A minimalist wardrobe guide for men

Developing your wardrobe can be overwhelming. Especially when you open your closet to tightly packed hangers of varying patterns, colors, and styles. Deciding what to wear in the morning shouldn’t be a treacherous task. And with a minimalist wardrobe, the overwhelming dread of getting dressed should be non existent. 

Here are some tips on building a mens minimalist wardrobe. Before making the shift to a minimalist wardrobe it is important to think whether it is right for you, and how to approach it depending on your lifestyle. If a minimalist lifestyle is something that appeals to you, there are several positive affects it can have on your life!

Benefits of minimalist wardrobe for men

Environmentally friendly

A large portion of environmental waste stems from fast fashion. The production of textiles produces a large amount of carbon emissions and the items being produced are not designed to last. Unwanted clothes purchased from environmentally negative companies are either thrown away and added to waste or donated to thrift shops that already have an influx of items they are struggling to sell.

By being selective about the clothing you purchase, you are reducing your environmental impact and contributing to the promotion of sustainable fashion.

Good for your bank account

This goes alongside the environmentalism of a minimalist wardrobe. By purchasing a limited number of high-quality pieces, you are less likely to need to go clothing shopping frequently to replace items. The pieces you purchase should be long-lasting despite frequent wear! This will free up room in your budget for more productive purchases.

Saves time and stress

A minimalist wardrobe should be easy. Putting on clothes should be the least of your worries daily. With a few staple pieces, you can mix and match to create different looks for a variety of occasions without sifting through your closet for hours.

Less stress and time wasted on developing outfits means more time for proper self care in the morning. It will allot you extra time for caring for other aspects of your appearance and consequently, yourself. Look into things like skincare and haircare routines that suit your lifestyle and aspired look.

A cleanser that suits your skin type followed by a simple moisturizer that hydrates and provides sun protection is a great way to care for yourself using the extra time a minimalist outfit provides.

Using a hair treatment once or twice a week to moisturize and de-frizz is another great way to use some of the extra free time your new wardrobe allows! There are also lots of beard care products that will add some luxury to your morning routine.

You can have a unique/distinct look despite minimalism

Don’t worry! Just because it looks like you’re reducing the amount of options in your wardrobe, this is not the case. Your style is just that: your style. And fewer pieces shouldn’t mean erasing your fashion identity. If anything, it will make your style more distinct and sharper. Pick a color scheme that you like to wear and go from there.

Plus, there’s no need to fear accessories in mens minimalist fashion.

How to create a minimalist wardrobe

The first step to creating a minimalist wardrobe should always be deciding on your preferred color scheme. You need a solid/neutral base color to build from. Grey, navy blue, and brown, are all great, simple colors to begin with.

The next step is to purge! Go through your current wardrobe and eliminate anything you don’t frequently wear, anything that can’t be described as versatile, or doesn’t match your chosen color scheme.

Once you’ve done these things, you’re one step closer to developing your wardrobe.

But before making any purchases consider the following:

Your lifestyle

There’s no point in purchasing clothing you will not wear. Think about your workplace expectations and typical day to day activities. You want to ensure you are dressed comfortably and appropriately for your lifestyle.

‍Do you play sports? Are you a volunteer? Are you a part of any clubs? How often do you spend a night out in the city? Do you attend many business or formal meetings?

‍Ask yourself questions such as the ones above to determine what you truly need in your closet.

Climate

A minimal wardrobe does not mean you should be unprepared for any occasion, especially weather sensitive occasions. Of course, where you live will determine what your needs are when it comes to outerwear and even every day wear. Don’t be hesitant about purchasing multiple seasonal jackets for the sake of minimalism.

You don’t want to be forced into wearing a heavy winter jacket on slightly cool fall day, just as much as you don’t want to wear a pair of jeans in the summer heat!

Your laundry schedule

Having fewer pieces of clothing to wear might mean more frequent laundry days. Consider what number of pieces will suit your lifestyle the best with laundry in mind. You’ll want to keep most of your wardrobe dry-clean free for ease.

Your budget

Regardless of your budget, a minimalist mens wardrobe is possible! Think of your wardrobe as an investment. It will prevent you from impulse spending in the future to know that you have all you need already. There are budget-friendly items you can purchase to build your minimalist wardrobe. Of course, you still want high quality, but it is not impossible.

When looking for items that fit into a smaller budget, ensure to read the product reviews. There are many pieces such as polos, t-shirts, and even jackets that are affordable, versatile, high-quality, and well reviewed!

I can’t count the number of times I’ve come across a hidden gem in a thrift store. I would also recommend visiting your local thrift shops before using your credit card to splurge. You never know what you might find, and with the money you saved you can potentially have the items tailored and/or customized to your needs and style.

What type of clothing should you buy?

High quality

Regardless of your budget, a minimalist mens wardrobe is possible! Think of your wardrobe as an investment. It will prevent you from impulse spending in the future to know that you have all you need already. There are budget-friendly items you can purchase to build your minimalist wardrobe. Of course, you still want high quality, but it is not impossible.

When looking for items that fit into a smaller budget, ensure to read the product reviews. There are many pieces such as polos, t-shirts, and even jackets that are affordable, versatile, high-quality, and well reviewed!

I can’t count the number of times I’ve come across a hidden gem in a thrift store. I would also recommend visiting your local thrift shops before using your credit card to splurge. You never know what you might find, and with the money you saved you can potentially have the items tailored and/or customized to your needs and style.

What type of clothing should you buy?

Versatile

Versatility is essential. Without it, you’re likely to fall back into old spending and fashion habits. Your pieces should work year-round and be able to mix and match with each other.

Unique

Don’t be afraid to maintain a creative minimalist wardrobe through a few accessories and patterns. Items like hats, belts, watches, pocket squares, and ties, can really make a statement with your look. If you wear glasses, make them the focus of your look by choosing something that matches your color scheme but also stands out and makes your look signature.

Simple stripes, florals, dots, or stitching, whether on your clothing or accessories, can add a unique aspect to your seemingly neutral wardrobe!

Remember: it is okay to have some occasionally worn items! A minimalist wardrobe shouldn’t mean denying yourself of embracing your style.

A Breakdown of Your Minimalist Wardrobe

And now, for the fun part! I've included to links to some products on Nordstrom, since they have a huge selection, great prices, and a generous return policy. Take a look through your future minimalist closet:

Bottoms

One pair of jeans (darker is more versatile), one pair of chinos, two pairs of shorts (denim and khaki).

Shirts

Shirts tend to need more frequent washes so I recommend purchasing seven basic t-shirts, three casual shirts (polo, Henley, short-sleeve button down), and three dress shirts (two solid colored and one with a simple pattern).

Formal / Business wear

One suit is typically enough for a minimalist wardrobe. Of course, if you need another depending on the frequency you wear them, you should not hesitate to purchase one!

Climate-dependant items

One pair of swim trunks, one bomber jacket (spring/fall), one fleece-lined winter jacket/parka.

Shoes

Shoes are an especially easy part of a minimalist wardrobe! All you need is something for work/formal events, everyday wear, and heavier weather conditions. One pair of dress shoes, one pair of white sneakers, and one pair of boots will set you up perfectly.

Accessories

There are many ways simple accessories can add a unique touch to your minimalist wardrobe. Accessories also allow the perfect opportunity for adding patterns to you wardrobe! It will depend on your lifestyle, but even purchasing just three accessory options will take your wardrobe to an exceptionally stylish place.

Aside from what I previously mentioned, patterned socks are an excellent way to add a pop of color to your business suit!

Regardless of who you are or what you do, a minimalist wardrobe is possible! As long as you approach it in a considerate way, the items you need will be easy to find and seamlessly become your entire wardrobe. Before you know it, you’ll be a minimal man, and you’ll thank yourself for it.