Menswear is easier to build a capsule from than womenswear, for a structural reason: the palette is already narrow and the formality range is already consistent. Most of the work is done.
Fit is the whole game
The difference between a capsule that works and one that does not is usually the shoulder seam and the trouser rise, neither of which alterations fix well.
Three trousers, five tops
That ratio covers work and weekend for most men. Adding a sixth top adds three outfits; adding a fourth trouser adds five.
Shoes constrain more than you think
One pair of leather shoes, one pair of boots and one pair of trainers covers nearly everything. A fourth pair usually duplicates one of the three.
A 16-piece men’s capsule
A 16-piece men’s capsule
- 3 t-shirts in white, navy and grey
- 2 oxford or flannel shirts
- 1 fine merino crew neck
- 1 heavier jumper
- 1 overshirt or chore jacket
- 2 pairs of chinos or wool trousers
- 1 pair of dark jeans
- 1 coat
- 1 pair of leather shoes
- 1 pair of boots
- 1 pair of clean trainers
- 1 belt matching the shoes