Nothing seems to fill up faster than our closets. If many of us looked in our drawers today, it’s likely we’d find t-shirts from our childhood and ratty sweatpants we never wear stuffed in right next to dress shirts and the missing sock we’ve been looking for for months.
If you’re tired of wrestling through your dresser or closet in search of something to wear, it might be time for you to consider creating your very own minimalist wardrobe.
Minimalist wardrobes rely on staple items and signature pieces to create a wide variety of clothing that fits for you and can adapt to any scenario.
Women seem to have minimalist wardrobes down, but men often struggle with creating a minimalist wardrobe.
If you’re ready for a wardrobe transformation, minimalist wardrobes for men might just be the answer.
How Can Men Create Minimalist Wardrobes?
Making a minimalist wardrobe as a man presents a few different challenges that you’ll need to prepare for.
First of all, men and fashion is still a bit of a new trend. For years, men that took an interest in fashion and fine clothing were sometimes mocked, and attention to clothing and detail was often something that was assumed to be best left to the ladies.
Recently, more and more men have been stepping forward in fashion to create more lines and designs that cater to the tastes of men, so you have plenty more options to choose from when it comes to picking out new wardrobe items.
As a man, you’re also going to want to evaluate your signature style and the purpose of your wardrobe before beginning your journey to create a new one.
Do you work in a profession that requires business casual or do you dress down on most days?
Do you travel frequently or do you work an office job? What climate do you spend most of your time in?
Answering these questions will help you focus your new wardrobe on the clothing that will most suit you and your needs.
10 Ideas for Creating a Minimalist Wardrobe for Men
(Disclaimer: Post may contain sponsored or affiliate links in which we receive a small commission, but we only recommend products we truly love!)
1. Go Through What You Have
Most people don’t even know what clothing is lying around in their home. Over the years, our wardrobes seem to expand more and more, often without our knowledge.
The first step to creating a minimalist wardrobe for men is to pare down what you already have, a task that will require some careful planning and tough choices.
If you can’t remember the last time you wore it, you likely don’t need it.
2. Don’t Forget the Watch
Accessories for men vary widely by taste, style, and overall preference, but one universal accessory that every man should have in their minimalist wardrobe is a watch.
A good, professional, high-quality watch can last for generations and is a statement of your individual style, status, and confidence.
Your watch doesn’t have to be a Rolex, but having a good quality professional watch sends a clear message and is a must-have for your style.
That’s why we recommend Nordgreens’ functional and minimalistic style men’s watches, which make the perfect addition to every outfit, and adds a hint of confidence to your overall look without the hefty price tag.
The clean, Nordic design breeds a neat touch of sophistication and style, without going overboard. These quality-made watches are produced with sustainability in mind and come in environmentally friendly packaging. Come and check out their best watches.
3. Stick to Neutral Tones
A good minimalist wardrobe for men is built around neutral tones that can be combined easily with each other.
Blues, whites, blacks, and beiges are all staple colors that are flattering on everyone and pair nicely with each other.
If a clothing item you pick out has colors that will pair well with at least three other items in your closet, that’s a sign it’s a good pick.
We recommend L’Esrange for some great neutral pieces that fit any wardrobe.
4. Quality Over Quantity
A good clothing item will last you many years and require very little upkeep to stay in top condition.
It will also look good on you year after year, versus cheaper items that are purchased more frequently and don’t look as appealing on you. Skip the fast fashion and stick to quality items that you know you can trust.
It may cost more, but having fewer yet higher quality items is better than having many cheap things.
5. Build a Capsule
Capsule wardrobes are a popular term used by fashion designers and individual fashion fanatics.
Your capsule wardrobe is defined by three core values that also define minimalist wardrobes for men: simplicity, versatility, and cohesion.
Your capsule wardrobe is the core items you can wear repeatedly: that pair of chinos that fit just right, those leather loafers that seem to go with anything.
These versatile pieces are multipurpose and straightforward, exactly what minimalist wardrobes should be.
6. Don’t Skimp on Shoes
Shoes can get expensive quickly, especially if you’re looking at staple pieces.
However, a well-cared-for pair of quality leather or suede shoes can last decades and pair with any outfit you create.
Invest early on in a reliable pair of boots, loafers, or sneakers, and treat them regularly to keep them in top condition; they’ll only get better with age.
7. Be Conscientious of Layers
Layering can be a great way to vary your existing wardrobe and make new outfits look fresh while using the same pieces.
Wore your favorite t-shirt one day? Accent it with a button-down the next.
Already worn your favorite blazer to work? Consider layering it with a sweater the next day.
8. Only Keep What Fits
A good rule of thumb for creating a reliable minimalist wardrobe is to only keep what fits.
If clothing is too big, donate it or recycle it. If it’s too small, resist the temptation that you might someday fit into it and hand it off to someone else.
“Goal clothing,” or clothing you keep around in hopes that you’ll one day be able to wear it, can have a negative impact on your mental health and fitness plans, so if it doesn’t fit right now, it’s time for it to go.
Keep clothing in good condition and that has multiple purposes or extreme sentimental value, and give everything else away to local shelters, thrift stores, or craft centers that you trust can repurpose it.
9. Keep it Simple
A minimalist wardrobe is all about keeping things simple. That means sticking to a few key pieces that you can mix and match to create a variety of looks.
A good rule of thumb is to choose items that are versatile and can be dressed up or down as needed.
10. Invest in Yourself
When you have a limited number of pieces in your wardrobe, it’s important to make sure that they are of the highest quality.
Look for items that are well-made and will stand the test of time. It’s better to have a few high-quality items that you love wearing than a closet full of cheap pieces that you never reach for.
We recommend JACK HENRY for professional self-care for men
Final Notes
Creating a minimalist wardrobe requires having an eye for detail as well as some creativity in the way you pair and match your clothing.
With minimalist wardrobes for men, you can enjoy a variety of clothing in different styles and fashions every day of the year while cutting the bulk of your wardrobe collection in half.
Minimalist wardrobes for men allow you to enjoy the luxury of quality, simple, and elegant clothing all year round.