{"id":20051,"date":"2020-08-05T11:44:53","date_gmt":"2020-08-05T10:44:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/a-gentlemans-row.com\/?p=20051"},"modified":"2024-01-16T14:31:57","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T14:31:57","slug":"how-to-create-a-minimalist-wardrobe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/a-gentlemans-row.com\/how-to-create-a-minimalist-wardrobe\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Easily Create A Minimalist Men's Wardrobe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
A minimalist wardrobe also referred to as a capsule wardrobe, is not about starving yourself of choice or restricting your spending habits completely. In essence, it is about having a greater understanding of our own personal style and the quality of the clothing we buy. When we have that, we can effectively become more minimalist and have a wardrobe of a carefully edited selection of products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It sounds crazy, but a minimalist wardrobe will give you more outfit choices, not fewer. When we have a wardrobe full of clothes, we often can't see what is really there, how things can be put together, and so think we don't have what we need. This is where we fall into the purchase cycle of buying new clothes because we can't appreciate the ones we have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know it can be overwhelming to think about minimalising and removing a lot of the clothing from your closet. If it makes it easier, focus on the money saved from less frequent (regrettable) purchases. Other men might like to think of the more positive effect they will have on the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we like to say on AGR, trends are temporary, style is permanent<\/strong>. The latest fashions and fads will come and go, but a capsule wardrobe will be the foundation for any stylish man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below we have some useful tips for building a minimalist wardrobe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this, the best way is to pull everything, and we mean everything, out of your closet. Lay it on the bed or the floor and take stock of all the clothes you have. This can help to hit home the mountain of clothing some men have. You never wear suits to work anymore, shirts you have been keeping 'just in case' and battered old trainers<\/a> that should never be worn in public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start pulling out the items you want to keep and create a new pile for your new minimalist ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that at this point, it isn't above removing particularly 'unethical' brands. When deciding what to keep, think about what you wear regularly or if a piece can be worked into a few different outfits. A nice polo shirt, for example, can be great for the weekend and can also be worn with a blazer for a slightly more relaxed look for the office. Versatility is critical when it comes to a minimalist wardrobe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can feel cathartic to start cleansing your closet; who knows, you might find a great item you had forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you have a clear pile of items to keep, start sorting your 'get rid' mountain into what is sellable. Some clothing and accessories will go straight to recycling, others to charity, and some might be in good condition to sell. If you are starting a new capsule wardrobe, why not start with some money in your back pocket?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I don't expect all men to instantly have a great understanding of what looks best on them. If you are struggling, then reading blogs like this or looking for inspiration on Pinterest<\/a> can help. Seek out men that have a similar build to you or stylish men that you aspire to dress like. To begin with, it is about focusing on the basics. What consistent themes do you see in the images you've found? Look at coat collars, tie widths, short lengths, and colours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don't be afraid to ask for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose someone you trust and ask them to critique your clothing choices honestly. It might hurt your feelings at first, but you'll thank me in the long run. Often, friends and family exchange pleasantries without giving their honest views. Asking for advice can give you vital constructive feedback for your new wardrobe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fit is everything<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can master getting the fit of your clothes right, you are already halfway there. This can occur when you buy or post-purchase through alterations. Getting your clothing to fit your body shape in the most flattering way is how you can elevate even the simplest of outfits. Just look at the likes of James Dean or Ryan Gosling. They have mastered how the proper fit of a plain white t-shirt<\/a>, for example, can be fantastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I know we can't all be James Dean or Ryan Gosling, and ultimately, I want you to feel comfortable in whatever you wear. So, please do your research, and your wardrobe will thank you for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no point in elevating your wardrobe, and investing in a less is more approach only to care for your garments wrong. Storing your clothing in your closet wrong can lead to stretching or, even worse, moths. Washing or drying your clothing wrong can lead to shrinkage. Remember you are trying to reduce clothing waste, not add to it further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a measured approach. Read the care label like the gospel, and even get it dry-cleaned if you don't feel confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you have got rid of the large quantity of your closet, there will be more space. This means each item can be given the room it needs to be stored correctly. For example, if you don't like folding, there are plenty of innovative tools to make it less painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ok, we can't remove all blame from ourselves. But fast fashion brands have a lot to answer for. Their giant product catalogues and low price points encourage an unhealthy need to have 'more'. I have lost count of the number of times I have been sucked in and bought clothes that don't fit right, are made from cheap materials, or I have just never really worn them. Thankfully as I have got older, I have been able to see through the lies and align myself with brands that fit my ethos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A capsule wardrobe should be filled with pieces from brands that are dedicated to sourcing the best materials ethically. I know this might mean the price creeps up, but remember, this is about buying less and buying smarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can be tricky for many men to ignore and can be made more difficult by the company we surround ourselves with. If your friends are constantly showing off their latest designer label buy or getting in the queue for a significant trainer drop, it can be hard to not fall into those same habits. By nature, men mirror the behaviours and interests of those around them to fit in and be accepted. I'm not saying to go the other way but think about the price you pay for trend-led designer pieces with their small shelf life. Your mates will still be your mates whether you have the latest Yeezy's in your closet.<\/p>\n\n\n\nClear Out Your Closet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Understand What Looks Good<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Look After Your Garments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don't Shop Fast Fashion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ignore Fashion Trends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n