While minimalist fashion is commonly talked about in women's sustainable style, men are usually more minimalist in their style.
A minimalist wardrobe can be a great option for anyone who is looking to simplify their closet.
Let's explore how men can create a minimalist wardrobe and explore some sustainable clothing brands for men with different styles to build up their capsule wardrobe.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer will receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
What is Minimalist Fashion?
When we explore minimalist fashion it's important to recognize that there is miniamlist style and minimalist practices.
A closet can definitely have both.
Minimalist style typically focuses on clothing which has been stripped back to its essential features and neutral colors.
Whereas minimalist practices within the closet explore limiting the amount of clothing purchased and kept in the closet.
This is also commonly called a capsule wardrobe.
While the number of items with a minimalist men’s capsule wardrobe can vary depending on the source, it is recommended to have between 24-50 pieces in your capsule wardrobe which includes clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The key is to own staple or timeless pieces without too many articles of clothing. This emphasizes quality over quantity.
How Can Create a Minimalist Wardrobe?
A common minimalist men's wardrobe contains the basics of men's clothing: men's pants, men's shirts and men's shoes.
When creating a minimalist wardrobe it's important to think about daily activities, what you wear regularly, and where you go.
For example, if your job requires you to dress up then you'll want to include some button downs, blazers, and dress shoes within your wardrobe so you can fit the dress code.
Along with common activities and places, it's important to consider body type, comfort, and personal style.
If you're going to minimize your closet it's important to love the items within your wardrobe.
Consider there versatility of the clothing as well...can you style these items in different ways? Create a lot of different outfits from these items?
Minimalist Wardrobe Essentials for Men
Here are a few things men might want in their closet when creating their minimal wardrobe.
It's a good idea to consider what's already in your closet before purchasing new clothes for your minimalist wardrobe.
Check your closet for these items! You'll be surprised at what you already have.
Men's Shirts for a Minimalist Wardrobe
For work and formal activities it's important to have a few dress shirts and maybe a few polo shirts. Consider picking neutral tones that can be styled with various blazer colors and tie patterns.
A basic white t-shirt is essential as a white tee can be styled with a variety of outfits, is great for layering, and can be used through all the seasons. Classic styles such as jeans and a basic white tee are easy to accomplish. Basic tees can also be used for casual everyday wear when working out or sleeping in.
Some casual shirts such as solid color tees or maybe 1-2 graphic tees to add some personality to your capsule wardrobe
Casual button-downs for dinner dates
Pants for a Simple Wardrobe
A pair of chinos as the lightweight cotton makes these pants great for wearing year round. While chinos can easily be found in neutral colors this is also great for pairing with a wide range of tops.
A couple pairs of jeans for casual days off. Jeans are great because they can be dressed up or down for a casual look.
A pair of shorts for the warmer weather.
Consider a pair of dress pants for fancy occasions.
Sweatpants or lounge pants for sleeping and cooler climate.
Pairs of Shoes for His Wardrobe
At least one pair of dress shoes for nicer occasions
A pair of casual shoes such as white sneakers that can be used for everyday wear
Sandals or flip flops for warmer weather
High quality sneakers if you work out regularly
Jackets for a Minimalist Wardrobe
Depending on where you live, it's important to have a warm puffer jacket for the winter seasons.
Sports coat or blazer depending on your routine and work dress code
Accessories for Him
Accessories can be a fun way to shop your personal style. Consider including colorful ties, patterned pocket squares, a versatile brown belt, and more to spruce up your wardrobe.
Minimalist Clothing Brands for Men
If you decide to purchase some new clothing items for your minimalist wardrobe, these sustainable brands feature minimalist style and are a great starting place.
MINISTRY OF SUPPLY: SUSTAINABLE MINIMALIST CLOTHING
Ministry of Supply creates clothes for motion, comfort, easy care, and the planet.
This sustainable clothing brands features minimalist style workwear, activewear, and casual clothing for men and women.
Their clothes are made with recycled and bio-based fabrics through 3D Print-Knit production, an on-demand, zero waste production technique. Along with these sustainable production initiatives
Ministry of Supply’s Aero Zero dress shirt is 100% Recycled, 100% Recyclable, for Infinite Uses. Customers are able to return this garment to be recycled in exchange for a store credit.
This sustainable clothing brand is also Climate Neutral Certified and gives back. Ministry of Supply’s circular clothing is made for men and women which is great.
The Good Tee's Affordable Minimalist Basics Made from Organic Cotton
The Good Tee is a sustainable clothing brand focusing on high quality Fairtrade Certified organic cotton t-shirts.
This socially responsible brand allows ethical shoppers to easily learn about the transparent supply chain and trace the manufacturing process through videos and resources highlighting The Good Tee’s partner suppliers and the materials used. Discover organic cotton t-shirts for him!
Los Angeles APPAREL'S AFFORDABLE BASICS
Los Angeles Apparel clothing is ethically made in the USA by garment workers earning fair wages averaging $20 an hour with benefits & overtime.
This sweatshop free clothing brand is able to control their manufacturing from start to finish allowing for extra transparency within their supply chain.
Los Angeles Apparel sources over half of their yarn domestically while also integrating organic, recycled, & reclaimed cotton which reduces the supply chain’s carbon footprint.
They have a wide range of affordable basics that is great for building your wardrobe.
TENTREE EARTH-FRIENDLY MINIMALIST FASHION BRAND
tentree makes Earth-First essentials using sustainable (and comfortable) materials such as TENCEL, recycled polyester, organic cotton, and hemp. Every time you purchase an item, tentree plants 10 trees.
tentree is proud to be a certified B-Corporation and ethically crafts their clothing around the world. Consumers can learn more about the certifications for each individual factory on theirEthical Manufacturing page.
For Days Men’s Basics
For Days cares deeply about creating a good clothing with high quality, sustainable materials. This sustainable clothing brand works with GOTS materials, recycled materials that meet the Global Recycling Standards, and Cradle to Cradle certified dyes.
This brand also ensures that every item is 100% recyclable and minimizes waste with reusable packaging and company-wide carbon offsets. For Days carries ethical clothing for men, women, and unisex ranging from $25-$130.
Fair Indigo Men’s Fair Trade Clothing
Fair Indigo specializes in fair trade clothing. This socially conscious clothing brand uses organic materials to craft high quality garments crafted to last.
Fair Indigo also gives back to The Fair Indigo Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to improve educational opportunities for children in the Peruvian communities where their cotton is grown, alpacas are herded, and products are made.
Fair Indigo’s clothing for men features organic cotton polos, t-shirts, and more.
GOEX: Eco-friendly Polo Shirts & Tees
GOEX basics & graphic tees are printed on USA made eco-friendly fabric that includes five recycled water bottles, their triblend tees stay stylish wash after wash.
GOEX apparel is ethically made in Haiti and supports livable wages. Discover responsibly made polos and tees for your minimalist wardrobe.
GOEX’s sustainable clothing is affordable ranging from $20-$50.
QUINCE’S AFFORDABLE ORGANIC COTTON SWEATERS
Quince is a clothing brand committed to making exceptionally high-quality essentials at a price within reach. Because everyone deserves to fill their life with the finer things. Quince strives to create clothes that are affordable and sustainable.
Select clothing items feature eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, modal, and recycled materials.
Quince’s men’s clothing includes sweaters, basic tees, loungewear, and more. Their prices range from $20-$90.
PACT's Organic Cotton Basics for Men
PACT Apparel specializes in affordable basics ranging from sweatshirts, sweatpants, tanks, shorts, underwear, & more. PACT Apparel is made with organic cotton to ensure incredibly soft sustainable clothing.
PACT clothing is created in Fair Trade Certified factories ensuring fair treatment or workers and livable wages.
Their men’s clothing features basic tees, shorts, and polos perfect for a minimalist closet. PACT’s prices range from $20-$100.
prAna’s sustainable men’s clothing
prAnafocuses on fair trade, sustainability, and giving back. Prana uses materials such as recycled wool,100% organic cotton, and recycled polyester. Prana partners with local and international charities to give back.
prAna offers men’s button downs, coats, activewear, and more. Their prices range from $20-$150.
Tips for Creating a Minimalist Wardrobe
Evaluate your own closet and see what is in good condition and can be used as foundational pieces for your capsule wardrobe.
When purchasing new items choose versatile pieces
Consider your signature style...casual? cool? formal?
Invest in high quality items that are crafted to last
Don't be afraid to make your minimalist capsule wardrobe your own!
Benefits of a Minimalist Wardrobe
Since minimalists are not always trying to keep up with the latest trends with fast fashion this is a great way to reduce the amount of clothing you're buying and save money.
Since you will also have less in your closet, this reduces decision fatigue when picking out what you're doing to wear everyday.
You'll be dressed in less time with great style!
Hopefully this guide helped you discover the benefits of a minimalist wardrobe and some tips on how to get started!
Sustainable Style Tips
For more ethical & sustainable fashion tips be sure to follow The Honest Consumer on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, & check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory.
As someone deeply immersed in minimalist fashion and sustainable clothing, I've delved extensively into the principles and practices behind curating a minimalist wardrobe. I've not only studied this concept but have practically implemented it, refining wardrobes to essential, versatile pieces while exploring various sustainable brands and their offerings.
Minimalist fashion isn't just about aesthetics; it's a lifestyle choice encompassing style curation and conscious consumption. It involves paring down wardrobes to essential, timeless pieces and embracing neutral colors to ensure versatility and interchangeability among clothing items.
A crucial aspect of a minimalist wardrobe is the capsule concept, emphasizing quality over quantity and aiming for a wardrobe range of 24-50 pieces, covering clothing, shoes, and accessories. The idea is to possess versatile, staple items that transcend trends and can be styled in various ways for different occasions.
When it comes to creating a minimalist wardrobe for men, several key elements are vital:
- Shirts: Basic tees, dress shirts, and casual button-downs, primarily in neutral tones, form the foundation.
- Pants: Chinos, jeans, shorts, and dress pants cater to various activities and weather conditions.
- Shoes: A mix of dress shoes, casual sneakers, sandals, and workout shoes cover different needs.
- Jackets: From warm puffers for winters to sports coats or blazers, depending on routines and climates.
- Accessories: Ties, pocket squares, belts, and other versatile accessories add personality.
Now, let's explore some sustainable clothing brands that align with the minimalist style ethos for men:
- Ministry of Supply: Emphasizes sustainable workwear and activewear, utilizing recycled fabrics and innovative production methods.
- The Good Tee: Offers Fairtrade Certified organic cotton basics, promoting transparency in their supply chain.
- Los Angeles Apparel: Ethically produces basics in the USA, controlling manufacturing for transparency and sustainability.
- tentree: Focuses on Earth-friendly essentials, using materials like TENCEL, recycled polyester, and planting ten trees with every purchase.
- For Days: Committed to GOTS materials, Cradle to Cradle certified dyes, and a recycling program for minimal waste.
- Fair Indigo: Specializes in fair trade clothing, using organic materials and supporting educational initiatives in communities.
- GOEX: Creates eco-friendly basics made from recycled materials, promoting fair wages in Haiti.
- Quince: Offers high-quality essentials made from organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials at an affordable price.
- PACT Apparel: Produces Fair Trade Certified organic cotton basics, ensuring fair treatment for workers.
- prAna: Focuses on fair trade and sustainability, using recycled materials and partnering with charities.
By incorporating these brands and their sustainable practices into your minimalist wardrobe, you can align your style choices with ethical and eco-conscious values, creating a wardrobe that's both fashionable and socially responsible.
