A rugged appearance is more than just a style; it’s an attitude and a mindset. And maybe you are one of those guys who’s been eyeing the rugged fashion, but you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry. You are not alone in this dilemma. A lot of men out there also feel the same way. That is why we’re here to help you unleash that inner rugged man in you.
By description, a rugged style is a perfect balance of danger and fun. The clothing would largely be mobile to raise the stature and build, allowing free body movements and not too baggy or tight. Consider durable fabrics, sturdy hardware, and a fit that will enable easy motion when creating a truly authentic rugged look. Of course, the garments would be sturdy and plain, with no extra adornments or accessories.
Let’s talk about more of this below.
What’s The Key to Being Rugged?
When we think of rugged style, we think of it as timeless, gritty, and unpretentious. But if you had to sum up what it takes to be rugged in one word. It is the opposite of what other people think. For the rugged man, perfection is never required. You just need to keep it natural and simple and remember to enjoy yourself.
As you can look rugged by wearing the right clothes and accessories, it’s far more than that. A rugged appearance should give the sense of being long-lasting and robust. You should look for classic pieces with no trends and flapped pockets if you’re trying to add elements to your closet to create a rugged look. Also, you should invest in more sturdy and woven basics to give your wardrobe more personality.
Clothing Styles for Rugged Men Fashion
The rugged dressing is much more than a fashion statement; it’s a way of life that commands respect and helps you achieve your goals. A rugged appearance suggests that you are interesting and that you have tales to tell. It gives off the vibe where people will approach you and allow you to tell those stories if you are a gentleman.
Below are the fashion styles you should try to perfect the rugged man look.
The Explorer Look
The explorer style can make you appear a serious businessman – a man who has a few tales to tell. This look is perfect for warm-weather vacations or summer day outfits.
Also, this outfit calls for a light khaki shirt and khaki slacks. Natural materials that are thin, such as linen and hemp, are ideal. We recommend long-sleeve shirts over short-sleeve shirts because they are more versatile. And if it’s hot, roll the shirt up to the biceps.
The other key piece is leather: a brown leather jacket, a leather belt, and a leather bag. Whether you’re in the jungle, climbing rocky peaks, or fighting the good fight in the city, leather is a tough fabric that will last you a long time.
And to protect you from the sun or rain, a broad-brimmed hat is a must. Consider the fedora worn by Indiana Jones or a stockman’s hat. Wool felt is commonly used, but fur felt, which is 100% waterproof, is preferable. You can also try leather or waxed cotton, but these may appear out of place when the sun is shining.
The Military Look
This is an unexpectedly versatile style. You can choose the combat look for less formal occasions.
Take note that combining green or khaki cargo pants with a white t-shirt or a black sleeveless t-shirt and military-style boots is a good option. Such style is an Army or Marines-inspired design and gives off the Vin Diesel effect. This looks great with a kafiya scarf and a green cotton jacket.
Then there’s the Punisher’s look. This is more on the undercover side. Wear all black, including boots, combat pants, a t-shirt, a leather jacket or hoodie, and a black beanie in the winter.
You can, of course, try the Air Force look. This is much more versatile and on the smarter casual side. A leather aviator jacket and aviator sunglasses are the most iconic pieces. It is typically worn with a white t-shirt and jeans, but it goes with just about anything.
The Mountain Man Look
You may not live in the mountains or fight bears or fell trees, but you can always incorporate a little Mountain Man into your closet. This is an excellent alternative if you’re taking some glamping, visiting a coworker’s country house, or planning a party by the lake.
Mountain Man has elements of country club without being too preppy, cowboy without being too macho, and an urban man without being too hipster. It’s about taking the most masculine and stylish elements of these stereotypes and making them feel more natural and sophisticated.
The Country Gent Look
This is the iconic outdoor look of a typical British country gent. Very stylish, but also tough. When you opt to wear this style, you will seem like the kind of person going hunting for the day but not stopping for some sherry and sandwiches.
If you decide to incorporate this into your wardrobe, you’ll get that refined yet rugged look. And you should also note that this look necessitates the use of tweed. It has been used for rugged outdoor wear for centuries – from climbing Mount Everest to walking your dog in the park.
The Bottom Line
The looks mentioned above will surely make you stand out. You can go all-in on one of these or just pick and choose what you want to add to your closet. Make it your own and tailor it to your preferences or the man you aspire to be.
Just keep in mind that these styles are influential, so don’t go overboard. Make an informed decision based on what you’ve learned from others and this article, too. And make sure to dress like the man you want to be – a man with knowledge and someone who others can rely on. So, go out there and be tough while looking like a real rugged gentleman.
READ ALSO: What is Rugged Men Fashion?
