Are you one of those people who often finds themselves staring at their closet, overwhelmed with confusion, and not knowing what to wear, especially before an important event? Even though you have a full closet, you might still feel like you don't have enough options to create a decent look. If this is the case, then you are not alone. Many of us have the same problem, and it's often because we buy clothes without thinking about how they will fit into our existing wardrobe.

To avoid these inconveniences, it's essential to take a step back and assess your wardrobe fully before making any new purchases. Ask yourself if the item you are considering will fit well with your other clothes and if it suits your overall style. By following this rule, you can create a minimalist wardrobe that includes essential basic pieces without excess.

Briefly, a minimalist wardrobe for men should include basic items that are versatile and can be mixed and matched with each other to create various looks. These items might include a few high-quality shirts, a couple of well-fitted pairs of pants, a blazer or suit jacket, a classic pair of shoes, and a few accessories like a belt and a watch. By choosing a minimalist style for men, you'll have a more streamlined and cohesive look that will make getting dressed in the morning much easier and stress-free. So, let’s look closer at how to create a minimalist capsule wardrobe.

How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe for Men

Less is more — this will be our motto for this article, and this philosophy requires you to remove all the unnecessary items from your wardrobe and only keep the essentials. To ease your way to the desired wardrobe, there are some defined rules you should follow. Firstly, you need to get rid of everything that you no longer need or wear. By doing so, you will be able to create more space in your wardrobe and only keep the clothes that you love. 

After decluttering your wardrobe, the next step is to work on your personal style. By understanding your style, you will be able to make better decisions when selecting new clothes. Finally, when adding new garments to your wardrobe, it is crucial to focus on high-quality classics. These are timeless pieces that never go out of fashion and can be worn in a variety of settings. By investing in high-quality classics, you will be able to create a versatile wardrobe that can be worn for years to come. Now, let’s dig into each of these steps a bit closer.

Declutter your Wardrobe

 So, here is the first step — overlook your wardrobe and put aside everything that is damaged and worn out. These items are unlikely to be of use to you, and holding onto them will only take up space and make it harder to find the items you actually want to wear.

Next, consider removing any clothes that don't fit you anymore. It's common to hold onto something that used to fit you in the hopes that you'll lose weight and be able to wear it again, but in reality, you're just taking up valuable closet space. Be honest with yourself: if you haven't worn a piece of clothing in over a year, it's probably time to let it go.

When sorting through your clothes, it's important to take your time and enjoy the process. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try to approach this as an opportunity to rediscover pieces you may have forgotten about or to curate a wardrobe that truly reflects your personal style.

Finally, when it comes to disposing of clothes you no longer need, we suggest following a conscious consumption philosophy. Rather than throwing your pieces in the trash, consider selling them online, donating them to a local charity, or recycling them. This way, you can ensure that your clothes are being used well and are not contributing to unnecessary waste.

Develop your Personal Style

It may sound extremely complicated, but let’s begin by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Consider your lifestyle — do you spend most of your time at home or in the office? How often do you go out? These questions will help you determine which types of clothing will be most essential and practical for you to have on hand.

Next, focus on selecting clothing items that make you feel confident and comfortable. Remember, you will be wearing these items for hours each day, so it's important to choose pieces that you are comfortable in. This is a crucial requirement if you don't want to suffer every day with your casual clothes.

Another critical decision to make is selecting a color palette. We suggest using neutral hues like white, black, gray, brown, etc. These colors are versatile, practical, and stylish, and they can easily be mixed and matched. However, you may also add some of your own accents to the list of colors. This will allow you to add a bit of personality to your wardrobe while maintaining a cohesive and stylish look.

Choose Classics

While trends come and go, classics keep their positions strong and stay in style for years to come. If you're interested in creating a minimalist wardrobe, it's best to start with classic clothing items that are versatile and simple. For example, a white button-up shirt, a well-tailored blazer, or a pair of neutral-colored trousers are all classic pieces that never go out of style and can be easily paired with other items in your closet.

One of the benefits of choosing classic pieces is that they are often made from high-quality materials and are designed to last, meaning that investing in them is a smart choice. Not only will you save money in the long run by not having to replace your clothing constantly, but you'll also be doing your part to reduce waste and promote sustainability. 

In addition to being long-lasting and sustainable, building a minimalist wardrobe also has the added benefit of saving you time and reducing decision fatigue. By reducing the number of items in your closet to essential pieces, you'll be able to easily create outfits without spending hours trying to decide what to wear. This can be especially helpful on busy mornings when you're pressed for time and need to get dressed quickly.

Focus on Quality 

Dressing well is not just about owning a lot of clothes; it's about being mindful of your lifestyle and daily requirements and making responsible decisions when updating your wardrobe. If you're looking to invest in essential pieces, it's always better to choose high-quality ones. When you have fewer pieces of clothing, you tend to wear them more frequently, so it makes sense to opt for items that can withstand regular wear and tear and still look great. Choosing high-quality clothing not only saves you money in the long run, but it also reduces your environmental footprint since you won't need to replace your clothes as often. It's essential to be selective and invest in items that are both versatile and durable. So, next time you're thinking of updating your wardrobe, take a step back and think about what you really need. Consider your lifestyle, daily requirements, and personal style. And when you do decide to make a purchase, choose wisely and invest in high-quality pieces that will serve you well for years to come.

Men’s Clothing Essentials

After taking all the above steps and rules into consideration, let’s start with gathering essential pieces for men’s minimalist wardrobe. It's important to consider your personal style as well as any specific needs or preferences you may have based on your region, profession, hobbies, and so on. These pieces will likely include items like a versatile pair of pants, a selection of high-quality T-shirts, a few button-up shirts for dressier occasions, a lightweight jacket or blazer, a comfortable pair of shoes or sneakers, and perhaps a few accessories like a watch or a simple belt. Of course, the specific items you choose may vary depending on your needs, but these basic pieces will form the foundation of a stylish and functional minimalist wardrobe for any man. Now, we’ll discuss each piece a little closer.

Trousers 

As an everyday essential, we highly recommend investing in a pair of versatile chinos. These pants are a practical and stylish option for any occasion, as they can be dressed up for a professional setting or dressed down for a casual outing with friends. Opt for neutral colors like gray, khaki, or navy blue, as they will easily match other items in your wardrobe. Additionally, consider a relaxed fit that provides both comfort and flexibility. We’ve found a great example in the new collection of Tiger of Sweden — Casual chino-fit trousers Caidon. Combining both relaxed and elegant appeal, this pair may serve you well for formal and informal occasions.

Furthermore, if your lifestyle involves business events with strict dress codes, consider having a pair of suit trousers in your capsule wardrobe.

Shirts

If your profession demands that you wear a shirt daily, it's essential to have a few options in your wardrobe. Dress shirts are versatile and timeless pieces of clothing that can elevate your look for business meetings, formal events, or even everyday wear if you prefer a polished and sophisticated outfit. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles available, you can choose the ones that suit your taste and personality while also adding a touch of elegance and professionalism to your attire. We suggest having classic whites ready, as they will ensure that you're always dressed appropriately and prepared to make a lasting impression.

Besides dress shirts, consider adding relaxed ones, like the Relaxed-fit linen shirt Sankt from Tiger of Sweden. You may dress it up with chinos or suit pants, or combine it with jeans for a comfy fit.

Jackets & Blazers 

When it comes to dressing for cold weather, layering is key. And two essential pieces to have in your wardrobe for both special occasions and everyday wear are jackets & blazers. Blazers are a great way to polish any outfit, especially when paired with suit pants or chinos. They can instantly elevate your look and make you appear more put-together. On the other hand, jackets are a must-have for protecting you from the cold. Whether you opt for a classic wool coat, a trendy puffer jacket, or a stylish leather jacket, there are plenty of options to suit your style. Speaking of puffers, they are a particularly good choice for everyday outings. They are warm, cozy, and stylish, and they come in a variety of colors and styles to fit your taste. So, whether you're headed to work, running errands, or going out for a night on the town, make sure you have a trusty jacket and blazer in your closet to keep you looking and feeling your best. As an option, we advise you to check out the Down bomber jacket Alton from Duno. A classic quilted jacket, it will serve you long and fair.

T-shirts 

What can be more essential in a men's capsule wardrobe than a basic tee! T-shirts are an absolute must-have, especially in neutral hues. To ensure that you're prepared for any styling occasion, it's a good idea to have a few white and black tees on hand, as well as a selection of other colors. It's important to be picky when choosing your tees. Look for those crafted from natural, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. These materials will help to keep your body cool and comfortable, even on hot days, while also ensuring that you look stylish. Plus, natural fabrics are often more durable than synthetic materials, so your tees will last longer and hold up better over time. The Mercerized cotton T-shirt Olaf from Tiger of Sweden, for example, is a plain and versatile piece to become a part of your minimalist wardrobe.

Sweatshirts 

Another item you should definitely consider adding is a comfortable sweatshirt. Sweatshirts are versatile and can be worn on casual occasions and on everyday outings. They are perfect for layering and can also be worn as a single top for cooler evenings. When choosing a sweatshirt, it's important to prioritize comfort. Look for one that you can wear for hours without feeling any distress. Opt for a material that feels soft against your skin, and ensure the fit is relaxed and not too tight. Sweatshirts come in a range of styles, so consider your personal preferences when selecting one. You may prefer a classic crewneck style, or you might like a hoodie with a drawstring for added warmth. Our suggestion is the Embroidered hooded sweatshirt from Dirk Bikkembergs — a stylish cotton piece designed in a neutral beige hue.

Jeans

Having a few pairs of jeans in your wardrobe is always a good idea, as they are basic staples that can be dressed up or down according to the occasion. When it comes to choosing the right pair, classic straight ones are undoubtedly the most versatile option that can be paired with almost any outfit. However, if you would like to see more options, you may check out our previous article about Denim trends for men. As a piece that will suit both formal and informal events, the Slim-fit jeans Pistolero from Tiger of Sweden are our choice.

Shorts 

When planning for vacation times and the hot summer weather, it's essential to have a good pair of shorts in your wardrobe. To ensure your comfort during these times, it's vital to select shorts made from breathable natural materials, like cotton, linen, or rayon. These fabrics allow air to circulate and help to wick away moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable. Additionally, when selecting a pair of shorts, opt for a roomy and relaxed fit, which will allow you to move around freely without feeling constricted. Select a pair that will keep you comfortable and stylish during your summer adventures, like the Drawstring linen shorts by Beige Brown.

Outerwear 

Depending on the region you live in, you may need a proper winter jacket that not only keeps you warm but also protects you from harsh weather conditions. It is essential to be strict about the quality of your outerwear, as it is considered an investment piece that will last you for several winters. When deciding on a type of winter jacket, you should consider your style and personal preferences. Puffer jackets are a popular option for their lightweight and packable design, making them easy to carry around. Parkas are another popular choice and are best suited for extreme cold weather, as they provide excellent insulation and coverage. However, what we recommend as the most versatile option is a durable warm down jacket that can be worn in various settings, like the Hooded down jacket Isaac from Duno.

Footwear 

When choosing your shoes, it is essential to pay close attention to the style and quality of the footwear. Wearing uncomfortable shoes can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. To avoid this, look for shoes that fit well, have good arch support, and are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time. With the right shoes, you will not only look great but also feel comfortable and confident, no matter what the occasion. We recommend investing in a pair of dress shoes for formal events and comfy sneakers for casual outings. To see an excellent example of casual footwear, have a look at the Suede contrast-detail sneakers Magg by Voile Blanche.

Denim Jackets 

Denim jackets are an ideal choice when it comes to transitional jackets, as they can be layered with all your basic shirts and tees. If you are looking to add a piece to your minimalist wardrobe, then a versatile blue denim jacket is a timeless staple that can fit most styles and can be worn for years to come. It is worth noting that denim is a material that gets better with time, so don't be afraid to wear it hard and make it your own. As you continue to wear it, it will develop a personalized look that will enhance your overall style. And, if you opt for a jacket that is both practical and stylish, check out the Classic denim jacket from Citizens of Humanity.

Accessories 

Depending on your work requirements, you may consider having a suitable bag or a backpack. Have a briefcase, such as Tiger of Sweden’s Briefcase bays, if you need a formal piece, or look for a pragmatic, versatile backpack that can serve both for work and for traveling. As some add-ons, we suggest you invest in a good watch and a minimalist leather belt.

Start with these 11 essentials and build a minimalist wardrobe personalized to your taste. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process, and always keep in mind that less is truly more!