POV: To your utter shock, one of your platonic guy friends walks into geometry class one day looking like a supermodel sculpted by Greek gods and you wonder to yourself, "What happened? What changed?!" Well, it's probably because he woke up and just decided to throw on one of the following clothing items – things that mysteriously and instantly make members of the male gender a million times hotter.
There's no science behind it, but it's pretty much universally agreed upon that things like leather jackets, well-fitted suits, black tees, rings, and chain necklaces make guys look good. Don't believe us? Keep scrolling for proof from your fave celeb heartthrobs. Every single outfit on this list is guaranteed to make a guy look waaaaay cuter, like, immediately.
Jackets with Patches
The drip is real. Like, a dude who can rock anything with sick patches just oozes vintage cool — yes. If he knows how to explore his own style and have fun with the clothes he wears, he's a keeper.
What you'll need: Ultra Game NBA Patch Jean Jacket, $74.99, Amazon
Bowties
Just picture your man in a bowtie and a suit. 😍 Ties are great, sure, but the bowtie adds an extra little dose of dapper — like they're about to tap their knife against their glass and make a really well-thought-out speech.
What you'll need: Solid Satin Black Bow Tie, $22, Tie Bar
Turtleneck Sweaters
There's just something about a guy who can pull off a turtleneck sweater. It's a totally cozy, cuddle-able look that just makes you want to snuggle in close.
What you'll need: Casual Turtleneck Sweater, $41.99, PJ Paul Jones
Round Glasses
Do not, we repeat, do NOT underestimate the power of frames. It gives him that ~academic~ look even if they're just blue light glasses. All spectacles have the power to make a guy look super yummy, but round glasses deserve a special shout-out.
What you'll need: Duncan Glasses, $145, Warby Parker
Leather Jackets
Even if ya boy lives in T-shirts, the addition of a badass leather jacket transforms him into the most stylish guy in the room. Something about it is just so attractive.
What you'll need: Oversized Faux Leather Shacket, $86, ASOS
A Plain Black Tee
Black T-shirts are like the IRL version of a thirst trap – they hug his biceps in all the right places and the tight crew neck cut makes him look pretty much like a model.
What you'll need: Black Organic Cotton Crew, $30, Everlane
Gray Sweatpants
The phenomenon of gray sweatpants is difficult for words to explain, but as a wise man once said, "IYKYK." There’s just something effortless about a perfectly baggy but fitted pair of heather gray sweats.
What you'll need: The Track Pant, $31, Everlane
Chains
He’s a 5 but he wears a chain… 11. Whether it’s gold, silver, thick, thin, a necklace, or a bracelet (or all of the above?), we aren’t picky.
What you'll need: Baby Box Chain Necklace, $185, David Yurman
Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are trendy in women’s fashion today, but let’s not underestimate the power of the cargo on a man. Pair them with a vintage graphic tee and a pair of fresh kicks and simp mode will be activated. Bonus points if the cargos are camo.
What you'll need: Aviation Pant, $135, Carhartt
Wife Pleaser Tanks
There’s nothing like a worn tank top to complete an outfit. There’s something about a wife pleaser tank top that contains the essence of the hot young gardener or a Greaser that we can never say no to.
What you'll need: 18-Hour Jersey Rib Tank, $28, Mack Weldon
A Graphic Tee
Like the plain black tee or the plain white tee, a graphic tee is a thirst trap but with a personalized flair. Whether your thing is vintage band tees or screen-printed one-of-a-kind tees, we love to see a little personality with the classic essence of a simple T-shirt.
What you'll need: Burna Boy One Night T-Shirt, $30, Pacsun
Wide Leg Pants
Big pants, small shirt has to be the combo of the year for all genders. Gone are the days of skinny jeans (our thighs are rejoicing) and here are the days of neutral or colorful, knit or linen, wide leg or flared pants. If the Fine Line album cover didn’t convince you of the power of wide-leg pants, we don’t know what will.
What you'll need: Smart Extreme Wide Legs Pants in Stone, $27.50, Asos Design
Blazers
A snazzy blazer creates the illusion of a sturdy pair of shoulders, the classic “manly” silhouette. Unlike a full suit though, a blazer can be a statement piece, with endless possibilities for patterns and colors and bottoms that you can pair it with for a dressy or elevated casual look.
What you'll need: Skinny Suit Jacket in Black, $71, ASOS
Tattoos
Tattoos aren’t technically something you can wear, but in a way, they’re the most permanent way to elevate your hot factor at all times. But don’t get us wrong, it's quality over quantity in this arena and a small smattering of meaningful tattoos trumps the Harry Styles tattoo starter pack any day.
What you'll need: 20 Sheets Black Temporary Tattoos, $6.99, Amazon
Varsity Jackets
Like the bomber jacket, there’s just something about the oversized but fitted look of a varsity jacket. In this case, whether it’s an actual relic from a past sports-related triumph (pop off, athleticism!) or a new age, fashion boy riff on the classic varsity jacket, we love to see it.
What you'll need: Wool Blend Varsity Jacket, $150, Les Deux
Henley Shirts
Maybe it’s the partial button-up vibe or down-to-earth male protagonist energy that this clothing item gives off, but whatever it is we love a henley. There’s just something casual but put together about a fitted henley that says "I could’ve left the house in my plain white undershirt but I tried harder for u, bbg."
What you'll need: Long Sleeve Waffle Henley, $24.99, Sailwind
A Signature Scent
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference. Like the things you can’t even see. Finding your signature cologne/scent can elevate your vibe in an unbeatable way.
What you'll need: Marrakech Intense Fragrance, $145, Aesop
Rings
A hand full of rings gives us Harry Styles, Jack Sparrow, tortured creative soul energy, so bring on the bling! We love seeing an accessorized man who’s not ridden with toxic masculinity.
What you'll need: Bold Round Signet Ring, $98, Mejuri
Bomber Jackets
Bomber jackets are the ultimate cool-guy move. Can't put our finger on why, exactly, but for some reason wearing one is ALWAYS sexy. It's a guaranteed win.
What you'll need: Mens Bomber Jacket, $24.99, Amazon
A Well-Tailored Suit
Do I even need to elaborate on this one? I feel like this pic of Charles Melton looking dapper as all hell is the only explanation needed, no?
What you'll need: Twisted Tailor Brenes Double Breasted Suit Jacket, $206, ASOS
Wool Coats
How can he look simultaneously suave and painfully cute *at the same time*?!? A slim-fit camel overcoat does all of that and then some, my friend.
What you'll need: Henry Wool Blend Top Coat, $64.99, Dockers
Flannel Shirts
You can't look at a plaid flannel button-up without thinking of Jughead from Riverdale, therefore every guy who wears one will be blessed with the aura of his cute guy vibes.
What you'll need: Relaxed Fit Twill Shirt, $24.99, H&M
Beanies
Maybe it's because beanies are an essential part of the official f*ckboy uniform? Something about a man in a beanie (with a little bit of scruff 😍) just looks so good.
What you'll need: Ribbed Merino Wool Blend-Knit Beanie, $50, Acne Studios
Fresh Sneakers
Everyone knows the best indicator of hotness is a guy's shoes. A fresh pair of Air Force 1s or even a beat-up pair of Vans ups the heat level SEVERAL points.
What you'll need: Tree Runners, $105, Allbirds
Hoodies
Hoodies are pretty cute by themselves, but when he wears that hood up, the nearest smoke alarms go off.
What you'll need: Sweat Pullover Long-Sleeve Hoodie, $49.90, Uniqlo
Stylish Sunglasses
A guy who takes risks with his accessories (or wears accessories at all...the bar is low) always gets major points. Also in this category: necklaces, rings, bracelets. YUM.
What you'll need: Round Metal Gold Rim Sunglasses, $163, Ray-Bans
Vintage-y Short Sleeve Button-Ups
Whether it's fresh from an H&M bag or actual vintage, one of these shirts says "I'm stylish" and, yes, also, "I'm sexy." All he has to do next is throw on some chains.
What you'll need: Linen Cotton Expedition Shirt, $85, Banana Republic
Chelsea Boots
For Exhibit A, we present this double JoBro Chelsea boot situation. That's it. We rest our case.
What you'll need: Chelsea Boots, $139, Rothy's
Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are always the top choice for a Hot Guy wardrobe, but he deserves extra points for any stylish distressing action. It's impossible to rock skinnies and not look like a whole snack.
What you'll need: AE AirFlex+ Distressed Skinny Jean, $42, American Eagle
Sleek Loafers
The number one rule in the How to Be Hot Handbook: be Noah Centineo. Just copy any outfit he wears, like this look here. Even with jeans, loafers just make a guy look so sophisticated.
What you'll need: Classic Penny Loafer, $159, Cole Haan
Flat Bill Hats
Backwards, frontwards, to the side – doesn't matter how you wear them, there's never a situation in which a flat bill hat is NOT sexy. You can add it to literally any cool outfit successfully.
What you'll need: Corvette 5-Panel Snapback Hat, $35, Urban Outfitters
Joggers
Tight joggers and a flat bill hat? Lawd help me.
What you'll need: City Sweat Joggers, $118, Lululemon
A Slightly Unbuttoned Shirt
Unbuttoning the shirt is a dangerous game, but if done right, has major payoff. You can't unbutton it too much (brrrr) but just enough to show a hint of chest. *Chef kiss.*
What you'll need: Short Sleeve Button-Down Shirt, $37, New Look
Denim Jackets
With a graphic tee and skinnies? The outfit combo makes every dude look like a punk rock god about to take the stage.
What you'll need: Rugged Wear Denim Jacket, $49, Wrangler
Button-downs With the Sleeves Rolled Up
The instant hotness that occurs when a guy rolls up his sleeves is one of life's biggest mysteries. Maybe it's the subtle forearm flex? (Also applies to sweaters, apparently.)
What you'll need: Relaxed Traditional-Weight Oxford Shirt, $89.50, J.Crew