How to Wear Your Husband's Clothes

Let's borrow from the boys!

Menswear has been on my mind as of late. Maybe it’s bc it’s Father’s Day this weekend, and I’ve been brainstorming what to buy my husband. Maybe it’s because men’s clothing is generally better constructed with higher quality materials than women’s clothing is these days. Or maybe it’s because we’ve entered our “baggy” era and oversized menswear looks are all the rage. Whatever the reason, I’ve been shopping the men’s sections of different retailers lately, which has yielded some exciting results! (This post from

Kelly Williams

a few weeks ago was a great reminder.) So great, in fact, that I recently started to turn my gaze to the right side of our closet, where my husband’s clothes hang.

Realistically, I can’t actually wear most of my husband’s clothes. He’s a 6’4 former rugby player, so needless to say, most of his clothes look downright goofy on me. However, I’ve been able to pinpoint one or two pieces that I can either borrow, or at the very minimum, use as inspo for menswear pieces to buy in a more appropriate size.

So here’s a quick and dirty primer on how I wear my husband’s clothes - or at least smaller sizes of my husband’s clothes- in hopes it inspires you to also expand your closet via your own husband/boyfriend/partner/best friend/brother/father’s wardrobe, as well!

The Shorts

shorts (sold out, try this), top, sandals

These are not in fact my husband’s shorts, but an AYR pair of men’s shorts I bought (on major sale) after spotting a similar style on my hubs. I love the no frills utilitarian nature and the elastic waistband makes it extra comfy. If you want to try the Bermuda short trend but are on the shorter side like me (5’4) and don’t love the idea of Bermuda shorts cutting you off at or just below the knees, men’s shorts are usually a still-long-but-short-enough alternative. I leaned into the safari vibes of the muted green color above with a lace-up top and Row-ish sandals.

Other men’s shorts I love:

I have my eyes on these Alex Mill ones - the colors! So fab.

I also bought these Old Navy ones. I love the technical fabric, a sporty hybrid for weekends

These Everlane Easy Shorts literally look perfect.

Sizing note: I wish I had a hard and fast rule, but it’s trial and error. Typically I would say size down one from your standard size, but I’m a women’s medium and the AYR shorts are a men’s medium, and they fit fine. This is an instance you may want to consider shopping in store or ordering more than one size to test and return.

The Polo

polo is old, try this or this. button down (sold out in this color but try this or this for similar vibes), pants (sold out but try these or splurge for the OG!), sandals (they keep restocking sizes, don’t give up!)

There is perhaps no item more classic than the men’s polo shirt. (My husband owns about 78 of them!) Lately he’s had a thing for a knit polo, and I’m thrilled he has added some variety. (I credit Josh Lucas in Palm Royale- he wore a ton of knit polos which inspired him.) Generally speaking, men’s polos and tees are going to land on the longer side, so I like to wear them with a fitted pant, like these kick flares. They are also skew large, which is part of the look, but I wanted some definition so I added the button down. Not only does it cinch the waist and add shape, it’s also a great summer layering trick to add interest but not warmth to your outfit.

Some other Josh Lucas-y knit polos:

This J.Crew one comes in some fab colors!

I adore the vintage-y vibes of this one

This Old Navy is a bargain and the tipped edges add interest

But in all reality, you don’t need to buy any of these- just go hunting in the closet of any man in your life and steal away!

The Overshirt/Field Jacket

overshirt (old but this is close, I also love this!), tee, skirt (old but so many classic options), belt, sandals

This is a fun terry overshirt I bought from the J.Crew men’s section a year ago, mainly because I loved the color and texture. But any men’s overshirt or field jacket works as a fabulous summer-weight layering piece. It’s a great way to add that “third piece” to your look without adding too much heat. (Read up on Kelly’s post earlier this week for more ideas!)

Other fun overshirts/field jackets:

This chore jacket is a perfect “light jacket” for cool summer evenings

This Uniqlo utility jacket in the off white color is giving Toteme vibes…!

I love this bright blue Madewell one

The Button Down

Off to the cabana! Button down is my husband’s old Peter Millar, try this. Old Toteme suit, try this version, hat, flip flops, sunnies (old but these are close), my new fave tote (details below)

Prob the easiest item to steal from any man’s wardrobe is the button down. I tend to wear my husband’s button downs as cover ups, but they also work great for casual weekend wear with jeans, cutoffs, you name it! You can also wear them as a light jacket like the overshirt above- just make sure it’s not a french cuff shirt as those sleeves can be wonky to roll up.

Shout out to the talented

Joyce Lee

for this amazing tote I just scored. I am truly obsessed! You can contact her to order :)

Some great men’s button downs (but seriously, don’t buy these, go closet shopping instead!):

The Brooks Brothers white button down is a wardrobe STAPLE

I love a men’s linen button down in the summer, it’s relaxed and chic

Don’t forget stripes! Love the classic blue & white of this one

The iconic RL button down will always elevate any outfit

Let’s hear it for the boys! Happy Father’s Day to all those who celebrate. And if you bought the father in your life a shirt, polo, or jacket as a gift this year…maybe you’ll be eyeing it a little differently after this post?!

Thank you for reading and supporting! I so appreciate you being here :)

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