Many men have a difficult time finding clothes that they enjoy wearing. With so many different styles and brands to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your choices.
But what if you could have a capsule wardrobe of a few selected articles of clothing? It could help your budget, simplify your life, and make dressing easier. Here are some steps that will help you get started.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched together in various ways to create different outfits. Together, they can provide enough versatility to put together an attractive and functional outfit for most occasions.
A capsule wardrobe is also called an essential wardrobe. It can be designed around different themes, seasons, or personal style aesthetics. People who live a minimalistic lifestyle often have capsule wardrobes.
Benefits of a men’s capsule wardrobe
The truth is, capsule wardrobes aren’t for everyone. Many of us enjoy buying and expanding our clothing collection, so why limit ourselves to the basics?
Well, there are several benefits to having a capsule wardrobe:
Less clutter: Decluttering is part of simplifying life, and having a capsule wardrobe is a part of it. If you only have the essentials, there’s no room for clutter in your closet.
Easier to get dressed: Less thinking is required when getting ready in the morning as it simplifies planning. You can see everything at once and plan outfits without having to ruffle through piles of clothes.
You don’t have to keep ut with trends: Trends give way to the next trend each season. With a capsule wardrobe, you can avoid keeping up with trends and stick to your timeless pieces of clothing instead.
Less likely to impulse buy: Capsule wardrobes allow you to plan, and when there’s a reason for each item in your wardrobe, it makes buying new clothes less likely.
You will wear your clothes: You are more likely to wear everything in your wardrobe with fewer clothes. If it’s not something you would choose to put on each day, there is no reason for having it around cluttering up the closet space.
Do I need a capsule wardrobe?
Is a capsule wardrobe right for you? You may benefit from creating a capsule wardrobe if you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions:
- With less effort, you want to look more stylish.
- Planning your outfits ahead of time is stressful, and you end up wearing whatever is easiest.
- Your closet is full of clothes you hardly ever wear.
- You struggle to find what you need in your closet or remember what you own.
Clean out your closet
The first step is to create space for your new capsule closet. You may have many clothes that you do not wear anymore, but they still take up space in your wardrobe, so it is crucial to remove the items that are no longer needed.
Go through all your clothing and shoes. If you haven’t worn an article of clothing in the last six months, it is time to give, donate or sell it. If you only wear it on special occasions, then store it somewhere else.
After cleaning out your closet, organize what remains so that everything has its place and no overlapping pieces take up space. Now that you’ve made some space, you should have a core collection of clothing you often wear and want to keep. You can use this as the basis for your capsule wardrobe.
Identifying the sort of outfits you need
The next step is to decide on the types of clothes you’ll need for your everyday life. Go through a typical week in your life and try to work out how to divide up the clothes.
It’s a good idea to classify them according to the different roles they’ll play in your life. You may, for example, have formal clothes for work and casual wear you’d wear on weekends or holidays.
It is also helpful to think of occasions when you need specific clothing, such as going out with friends at night or attending a party.
Think about the climate you live in and consider clothes that are most appropriate for the different seasons where you live.
Capsule wardrobe guidelines
To help you create the perfect men’s wardrobe capsule, we’ve put together a series of guidelines. Follow these basic rules and you will have a versatile wardrobe in no time.
Timeless, classic designs
These pieces can be mixed and matched into an infinite number of outfits. Think simple patterns and classic prints that will never go out of style. Avoid flashy designs or anything too trendy.
Capsule wardrobe items need to be versatile
Since you’ll only have limited options in terms of your clothing, everything needs to be able to fit into several different looks. This means that you should avoid overly casual pieces in favor of versatile ones that you can easily dress up or down when needed.
Choose natural fabrics
Since you’ll be wearing these clothes every day, they need to feel great and not irritate your skin. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester, which can cause discomfort when worn for an extended time. Instead, look for natural fabrics such as cotton or wool that will work well with your body even after several washes.
Opt for neutral core colors
Avoid bright primary colors which might go out of fashion over time. Instead, opt for neutral shades like black, white, or grey since they work well with pretty much anything.
Add personality to your capsule
Since you’re building a capsule wardrobe, some pieces will work for everyone. However, every man needs to add his personal touch to make sure he looks great and not like someone else. You can achieve this with the right accessories.
A men’s capsule wardrobe checklist – The Essentials
Do you need help creating the perfect minimalistic starter wardrobe for men? Then, we’ve got you covered! Here is the essential capsule wardrobe list for men that will help you get started.
Basic T-Shirts x 3
Basic T-Shirts are essential for your capsule wardrobe. You’ll want to pick up three in various colors: white, navy, and black. Always opt for 100% cotton or at least a blend that contains some natural fibers. The best possible option is organic cotton because it’s more sustainable and helps reduce the chemicals in our water and soil due to pesticide use.
Signature Tee
To add to the basics tees, get a signature tee that you love. Invest in quality as it will be a staple item in your wardrobe.
Dress Shirts x 2
Dress shirts are a must-have for every man. They are versatile, comfortable and you can wear them with just about anything. So make sure to have a couple of dress shirts in your wardrobe that you feel both confident and stylish wearing on any occasion.
A plain white dress shirt is the most common choice for daywear, but it’s also great if you want to make a statement. So instead, consider getting a plain blue dress shirt, a smart choice for the office and after-work engagements, as it will never go out of style.
Casual Button-Downs x 2
The casual button-down is another must for every man’s capsule wardrobe. They are the perfect piece to keep you looking sharp, even on days that aren’t quite as dressy and polished as others.
This versatile garment can be worn under a blazer for a more formal look or worn on its own as part of a casual outfit. The Chambray is a good option as it is a masculine color and versatile enough to be worn with both light and dark-colored pieces.
Hoodie
Hoodies are great since you can wear them as a light jacket or an outer layer. They are super easy to put on and take off, making them perfect for those days when the weather is changing. They also work great as an extra layer underneath a coat or jacket. Suggested colors are black, navy or grey, depending on your preferences.
Blazer
The navy blazer is a must-have in a man’s wardrobe. It goes with everything and takes your look from casual to professional instantly. In addition, a blazer made of wool is suitable for all seasons so that you can wear it on a cool summer day as well.
You can combine the navy blazer with a shirt and a pair of chinos or a t-shirt and slim-fit jeans for a more leisure look.
Casual Jacket
A casual jacket can be worn with a pair of chinos or jeans and look fabulous no matter the occasion, whether it’s to work, a weekend trip, or date night. For versatility, consider a jacket made of cotton, which is breathable and lightweight, or if you are looking for something more formal that you can wear to work, then a wool jacket could be the way forward.
Smart tailored jacket
For more dressed-up occasions, a smart tailored jacket is a necessary addition to the capsule wardrobe. The jacket could be navy or grey; both work as bases for any suit or separates combination. When wearing this jacket, you must ensure that it fits well and is tailored perfectly for your body type.
Knit sweater
Consider getting a Merino wool sweater as you can wear them on almost any occasion. They are suitable for casual events as well as formal ones because of the versatility they offer. For example, you can match a dark grey wool sweater with black jeans to achieve a smart-casual look, or you can even pair it with chinos to get an elegant formal attire.
Pair of joggers
Joggers are stretchy, breathable, and super comfortable. They can be dressed up or down with a t-shirt, polo shirt, or buttoned shirt. You can wear them casually with a hoodie or sweatshirt, and you can even wear them at night.
Avoid bold colors and big logotypes. Instead, choose a sleek, streamlined design in a neutral color like black or dark blue.
Chinos x 2
You will need two pairs of chinos to get yourself started—one in a light grey, stone, or khaki color and one in dark blue. Chinos are versatile enough to wear with pretty much everything, making them an essential part of any wardrobe.
Opt for a classic regular fit or a slim fit, depending on your preferences. A good pair of chinos will last for years.
Jeans x 2
Jeans are one of the most versatile pieces in a man’s wardrobe. Make sure they are slim fit, and pick two different washes that you can pair with any shirt or sweater you like. Don’t forget to get them hemmed if they’re too long.
Smart classic shoes
A pair of smart classic shoes like brogues are versatile and will go with most clothes, making them a must-have when building a capsule wardrobe.
Leather boots
Chelsea boots are versatile and can be worn with both casual outfits for an everyday look or dressed up to wear them on special occasions. Dark brown suede Chelsea boots are a great choice if you want to opt for something that will go with everything.
Leather shoes are very functional in winter because they keep you warm and during the rest of the year when it is raining, snowing, or there’s cold wind outside.
Minimalist sneakers
A men’s capsule wardrobe isn’t complete without a pair of white sneakers. Understated and timeless, white sneakers go with just about everything.
Choose a minimalistic design, and they’re the perfect shoe to have for almost all occasions. White is always appropriate as it goes well with every outfit, including shorts, jeans, and even casual tailoring.
White sneakers are perfect for those days when you don’t know what to wear and only have ten minutes before jumping on the train or going out with friends.
Seasonal clothing
Keeping your capsule wardrobe as clutter-free as possible means storing seasonal pieces elsewhere when they aren’t needed. Likewise, a smart formal suit will also come in handy for weddings and other formal events, so keep it in a suit bag out of sight.
Accessories for your capsule wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes are all about mixing and matching, so you need a few different accessories for that.
First of all, a belt with a matching color to your shoes is essential. It will tie the whole outfit together and make sure you look neat.
A good bag is a must-have. A bag that isn’t too big and is neutral will go with almost everything in your wardrobe. You might also want a nice watch, and a pair of sunglasses is also essential.
The all black capsule wardrobe for men
According to some of the prominent style websites, the all-black capsule wardrobe for men is a new trend that has emerged in the world of fashion. Men who wear all black supposedly exude power and sophistication without looking too stuffy. You can wear it to work, meetings, and even out for a night on the town.
Most people won’t argue that black is one of the most versatile colors in any wardrobe. It goes with everything, and it can be worn all year round, depending on if you choose to incorporate different textures into your look.
But, it’s not for everyone and suits some lifestyles better than others. If you like the idea but are not ready to take the plunge into the all-black territory, start by adding one or two black pieces to your current wardrobe capsule.
What are the costs of building a minimalist capsule wardrobe for men?
Costs can vary based on personal preferences and current wardrobe. For example, the cost of building a men’s capsule wardrobe will depend on how many items you decide to go with and the price of the pieces.
The most important thing is that capsule wardrobes are far more affordable than thinking in terms of seasons – you spend less money when you stick with the versatile basics.
