How to build a capsule wardrobe for men in 2024
Need to overhaul your look but don’t know where to start? Well, these options will get you started on creating a great men’s capsule wardrobe.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
When it comes to the clothes in your wardrobe, I’ll let you in on a secret: you don’t need dozens to choose from.
Rather, Danielle Soglimbene, Head of Style Menswear at THE ICONIC, said that it’s often better having a minimalist wardrobe with a few key pieces that can be paired with items to form a range of outfits, in what’s commonly referred to as a capsule wardrobe.
“You should aim for six to 10 items that work well together, think of mixing neutrals with a pop of colour. The AERE Wool Blend Knitted Sweater is a great place to start,” she told news.com.au checkout.
“Find different ways to wear your capsule wardrobe pieces throughout the changing seasons. For example, you can have your knit tied around your shoulders which gives a more put together look.
“Likewise with white tees, which are great for layering during the winter with a long sleeve underneath but can be worn on its own during the summer.”
Soglimbene says a classic pair of jeans and chinos like the AERE Organic Cotton Twill Chinos, will pair well with a white t shirt under a striped shirt such as the Staple Superior, Hamilton Linen Blend Stripe LS Shirt, all the makings of a more casual look.
“Dress it up with trousers and a knit or jacket such as the AERE Cotton Trucker Jacket. A simple white sneaker such as the Adidas Samba is a great addition as they go with every pant style and shorts. It’s important to have a good dress shoe too such as a loafer or boot.” she added.
Still don’t know where to start? Well, lucky for you we’ve saved you time and rounded up some of the best options that will get you well on your way to creating a successful capsule wardrobe.
Our top picks include the Tim Slims Belter Jeans from Rolls, the Tommy Hilfiger 1985 Crew Neck Sweater, the ECCO Men’s Citytray Derby Shoes and the Men’s Classic Crew Neck T-shirt from Boody.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST MEN’S SATCHELS AND BAGS
Clothes maketh the man but don’t forget about your satchel or bag.
When you leave the house each morning you don’t want to cut corners on a sturdy, high quality bag that will get you from A to B, while keeping your valuables and belongings safe and secure.
I know if I have a busy week at work, I really rely on my backpack to get me moving and start the day on the right foot.
Having a product that’s efficient and reliable is one less thing to think about during a busy week.
Herschel Classic Xl Backpack 26L in Black, $120 at Myer
Made from recycled 100% recycled fabrics, the Herschel Classic Xl Backpack is a great size at 26L, with adjustable sleeves, a water bottle pocket and laptop sleeve.
It’s also a great choice if you’re commuting to work, and perfect for carrying gym clothes, or items for a weekend away.
Colorado Jackson Leather Satchel, $269 at Strandbags
This Colorado Jackson Leather Satchel will really lift your wardrobe up a notch.
To really make your outfit shine, pair this one with brown leather shoes and a brown leather belt.
It’s a great price at $269, and comes with three separate compartments, one of which will fit a 13” laptop, and has attractive front and back zip pockets, alongside magnetic fastenings.
BEST MEN’S JEANS AND PANTS
Whether it’s jeans, chinos or trousers, these are important wardrobe capsule staples with styles to match your budget and body shape.
Personally, when it comes to jeans, I like a slim fit or straight denim in a medium cut as these are pretty versatile and go well with most of my other clothes.
For a starter capsule wardrobe, aim for one pair of dark wash denim, which can be interchanged with a lighter denim or chino.
Tim Slims Belter Jeans, from $101.97 (down from $169.95) at Rolla’s
The Rollas Tim Slims Belter jeans feature an easy fitting waistband, a looser fit through the thigh and the knee, and includes the brand’s signature gold hardware.
As an Australian brand growing in popularity, the jeans in the Rollas range are vintage inspired, and use premium fabrics alongside organic or recycled yarns where possible.
AERE Organic Cotton Travel Pants, $60 (down from $120) at THE ICONIC
Sydney label AERE offers wardrobe staples that match the seasons.
The brand’s Organic Cotton Travel Pants are a great addition to a men’s capsule wardrobe.
You can also choose from Navy or Dark Oat, and currently reduced to just $60, they’re also a great price.
I’ve been wearing the navy option and I love the quality and feel of the product.
They’re versatile and can be worn within a work setting, or during those more casual occasions, and it’s a really nice cut in the leg and the waist.
The weight of the cotton is also not too heavy, meaning I’ll be able to keep these ones in rotation as we move out of winter into the warmer months.
Calvin Klein Jeans Men’s Slim Denim, $89.40 at Amazon Australia
There’s a reason Calvin Klein has upheld its reputation as a fashion icon and that’s because they’re products are well designed, well manufactured, and well, they also look and feel great.
I am really loving these Calvin Klein Jeans, and could go as far to say they’re one of the best pairs of jeans I have ever worn.
The denim fabric is lightweight and has a great feel to it, while the colouring is easy on the eye.
They’re very versatile and I’ve worn these to work, and also out socially during the evenings and on the weekends.
These Calvin Klein Men’s Slim Denim Jeans are a real winner if you’re looking for high quality, comfortable and stylish jeans under $100.
Riders by Lee Men’s R2 Slim and Narrow Jeans, from $99.95 at Amazon Australia
Lee’s R2 Slim and Narrow jeans are another great contender for capsule wardrobes.
With a regular rise, slim leg profile and tapered hem, these dark wash jeans feature antique silver trim and a zip fly.
A fitted look that’s not overpowering, these jeans are finished in a dark indigo wash, and given the darker look, are a great choice if you’re looking for smart casual clothes to dress up with a shirt or jacket after work or on the weekends.
BEST MEN’S JACKETS
A trench coat of a puffer jacket? Leather or lined sherpa? A great jacket will pair well with the shirts and sweaters in your capsule wardrobe, providing extra warmth during the winter months, and can last for years in your collection.
Unless you’re looking for a statement piece, opt for neutral or dark colours like black, greys, and dark blues.
AERE Linen Blend Bomber Jacket, $160 at THE ICONIC
Bomber jackets are versatile, suited for a wide range of settings and are popular by many age groups.
I’ve been wearing the AERE Linen Blend Bomber Jacket, which comes in both black and washed navy.
I opted for the black colour and have found this a great option for both work and the weekends, given it pairs nicely with blue jeans, brown chinos, and pretty much whatever shirt colour I am wearing.
My favourite part of this piece is the material. The linen and cotton blend feels really nice and isn’t too heavy, however it still holds a good level of warmth. It’s also suited to wear underneath a puffer jacket or winter jacket.
The zipper is also high quality, and I also like the ribbed trims around the colour and the wrists. When the weather starts warming up, I’ll be able to wear the AERE Linen Blend Bomber Jacket out on those mild spring nights.
Maddox Bradley Sherpa Jacket in Denim, $69.98 (down from $139.95) at Myer
Balancing comfort with style, the Maddox Bradley Sherpa Jacket combines the classic look and feel of denim with the cozy touch of sherpa lining.
Perfect for chilly days or nights out, its rugged yet refined design will work well with sweaters and shirts, and will elevate any ensemble. This jacket comes in black or denim, and at $69 from Myer, it’s also a great price.
BEST MEN’S BASIC T-SHIRTS
Keeping a few plain T-shirts on rotation in a men’s capsule wardrobe is a very smart idea.
In this instance, you should be preferencing brands and styles for comfort and versatility, and have at least one black and one white tee. Consider some cuts including V-necks and polo shirts, and of course there’s a whole range of colour options depending on your taste, and the season.
Men’s Classic Crew Neck T-shirt, $49.95 from Boody
We really like the Men’s Classic Crew Neck T-shirt for its colour range, premium fabric and relaxed fit.
It’s been designed with a classic neckline shape and breathable fabric that includes a blend of organic cotton and viscose fibre made from bamboo, and can also be dressed up or down to match the other pieces in your capsule wardrobe.
Amazon Essentials Polo Shirt, from $27.16 at Amazon Australia
Amazon Australia recently launched a Men’s Essentials range in Australia and this slim-fit short-sleeve polo is a good option. Made with comfortable pique fabric, a double-button placket, and ribbed cuffs, it’s a classic polo look that never goes out of style.
I have a lot of black, white and grey shirts in my wardrobe so I decided to branch out and try the green polo shirt from the Amazon Essentials range, and I’m really happy with it.
The cut is quite fitted around my torso, I think if it was more snug I’d be swapping this for the next size up.
However I don’t feel constricted wearing this polo, and have room to breathe. For the price, I think the quality is pretty good, and I can see myself wearing this both during and after work.
Carhartt SS University T-shirt, $58.45 (down from $89.95) at THE ICONIC
When it comes to clothes, I don’t normally like big brands, wording or images featured on my clothes. Instead, I prefer to keep it understated and low key. That said, I don’t mind the odd piece in my wardrobe that has a bit of the “it factor”, like the Carhartt SS University T-shirt, which is a nice cut with the Carhartt logo centred across the front of the tee.
Made from cotton jersey, the shape of the tee and placement of the branding is quite nice, plus it comes in two options, either black lettering on a white tee, or a black tee with white lettering – both of which are easy on the eye.
BEST MEN’S BUTTON UP LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
Best worn as an overshirt over a basic tee, or as a piece in their own right, a long sleeve shirt is a worthy addition to your capsule wardrobe, and can easily move between a smart casual or more relaxed look.
Aim to have one to two of these dress shirts in your collection, ideally a plain coloured piece, which can be swapped with a pattern or print in a colour of your choosing.
Kenji Copernicus Cord Check Long Sleeve Overshirt in Green, $39.00 (down from $79.95) at Myer
Despite its understated pattern, the Kenji Copernicus Cord Check Long Sleeve Overshirt in Green is a great choice to use with outfits including black chinos or blue jeans, coupled with a white tee, and looks good with the sleeves rolled up or down.
It’s sold as a regular fit, made from breathable cotton, and has an attractive button upfront.
Tommy Hilfiger Premium Linen Shirt in White, $101.40 (down from $169.00) at Myer
This is an excellent product that’s worth your attention.
Designed as a regular fit from pure breathable linen, this button through shirt is a great addition to your capsule wardrobe.
With a curved hemline for easy tucking, it features the iconic Tommy stamp logo on the chest, and comes in both white and carbon navy.
For a more casual look, you can roll up the sleeves, and it pairs well with both jeans and chinos.
BEST MEN’S SWEATERS
When looking for knitwear or sweaters, you ideally want to pick items that will be warm, comfortable and durable. A lot of this comes down to the quality of the product.
If you can, invest in a higher-quality product within your budget like wool or cashmere.
As with shirts and other essentials, aim for neutral colours like blue, black, grey and green which can work in a number of different combinations.
AERE Wool Blend Knitted Sweater, $140 at THE ICONIC
AERE’s Wool Blend Knitted Sweater is a really comfortable piece that has been ticking lots of boxes across the winter months. It comes in a number of neutral colours, but I opted for the grey version which pairs well with blue denim jeans and chinos.
Featured throughout the fabric is some really nice highlights of blues and other colours, and it’s also very comfortable and warm to wear. I like the sweater has also uses a blend of responsibly sourced wool, recycled nylon and alpaca yarn.
I noticed when I was wearing a black T-shirt, there were some strands from the wool on my shirt, so I’d recommend wearing this one with a white shirt underneath, or just grab a pilling brush when it’s laundry day.
Tommy Hilfiger 1985 Crew Neck Sweater, $159.00 at THE ICONIC
A cotton-rich blend, the 1985 Crew Neck Sweater is best paired with a collared shirt, or a strong staple on its own, and comes in a range of colours including black, medium grey heather, royal berry and calico.
The long-sleeve style is crafted with secure rib-knit finishes to the collar, cuffs and hem, complete with Tommy Hilfiger’s iconic flag embroidered to the chest.
BEST MEN’S SHOES
A pair of shoes in your capsule wardrobe need to be versatile and work with a number of different outfits.
Ideally, aim for two to three pairs, which would include a pair of casual trainers (plain white is versatile) and a nice pair of dress shoes or leather boots, in a neutral tone like black or dark brown.
Nike Court Vision Low Next Nature Mens Casual Shoes, $110 at THE ICONIC
Making their debut in 1969, there’s a reason these walking shoes are still around and that’s because they’re a dream to wear.
Built originally for the basketball court, this faithful reproduction are ideal for walking longer distances and features the signature Adidas 3-stripes on each side.
ECCO Men’s Citytray Derby Shoes, $289.95 at THE ICONIC
Available in Black or Cognac, the ECCO Citytray Derby takes a modern approach to a timeless formal shoe.
Featuring traditional blind eyelets, high craftsmanship and slight padding at the collar, it’s equal parts comfortable and sophisticated. This is an ideal shoe for business settings or formal occasions, and worth your attention for a capsule collection.
R.M.Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots, $649 at THE ICONIC
Made in Adelaide at the R.M. Williams factory, the Comfort Craftsman Boots boast advanced features including a comfort insole, padded heel lining and a durable microfibre sock-lining with moisture wicking technology.
They’re available in a range of colours including Chestnut, Black and Caramel, this premium leather pair also showcases an airport-friendly shank that supports the arch while reinforcing the sleek silhouette.
Perfect for a capsule wardrobe, you can style these timeless boots with everything from chinos to relaxed denim for an elevated smart-casual appeal.
OTHER ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE
Beyond just the essentials of a man’s wardrobe, you can broaden out with some other items in your collection, that will work well in many different combinations.
Sunglasses
Investing the right pair of sunglasses will not only lift your outfit, it will help with reducing sun glare and brightness. Go for frames and styles that suit your face shape, and also your budget.
- Emporio Armani EA2129D Grey Polarised Sunglasses, $146.50 (down from $293.00) at Myer
- Burberry Carnaby Black Sunglasses, $245.60 (down from $307.00) at Myer
- Carrera Grand Prix 2 Sunglasses, $205 at THE ICONIC
Belts
Thickness and material are some factors to consider when picking a belt for a men’s capsule outfit. Ideally, you also want to select pieces that would work with your existing clothes. For example, if you have brown leather boots, ensure you pick a brown leather belt to match.
- R.M.Williams Drover Belt in Black, $149 at Myer
- Levi’s Roller Black Belt in Black, $49.95 at Myer
- Adidas Performance Trophy Golf Tour Belt Mens, $80 at THE ICONIC
Hats
Hats and caps can really smarten up a capsule outfit, and the trick here is picking products that will complement your face shape – and work well with all of the other pieces in your wardrobe.
- Carhartt Backley Cap, $53.95 (down from $89.95) at THE ICONIC
- Nautica Ruck Strapback Cap, $40 at THE ICONIC
- Blaq Houndstooth Driving Cap in Brown, $34.95 at Myer
- Tommy Hilfiger Classic Baseball Cap in Midnight, $49.95 at Myer
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you build a great capsule wardrobe that suits your style and budget, we’ve turned to Danielle Soglimbene, The Head of Style Menswear at THE ICONIC for her expertise and best recommendations.
Whether you’re looking for timeless classics or trendy updates, Danielle’s insights ensure you’ll find pieces that blend style with comfort effortlessly.
The news.com.au checkout team also combed through hundreds of customer reviews, product tests, and top-rated selections to bring you a carefully curated list of winter wardrobe must-haves.
From premium picks to budget-friendly basics, we’ve also included standout pieces from retailers including THE ICONIC and Myer, which have garnered rave reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the 10 item capsule wardrobe for men?
Essentially this is a wardrobe with 10 key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a range of different outfits, that pair different items in different combinations.
For example, this could include two t shirts, two pairs of jeans or chinos, two pairs of shoes, a jacket, a sweater, a button up shirt and a bomber jacket.
Does a capsule wardrobe change throughout the seasons?
As we move throughout the seasons, Danielle Soglimbene, Head of Style Menswear THE ICONIC told news.com.au it’s great to different ways to wear your capsule wardrobe pieces.
“For example, you can have your knit tied around your shoulders which gives a more put together look,” she said.
“Likewise with white tees, which are great for layering during the winter with a long sleeve underneath but can be worn on its own during the summer.”
How important is your lifestyle when selecting capsule wardrobe pieces?
Soglimbene says that lifestyle is really important part of selecting what pieces will go into your capsule wardrobe.
“You need to be considering what you do day to day and if the pieces are appropriate for work. Invest in pieces that you love and that can be worn to multiple occasions.” she said.
More Coverage
Discover smart savings on your favourite brands like The Iconic, ASOS, Myer, and Net-a-Porter with news.com.au Coupons.
Whether you’re building capsule wardrobes or updating your essentials, looking for a navy suit or a plain white tee, you find exclusive deals and coupon codes to stretch your dollar further.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the news.com.au checkout shopping newsletter for insider shopping tips, the latest trends, and exclusive sale alerts. Stay informed and never miss out on a great deal again.
I’m a curvy girl and I found the dress of my dreams
Something that will make getting ready in the morning a whole lot easier? Sign us up.
‘Everything’: Men’s tees to lift your look
They’re a wardrobe staple that can dress up or down any outfit. Luckily, we’ve saved you time by rounding up the best tees out there.
‘Like a warm hug’: Unusual item Aussies love
A hugely successful young Aussie has revealed the “moment of clarity” behind his best-selling, TikTok viral brand.
If you don’t know this word, you’re old
In years gone by, the word had serious negative connotations but thanks to one pop star, it’s well and truly on the way up.