A basic wardrobe for men in ten pieces

Short answer: Ten pieces cover an ordinary week when seven sets of underwear and seven pairs of socks count as two groups. Add three T-shirts, a long-sleeved top, a sweatshirt, a pair of soft trousers and a set of nightwear, all of which work together.

Underwear and socks

The two most important groups, because they are worn every day and sit closest to the skin. Seven of each let you wash once a week and still have something clean every morning. Choose one model you know fits and buy them all at once, so they wear evenly. See bamboo underwear for men.

Three T-shirts

Three T-shirts in neutral colours such as black, white and grey go with everything else in the wardrobe. They work on their own in summer and as a base layer the rest of the year. Choose a fit that sits well without being tight, and a length you can wear tucked in or out. See bamboo T-shirts for men.

A long-sleeved top

The long-sleeved top is the most useful piece in the in-between seasons, when a T-shirt is too little and a sweatshirt too much. Wear it alone on cooler days and under a shirt or jacket when it gets colder. Keep to the same colours as the T-shirts. See bamboo long-sleeved T-shirt for men.

A sweatshirt

The sweatshirt is for days at home, weekends and as a mid layer when it is cool outside. It should fit over both a T-shirt and the long-sleeved top, so choose a fit with a little room. A neutral colour such as grey or navy goes with most trousers and shoes. See the range of sweatwear.

A pair of soft trousers

A pair of soft trousers covers days at home, travel and relaxed weekends. They should sit comfortably at the waist and work both indoors and for a quick trip out. Choose a colour that matches the sweatshirt, so the two can also be worn as a set. See bamboo sweatpants for men.

A set of nightwear

A set of nightwear means you sleep in something made for it, rather than a worn-out T-shirt. If you want to wash without going short, consider two sets. Choose a light quality if you sleep warm, and a slightly heavier one if you get cold at night. See bamboo nightwear for men.

Choosing colours

Stick to a few colours so everything goes together without thinking. Two or three neutral colours, plus perhaps one accent, are enough for a whole wardrobe. Then you can grab the top T-shirt and the nearest trousers in the morning and know they match. Read more in how to build a capsule wardrobe in bamboo.

What can wait

Seasonal items such as base layers, shorts and heavy winter jumpers can be bought as the season approaches. The basics, on the other hand, are worn all year and should be in place first. Build the wardrobe in that order, and buy one piece at a time in a quality that lasts. See bamboo clothing for men.