In the fast-paced world of today, having a refined and practical everyday carry collection is essential for the modern gentleman. Discover the carefully selected essentials that seamlessly blend style and functionality in this comprehensive guide.
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What is an Everyday Carry?
An Everyday Carry or EDC is a collection of functional items carried by a person every day. The guys at everydaycarry.com described it perfectly.
EDC items are the things you tap your pockets for before you head out the door. The things you feel naked without, and the things that would throw off your whole day if you had to do without them.
There are different types of everyday carry gear, such as work, lifestyle, or workout EDC items. In this article, we will try to cover the essential lifestyle items that all gentlemen should carry on a daily basis!
Essential Everyday Carry Items for Men
1. Watch
As covered many times, the watch is one of the fundamental accessories of every man – that’s why you should carry a timepiece every day on your wrist.
Although the purpose of wristwatches changed from telling the time to being a statement piece, a man who wears a watch will always look professional, precise, and someone who values his time.
There are many watch types and brands on the market, ranging from training to formal timepieces. If you ask me, I prefer wearing a stainless steel chronograph for everyday use.
However, if you are searching for a versatile timepiece that complements various outfits and doesn’t break the bank, I recommend checking out this deal:
Fossil Minimalist Men’s Watch with Leather Band
Fossil watches have always been inspired by American creativity and ingenuity.
2. Key Organizer
As a minimalist, I like to keep my keys as organized and compact as possible. I have only two to three keys on my keychain, and it is more than enough for me. You might find yourself asking, “Do key organizers work?”
The short answer is – yes. If you have a messy, bulky keychain that you can barely fit in your pocket, then a key organizer is a must-have for you. You can find great deals online for both leather and metal variants.
3. Earphones
Although we are not a tech magazine, music is a vital part of our lives, so we have to cover earphones. Listening to your favorite song after a stressful day is one of the easiest ways to zone out. That is why it’s worth investing in a quality pair of earphones.
It’s a personal preference, but if you use an iPhone and seek quality wireless earphones, choosing AirPods is a clear choice. The native Apple ecosystem can’t be replicated by third-party brands. Regarding the price, I initially had concerns but never regretted my decision.
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
4. Pen
Although it is a digital world, you will still need a quality pen in specific situations. I don’t know about you, but for me, there’s something special in taking out a pen from your pocket to sign an important document – instead of using a cheap, plastic ballpoint pen. That’s why pens are a common everyday carry item for many.
ChaoQ Metal Ballpoint Pen
The package includes three pens with smooth writing, a portable, retractable, 1.0 mm tip, and six refills.
5. Phone
The phone is something most of us already have in our pocket. It has become a staple of our modern everyday life. Nowadays, we can message each other in seconds, make emergency calls, learn about the latest news, or do our banking on our phones.
If you haven’t done it yet, make sure to follow us on Instagram.
6. Wallet
Picking the right wallet is a tough one. Especially if you like to keep your cards and cash clean and minimal. Of course, you can buy a regular wallet at nearly any store, but if you want to buy a high-quality one that meets all expectations, you need to search for a while.
My current wallet is from a small Canadian brand called Vera Forma, and I am super happy with it – it’s a sleek leather bifold, but it might not be for everyone. If you are looking for something similar from another manufacturer, check out the following one by Bellroy:
Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet
The Bellroy Hide and Seek wallet, with a slim profile and classic aesthetic, features a leather lining and bifold closure. It fits 5-12 cards, coins, and flat bills and offers RFID protection. The hidden bill section adds convenience, while environmentally certified leather and a 3-year warranty ensure lasting quality.
7. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not only able to protect the eyes from the intense rays of the sun. As a physical barrier, sunglasses protect from wind, dust, sand, and other airborne debris that could irritate your eyes.
You would think that sunglasses are only for summer, but I use sunglasses more in winter than in summer. Especially when I am driving, the sun is shining, and there is snow or ice on the road.
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer
The Ray-Ban Wayfarer features a plastic frame, glass lens, and a non-polarized design with UV protection coating. It boasts a lens width of 50 millimeters for both style and practicality.
8. Bottle opener
A bottle opener can be handy in everyday life for opening bottles with crown caps, such as those found on soda or beer bottles. Although it is possible to open a bottle without a bottle opener, doing so increases the risk of breaking the glass.
Choosing a bottle opener that can be hung next to your keys allows you to open bottles on any occasion.
Bellroy Key Tool
If you’re looking for a unique and practical accessory, this small addition from Bellroy combines two flat-head screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and a tool for opening parcels.
How Do I Pick My Everyday Carry Gear?
I am a minimalist. I prefer to maintain the fewest possible accessories and items with me – allowing me to easily keep track of all my belongings and store them neatly in one place.
Whenever I come across an item that combines the purposes of two or more items, I am usually in for adding a new piece to my everyday carry gear.
It’s also worth mentioning that my accessories highly depend on the season; I carry different things with me in winter compared to summer.
Some men prefer to keep a multi-tool or pocket knife in their EDC. I understand the multi-tool, but not the pocket knife. It’s not only illegal to carry in most countries but mostly useless – unless you are opening packages 24/7.
Where to Store Your EDC Items?
Whenever your EDC items are not in use, have a dedicated place for them. This ensures you always know where your EDC is. When you need them or are leaving the house, simply pick them up. A practical solution is to invest in an Everyday Carry dump tray.
Conclusion
I could go on and on about the items I use every day when I go to work or school, but this article will cover only the most necessary. We will talk about the perfect men’s bags and what to keep in them in a future post.
The gentleman’s everyday carry consists of essential items for his daily needs and style. You can easily store most of these items in your jeans, jacket, or car pocket. So, the next time you’re wondering what guys should have on them every day, now you know the deal.
Keep on reading: The 10 Best Suit Accessories That Will Improve Your Style
