Better Basics: 4 Must-Have Brands For Spring

Denim. Shorts. Tanks. Spring is here, and we're dressing down. But that doesn't mean we can't do it in style. EDGE showcases some of our favorite brands for looking good, feeling good and dialing it back.

Raffi
While the 1980s were no stranger to the knit sweater (we're all still recovering from the Coogi phenomenon), designer Raffi Shaya took the pullover to a whole new level with the creation of luxury cashmere and knitwear for both men and women.

In a season where the temperature can shift on a dime, we love the pure cashmere "sweatshirt" zip mock ($420) -- perfect to layer over a T-shirt or wear under a sport coat on a cool evening. Though the price implies no small investment in your wardrobe, this is a garment that will never go out of style.

Cult of Individuality
Of the hundreds of denim companies worldwide, Cult of Individuality has been drawing devotees since Ron Poisson created the brand in 2009. Its signature rip-and-repair style stands out from the crowd, along with a growing array of wash and treatment-driven collections.

In a recent interview with Denimology, Poisson said, "Guys are having more fun with denim washes and rips and distressing, patches, moto-elements, coating and details, all after a few seasons of strict minimalism. And we are certainly the best when it comes to that, so I'm excited to introduce more guys to our cult over the next few seasons."

Whether you're headed to a White Party or just amping up your wardrobe for post-Memorial Day, the Greaser Slim Straight ($198) delivers premium selvedge denim with a classic button fly and low rise to show off the goods from any angle.

Tailor Vintage
Is your idea of vacation more suited to a laidback weekend snuggling in an Airbnb rather than a thumping EDM concert and urban meltdown? Dress the part in Tailor Vintage, which features classic fabrics and a well-worn quality that feels cozy but still offers a contemporary cut.

Get more bang for your buck with reversible shorts in plaid and chambray ($98), and feel confident that this season's "modern prep" will look just as good whether you've got your feet up on the back porch or are buzzing around town.

DSTLD
One of the most recently launched brands to jump into the online-only retail pool, DSTLD offers a collection for the modern man with classic pieces in black, white and denim. Add fairly manufactured garments, eco-friendly fabrics and ethical pricing into the mix, and you've got a formula for wardrobe essentials at a price point that won't break the bank.

Based in Los Angeles, co-founders Corey Epstein and Mark Lynn are giving e-commerce a stylish, fresh look that can complement any man's wardrobe. We love the slim tank ($20) -- 100 percent cotton and garment dyed -- for layering or a day at the beach.