Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Dappered Classics: 5 Must Have American Items From Details

October 30, 2010 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

5 Classic American Items Every Man Should Own – From Details Magazine

Americans lag a little behind the rest of the world when it comes to how we dress. And those of us who are Americans know this.  For proof, look no further than the differences between the wardrobes of this year’s World Cup Teams.  Thanks to kin who pointed out in the comments section of  this recent post how the US just doesn’t match up sartorially.  Sure the shoes were cool, but the guys look like a bunch of office scrubs on their way back from a lunch-time racquetball match.  England looks like they own the club team USA just left.

But that doesn’t mean those of us in the Good Ol’ U.S. of A. can’t hang our hats on a few styles we’ve brought to the world.  Details Magazine has made a list of their favorite Five Classic American Items that every guy should own.  Click on over to the slideshow, then come back for the agreements, disagreements, and analysis below.
.

...
Click for the Details Magazine List of the 5 Classic American Items Every Man Should Own.

.
The Details List & The Dappered.com Take

1. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers – NO.  They just don’t look good on every face (mine included) and they can be obnoxiously large.  Ray-Ban admitted the Wayfarer isn’t perfect when they debuted the softened New Ray-Ban Wayfarer.  Of which they took most of the 80s out.  Which is great.  Because most of us don’t look like Tom Cruise in Risky Business.  Which come to think of it, is also great.

2. Levi’s 501 Jeans – YES. Absolutely.  Denim trends come and go, and then come back again, but the Levi’s 501 is the ever constant.  Not too baggy, not too slim, straight leg, perfect washes… like this one.

3. Converse Chuck Taylors – NO. Not quite. Chucks are all well and good but they’re just not that comfortable.  Jack Purcells and most PF Flyers look better, and are way more substantial in construction.  Stick with those and your feet will thank you.

4. Timex Military Watch Exclusively for J. Crew – NO. This watch is everywhere.  Yes its simplicity is attractive… but… c’mon.  Whoever came up with the idea to slap a NATO wristband on a plain Jane Timex, have J. Crew market it, then sell it for an over the top $150 is a genius.  Because guys are buying it like crazy. 

5. Calvin Klein Underwear Boxer Briefs – YES.  As long as they aren’t Spanx for men, that’s fine.  But the European inspired trunk with shorter legs is superior for those of us who hate the ride up factor.

Classic American Items Every Man Should Own

Agreements? Disagreements? Did Details miss any? Leave feedback in the comments below…

.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Etc., Shoes, Too Expensive, Watches Tagged With: American Items, Details Magazine, Levi's 501, list, must-have, USA

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 2022

Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 2022

Washed cotton casual blazers, suede bombers, new divers, and Spier’s new shoe line.

The Best Sunglasses under $100 for Men

The Best Sunglasses under $100 for Men

Kent Wang. Spier. Sunski. And more. The best shades for less than a Benjamin.

Style Scenario: Dressed Up Grays for the Summer Dog Days

Style Scenario: Dressed Up Grays for the Summer Dog Days

Taking a break from shorts & tees, or chinos/chukkas/polo, for something a little more accomplished looking.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Bonobos Last Day extra 30% off, Lululemon ABC Classic Stock, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – BR Final Sale big restock, Target Select Goodfellow Sale, & More
  • The Best Sunglasses under $100 for Men
  • One Store, Five Outfits: Target Goodfellow Summer 2022
  • Steal Alert: Clarks Bushacre 2 and some 3s at Amazon for $33
  • Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 2022

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2022 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.