How to build a capsule wardrobe for men
5 November 2021
Want to make your life easier? Here’s how
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Do you want to shop smarter, have less clutter and make your life generally easier? A capsule wardrobe is the answer. So often we have a few outfits we rely on and the rest of the wardrobe we rarely touch.
Wait, so what is a capsule wardrobe?
It’s a simplified, curated edit of pieces that can all be mix-and-matched and interchanged. Done right, it should mean you can just look at your closet and be greeted with plenty of outfit options that work for different seasons and occasions. It’s all about clothes that work for autumn and winter now, that you can re-purpose when spring and summer come along.
Choose timeless pieces you’ll love now and in years to come – it’s got sustainability at the core. Your wardrobe will look and feel tidier, which makes for a tidy mind.
Choose timeless pieces you’ll love now and in years to come – it’s got sustainability at the core. Your wardrobe will look and feel tidier, which makes for a tidy mind.
Next up. How to build capsule wardrobe?
Start somewhere. The first thing to do is a wardrobe de-clutter. If you can’t remember the last time you wore something (unless it’s a special occasion piece), sell it or give it to your lovely local charity shop. If an item’s old and worn-out, take it to a tailor or make a note of its specifications so you can replace it.
Organise your closet into sections for each category – t-shirts, shirts and so forth – so you can see what you have already more clearly. One tip is to hang everything in your wardrobe backwards or inside out. If the garment’s still the wrong way round six months from now (unless it’s, say, your tux), you know it’s good to be given away.
Next think about your lifestyle. How often do you go into the office? How many formal events do you tend to attend? Look at the colourways in your wardrobe already as you’ll want to tie into this. The idea is to build this key capsule collection and you can add seasonal or formalwear items on top. Write a list of the gaps in your wardrobe and shop according to that. No more hunting for clothes with no plan. Think of it like you’re shopping for a specific recipe.
Organise your closet into sections for each category – t-shirts, shirts and so forth – so you can see what you have already more clearly. One tip is to hang everything in your wardrobe backwards or inside out. If the garment’s still the wrong way round six months from now (unless it’s, say, your tux), you know it’s good to be given away.
Next think about your lifestyle. How often do you go into the office? How many formal events do you tend to attend? Look at the colourways in your wardrobe already as you’ll want to tie into this. The idea is to build this key capsule collection and you can add seasonal or formalwear items on top. Write a list of the gaps in your wardrobe and shop according to that. No more hunting for clothes with no plan. Think of it like you’re shopping for a specific recipe.
Most importantly, what should be in your capsule wardrobe?
Tee time
The most basic of items can be anything but basic. A capsule wardrobe for men starts with our t-shirts that are supersoft and the fit always works. Our polo shirts are woven with plenty of details and are perfect for bridging the line between dress codes. Team a polo with jeans and it sings casual, add a blazer and chinos and it’s instantly more polished. Rugby shirts are ideal for cooler moments. Wear alone or layer a tee underneath. They’ve got layer upon layer of potential.
Shirt alert
The linchpin of any man’s wardrobe, you’ll want as many shirts as you wear on your day-to-day plus a few others so you have enough in circulation. This is an area where you’ll do some seasonal shifts. Checked and flannel shirts are ideal for autumn and winter – either they’re a heavier weight or they look great layered with a tee underneath. Make linen and short sleeves shirts your summer go-tos.
Leg work
Chinos are your best friend for weekdays and weekends. Dress up with a shirt, dress down with a tee. Invest in tan which will look great with the hem turned up in spring and summer, and black or navy which will always look polished – so polished in fact that you could wear to them to your next event.
When shopping for jeans, don’t be afraid to try on different washes and fits to what you usually go for. You might be surprised. Once you find that great pair, invest in exactly the same again.
When shopping for jeans, don’t be afraid to try on different washes and fits to what you usually go for. You might be surprised. Once you find that great pair, invest in exactly the same again.
The outside that counts
Knitwear can instantly add polish to an outfit. Make sure you’ve got a classic crew and v neck jumper in your repertoire. Similarly, sweatshirts can give a relaxed look that says weekend like nothing else.
When it comes to coats and jackets, you’ll want an overcoat that’s smart for events and a packed diary, and functional outerwear for when outdoor adventures beckon.
When it comes to coats and jackets, you’ll want an overcoat that’s smart for events and a packed diary, and functional outerwear for when outdoor adventures beckon.
The little things
Desert boots and Chelsea boots are autumn and winter essentials and brogues are perfect when you need to look sharp. Gone are the days when trainers are the reserve of the sportsground. A great pair of sneakers will take you from 9 to 9 – be sure to keep them looking in tip-top shape.
And there you have it. We’ve pulled together a men’s capsule wardrobe and you can shop it all. Life just got a whole lot simpler.
