Here’s my minimal everyday carry (what I keep in my pockets) for September 2017.
If youโre not familiar with the concept of everyday carry (or EDC), itโs a pretty simple concept.
Your EDC is what you carry with you, well, every day when you leave your house.
Whether youโre going to work, school, out with friends, on a date or just running errands, you take a specific set of stuff with you.
Most men are very particular and intentional about what they carry because, unlike women who carry purses, we only have so much space to keep our things (in our pockets).
EDC is also kind of a hobby. Some guys are into collecting EDC items – sometimes called โpocket jewelryโ – like multitools, flashlights, knives or other small weapons.
Itโs not that they carry all of this stuff with them every time they go somewhere – itโs more of a hobby or passion.
For me, I try to be as minimalist as possible. What do I really need?
I donโt like the feeling of too much stuff in my pockets, especially since I like wearing slim fit pants.
That’s why I try to limit myself to the bear essentials. Thatโs what Iโm going to show you today.
If you prefer reading, read on!
#1: Phone (iPhone 7)
Since I use my phone for work, I usually upgrade to the latest model. I never opt for the larger version, which in this case is the iPhone 7 Plus.
In my opinion, itโs overkill, and the 7 is already a little too big for my hands.
Iโve never liked using phone cases, and believe it or not, Iโve never broken a phone or cracked a screen.
So much effort and thought was put into the way this phone was designed, and to me, a case sort of ruins the form and aesthetic. It also adds bulk – extra thickness and weight. And the really thin cases donโt offer any protection.
I keep my phone in my right pocket, pretty much all the time.
#2: wallet (anson calder 1/8โ)
Iโm a firm believer in minimalist wallets, and this is the best one Iโve found so far. Iโve been using it for a couple of years, and itโs aging beautifully.
This wallet has the smallest footprint of any wallet Iโve carried – other than money clips or card holders, which donโt offer the same functionality.
I keep my driverโs license, metro card, personal debit card and business credit card in this wallet, along with two bills (usually two twenties).
My only complaint about this wallet is, once you stretch it to hold a certain number of cards or bills, anything less than that will fall out.
So, since I started keeping two cards in this front slot, one card will just slide out.
Same with the cash. I can keep one bill or even three bills, but two is the sweet spot, and I donโt want to stretch it out any more.
Just something to know if you buy one of these brand new.
Recommenced Article: Why You Need a Slim Wallet, and Which One to Buy
That said, I still think this is one of the best minimal wallets out there right now.
#3: Keys
Iโve looked at various key organizers, but right now I just keep my essential keys (the ones I actually use every day) on a small key ring, in order by size:
Car, house, office, shed
This is small enough to keep in my front or back pocket, although it does get a little โpokeyโ sometimes. Iโve thought about getting a leather key holder, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!
#4: Sunglasses (Warby Parker Beckett)
During the daytime, I wear sunglasses pretty much all year round. Once your eyes get used to shades, you canโt really go without them. Plus, I love the way they look.
I have two pairs of prescription sunglasses, both from Warby Parker.
Most days, Iโm wearing the Becketts (the old version, before they were slightly redesigned for 2016). These are my beater sunglasses. Theyโve got plenty of wear and tear, so I donโt have to baby them anymore.
Guide: How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Your Face
As a guy who used to not wear sunglasses, and then only buy cheap ones, Iโve developed a serious fondness for these shades.
When Iโm not wearing these (like when I go inside), I keep them in a spare pocket (like my chest pocket) or hang them from my placket.
#5: Watch (Hamilton Khaki Officer Mechanical, black)
This Hamilton hand wind has become my new go-to everyday watch. Itโs casual, easy to read and relatively affordable for a Swiss made mechanical.
Itโs not automatic, so it has to be hand wound each day, but I think thatโs part of the charm. Itโs got clear, easy to read markings and a simple date complication.
For Automatic Watches:ย Top 25 Small Automatic Watches (Under 38mm)
I believe in function over form, but with this watch, I think youโre getting both.
#6: Breath Mints (Altoids Minis, wintergreen)
I either carry these little mints in my pocket or keep a tin in my gym bag, laptop bag or desk drawer.
I like knowing that my breath is nice and fresh, but I donโt really like chewing gum, and the big Altoids are a little overkill.
These minis are perfect. Plus, theyโre cheap and portable. You could easily carry these to your everyday carry without even noticing the extra bulk.
Plus, who doesnโt love a breath mint? So itโs always nice to be able to offer one to a group after dinner or to your neighbor on an airplane before takeoff.
#7: Tissue
Lastly, I always carry a single clean tissue, folded into a square, in my back right pocket.
I find that a clean tissue comes in handy more often than youโd expect, and itโs always nice to come to the rescue when someone else desperately needs one.
Sure, you could carry a handkerchief, but letโs be honest, itโs kind of gross to use a hanky and put it back in your pocket.
If you use your tissues, you simply throw it away and replace it next time you come across a tissue box.
And thatโs it! Thatโs my standard everyday carry. Of course, it varies slightly depending on the occasion, and I change my watch and sunglasses out regularly, but it basically stays the same throughout the week.
Iโd love to hear from you: what do you keep in your pockets when you leave the house? Let me know in the comments section!
That Hamilton looks amazing. Do you wear it strictly for work / going out? Or is it rugged enough for more outdoors type of stuff?