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When it comes to living an independent lifestyle as a man, there are many things you can apply to that lifestyle to make it an enriching one. Now, what exactly are those things? Is it as typical as a toolbox or leather products? Those items can be included, but it doesn’t stop there. What a man really needs is a quality and healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved with surrounding yourself with items that invoke more than just a material purpose.
Investing in yourself and your quality of life is always worth exploring. Items that bring you genuine happiness and make your life easier will always be the best purchases you can make. Surrounding yourself with items that showcase growth and quality are indicative of your mindset and goals. Visitors that you bring home as well as family that comes over will be assured that you’re doing the best for yourself. Whether it’s for your mental growth, your pad, or your wardrobe, we’ve got the ultimate list for you.
For Your Mind
These are some items you should consider owning to ensure that you live a rich and fulfilled life. Although it’s likely that work dominates your time and energy, it’s important to cultivate tastes that define who you are besides the work that you do.
Books
You work out your muscles by using equipment and pushing your body to the limits. Now, to work out your mind there is no better way, then incorporating reading into your everyday life. Reading is scientifically proven to improve your intelligence, instill empathy into you, relax you, and improve your memory function. Establishing a book collection to put on display will not only motivate you to continue to read, but express to other visitors where you’re at on your mental health journey.
Think about it, there aren’t any theories or stories about reading affecting someone’s life negatively. It could be a book collection of classics or a good coffee table read, you can't be wrong with your approach, all that matters is that you take the plunge!
Wall art
Decorating the walls of your home with art can not only be an insight into your taste, but also be visually comforting for you. It doesn’t have to be super expensive or absolutely famous, all that matters is how it makes you feel! Given the vast applications of art, you can be sure that you can find something that speaks to you or embodies something you are a big fan of.
A journal
Writing is another universal practice that can be extremely therapeutic. It can be a tool to help you process certain things and serve as a reliable friend you can go back to again and again. The more entries you put, the more life events you can come back to later on in life and take stock of.
A vinyl collection
Is it a bit hipster? Yes, but there’s a reason as to why! Starting a vinyl collection allows you to collect your favorite music in a totally unique format. Plus, the aesthetic it will bring to your home is quite unmatched. With special shelving uniquely attributed to displaying vinyls, your favorite albums can add to the decor of your home as well.
Plants
Not only do they bring fresh air to your home, but also help train you for the responsibility of caring for something. If that sounds stressful to you, there are also plenty of plant varieties that have varying amounts of care and attention. For example, a succulent or desert plant would need less water and care than a green, leafy plant that requires more of everything.
A pet
It could be a dog, cat, or hamster named after your favorite superhero. Owning a pet places utmost responsibility and care onto your shoulders that can only help you grow and learn. Showing others that you can live your life while also caring for something living, can really showcase your maturation and empathy. Not only that, but pets provide companionship unlike any other. That companionship gives stress relief and love in a way that probably hasn’t been made possible for you before.
Quality hygiene products
How you clean and take care of yourself are indicative of how you’re living. If you want to treat yourself with the respect and love you deserve, investing in good hygienic products can only help you. Whether it’s attention to your hair care, body, or face, you want to be able to feel good about yourself. Self-esteem is important and it’s up to you, first, to love yourself.
Insurance
This is one of those things that should have been taught in high school. As you get older, you need insurance for so many things. Insurance for your car, your teeth, your health, and eventually your life. It can be confusing, what to get and when? Do your research and invest your time in educating yourself about these things. Figure it out before something happens and you suddenly find yourself in a hole. It will save you time, money, and your sanity.
A nice camera
You don’t need to be a snazzy photographer to want nice photos. Sure, your iphone can take really nice pictures, but having a digital or film camera can help you see the world through a new lens. You don’t need to identify as a creative soul to implement creativity in your life! Having the tools to take beautiful photos of the people you love or even yourself on vacation or during special occasions is a great way to improve your quality of life.
For Your Wardrobe
People will judge others instantly based on what they wear and how they carry themselves, oftentimes even before you have a chance to speak. In these cases, why not let your clothing do the talking before you, or at least buy you some time to come up with a witty remark?
A quality watch
When we’re talking about quality items it doesn’t mean that they have to break the bank. You don’t need a Rolex that costs thousands of dollars, but a few hundred dollar watches can be reliable and sturdy while also giving you a sleek design to your look.
Dress shirts
If you’ve ever had to work in a professional setting, or go to a formal event then it’s a good idea to have some dress shirts hanging in your closet. The more versatile your wardrobe the better off you’ll be. Luckily, you can find dress shirts for good prices and be able to afford a number of them. Dress shirts like Nimble’s collection of affordable yet stylish options will make your outfits varied and interchangeable all year round.
Tee shirts
Similarly versatile are good basic t-shirts, like the ones Nimble carries. A plain white tee can be dressed up or down and is really a staple of every man’s closet. It’s likely that you own t-shirts already, but with style it’s about how the clothing fits on you. Rather than having a t-shirt wear you, you want to ensure that it’s well fitted to your body so that it can streamline your look. T-shirts can go well with jeans, shorts, and even inside a suit if you’re more fashionably inclined!
A good blazer
Regardless of what your career is, every man should have a fine fitted blazer in their closet. A blazer doesn’t necessarily have to go with formal outfits, you can easily style one with a button up and jeans for a more casual formal look. Great for formal events and job interviews, owning blazer shows that you are able to cover all the bases. Here's a separate guide on if you should get your suit tailored.
Neckties
Who doesn’t love a man in a suit and tie? Even more than that, having a small collection of ties can help change up the vibe of any suit or dress shirt you have to wear. Plus, neckties have a slimming effect and can help bring your look together. It’s a good idea to keep at least a couple on hand for any professional or formal situation that arises.
Well-fitting jeans
Is there anything more versatile than a pair of nice jeans? They can help you in a variety of ways when it comes to the style for the day. From a nice job interview to a barbeque with the boys, they can fit in almost any setting. This is why we believe it’s one of the more important pieces of clothing that you should incorporate into your wardrobe if you haven’t already.
Reliable dress shoes
Whether it’s for work or a formal event, it’s important to have these professional pieces in your wardrobe. You can’t very well pair sneakers with slacks or if your job requires a more professional outfit. Owning a couple pairs of black or brown dress shoes help to ensure that you’re ready for any type of formal and professional situation. Don’t be deterred by the prices. If you only have enough in the budget to invest in certain things, then we suggest your professional wardrobe is one of the best investments a man can make.
Work and fashionable boots
A versatile wardrobe is able to cover all points and possibilities of your life. Which is why, owning a sturdy pair of boots for hiking or outdoor excursions are good to keep on board. Also, fashionable boots such as Chelsea boots are a great way to amp up your outfits. Fitting everything with sneakers can only take you so far, but boots just have a way of snazzing everything up.
Running shoes
Exercise is something every person should try to do regardless of gender. Which is why we included a good pair of running shoes on this list. Finding the right pair of athletic shoes to contour to your feet and give you the balance you need, may take a long trip to the store. Buying a cheap pair or the wrong pair can lead to issues later on once you’ve started exercising. Everyone’s feet are different and need to be treated as such. Having a reliable pair of running shoes will help you plenty in the long run.
A leather wallet
Leather is an all around quality material, and as a wallet, it can easily hold everything you need. Not only is it a reliable item, it can give you an air of elegance and maturity. It’s a more traditional design, but there’s a reason it still stands the tests of time. Owning a leather wallet will also last you a long time, and you won’t have to worry about damage and buying a new one, for quite a while.
A leather belt
Another one of those leather items that just belong in a man’s closet. A belt, in general, is a piece of clothing that is essential for every man. If you wear pants, slacks, or jeans, it doesn’t matter. You need a belt! Just remember to match your belt with the color of your dress shoes, or you might be a walking fashion faux pas.
Sunglasses
As more of our ozone layer is burned away, protecting your eyes as well as your skin has never been more important. UV light can be harmful and investing in sunglasses is now more about safety than style. Luckily, it can be both! Sunglasses can up the ante of your outfit and having you looking more adult and just overall cool.
Good socks
Socks that are made of quality materials will be soft to the touch and keep your feet cozy all day. They also have the ability to give you a pop of personality when they peek out of your slacks or jeans. Having a nice collection of socks for work and play, can give you extra confidence and add even more to your look.
Signature cologne
Smell is one of the five senses and it’s an important one when it comes to your unique style. Putting in the time and research to find a scent you like, will benefit you in the long run. Cologne has a way of distinguishing men from boys and those who use it correctly are definitely more noticeable. There are plenty of ways you can go about looking for a scent whether it’s an online quiz or a department store adventure. Just remember, that a little goes a long way. One spritz should be enough, the intention is not to bath in it or else you might find yourself causing adverse effects to the people around you.
A bathrobe
Maybe it won’t be an essential item for everyone, but it’s great to have one hanging in your bathroom. They are varying types of bathrobes you can have. The purpose can solely be for comfort and to feel soft on your skin or they can act as another towel as well, drying your skin. Trust us when we say that once you get one, you definitely won’t regret it.
For Your Home and Life
Finally, there are those items that will make everyday living just a bit easier. It’s likely that you have some of these at home already, so take inventory and stock up on what you don’t have so that you’re never in a pickle when an emergency situation comes up!
A grooming kit
Whether you’re growing out a majestic beard or barely accumulate stubble, shaving is a part of every man’s life. Facial hair can be an important part of the look you’re going for and adds to your self-esteem. It’s important to treat this part of your body with care and invest in good grooming products.
Owning nail clippers and nose hair trimmers are also important things to look for when buying a grooming kit. Good hygiene and a clean body are traits of someone mature and able to take care of themselves. Some men will be fine with simple razors and that’s alright too, but if you want to be able to shape your facial hair and keep it maintained then we suggest looking into grooming kits for yourself.
A towel set
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you need to have more than one towel in your home! Having a set of towels can not only be helpful when you need to wash one and can use the other, but also when you have overnight visitors. You don’t need to have top of the line towels. Just head down to your local target and pick up a few. Future you, will thank you.
Ironing board and iron
Wrinkles are an inevitably of life. They can happen from clothes being left in the dryer or folded clothes that have been forgotten for ages. Ironing is a good practice to learn and inhabit. Especially if you require wearing dress shirts and other easily wrinkled clothing everyday. Being able to iron out any clothing you have will not only have you looking put together, but also put your mind at ease whenever you pull out wrinkled pieces of clothing from your dryer.
A quality suitcase
If you’re determined to have travelling be one of your cornerstones, then it only makes sense to have a good, sturdy suitcase. Cheap suitcases don’t last as long and there’s always the problem of them being damaged through transit. Quality suitcases can hold your stuff safely while also being able to remain unique and distinguishable from the other suitcases at luggage pickup.
A weekend bag
Along with a sturdy suitcase, a weekend bag is mostly used for shorter excursions. Whether it’s a weekend work trip or spontaneous trip with a significant other, a weekend bag is a great and easy product to hold everything you need. Even more so, buying one with durable material and classy finish helps to match the mature and classy aesthetic that you’re going for. Investing in products such as these just help to further showcase your adulthood and attention to detail.
High-quality bed sheets
If your bed sheets have any type of picture or cartoon, then the time has come to dispose of them. You can settle for color balanced sheets that match the aesthetic of your room. If you’re interested in sheets that feel like a sin to sleep upon, then by all means go for it! Showing any nighttime visitors that come over how much care you put into your home and lifestyle can only come off as a plus in our books.
A flashlight
Such a simple item, but extremely useful in emergency situations. Yes, every phone now comes equipped with a bright LED light, but what happens if your phone dies? Or breaks? Having a flashlight on hand is just a good safety practice. Being prepared for any situation showcases an adult level of maturity. There are many types of flashlights you can buy, but as long as you have one on hand, it doesn’t necessarily matter.
Toolbox
If you’re lucky enough to afford a house, then having a toolbox in your garage is not only important, it’s smart. When things break down you are your own first line of defense. If it’s something that just needs tightening or plastering, then being able to fix it on your own is a great quality for a man. Having everything organized in a toolbox is also a great way to ensure everything remains together and mobile.
A pocket knife
Swiss army knives are another product that comes in a cinch with emergency situations. The list is long with what these knives can accomplish and are essential in any hiking or camping trip. They’re small enough to where you can store them anywhere without trouble. Sure, there is also a possibility that you won’t ever need to use it, but that possibility is just as high as you also using it, so why not cover your bases?
A bicycle
Mostly for the outdoorsy guys and the city living ones, a bike is a great way to get around. Not only do they give you a great workout, they are also environmentally friendly. Plus, they are much more affordable than a car. Having a quality commuter bike can be a very healthy practice to incorporate into your routine.
Chef’s knife with cutting board
A real man knows how to cook and cook for himself. This is why investing in quality kitchen products like a chef’s knife can help improve your quality of life. Buying cheap kitchen tools are great for budget-buyers but, for longevity’s sake they won’t last very long. This is where investing in tools that are made with quality can help last you through the years.
Candles
Candles aren’t only great for blackouts, but for the ambience it creates as well as the smell. It’s no secret, men can sometimes give off a stink that can sink into the air if not immediately rectified. Candles are a great way to freshen up your rooms after cleaning. Not to mention the romantic vibes they give off to any special visitors you have over.
A home office
Once you have the means and the space, keeping a home office is a great way to keep you comfortable when you have to work from home. Having a space in your home to designate to working can also help narrow your focus and productivity. Of course, not everyone will have the need for a home office, but if you work relatively and exclusively on computers than investing in a workspace at home may be the best thing for you.
Condoms
More often than not, if you’re human than it’s pretty likely that you have sex with other people. Everyone should have condoms in their home. It’s good caution to take for your sexual health. Looking out for yourself as well as your partner. Be a responsible man and keep some condoms in your bedside drawer!
Comfy mattress
Is there anything as valuable as a good night’s sleep? A quality mattress will set you back, but your back and mental state will thank you. Good mattresses have a nice balance between firm and comfy. Investing in a quality one can also help you get to sleep faster and longer. No more tossing and turning on a lumpy bed. It will probably be one of the best investments you can make on this list.
Glassware
Whether you’re an alcohol enthusiast or stick to ice teas and lemonade, having a glass set of cups and glassware can really mature your kitchen and lifestyle. If you’re the type of person that likes to have family, friends, or nighttime visitors over, then having classy eating ware can definitely raise the bar you have set for your kitchen. After all, the kitchen is one of the most important parts of your home.
Coffee maker
If coffee is liquid gold to you, and you need it to come alive each other, we suggest buying a coffee maker. Buying coffee every morning from Starbucks can get costly in the long run. Part of being an adult is making a budget for yourself and figuring out where you can save money. Better for you and your life.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things that every man should own. What’s important is what the items can do for you and your life. Before making any expensive purchases just ask yourself what you want to get from it and how it makes you feel? Anyone can own half of these things and still be struggling. Put your mental and emotional health first and then you can begin shaping your life the way you’ve always dreamed of.
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