How many items are in a capsule wardrobe
Short answer: There is no fixed number, but many people mention somewhere between 25 and 40 items as a guide. What matters most is that each piece goes with several others and that the amount suits your habits.
What is a capsule wardrobe really
A capsule wardrobe is a small selection of clothes that go well together. The idea is to own a few well chosen pieces that can be combined in many ways. That makes dressing in the morning easier, and the cupboard does not fill up with things that are never worn. The number is a starting point and not a rule. Some manage with fewer, others need more, because their work and leisure make different demands.
Count by your habits, not by a list
Start by looking at what your week is like. How many days do you work, how many hours are you active, and how often do you go out for dinner or to a party. That tells you more than a standard list from the internet. A person who works from home needs something different from someone who wears a suit every day. Write down what you wear each day for a week, and then count. You will soon see what you use and what simply hangs there.
The basics first
Most of a capsule wardrobe is made up of basics: jumpers, shirts, trousers, underwear and socks. Here it pays to choose plain, neutral pieces that can be freely combined. Underwear often is not counted, but it matters in everyday life, and it is nice to have enough for a whole week. See bamboo underpants for men. Once the basics work, you can add a few pieces with more character, such as a coloured jumper or a smart jacket.
Colours and fabrics that go together
Choose two to three base colours so that everything can be mixed. Many pick black, grey, navy or beige, but it depends on what you like to wear. Think about fabrics too: cotton, wool and viscose from bamboo each have their own strengths when it comes to warmth, moisture and care. Stick to fabrics you know suit your life and your laundry. A fabric that is hard to look after often ends up as clothing that is never worn.
The home belongs in the wardrobe too
Many forget that clothing also includes what you wear at home. Loungewear, nightwear and bedding take up a lot of everyday life, and if they are comfortable, you are happier with the rest of the wardrobe. See home and homewear in bamboo. Let the list grow slowly as well. When you need something new anyway, choose something that complements what you have, instead of buying something that only suits one piece. You can also find inspiration at Copenhagen Bamboo.
Frequently asked questions
How many items should a capsule wardrobe have
Many mention 25 to 40 items as a frame, but that is not a rule. It depends on your habits, your work and how often you wash.
Do underwear and socks count
That is up to you. Many do not count them because they are basics, but you need enough to last a whole week between washes.
How do I start
Look at what you actually wear in a week and start with that. Clothes you have not worn for a long time can be passed on.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
