Pedro REBEL + Travel Sprayer for $30 bucks.
- Big and flashy logos or patterns. Wear clean, minimal, and luxury aesthetic. Look for minimal patterns and solid colors rather than too bright or loud.
- Worn-out, stinky baseball hats.
- Wearing running shoes with anything other than workout gear. Do not think about wearing running shoes with khakis or jeans.
- Funny socks or ankle socks. These look stupid. Opt for no-show socks. Ankle socks are horrible. Go with socks that are a little higher or a little lower.
- Stinky shoes.
- Alternative looks. Avoid being covered in tattoos, wearing crazy-colored hair, and/or having facial piercings. Do not get tattoos on your face or hands. Look respectable and presentable.
- Offensive style. Grow up if you’re wearing childish and stupid items; if not, you’re not going to have opportunities.
- Fat & packed wallet or a beat-up, janky phone. Get rid of receipts and wallet bulk. And if you have a case that looks like a kid’s, upgrade to basic and not beat up.
- Worn-out sweatshirts and pants. Pair them with Crocs, and you look homeless. Make sure that your clothing is clean and properly paired and matched. Coordinate to make yourself look as good as possible.
