It’s a simple fact that men need to own certain items: a good hammer, a decent record player, a really warm blanket that potential mates will totally dig and, of course, a handful of tried and tested wardrobe classics.

Granted, it’s a term that’s bandied about a lot in menswear, but it takes something truly special to properly substantiate the claim.

In the search for enduring style over trends, here are some unquestionably timeless staples that look as remarkable now as they’ve always done.

Outerwear

Baracuta G9 Harrington

Few jackets have proved to have such wide-reaching popularity as the Harrington. Originally released in 1937 and beloved by golfers for its water-resistant fabric and ‘umbrella’ back flap, the Baracuta Harrington (or G9) went on to be adopted by several sub-cultures from skinheads to scooter boys, as well as style icons including Frank Sinatra and Steve McQueen.

The jacket took its name from Rodney Harrington, a character in the 1960s American soap opera Peyton Place, played by Ryan O’Neal who was often seen sporting the style. Since then, everyone from The Clash to Daniel Craig’s 007 (whose Harrington is, admittedly, made by Tom Ford) has showcased the silhouette’s versatility.

To this day, each Baracuta Harrington jacket is still handmade in the UK, and the design hasn’t changed a lot since 1937. The signature tartan lining remains, and it still manages to strike the perfect balance between smart and casual. But most importantly, the G9’s flipped-up collar looks unquestionably cool worn over everything from shirts and ties to crew neck T-shirts.

Burberry Trench Coat

Perhaps the most instantly recognisable piece of outerwear in the world, each element of Burberry’s trench coat looks as relevant today as it did more than a century ago.

The design’s form-follows-function aesthetic comes from the fact it was originally produced to keep military personnel protected against wind and rain.