15 Items All Men Should Toss by Age 30
Your 20s are a time for firsts: first job, first apartment, and so on. And as you grow and become more mature, so does your style. You're probably not wearing the same outfit at 25 as you were at 15, right? But still, you probably still store some of those more youthful items in your closet (regardless if you actually plan on wearing any!) as you head deeper into your 20s and push 30. (And just note that you really should just wear whatever you love and are most comfortable in—no matter how old you are). Ladies, we've gone over many of these pieces for you here, but the same rules apply for men as well. To help pinpoint exactly what you (or the main dude in your life) shouldn't keep, we're highlighting the items every man should toss by the time they turn 30.
Scroll down for the 15 items that deserve to go post-29 life. Plus, shop pieces perfect for any man at any age.
Toss: Ill-Fitting Suits
Buying a suit off the rack only works for a small group of people. It's worth it to spend the extra money for the perfect fit that'll make you look put together for work.
Instead, try a tailored suit:
Toss: Cargo Shorts
There's no need for all of those pockets—they're bulky and don't look polished. A nice, tailored pair of Bermuda shorts is better for a mature man.
Instead, try tailored shorts:
You can dress these up with an oxford shirt or down with a tee.
Toss: Beaded Jewelry
That turquoise beaded bracelet may have worked when you were 20, but you're an adult now and deserve a sleek find you can wear to the office, on the weekend, and everywhere in between.
Instead, try a metal bracelet:
Toss: Light-Wash Jeans
While light-wash jeans can work in some instances if you pair them with polished separates, a pair of dark-wash straight-leg jeans is consistently more sophisticated—especially if you're looking for the ideal denim style for casual Friday.
Instead, try dark-wash jeans:
The fit and color here makes them ideal for the office (and the weekend).
Toss: Beat-Up Sneakers
If you're opting for sneakers for casual Friday, or for a more sophisticated environment, ditch the trainers you've worn forever in favor of an of-the-moment pair of fresh white kicks.
Instead, try sleek sneakers:
Toss: Windbreakers
Sure, there's a time and a place for a proper windbreaker (like if you're on an excursion somewhere), but for your day-to-day life? Try a more sophisticated bomber jacket instead.
Instead, try a lightweight bomber:
Toss: The Wrong Socks
Sure, your socks may seem like an afterthought, but the wrong pair can actually make or break your look. Sorry, but you can't get away with wearing white athletic socks with your dress shoes anymore.
Instead, try colorful socks:
Toss: Rundown Belts
It's time to refrain from wearing that same belt you've worn for the last 10 years (that's most likely worn out). While you don't need to spend a complete fortune, go for a nicer-quality style that will last and keep your overall vibe fresh and polished.
Instead, try a sophisticated belt:
Toss: Too-Short Ties
A proper tie is crucial to any formal look. Ensure you're selecting a style that's not too short and hits right above your waistline for the ideal, clean look.
Instead, try a sleek tie:
It's okay to have fun with your ties—especially if you go for a fun color in a classic print.
Related: 5 Chic Outfit Ideas for Women Over Age 30
Toss: Basketball Shorts
If you're actually on the court, by all means go for your basketball shorts—but there's no reason to wear them in your off-duty life. A slim pair of joggers gives you the same vibe, but are also more sophisticated as you're hanging with your crew on the weekends.
Instead, try slim joggers:
While these are ideal for the weekend—they're perfect for travel as well.
Toss: Tattered Everyday Bag
No, that messenger bag you used in college is not appropriate for business meetings. Instead, opt for a sleek all-leather briefcase or a stylish canvas tote if you're in a more creative office setting.
Instead, try a polished tote:
Toss: Promotional Sunglasses
No. Those shades you scored from spring break will not fly in your post-29 life. Go for a pair with wire frames that'll fit nicely into your everyday style.
Instead, try modern sunglasses:
Toss: Tank Tops
It's best to save tank tops for the beach or for a workout—go for a cool tee instead.
Instead, try a T-shirt:
Related: 20 Wardrobe Updates to Make by Age 30
Toss: Square-Toe Dress Shoes
For a modern vibe, get rid of your old square-toe dress shoes your mom bought you when you were 19—and try a sleek rounded-toe style instead.
Instead, try rounded-toe shoes:
If you're going to invest in one item in your closet, make it a quality pair of dress shoes to wear to formal occasions.
Toss: Frat Merchandise
Going to a game at your alma mater? By all means show your school spirit. But otherwise, an of-the-moment athletic-inspired pullover is more sophisticated and cool.
Instead, try a cool pullover:
Imagine this pullover with jeans and white sneakers for your off-duty life.
What items do you think your man should get rid of? Let us know in the comments below.
Opening Image: Splash News
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.