Welcome to TSP @lizardeatspaper
The simplest male garment is probably a tee shirt, though that does mean working with stretchy fabric.

That is what I thought when first venturing into clothes. I mean, how hard can it be? Unfortunately, I started with McCall's M6973 and had one hell of a time with the neckline. Avoid like the plague. There is technique to sewing stretch fabrics, it's brave step as a beginner.

I'd suggest sewing a simple shirt pattern using cotton fabric. Maudella 5052 has worked well for me. It's always the collar that gets you, every design works differently, so hard to imagine how it will turnout. Simplicity 4760 is slightly easier, but the simpler design shows.

Kwik Sew K3884 is great for learning all about pockets.

I suggest starting out with a basic 2nd hand machine in good working order. They are cheap, return on investment is quick. Once you learn the basic skills, you can upgrade in whatever direction you want.

My 1908 Singer 28K is a very capable of producing a well sewn garment. However, there are a few things that make things much easier.

1) Reverse stitch to lock the stitch ends. A little button to reverse is nice to have, most machines post WW2 have something to do this. With the 28K, one would lift the foot, pull the fabric back a stitch or two, drop the foot and cotinue sewing. Not difficult, but you'd be surprised how many times you need to do it!
2) A motor. This allows both hands to be used to guide the fabric. A treadle would work, but is expensive, hard to find and is really heavy.
3) Zig-zag stitch. Fabrics have evolved and we now have a selection of stretch fabrics to choose from. A zig-zag stitch stretches with the fabric, resulting in a stronger seam. Some of my machines have loads of fancy stitches, but I have never used them in any clothing patterns. The zig-zag stitch is required in a number of patterns I have.

If you are thinking of buying a brand new machine, almost all of them will do a decent job on clothing, for a while. If you want it to last, you need to ensure it has a metal frame underneath all the plastic.

Take a look in the "Machine Talk" section for reviews and recommedations on specific makes/models.

Oooh, I missed the screw stitch width control indicating it's a 15k! I should pay more attention.

Spare shuttle, full set of binders and ruffler for the 28K. Not sure what the springy thing is.

I think I prefer the 28K for the decals and novelty of the shuttle. I've seen them go for as little as £25 but in this good condition with accessories, I'd say £40-£50.

Arrived OK thanks, I shall have fun with it 

I have a vintage singer but it is stashed underneath the sewing table and I don't use it regularly.
Anyone know how I can find out how old it is and whether it was made at Clydebank?
Its the traditional black sort but I'd have to get it out of its lovely travelling case to see any more detail.

There is a comprehensive serial number database at ismacs.net

I'll take it, please PM me for payment instructions etc.

You didn't install the plate. Does it fit?

There is a surprising amount of footage about Clydebank on YouTube. The Beeb however, have access to the original footage, I hope they remaster it.

Looking forward to watching it, along with my 99k and 28k from 1918.