17 Items Grown Men Should NEVER Wear
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Fashion is subjective, but some items are unimpeachable red flags when we describe what should and should not appear in adult men’s wardrobes. Of course, everyone should wear what they want, but some clothing choices can make you look outdated, unprofessional, or just plain cringeworthy.
The University of Hertfordshire researched how clothing can communicate an extensive and complex amount of information about someone without the observer needing to meet or talk to them.
Dressing well doesn’t have to be expensive; it’s about knowing what works for your age, physique, and lifestyle. If you want to retain your edgy, sharp, and age-appropriate look, here are 17 things grown men should pause and reconsider before wearing — and why!
Graphic T-Shirts with Juvenile Logos
For nostalgia’s sake, you might not mind rocking that Batman or Sponge Bob shirt, but it might also portray a teen stuck in an adult’s body. Keep the cartoon prints for home lounging or comic con events.
You can replace that with classic solid tees or subtle prints that provide a more mature feel.
Socks with Sandals
This combo has been ridiculed for decades now, and to be honest, it’s the ultimate dad faux pas. It’s an awkward clash of seasonal wear that never looks polished.
When wearing sandals, make sure you let your bare feet have some fun, too.
Oversized Suits
A baggy suit that doesn’t fit right says, ‘I borrowed this from my dad’s closet.’ The silhouette of a well-tailored suit makes you look put together and confident.
So, if your suit’s shoulder pads are from the ’80s, you owe a visit to a good tailor.
Skinny Jeans That Are Too Tight
Skinny jeans, in moderation, are acceptable, but if they look painted onto the leg, they’re a no-go. Restricting circulation and looking uncomfortable doesn’t do anyone any favors.
A modern and flattering look can be achieved by sticking to a slim fit or straight leg cut.
Fedoras (Unless You’re a Jazz Musician)
Of course, the fedora has earned its place in history, but for most grown men today, it’s a fashion risk that often fails to hit its mark. Leave this hat in the past unless you’re on stage or at a themed event.
A classic flat cap or a simple baseball cap is the better option.
Cargo Shorts with Too Many Pockets
Practical? Yes. Stylish? Not so much. Excessively pocketed cargo shorts can look bulky and sloppy.
You can’t go wrong with tailored shorts or chinos for a classic casual outfit.
Flip-Flops Outside the Beach
Worn around town, flip-flops send a careless vibe, but they rule on the beach or poolside. Moreover, they provide minimal support and can appear too casual in most situations.
Pick up a pair of loafers or some great-looking sneakers for everyday wear.
T-Shirts with Offensive Slogans
It’s best not to wear a shirt with a slogan that could be offensive, confusing, or embarrassing. Humor is subjective, and clothes with crass jokes or outdated pop culture references usually miss the point.
It’s always safe to go for a crisp, neutral tee.
Baggy Hoodies with Cartoon Characters
Although hoodies are often stylish, oversized hoodies covered in cartoon characters are a different story. They’re more likely to make you look more like a teenager than a grown man.
Swap them out for fitted hoodies in neutral colors for a more casual but sharp look.
Giant Logo Belts
Massive, blingy logos on belts scream ‘look at me’ in the wrong way. They’re flashy, outdated, and rarely complement a mature wardrobe.
Go for a classic belt made from sleek leather and a subtle buckle—even this little accessory can completely change your whole look.
Crocs in Public
Crocs are the shoes that shout, ‘I stopped caring, but not about comfort.’ Love them or hate them, Crocs have a reputation for being polarizing. They’re great for gardening or just relaxing at home, but wearing them to social events can raise eyebrows.
Crocs don’t have sufficient arch support, and orthopaedist specialists say they can worsen foot pain and even increase the risk of knee and lower back pain.
Tank Tops in Non-Athletic Settings
They’re great for the gym or the beach, but wearing them at restaurants, malls, or any other public place feels awfully odd. It often comes off as too casual, sometimes almost sloppy.
You can achieve the same comfort with more polish with a short-sleeved button-up or polo shirt.
Ill-Fitting Jeans with Ripped Knees
In a casual wardrobe, ripped jeans work, but if they’re too distressed or don’t fit well, they’re messy. Avoid the tears where it makes you look like your pants barely survived a fight.
A pair or two of neat and well-fitted jeans can do the trick. It’s also funny that ripped jeans are more expensive than regular ones, right?
Novelty Ties
Once in a while, ties with cartoon characters, emojis, or holiday themes are fun, but these are surely not ties to wear to professional and formal occasions. They can detract from your overall look and make you look less serious.
Opt for classic patterns such as stripes, solids, or subtle textures.
Outdated Sunglasses
Fashion trends like oversized aviators and wraparounds—sunglasses that were popular a decade ago—can make you look older. Eyewear trends change, and updating your shades is the easy way to stay current.
A classic style such as Wayfarers or a rectangular frame is always a good choice, and you can’t go wrong with it. However, UV protection in sunglasses also wears off over time, and as eye care experts advise, it’s best to get a new pair after some time.
Velcro Shoes
Velcro shoes are a no-no unless you are under five years old or require them for medical reasons. Sometimes, they can look juvenile and out of date with modern style.
The age-appropriate and stylish choice is lace-up sneakers or slip-on.
Oversized Sports Jerseys
Wearing your team’s jersey on game day is fine, but oversized jerseys on non-game days look sloppy.
If you love repping your team, rock a jersey that fits well with clean jeans or chinos. Being sporty doesn’t mean you can’t still look stylish.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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