WHEN DAVID CORENSWET bulked up for Superman, the goal was to fill out a superhero suit. Reports say he added nearly 40 pounds for the role. But the biggest surprise? The transformation also taught the 32-year-old actor how to feel confident in a T-Shirt.
“I always felt like a bit of a string bean growing up,” Corenswet tells Men’s Health. “Clothes technically fit me, but I never fit into them the way I wanted.” He says he’s now somewhere between his pre-Superman frame and his peak bulk. “I always suspected that if I gained some weight, even just bulk, I’d feel better in a T-shirt. Turns out that was true.”
Shop David Corenswet’s Banana Republic Fall Campaign
Now, the Philadelphia native is showing off his newfound confidence in Banana Republic’s fall campaign. Shot against the windswept cliffs of San Francisco, Corenswet models the All-American brand’s line-up of of corduroy trousers, herringbone coats, and donegal sweaters. Because this is Banana Republic, you don’t need matinee-idol looks to rock these fits (though it helps). These clothes slot easily into any guy’s closet, and are built to look great for years.
“The denim is versatile and rugged, and a good leather jacket works almost anywhere,” he says. “It’s polished enough if you need to step things up, but not too precious.”
That balance ladders up to Corenswet’s one style rule: dignity. “I never want to overdress, but I always want to be appropriate,” he says. “For me it’s about simple precision; choosing something that suits the moment.”
In the campaign, Corenswet also rocks a knit sweater and joggers for an easy Sunday look. Off duty, he says he keeps his things just as simple. “I’d probably be cleaning the basement, which is what I should be doing right now,” he says. “For that, I’d go with worn-in jeans that aren’t too snug. Not quite sweater weather yet, but I look forward to the day I can start pulling those out.”
It’s no surprise then that denim is the anchor of his wardrobe, and the hero piece of Banana Republic’s campaign. The Straight Authentic Denim he’s modeled is cut in a straight fit that feels lived-in but still sharp, the kind of fit you can dress up with a sport coat or down with a hoodie. “They break in beautifully the more you wear them,” Corenswet says. “They’re functional, comfortable, and respectful. Pair them with a pair of solid boots, something understated that can handle a little scuffing, and you’re set.” Take it from Superman: you don’t need a cape to feel confident. Sometimes a broken-in jacket and good denim are all it takes.
Shop David Corenswet’s Banana Republic Campaign
Banana Republic Leather Racing Jacket
Banana Republic Relaxed Herringbone Pull-On Pant
Banana Republic Donegal Roll-Neck Sweater
Banana Republic Relaxed Leather Carcoat
Banana Republic Loose Pleated Corduroy Pant
Banana Republic Relaxed-Fit Paint Splatter Cotton-Hemp Chambray Shirt
Banana Republic Italian Herringbone Balmacaan Coat
Banana Republic Straight Authentic Jean
Banana Republic Patchwork Donegal Cardigan
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Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
