Black as a base colour in the wardrobe

Short answer: Black matches everything, hides stains and makes a wardrobe easy to combine. The price is visible fading and the clearest display of lint.

Why black works

Black is the only colour that goes with every other colour without any thought. That makes mornings faster and lets fewer garments cover more situations. For a base wardrobe it is therefore the obvious starting point.

The drawbacks to know

Black fades to grey over time, shows pale lint most clearly and makes heat more noticeable in sun. Two of the three can be managed with washing habits. See bamboo clothing for men.

How to keep black black

Wash at thirty degrees inside out, keep terry out of the load, skip the softener and dry in shade. A vinegar wash now and then removes the limescale film that lightens the fabric. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo underwear for men.

Frequently asked questions

Is black warmer in sun

Yes, black absorbs more light. In shade and indoors there is no difference.

Do you need special detergent for black

It helps, mainly because it contains less bleach and fewer optical brighteners.

How many black garments should you own

Enough to use black as a base all week, meaning typically two tops and two bottoms.