By

·

6 min read

Discover the 3 essentials every man needs for success, confidence, and longevity—rooted in expert insights, and modern necessity.

Table of Contents

First of all—f***, we hate the term High-Value Man. It screams “try-hard” self-titling himself to appear important. Or fake expert making sh** up to become relevant. But hey, it got you here, and let’s be real—being a man in today’s world is a wild ride.

Between the gurus selling “alpha male” online courses and social media convincing you that a Lambo and a Richard Mille are the North Star, it’s easy to get lost in the mishegoss. But let’s be real—if you asked 10 different guys what the essentials are, you’d probably get 10 different answers.

That said, timeless style, consistent self-care, and financial security a regarded as some of the most practical and universal tenets of manhood. No matter what a guy does or where he’s from, these three things will impact how he moves through life—how he’s perceived, how he feels about himself, and the opportunities he gets.

But let’s strip away the noise. Every man—regardless of status, culture, or generation—needs three fundamental things: a timeless wardrobe, a dependable grooming routine, and some sense of financial security.

Easier said than done? Probably. But these essentials have been shaping successful men for centuries. Let’s break it down, with some industry-backed confirmations, and practical ways to level up.

A Timeless Wardrobe (Because Drip Matters)

Three stylish men wearing classic and modern outfits, showcasing timeless men's fashion with tailored blazers, suits, and loafers.
Photo Credit: Effortless Gent

From ancient Roman togas to the tailored suits of modern Wall Street, fashion has always been a silent communicator of status, discipline, and personal pride.

Researchers at Princeton University found that men dressed in more refined clothing were consistently perceived as more competent. This effect was observed across nine studies, indicating a strong association between attire and perceived competence.

But wtf does “more refined” even mean?

Let’s keep it simple with some quick improvements that can fine-tune your existing look.

What Every Man Needs in His Wardrobe:

  • A well-tailored suit (even if you work remotely—because you never know when you’ll need to look like something).
  • Classic leather shoes—invest in quality Goodyear welted shoes for longevity.
  • A versatile white dress shirt (yes, James Bond knew what he was doing).
  • Denim that fits— you can rock the loose fit but have some that fit well.

Pro Tip: The rule of thumb is quality over quantity—a few well-made essentials will outlast fast fashion. Investing in high-quality clothing isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a practical decision that pays off over time. As Dennis Green from Business Insider points out:

“A better way to look at purchasing quality clothing like this is as an investment — an investment in your future.”

— Dennis Green, Business Insider

High-quality garments often feature superior craftsmanship and materials, leading to increased durability and longevity. This means fewer replacements and, ultimately, cost savings in the long run.

Resources to Upgrade Your Wardrobe:

A Solid Grooming Routine (Because Hygiene Ain’t Optional)

A collage of men engaging in grooming routines, including skincare application, cologne use, and professional beard trimming.

Let’s keep it a buck—nobody respects a man who smells like sh**.

Good grooming is a non-negotiable, and historically, it has always been a defining trait of powerful men. Egyptian pharaohs bathed in oils, Roman emperors had barbers on call, and today, CEOs are spending thousands on skincare and hair maintenance.

Research indicates that personal grooming significantly influences perceptions of professionalism and leadership. A study highlighted by Forbes found that entrepreneurs who dress well and maintain good grooming habits are perceived by others as leaders.

But what does that mean, exactly?

Just lock down a few essentials to keep you looking sharp without overcomplicating.

The Basics Every Man Should Cover:

  • Skincare—cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize (yes, it’s that simple).
  • Beard/Hair Maintenance—if you’re #beardgang, invest in quality products like Beardbrand.
  • Fragrance Game—every man needs a signature scent (and no, Axe body spray doesn’t count).

Pro Tip: Research suggests that small grooming habits, like skincare and wearing a signature scent, can actually boost self-perception and overall well-being. If you’re not taking care of yourself, how can you expect others to take you seriously?

Resources for Leveling Up Your Grooming Routine:

Financial Security (Because Broke Ain’t a Good Look)

A humorous financial growth chart featuring ascending bars with money textures, transitioning from a skeptical emoji to a cool sunglasses emoji.
The Wealth-to-Wellness Ratio: How Financial Security Affects Your Vibes

Financial security isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Without it, you’re one unexpected bill away from a full-blown crisis. Even the most successful figures, from Andrew Carnegie to Jeff Bezos, have recognized the importance of building wealth and understanding finances.

In fact, a 2024 report by AARP revealed that 40% of men are worried about covering basic expenses, up from 33% in 2022. Additionally, 43% of men carry a credit card balance, an increase from 38% in 2022. Only 62% have emergency savings, down from 69% in 2022.

As financial educator John Hope Bryant aptly puts it:

“If you don’t understand the language of money, and you don’t have a bank account, then you’re just an economic slave.”

— John Hope Bryant, CEO, Operation Hope

These insights underscore the critical importance of financial literacy and proactive wealth management.

The Three Pillars of Financial Stability:

  • Saving & Investing—open a high-yield savings account and start learning about index funds.
  • Eliminating Debt—because credit card debt is financial quicksand.
  • Multiple Income Streams—the average millionaire has seven sources of income (CNBC).

Pro Tip: The sooner you start investing, the less you have to invest. Thanks to compound interest, even small contributions early on can snowball into serious wealth—waiting just a decade can mean needing to save twice as much to reach the same goal.

Resources to Take Charge of Your Finances:

5 Essential Strategies to Master During Financial Literacy Month
Read More

Final Thoughts: The 3 Pillars of a Man’s Success

At the end of the day, it’s not about having a Rolex, a six-pack, or a blue check on Instagram—it’s about mastering the fundamentals. If you have a solid wardrobe, good grooming habits, and financial security, you’ve already won half the battle.

The best part? These three things compound over time. A well-dressed man gets taken seriously. A well-groomed man commands respect. And a financially secure man moves through life with power and freedom.

So, are you about to level up or nah?

Responses (0)

Leave a Reply

Comment policy: We deeply value the engagement with our content but all comments undergo manual moderation—so, spam or promotional content will be removed.

By submitting this form: You agree to the processing of the submitted personal data in accordance with Kubashi’s Privacy Policy, including the transfer of data to the United States.