There's a big difference between that tiny crocodile on your favorite polo and the gaudy sports logo spanning the front of your favorite t-shirt.
If you're not cautious, you could end up walking around like a real-life billboard. Trust me when I say there's nothing stylish about that.
As with any style selection, balance is key. You need to understand how branding works, when it's appropriate to wear, and how much is too much when it comes to brand logos on clothing.
Don't worry, gents – I've got you covered. In today's article, we'll be covering:
- What are brand logos on clothing?
- Are logos on clothing stylish?
- Can you wear logos on accessories?
- How to wear logos in a stylish way
- What brands can a stylish man wear?
#1 What Are Brand Logos On Clothing?
Brand logos on clothing is not a new trend. It's as cyclical as seasons changing, and each time it gets louder and bolder.
While wearing brand logos has surged in popularity amongst streetwear enthusiasts, it's essential to understand why it's just another trend, not an authentic style that will remain over time.
Trend vs. Style
The easiest way to make this distinction is to consider trends as short-term, while style is always long-term.
Trends are:
- Cyclical and everchanging
- Not very versatile
- Often more of a fashion statement
- Will fade over time and be replaced
Style is:
- Timeless and classic
- Very versatile
- Remains a staple in your wardrobe
- Doesn't fade and sticks around
Does this mean that you will look like a trendy fool if you wear logos on clothing? Not necessarily.
#2 Are Logos On Clothing Stylish?
The short answer is that it depends. The better solution is that brand logos on clothing CAN be stylish, but not always.
The biggest mistake in this trend is that men typically overdo the amount of branding they put on.
The streetwear trend is to wear the logos bold and aggressively (think of brands such as Supreme, Champion, Nike, & Adidas).
The stylish way to wear brand logos on clothing is to find brands that have remained in style over the years with an iconic logo that is recognizable and not too loud (think of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, & Calvin Klein).
The best rule of thumb is that a tiny logo is acceptable, but more than that, you can start to edge towards trendy and away from stylish.
#3 Can You Wear Logos On Accessories?
Yes. In fact, this is one of the best ways to keep brand logos in your wardrobe and do so subtly and stylishly.
When it comes to style, less is generally more.
So if you need to rock your favorite brands, start small by donning a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses or a Louis Vuitton wallet, for example.
This allows you to wear that brand while not appearing as a trendy fanboy.
Personally, I still highly recommend sticking with classic styles because too much branding can still be overkill.
Try these stylish branded accessories:
- Wallets
- Sunglasses
- Watches
- Belts
- Fragrances
#4 How To Wear Logos In A Stylish Way
This is where I'll show you how to wear those recognizable brands in a way that makes sense and remains stylish.
The golden rule of brand logos on clothing is that less is more, and more is foolish.
When you want to wear branded clothing, remember that your classic, stylish pieces should remain staples.
The best piece of clothing this applies to is your favorite polo. Branded logos on polos have remained a style over the years because of the many recognizable brands that make them.
Think of a classic Ralph Lauren or Lacoste polo. A pair of Calvin Klein underwear also fits the bill.
The only time it makes sense to break out the bold branding is when it comes to athletic wear in the gym. This is when you can wear that matching Adidas tracksuit with a pair of sneakers. Please don't wear it to the grocery store, though, because that's when it becomes trendy, not stylish.
#5 What Brands Can A Stylish Man Wear?
Brand logos on clothing can have their place in a man's wardrobe when done in a subtle and stylish manner.
It's essential to develop your own signature style, and not just bounce back and forth between trends.
But if you want to show off a few of those brands, the only items in your closet that should have branded logos on them are your accessories, athletic wear and sneakers, and the occasional branded polo.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with these timelessly stylish brands:
- Ralph Lauren
- Lacoste
- Hermes
- Burberry
- Calvin Klein
Now that you have an idea of how to wear branded logos on clothing in a stylish manner, you probably want to investigate other trends that you might be able to pull off. Check out this article I wrote about why all men should wear pink.
