My 12 Favorite Men’s Basics From Amazon Essentials For Thrifty Travelers

One of the most usable garments on the list, a fleece vest is a hero. Wearable in any but the hottest temperatures, a vest helps keep your core warm. They can be worn over shirts (#6), turtle necks, sweaters (#8), light jackets, and t-shirts (#3). In addition, a fleece vest is a helpful addition to your suitcase on snowy days or on desert nights.

This 4.5-star-rated vest has a full-length zipper and two side pockets. It is offered in two materials, polyester and Recycled polyester; both are machine washable. Sizes X-Small through XX-Large come in 23 solid colors and six patterns. Some colors have an additional chest zipped pocket. Under $27.

At home on the golf course or at a casual dinner, a cardigan can pair with Brooks Brothers slacks or a pair of faded jeans. Always in style, this five-button, front-pocket sweater is a classic addition to a travel wardrobe. Wear with a collared shirt, polo shirt, turtle neck, or t-shirt. This one is light enough to wear under a blazer or outerwear.

Kevin and I love this 4.6-star-rated sweater because it is 100 percent cotton (an all-climate fiber). It’s machine washable. Eight colors come in six sizes — X-Small through XX-Large. Under $26.

Another multicultural garment, tanks are worn by guys and gals worldwide. Wear it as your fourth layer in the snow or as a shirt at the beach. I saw a photo of a gal wearing her hubby’s tank as a dress.

These 4.5-star-rated tanks are 100 percent cotton (yay) and machine washable. They come in six packs, either all white or three black and three greys. There are six sizes — X-Small through XX-Large. Under $22.

PJs, pajamas, jammies, sleepwear, nightclothes, nightshirts, or nighties, no matter what you call them, you’ll need them when traveling. Kevin and I like these because, you guessed it, they are 100 percent cotton and machine washable.

These versatile garments can be worn for sleeping, lounging, and working out. According to some folks, they are perfect for a 2 a.m. raid on the supermarket ice cream aisle.

The long-sleeved t-shirt and drawstring pants are flannel. The nine different sets come with a solid color shirt and patterned pants. There are five plaids, penguins, pandas, squirrels, and polar bears (perfect for that ice cream raid). Rated 4.5 stars, choose from six sizes — X-Small through XX-Large. Under $32.

Whether you wear it alone or under a blazer or vest, a polo shirt is always in style, especially in one of the non-traditional colors like Coral Orange.

Amazon customers rated this 4.2 stars out of five. The regular-fit, 100 percent cotton shirt also comes in a slim-fit style. There are 37 solid colors and 12 patterns available. Choose from 14 sizes, X-Small to 6X-Large. Under $17.

Pack a cotton sweater instead of a sweatshirt. They take the same room, but the cotton sweater will get more wear. The cable knit of this Amazon Essentials piece reminds me of the wool fisherman’s sweaters I saw in Ireland this spring. The 100 percent cotton version will be comfortable in a broader range of climate and social situations.

Wear it alone, over a tank, over a collared shirt, or under a blazer (#11) or outerwear. Rated 4.5 stars, choose from six sizes — X-Small through XX-Large. Under $28.

Jeans are another of those worldwide fashion statements. You’ll see them everywhere you travel. Dressed up or down, jeans are necessary for most travelers’ wardrobes.

Out of hundreds of styles, these got the nod because of the hard-wearing construction and fabric. Made of classic cotton, they also contain 2 percent spandex. That helps them keep their bootcut shape and ease just a bit after that fantastic Italian meal. Rated 4.3 stars, choose from 46 sizes with waste sizes from 28 to 42 and lengths from 28 to 34. Under $50.

Chinos are lighter weight and a slight step above blue jeans in style. Falling between jeans and slacks, Kevin prefers chinos for most of our travels, finding them easier to launder and dry.

The Amazon Essentials chino has a flat front with a classic fit. Made of 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester, they are rated 4.3 stars by Amazon shoppers. Choose waist sizes from 28 to 60 and lengths from 28 to 34. Under $23.

A pair of slacks can get you through most dressy occasions, especially when paired with your blazer above (#11) and a crisp white shirt (#6). Switch the blazer for a cardigan (#2) for a smart-casual affair. Add a tie to the shirt for some business meetings.

These pants are available in polyester and recycled polyester. Both materials come in 10 colors. Select waist sizes from 28 to 60 and lengths from 28 to 34. Rated 4.4 stars Under $33.