We all have scary monsters in our closets—but you know what’s most frightening of all?
Excessive clothes that haven’t been worn in months.
Not only does conventional garment manufacturing contribute to more carbon emissions, water usage, plastic pollution, and deforestation, but 85% of them get thrown away or end up in landfills.
With a minimalist wardrobe, men can pare down their daily choices (and impact) using eco-friendly, high-quality, versatile, and long-lasting pieces.
But how do minimalist men dress?
Here’s everything you need to know about curating a classic style in capsule form.
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
Index: Men’s Capsule Wardrobe Tips & Brands
- Frank And Oak Jump to brand
- Taylor Stitch Jump to brand
- Outerknown Jump to brand
- The Classic T-Shirt Company Jump to brand
- Toad&Co Jump to brand
Frank And Oak
About Frank And Oak
Price Range: $45–$399
Creating a minimalist men’s wardrobe would be much more challenging without brands like Frank And Oak.
They provide classic men’s essentials—like an oxford shirt, dress pants, unstructured blazer, and other casual attire–with a modern twist, like organic and recycled materials.
Organic cotton pieces like the Corduroy Shirt can provide a men’s casual capsule wardrobe with a bit of intrigue while remaining adaptable for most occasions.
Frank And Oak’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Frank And Oak creates minimalist pieces from hemp, recycled cotton, recycled synthetics, and recycled wool.
Their ethical jeans contain mainly organic cotton with small amounts of elastane and TENCEL™.
Everything is colored with low-impact sustainable dyes sourced from plants and minerals.
Supply chain & labor practices:
This Certified B Corp has 28 factories across Bangladesh, China, and the UAE, each held to stringent ethical standards enforced by routine audits from third parties, including BSCI, WRAP, Sedex, and SA8000.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Frank And Oak utilizes special denim production methods, using 50% fewer harmful chemicals, 79% less energy, and 95% less water than conventional methods.
Customers can also recycle their gently-loved jeans toward credit off a fresh pair.
Everything is delivered in recyclable and compostable shipping materials.
Inclusivity:
Frank And Oak provides men’s wardrobe essentials in sizes XXS—XXL and 28-38” bottoms.
My Personal Review of Frank & Oak’s Corduroy Shirt:
“Organic cotton pieces like Frank And Oak’s Corduroy Shirt are minimalist, rugged, and adaptable for most occasions. It’s become one of my go-to grabs thanks to its durable fabric weave and mid-weight feel that makes it ideal for a variety of weather situations.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Taylor Stitch
About Taylor Stitch
Price Range: $40–$798
Looking for pieces for your rugged men’s capsule wardrobe?
Look no further than the quality clothes from low-impact fashion brand Taylor Stitch.
The men’s tees, bottoms, sweaters, jeans, jackets, and sweaters have a timeless appeal, providing you with a wide variety of outfit combinations.
Taylor Stitch’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Taylor Stitch utilizes 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton for nearly all of its cotton garments.
Other essential items are made of repurposed cotton, recycled polyester, hemp fabric, sustainably-tanned leather, ethically-sourced yak wool, and merino wool.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Taylor Stitch partners with ethical, responsible factories. The brand uses fair trade standards for its partners, ensuring fair wages, labor practices, dignified conditions, and quality control.
Many of Taylor’s products and partners are approved by organizations like the Leather Working Group (LWG) and Fair Trade Apparel.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Taylor Stitch develops long-lasting pieces from deadstock fabrics, helping slow down fast fashion.
The brand provides a clothing exchange program and offers free on-site repairs and online guides, helping customers get the most out of each purchase.
As far as packaging materials go, they use 100% post-consumer recycled mailers and recycled poly bags.
Inclusivity:
Their men’s essential wardrobe pieces range from XS–XXL for tops and 28–38” waist sizes.
My Personal Review of Taylor Stitch’s The Long Haul Jacket in Sawyer Wash Organic Selvage:
“I’ve wanted a quality denim jacket for years but could never justify buying one, so I jumped on the chance to test this piece from Taylor Stitch. I can say firsthand that this organic denim jacket is not only super durable but incredibly comfortable, with plenty of mobility room and flex in the arms and shoulders, even for muscular guys like myself.
I also own The Democratic Foundation Pant in Organic Espresso and love how versatile they are. They’ve got the business-casual vibe of chinos but with all the durability and flexibility that comes from their military roots. These 100% organic cotton pants are comfy enough to wear all day, whether I’m at my desk or running around. They’re ready for anything, really!”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Outerknown
About Outerknown
Price Range: $98–$198
Outerknown provides some of the highest quality pieces for a men’s year-round capsule wardrobe.
Although the brand was founded by multi World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, it provides more than just your average collection of sustainable men’s swimwear.
Outerknown offers sweatshirts, jeans, chinos, tees, henleys, polos, swim trunks, and outerwear, whether there’s warm or cold weather.
Outerknown’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Organic cotton, hemp, RDS-certified down, and alpaca wool make up the bulk of Outerknown’s dress code.
Some garments feature recycled polyester, but everything is bluesign®-approved, meaning zero harmful chemicals.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Outerknown publishes its complete list of partners online, with manufacturing taking place in Peru, Mexico, and China.
Each piece of clothing is sewn in Fair Trade Certified facilities, while all of their partners adhere to their Code of Conduct and FLA ethical production methods.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Outerknown introduced Outerworn, a marketplace where customers can buy and sell gently-used pieces.
Besides that, they have an extensive 2030 Sustainability Strategy, with plans for renewable energy improvements and efforts to further support their workers.
Inclusivity:
This organic men’s clothing brand makes men’s sizes from XS—XL and 28–38” waists.
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Blanket Shirt:
“If we’re talking men’s essentials, nothing enCAPSULates that better than the best-selling Blanket Shirt. A classy take on the classic flannel, it’s made with organic, tightly woven fabric that’s as durable as it is comfortable—and trust me, it really does feel like you’re wearing a blanket. And it can be worn when chilling on the couch or going out for an informal dinner.”
My Personal Review of Outerknown’s Shelter Waffle Henley:
The super soft and warm Shelter Waffle Henley, made from merino wool and recycled cashmere, is the perfect winter layer, being both fashionable and functional. I can wear it as a top layer or on really chilly adventures underneath one of their Blanket Shirts.”
Reviews by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
The Classic T-Shirt Company
About The Classic T-Shirt Company
Price Range: $64–$118
The Classic T-Shirt Company makes the quintessential wardrobe staple.
The highest-quality men’s essentials made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. All pieces are available in 13 different colors, allowing you to make a cohesive wardrobe.
The Classic T-Shirt Company’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The Classic T-Shirt Co. makes its garments from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton without any harmful dyes or chemicals.
Items are pre-shrunk, so you don’t have to worry about changes in size, shape, or color. Still, we recommend running your eco-friendly washing machine on cold.
Supply chain & labor practices:
GOTS-certified organic cotton is ethically sourced from local farms in India before being manufactured in Los Angeles, California.
Workers at all stages are provided safe working conditions, reasonable hours, and living wages.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The men’s basic clothing essentials are long-lasting, durable, and shipped in 100% plastic-free, recycled materials.
Inclusivity:
Their essentials for men range between XS-XXXL.
My Personal Review of The Classic T-Shirt Company’s Men’s Short Sleeve V-Neck:
“If you’re in need of a new essentials t-shirt, men don’t miss out on the Short Sleeve V-Neck. It might look like your average plain tee, but the super-soft organic cotton shirt is way more durable than your typical $10 shirt. The fit is perfect, and I’m really impressed that it hasn’t faded or pilled at all. After a year of wear, it’s still’s still in as-new condition.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
Toad&Co
About Toad&Co
Price Range: $28–$180
Toad&Co creates high-quality men’s minimalist wardrobe essentials.
The California-based sustainable outdoor clothing brand offers all the casual classic styles you need for multi-purpose wear—t-shirts, polo shirts, pants, jeans, jackets, swimwear, and accessories.
Toad&Co’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Toad&Co uses sustainable fibers, like organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL™ Lyocell, and Lenzing Modal®, alongside vegan and recycled fabrics.
A Textile Exchange member, Toad&Co also has certifications from bluesign®, OEKO-TEX, and Higg Index.
Supply chain & labor practices:
As a co-founder of Planet Access Company, Toad&Co created a warehouse that rains and employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Not all of their products are made in the USA, but all of their partners are visited and audited, ensuring code of conduct compliance.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Toad&Co allows customers to list their gently-used items online for resale, creating less textile waste and ending up in landfills.
The brand aims to adhere to 100% of The Responsible Wool Standard by 2024, convert all synthetic fibers to recycled ones by 2025, and eliminate plastic packaging by 2026.
Most of the items we tried are already shipped in FSC-certified paper printed with water-based or algae ink.
They also provide the option of Reusable Shippers at checkout via a partnership with LimeLoop.
Inclusivity:
Men’s minimalist capsule wardrobe pieces range between S–XXL and 30–38” waists.
My Personal Review of Toad&Co’s Moonwake 1/4 Zip Pullover & Ponderosa Long Sleeve Henley:
“Toad&Co describes the Moonwake 1/4 Zip Pullover as the “ultimate dress-up/dress-down layer for the guy who wants one sweater to do it all,” and I can’t help but agree. It’s lighter than a sweater but warmer than most traditional sweatshirts. So, if you like hiking like us, then definitely bring it along, as it makes it the perfect pullover for a chilly fall outdoor activity or an evening at your favorite brewery.
Another go-to essential of mine is the Ponderosa Long Sleeve Henley. I love its loose-fitting, ribbed design, and the organic cotton and LENZING™ Modal blend is not only really breathable but also gives it this silky feel that’s just so comfy to wear.”
Review by Christopher Ryan, SJ’s Menswear Tester
What Is A Minimalist Wardrobe For Men?
Let’s start with the basics: what is a men’s minimalist wardrobe?
A minimalist capsule wardrobe (for men, women, and non-binary folks alike) is a relatively tiny assortment of versatile, easily interchangeable, and pairable pieces. Each garment is carefully selected, so you can maximize the amount of outfits available.
There are a few fundamentals to a men’s minimalist wardrobe, including versatility, neutral colors, practicality, and quality.
Versatility
A minimal wardrobe gets to the point. It doesn’t beat around the bush, leaving any room for anything but the absolute essential clothing items.
This means every garment in a men’s capsule wardrobe serves multiple purposes—dress shirts must work for the office, date night, and trips to the supermarket.
If an item doesn’t work in various outfits, it’s typically a no-go.
Neutral colors
Fewer clothes mean fewer options, but a cohesive color palette allows you to easily mix and match pieces.
Brighter colors and flashy prints are left out of the male capsule wardrobe.
Instead, neutrals like navy, gray, brown, black, and white are prioritized.
Practicality
A navy or grey suit might be versatile, but it’s not practical as gym clothes. Likewise, a tracksuit won’t work for formal occasions.
Whether it’s a navy suit or a pair of shorts, each piece must be practical. While fringe outfits for rarer occasions are okay to keep, they should be kept to a minimum.
The minimalist wardrobe garments must work daily, transition from cold to warm weather, and formal to informal occasions.
However, practicality is also defined by the individual wearer and their needs. An urban office worker is likely to require a men’s business / formal casual wear while a rural farmworker would require something totally different.
Quality
If you’re left with only absolute essentials, you want them to be high-quality and built to last, right?
Every piece on a men’s minimalist wardrobe list gets a lot of wear. This means more opportunities for snags, stains, or damage, so buying high-quality and repairable shoes and clothing from durable, sustainable fabrics is critical.
How To Create A Men's Capsule Wardrobe
So, how does one go about creating a minimalist wardrobe?
First, understand that to do this properly can be a lengthy process, and it doesn’t need to be done overnight, and shouldn’t either.
You’ll need to consider your personal style, observe your dressing patterns and preferences over time, and that will inform your decisions on what to keep.
1. Start With The Clothes You Already Own
Like every other sustainable living change, starting with what you already have is essential.
Set aside time, put on some tunes, and get ready to clear out your entire wardrobe. The process will vary but look somewhat like the following:
- Lay all of your pieces out.
- Separate the clothes into different piles based on what you need, what you wear, and what you’re getting rid of.
- Afterward, repeat the process with even more scrutiny.
- Donate the pieces you’re getting rid of.
You might have pieces you can’t eliminate, like work clothes or uniforms.
But there will be many items you don’t need or wear often. In these cases, it’s critical to practice scrutiny and determine what’s really necessary. You probably don’t need as many pairs of jeans or old graphic tees.
2. Think About What Clothes You Actually Wear
We all have pieces in our closet that we hardly wear, whether it’s an old pair of cargo shorts or worn-out graphic tees.
When looking through your closet, be honest about the pieces you wear each week. There are probably some items in similar colors, fabrics, or materials.
This will give you an idea of your personal style and also help you eliminate excess garments. A general rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in three months or more, it’s out.
3. List Your Men’s Essential Clothing Pieces
Now that you’ve trimmed the fat, it’s time to decide on the new essential pieces for your minimalist wardrobe.
But how many clothes does a minimalist man need?
That comes down to personal needs and preferences. Men’s minimalist garments can vary, depending on the style, but here’s a basic men’s wardrobe essentials checklist to get you started:
- Ethical men’s underwear and sustainable socks
- Undershirts
- Dress shirts
- Sustainable t-shirts (short and long-sleeved)
- Activewear (as needed)
- Suit jacket
- A few midlayers, like sustainable sweaters
- Shorts and pants
- Sustainable sneakers
- Dress shoes
If you live in a warm climate, you might not need as many sweaters and jackets as someone in a colder area.
Likewise, you might not need to prioritize formal wear as much, depending on your lifestyle.
Here’s a general guide you can personalize to suit your preferences:
- 1–3 Jackets (at least one formal and one informal)
- 6–10 tops (a combination of oxford dress shirts, polos, basic tees, long-sleeve shirts, and henleys)
- 3-4 bottoms (at least one dark wash jean and a pair of chinos)
- 2–4 pairs of shoes (one pair of sneakers, one pair of dressier sustainable men’s shoes, one pair of sandals, and one pair of boots is a good place to start)
- 8–10 pairs of underwear
- 8–10 pairs of socks
4. Purchase New Items If Needed
Now that you have a list of items, it’s time to purchase new pieces from sustainable men’s clothing brands—ideally those that focus on providing minimalist men’s clothing essentials.
Remember, the pieces should be high-quality, built-to-last, and cohesive.
Following a neutral color palette of whites, navies, blacks, grays, olives, and browns will provide you with a solid and stylish foundation for any occasion.
5. Responsibly Dispose Of The Clothes You Don’t Need
With new items on the way, you can finally say goodbye to those old tees and cargo shorts—but what to do with the old clothes you’re not keeping?
You have a few different options:
- If the pieces are in good condition, you utilize websites and apps to sell clothes online
- Donate old items to friends, family, or local thrift stores.
If you’re a crafter, consider making upcycled clothing and homewares, like a new shirt, jacket, or eco-friendly cleaning cloths.
