What is a ‚Capsule Wardrobe‘, and How Can a Man Put Together Their Own?

Foto von Nixon Adonis auf Unsplash

Do you ever stare at your wardrobe in bewilderment, unable to make a decision since there simply aren’t any suitable combinations? Then we’re here to introduce you to the capsule wardrobe, a concept you’re probably already aware of but may have undervalued until now. Although women’s capsule wardrobes have been all the rage for a while now, men’s capsule wardrobes are often overlooked despite their obvious benefits.

A capsule wardrobe is a small but complete collection of garments – typically between twenty and thirty-six pieces – designed to simplify your life. Read on to find out how to create your own to save you time and to keep you stylish.

Tops 

Select three T-shirts to serve as your foundational wardrobe pieces. Layering-wise, you’ll benefit from having three tops in your wardrobe: two neutrals (such as a white or black tee) that can be worn with anything from jeans to chinos, and one that stands out a little more because it’s more colourful or has a whimsical design. It’s also recommended to stock up on at least two different neckline styles, including one crew neck and one V-neck.

For more formal gatherings, special occasions, and the occasional dinner date, select one long-sleeved dress shirt and one button-down Oxford Shirt. Consider a short-sleeved style, perhaps in chambray or a pinstriped pattern, for less formal occasions. You can’t go wrong with a checked flannel shirt either; all men should have one of these shirts for men in their wardrobe because it is so adaptable, keeps you toasty, and will never go out of style.

Finally, stock up on a couple of thin pullovers – maybe a roll-neck and a V-neck jumper – to wear when you need to add a bit of refinement to your casual attire. Add a bulky knit sweater if there’s room.

Jackets 

Your capsule wardrobe needs a practical, comfortable coat or parka jacket in a colour that goes with everything else. Choose a model that doesn’t let water in so you’re always ready to go, no matter what the weather is.

You’ll want to add another one or two jackets that are a good mix of dressy and casual. Depending on what you like, this could be a denim jacket, a faux-suede jacket, or even a light puffer. Make sure that whatever you choose goes with a lot of outfits.

Trousers 

It goes without saying that you should have at least two pairs of jeans to rotate. If you can’t decide between black and blue, keep them both, but also make place for the in-style dark wash grey. One pair could be a standard straight leg, while the other could be a slimmer cut.

You should also select a couple of pairs of somewhat more formal trousers to round out your capsule wardrobe, such as two or three pairs of chinos (one of which could be a bright accent colour) and a pair of corduroy or tweed trousers. Wearing them with a denim jacket is a foolproof way to maintain a laid-back vibe.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring your shoes. At least three pairs is best. Think about a pair of stylish boots, a pair of casual trainers, and a pair of sandals. Of course, if you like to go exploring often, you should also make room for a pair of walking boots.