Capsule Wardrobe: A Comprehensive Guide for Men

When Less is More

What’s Covered?

In this guide, you’ll learn more about what a capsule wardrobe is, its benefits, and how to create a one. We’ve included an example of a capsule wardrobe that we’ve curated to help you get started and, finally, a few tips to make it stick.

Let’s Dive In

Looking good every day can certainly take plenty of time and effort – but does it really have to? The surprising answer is a resounding ‘no’ – if you have a carefully curated capsule wardrobe. Getting dressed in the morning becomes incredibly easy because any combination of clothes and accessories in your wardrobe will work well together and ensure that you always look good – even if they’re grabbed at high speed because you just realized you’re late leaving again!

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a limited but interchangeable collection of carefully chosen clothing and accessories that will never go out of style. These pieces can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits suitable for all different types of occasions. A capsule wardrobe generally contains 20 – 30 clothing items in total. We’ll go over the essentials below.

First, a quick history. The original concept of the capsule wardrobe was created by the American designer Donna Karan in 1985 when she launched her ‘Seven Easy Pieces’ collection, which she described as a ‘stylish and practical wardrobe for working women.’ The idea soon gained momentum and other designers began to create capsule wardrobes of versatile essentials that would look good for years and be ideal for any situation.

What are the benefits of a capsule wardrobe?

The benefits or advantages of a capsule wardrobe fall into 4 themes:

Deciding what to wear is easy

Those with an unlimited choice of clothes often find themselves staring at a closet, wardrobe, or dresser of clothes with a dilemma of what to wear! On average, a man owns 77 pieces of clothing, including everything from shirts and pants to socks and underwear. Having a limited number of versatile items that coordinate with each other really does make choosing an outfit so easy. It’s hard to go wrong with a capsule wardrobe because all the different elements work well together. Your agenda for the day can guide your choices.

Time, money, and space savings

No need to jam or cram clothes into your wardrobe or closet. How much more space would you have in your bedroom or closet if you only owned 30 pieces of clothing? How much time would you get back each morning by not thinking about what to wear with what? Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg both took a very streamlined approach to their daily clothing choices to free up time and brain power for other priorities. In a public Q&A Zuckerberg explained his wardrobe choice: “I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community.” By limiting his wardrobe choices, he aims to avoid decision fatigue and maintain focus on his work

The statement ‘my closet has everything it needs’ can be life-changing in terms of not mindlessly searching for clothes that you realistically don’t need. Are you succumbing to the mental mind games that advertisers play to get you to take action, buy the latest color, or buy while on sale?

Clothes shopping becomes easy

Once you’ve established your capsule wardrobe, you’ll rarely need to shop. But shopping becomes simplified when you do find your closet doesn’t have everything it needs – maybe because a life change requires something new, or you simply need to replace something. You will know your style, you will know your color palette, and you will know the piece you need. These 3 criteria combined with other personal choices (more below) allow you to quickly narrow down potential options.

Capsule wardrobes are environmentally friendly

Fast fashion is a major environmental villain. By adopting a capsule wardrobe, you’re not just simplifying your life—you’re also making a significant positive impact on the environment. Here’s how:

Water Consumption

The fashion industry is one of the largest consumers of water. It takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt, enough for one person to drink for 2.5 years. Because a capsule wardrobe means fewer clothing items, it translates to less water used.

Microplastics

Synthetic fibers like polyester are prevalent in fast fashion. Each time these garments are washed, they shed tiny plastic particles called microplastics which end up in our oceans. These microplastics are ingested by marine life where they don’t break down and can eventually enter the human food chain. Reducing the number of synthetic garments in your wardrobe helps decrease this pollution. We’ll dive deeper into these below. It is estimated that textiles account for approximately 9% of annual microplastic losses to the ocean.

Carbon Emissions

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. By investing in a capsule wardrobe, you’re buying less and choosing higher quality items that will last longer, thus reducing the need for constant production and transportation and all the emissions that go with each.

Landfill Impact

An astonishing 85% of all textiles go to the dump each year, which equates to a garbage truck full of clothes being burned or sent to landfills every second. A capsule wardrobe encourages you to buy fewer, better-quality pieces which means there’s less to end up in landfills.

By embracing a capsule wardrobe, you’re taking a stand against the environmental destruction caused by fast fashion. You’re opting for sustainability, quality, and a cleaner planet. Plus, you’ll enjoy a decluttered, stylish wardrobe that saves you time, money, and stress. It’s a win-win-win!

Create your capsule wardrobe in 4 easy steps:

Step One: Define Your Essentials Based on Lifestyle Needs

Before you start culling your closet, you need to figure out what clothes you actually need. This is where you take a hard look at your daily life. Are you suiting up for the office every day? Or is your work environment more casual? Do you spend weekends outdoors or hitting up social events? The answers to these questions will shape the core of your capsule wardrobe.

• Workwear: If you need formal attire, think quality over quantity. A couple of well-fitted suits, some dress shirts, and a few ties can cover most professional scenarios.
• Casual Wear: For a more laid-back lifestyle, invest in versatile pieces like chinos, jeans, and casual shirts.
• Activewear: If you’re the outdoorsy type, ensure you have the right gear—think comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that can handle your activities.
• Special Occasions: If you’re channeling Hugh Grant in Four Weddings and a Funeral, springing for a tuxedo might make sense.

Step Two: Plan Your Color Palette

A capsule wardrobe is all about mix-and-match ease, and that starts with choosing a cohesive color palette. The goal is to ensure that every piece you own can work together harmoniously.

• Base Colors: Stick to neutral shades like black, white, grey, navy, and beige. These form the foundation of your wardrobe and are easy to pair.
• Accent Colors: Add a splash of personality with a couple of accent colors. These could be richer, deeper shades like burgundy or olive, or maybe a vibrant blue.
• Patterns and Textures: Keep patterns subtle and textures varied. A pinstripe shirt or a herringbone jacket can add interest without overwhelming your look.

Step Three: What are Your Fabric Choices?

Let’s start with a basic truth: everything we grow, make, or use has some impact on the environment. That’s unavoidable. Making informed choices about the fabrics you wear, though, can significantly reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

The Better Fabric Choices

If you’re looking to make more sustainable choices, consider these fabrics first:

1. Organic Cotton: Grown without synthetic pesticides and using sustainable farming practices.
2. Hemp: Requires minimal water and pesticides and improves soil health.
3. Linen: Made from flax plants, it’s biodegradable and requires less water and chemicals than cotton.
4. Tencel/Lyocell: Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp using a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents.
5. Recycled Fabrics: Fabrics made from recycled materials, such as recycled polyester, reduce the demand for new raw materials and minimize waste.

The Worst Fabrics for the Environment

Polyester

• Why it’s bad: Polyester is derived from petroleum, making it a non-renewable resource. The production process is energy-intensive and releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases.
• Environmental impact: Polyester sheds microplastics during washing, which then enter waterways and harm marine life. These microplastics can also make their way up the food chain, potentially impacting human health.

Nylon

• Why it’s bad: Like polyester, nylon is a synthetic fabric made from petrochemicals. Its production is energy-intensive and produces nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Environmental impact: Nylon also contributes to microplastic pollution. Its production and decomposition can release harmful chemicals into the environment.

Acrylic

• Why it’s bad: Acrylic is another synthetic fabric derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process is energy-consuming and involves harmful chemicals.
• Environmental impact: Acrylic fibers shed microplastics, contributing to water pollution. The production process also emits harmful pollutants into the air.

Rayon/Viscose

• Why it’s bad: Although derived from natural cellulose, the production of rayon/viscose involves toxic chemicals like carbon disulfide, which can harm workers that handle it and the environment.
• Environmental impact: The process of turning wood pulp into fabric is water-intensive and can lead to deforestation if not done sustainably, and the chemical waste can pollute waterways.

Conventional Cotton

• Why it’s bad: While cotton itself is natural, conventional cotton farming is highly resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of water and pesticides.
• Environmental impact: Pesticide use can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to wildlife. The high-water demand can strain local water resources, particularly in arid regions.

Step Four: Determine your Budget

Invest in Quality Pieces

The amount of money the average man spends on clothing yearly can vary based on location, lifestyle, income level, and personal preferences. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Surveys, the average American man spends approximately $500 to $800 on clothing annually. A 2020 report by Statista put this average at $850. This figure can vary slightly by age group and other demographic factors.

You’ve probably heard the phrase buy it cheap, buy it twice, or maybe fewer finer things, even buy it for life. Quality over quantity is the mantra here. Well-made clothes look better and last longer, making them a more economical choice in the long run. Price does not equal quality.

• Tailored Fit: Make sure your clothes fit well. If necessary, take your pieces to a tailor. A perfect fit can make even the simplest outfit look polished.
• Fabric Matters: Opt for natural fabrics like organic cotton, wool, and linen. They’re comfortable, durable, and breathable. The one exception is synthetic fabrics for workout wear, but still opt for environmentally friendly ones.
• Footwear: Don’t skimp on shoes. Invest in a few pairs of quality footwear—dress shoes, casual sneakers, and sturdy boots.

You don’t have to buy premium high-end designer items to achieve these goals; there are manufacturers that produce environmentally friendly, high-quality items at various price points. Start where your budget is, and as pieces need to be replaced, upgrade with what your income allows at that point in time.

Now You’re Ready: Create Your Capsule Wardrobe

You don’t have to tackle a giant closet clean-out yet. Pull from your existing closet any pieces that you love that match your needs and put them to the side as part of your new wardrobe, then bag the remainder of your closet for a later sorting session.

Evaluate each Item based on these criteria:

• Fit: Does it fit well and make you feel confident?
• Condition: Is it in good shape, or does it need repairs?
• Versatility: Can it be paired with other items in your capsule wardrobe?
• Frequency: When was the last time you wore it? It might be time to let it go if it’s been more than six months (and it’s not a seasonal item).

Organize the items you are keeping:

• Group by Type: Hang or fold clothes by category (shirts, pants, jackets, etc.).
• Arrange by Color: Within each category, arrange items by color from light to dark. This not only looks pleasing but also makes it easier to mix and match.

Now, let’s get to the fun part—assembling your wardrobe. Here’s a list to guide you, but feel free to adjust based on your lifestyle and needs:

Outerwear: (2-3 total)

Example Outwear Options:

Tops: (8-9 total)

Example Top Options:

Bottoms: (8-9 pairs total)

Example Bottom Options:

Footwear: (3-4 pairs total)*

*If you have a job where you are on your feet all day, it is recommended to rotate shoes so you don’t wear the same pair daily.

Example Footwear Options:

Accessories:

Example Accessories:

Note: Don’t feel pressured to buy a suit if you don’t wear suits often. Consider renting what you need at that moment from a service like Rent the Runway. If you already own a suit that you like and fits well, put it in a suit bag and store it until needed.

Example capsule wardrobe:

If you have had an initial sort-out of your wardrobe but are unsure of how to curate the remainder of your new capsule wardrobe, the great news is that we’ve created an example to show you how to put it together. For this, we used white, greys, a darker blue, and black. These colors look good on almost everyone and are easy to coordinate, so you don’t have to get exact matches.

These 18 pieces can be used in various combinations to create varied looks. A few examples:

Final Steps to Make it Stick

Maintain and evolve your capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is not a static thing; it evolves with your life and needs. Here’s how to keep it functional and stylish:

• Seasonal Adjustments: Rotate items based on the season. Store away heavy winter coats during summer and bring out lighter fabrics as the weather warms.
• Regular Edits: Once a year, review your wardrobe. Remove items that no longer fit or feel right and consider replacing worn-out pieces with high-quality alternatives.
• Mindful Shopping: When adding new items, follow the one-in-one-out rule. This keeps your wardrobe streamlined and prevents clutter.

Have a good sort out!

The essence of a good capsule wardrobe is that it is pared back and streamlined. One of the final steps is to remove everything you don’t need.

Step 1: Set Aside Time

Pick a day or a weekend when you can dedicate a few uninterrupted hours to this task. Sorting your closet is a project that requires focus and time.

Step 2: Empty Your Closet

Yes, you read that right. Take everything out and lay all your clothes on your bed or a large, clean surface. This visual clutter helps you see exactly what you’re working with.

Step 3: Categorize Your Clothes

Sort your clothing into the following categories:

• Sell: Make some money by selling gently used pieces online.
• Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer wear can find a second home.
• Recycle/Trash: Worn-out or damaged items that can’t be donated or sold.

Unsubscribe from marketing emails.

Remove any urge or unwanted pressure to make unneeded purchases. You can unsubscribe as marketing emails come in or let them build up over the week and have an unsubscribe hour over a cup of coffee.

Final Thoughts

Creating a capsule wardrobe is like crafting a well-oiled machine. Each piece has a purpose and fits seamlessly into the bigger picture, making your life simpler and more stylish. Plus, by investing in quality over quantity, you’re making a more sustainable choice that’s kind to both your wallet and the planet.

Now, imagine waking up, grabbing any shirt and pants from your wardrobe, and knowing they’ll look great together. That’s the beauty of a capsule wardrobe. Ready to make it happen? Dive into your closet and start building your streamlined style today.

Share now: