A personal uniform sounds good in theory; not having to think about what you’re putting on every morning leaves your brain’s spare computing cycles to engage in more fruitful pursuits, like pondering why fedoras get such a bad rap (the Hot Topic trilby killed it), or thinking about where beloved actor Kevin Kline went (he voices Mr. Fischoeder on Bob’s Burgers). You know it’s a good idea for many reasons and what you really need are personal uniform examples.
Perhaps you’ve plumbed the depths of your soul and finally figured out who you are stylistically, but you’ve yet to nail down the specifics. Or maybe you’re searching for ideas because you’re completely lost when it comes to clothes and you just don’t want to embarrass yourself. We’re here to help provide you with a jumping-off point with these 5 personal uniform examples specially put together for big guys. We’ve included 3 examples of each outfit with links to products that you can buy in extended sizes. We’ve even added optional accessories to really complete the look and/or push it into a higher level of difficulty.
Jump to The Personal Uniform Examples
1. Casual Dadcore
You are all that is dad. Congratulations: you’ll never be cool in the eyes of your kids but you CAN make your partner the envy of all the other park-parents. Being a dad is not excuse for dressing like a pile of hot New York sidewalk garbage. So embrace the look. Think Dodge Challenger Hellcat with two child safety seats in the back; you’re cool, confident, powerful, and the embodiment of understated fatherly wisdom.
The Gist
Baseball cap (black, navy, or grey), well-fitted t-shirt, jeans (black or dark blue), leather belt, leather low-top sneakers.
Extra credit: under-clothes suspenders, leather belt, simple analog watch.
2. Hipster Barista
Your internal monologue is subversive and your mochas are second-to-none. You dress with panache and your favorite band is “you’ve probably never heard of them”. Sure, you work a menial day job because you were born during late-stage capitalism, but that’s not who you are, man. That’s why you wear some pretty rad shit under your apron.
The Gist
Knit watch cap, Button-Up Chambray, Chinos (charcoal, brown), dress boots.
Extra Credit: Horn-rim glasses, analog watch with complication, scarf.
3. Low-Key Lux
You don’t have to come from old money to dress like it. And I’m not talking stuffy Brooks Brothers suits; new wealth wears luxurious and understated apparel without ostentatious branding. If you ever want a member of your preferred sex to reach out and touch your sweater or jacket, you’ll need to choose your low-key lux outfit carefully. Pick things out with these words in mind: refined, soft, elegant, tasteful, smart, cultivated.
The Gist
Sport coat or topcoat/overcoat, button-down shirt, v-neck sweater or cardigan (merino or cashmere), slacks, leather dress shoes.
Extra Credit: business card holder, “tank” style watch, pinky ring.
4. Le Gros Dangereux
If you’re anything like me, deep down you’re just a big softy. But that doesn’t mean we can’t look like a dangerous biker on the outside. Pair this with some brass knuckles, a cigar, and a devil-may-care attitude. Or, you know, an actual motorcycle. Just make sure to leave the “blade” style Oakleys at home, or better yet, at a Goodwill.
The Gist
Motorcycle jacket, v-neck shirt, jeans (black or dark blue denim), harness or engineer boots.
Extra Credit: zippo, Persol sunglasses, chain wallet
5. Good Hustle Out There, Bud
Hey there, slick, did you make the team? No? Well, there’s always next time slugger. Until then, let some streetwear sink into your big man style. The varsity jacket makes or breaks this personal uniform example, so pick a good one; leather arms are good if it’s real leather, otherwise there are a variety of letterman jackets made with soft sweatshirt material that feels and looks good. As an added bonus, this is a great way to wear some eye-catching sneakers that fit well with the rest of the outfit, so go wild.
The Gist
Baseball cap, varsity jacket, t-shirt (black, white, grey), dark or light wash blue jeans, nice sneakers as they are the star of the show (Jordan 1’s, or Adidas ZX-Flux).
Extra Credit: G-Shock digital watch, herringbone chain, chain bracelet
Put Some Personality in Your Uniform
We hope these outfits give you some examples from which to work, but caution you to use these as more of a jumping-off point than anything. A personal uniform should be influenced by your personality, so add, remove or combine parts of these examples as needed. What’s important is to put together an outfit that you’ll feel cool and comfortable in every day.