How to build a wardrobe over a year
Short answer: Start with what you wear every day and build outwards from there. Underwear and socks first, then basic tops, and finally the things you only use for part of the year.
Underwear and socks first
Underwear and socks are worn every day and wear out fastest, so this is where starting pays off most. When the drawer is sorted, you notice it every morning. Buy enough for a week plus a few extra, so you are not washing all the time. See bamboo underwear for men.
Basic tops
Three to five T-shirts in neutral colours cover an ordinary week. They can be worn alone, under a shirt or under a jumper, which makes them the foundation of the wardrobe. Choose a fit you are happy with and feel free to buy several of the same model. See bamboo T-shirts for men.
Clothes for home
One or two sets of clothes for home that can be worn for hours at a time make a big difference on quiet days. They should be soft and leave room to sit, lie down and move. With two sets, one can be in the wash while the other is in use. See sweatwear.
Seasonal pieces
Base layers for winter and shorts for summer are bought as the season approaches. That way you know what you actually need, and you do not tie up money in things that sit unused for months. Check what is left from last year before you buy anything new. See bamboo long johns.
Choosing colours
Stick to a few colours so everything can be worn together. When tops and bottoms match, you get more combinations from fewer pieces. Black, grey, navy and white are a good starting point. Read more in how to build a capsule wardrobe in bamboo.
Replace together
Buy several of the same item at once, so the whole stack is the same age. They then wear at the same pace, and you can replace the stack in one go instead of having a few new and a few old pieces that do not match. It also makes it easier to keep track.
Washing
Wash at 40 degrees, skip the fabric softener and let the clothes air dry rather than using the tumble dryer. The fabric then keeps its shape and softness for longer, and you need to buy new less often. Turn clothes inside out before washing. You can read more in the washing guide.
Two shops a year
Most people manage with two shops a year, one in March and one in September. That way you have what you need before the season starts. Use the shop to go through drawers and wardrobe and replace what is worn. See the full range in bamboo clothing for men.
Make a list
Write down what you have and what you are missing before you shop. A short list of underwear, socks, T-shirts and seasonal pieces makes it easy to see where the gaps are. That way you avoid buying yet another T-shirt when it is really the socks that are worn.
Give it time
A wardrobe is not built in a weekend. By buying a little at a time and in the right order, you learn which models and sizes suit you. After a year you have a wardrobe where everything gets worn and you know what to buy again.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you start?
With underwear and socks. They are worn every day and wear out fastest, so this is where you notice the difference first when building a wardrobe from scratch.
How many T-shirts do you need?
Three to five in neutral colours cover an ordinary week. Choose a model you are happy with and feel free to buy several of the same, so they wear at the same pace.
When should you buy seasonal pieces?
As the season approaches. One shop in March and one in September is enough for most people, so everything is ready before it turns cold or warm.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
