A basic wardrobe for women in ten pieces

Short answer: Ten pieces cover an ordinary week when underwear and socks count as groups. Add two bras, three tops, a long-sleeved top, a pair of soft trousers and a set of nightwear, all of which work together in a few neutral colours.

Underwear and socks

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

Two bras

Two bras are the minimum that works: one to wear and one in the wash. A soft wire-free model is comfortable all day and sits well under T-shirts and jumpers. Choose a neutral colour that does not show through light tops, and check that the band stays in place without digging in. See bamboo bras without underwire.

Three tops

Three tops 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 that suits both trousers and skirts. See bamboo T-shirts for women.

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 knit too much. Wear it alone on cooler days and under a cardigan or jacket when it gets colder. Keep to the same colours as the other tops. See long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt for women.

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 tops, so they can also be worn with the long-sleeved top as a set. See bamboo sweatpants for women.

A set of nightwear

A set of nightwear means you sleep in something made for it. 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. Short sleeves in summer and long in winter is a good rule of thumb. See bamboo nightwear for women.

Choosing colours

A few colours mean everything goes together without thinking. Two or three neutral colours, plus perhaps one accent, are enough for a whole wardrobe. Then you can take whatever is on top of the drawer in the morning and know it matches. Read more in how to build a capsule wardrobe in bamboo.

What can wait

Seasonal items such as tights, 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 women.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy first

Underwear and a soft bra, because they are worn for the most hours every day. Then the tops and the long-sleeved top, which cover most of the year.

How many tops are enough

Three in neutral colours cover an ordinary week if you wash once a week. Together with the long-sleeved top, that gives enough variety for everyday life.