Retail therapy might be your old standby, but that doesn’t mean it always has to be. Instead, consider a more minimalist and timeless wardrobe to protect your budget and your closet space. Whether you go for a strict capsule wardrobe, choose to become a fashion minimalist, or simply invest in better items less often, your budget will love the refresh. The best place to start is with minimalist clothing brands.
Want to shop more sustainably for your wardrobe? Keep reading!
Why minimalist clothing brands are worth it
Minimalist fashion brands focus on top quality and a tight supply chain.
Items are made to last
For instance, you might pay more, but you’ll be buying items that are made to last. And in turn, you can feel good about what your dollars are supporting.
Minimalist brands focus beyond just profits
Minimalist fashion brands can also have many different focuses. These brands may lean into the capsule wardrobe idea or multi-functionality clothing so that you only need to buy fewer items.
They may focus on better materials and craftsmanship or use evergreen designs instead of trendy styles. They could also focus on small batches that are high ticket but don’t go to waste because they don’t produce in surplus.
Remember that minimalism and living a minimalist lifestyle don’t have a prescribed definition. It can essentially mean whatever you want for whatever phase of your life.
25 Minimalist clothing brands to check out!
Style is super subjective but so is your budget. That said, here are 25 minimalist fashion brands to get you started!
1. Vetta
Vetta aims for a “thoughtful wardrobe” through capsules. Likewise, mix and match is the name of their game. They have pre-made capsules with five garments and can be styled into 30 outfits.
The colors you can choose from all go together. If you really want to own the process, you can create a unique capsule, and taking their quiz is an excellent place to start.
Affordability ranking: Under $100
2. Encircled
Encircled creates comfortable workwear staple pieces. They’re a B Corp, Canadian-made, and certified to be free of toxic chemicals.
Although their clothes are a bit too casual for a corporate job if you have flexibility in your workwear, this could be a great place to build outfits you’ll actually want to wear all day long.
Affordability ranking: Under $300
3. Cuyana
Cuyana offers luxe basics you can dress up or down. They focus on natural fibers, have a “philosophy of fewer” with their timeless items, and even sell accessories. In addition, they’re women of color founded and run.
Affordability ranking: Under $300
4. Pact
Pact is an affordable organic cotton minimalist clothing brand. They’re also Fair Trade certified and have tons of comfy basics and loungewear for the whole family. Their items are great to stock up on, especially during the sale season!
Affordability ranking: Under $100
5. Universal Standard
Universal Standard is a female-founded brand that’s all about size inclusivity and good fit. Their clothing is made to last and is also available in a wide range of sizes from 00 to 40. As a result, this makes Universal Standard more inclusive size-wise than many other brands.
In addition, the brand’s Fit Liberty collection allows you to swap out purchased clothing for a different size within one year.
Affordability ranking: Under $300
6. Everlane
Everlane was one of the first brands to go mainstream with a pledge to “radical transparency” and the choice to showcase their factories.
The brand also promotes a “no new plastic” campaign which prioritizes the use of sustainable materials for its products. In addition, their clothing features timeless yet modern designs and fabrics that have become essential pieces for city dwellers.
Despite Everlane being recognized as an “ethical” fashion brand, they faced criticism for their treatment of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That said, it’s important to have personal standards when you shop. Be sure to thoroughly research any brand before making a purchase to ensure it aligns with your values.
Affordability ranking: Under $100
7. COS
COS is a brand that sells elevated essentials as well as basic cuts and colors that stay in style. Their philosophy is, “Buy better, keep forever”. Basically, they aim for their garments to carry you through the years instead of focusing on trends.
Additionally, sourcing is also critical to the brand, and they explain it in detail on their sustainability page. COS is another minimalist clothing brand that is pretty popular.
Affordability ranking: Under $200
8. Amour Vert
Amour Vert has sustainability at its core. They have a “give-back” program where one t-shirt sold equals one tree planted, and their packaging is also compostable.
With a strong focus on fabric manufacturing and treatment, they even sell a zero-waste collection. Overall, the Amour Vert style is laid back and feminine.
Affordability ranking: Under $300
9. Able
Able is a brand that creates ethically-made accessories with a specialty in leather goods. Worker empowerment is a focus for Able. As ar result, they have the commitment to post their wages publicly. 95% of their staff also identify as women.
While their jewelry is made in the U.S., a large number of their items are made by women in Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, and India. This approach provides jobs to women in these countries.
Affordability ranking: Under $300
10. Organic Basics
With Organic Basics, the name says it all. This tongue-in-cheek brand is quick to get you basics you can believe in. While undergarments are their bread and butter, they also sell other great items e.g. activewear, loungewear, and other relaxed outfit options.
Affordability ranking: Under $100
11. The Nisolo brand
The Nisolo brand is an ethical and sustainable company focusing on fashionable and classic shoes and accessories e.g. boots, sandals, sneakers, and dressier shoes. Their products are well-made and practical and the company also focuses on:
- Pursuing 100% living wages for their employees
- Pursuing 0% Net Carbon
Affordability ranking: Under $300
12. MATE the Label
MATE the Label creates sophisticated loungewear with impact in mind. They use organic cotton, ethical factories in LA, and non-toxic dyes. You can even return your items at the end of their life cycle and MATE will turn them into new garments.
Their collections are full of muted colors, which is great if you want to look chic in earthy tones.
Affordability ranking: Under $300
13. Fair Indigo
Fair Indigo aims to be “forever in fashion” with its simple designs. They partner with Peruvian farmers for top-of-the-line Pima cotton, offering fair wages, good working conditions, and a foundation that supports educational opportunities for the local farmers’ children. They sell comfortable outfit staples and dressier items.
Affordability ranking: Under $100
14. Reformation
Reformation is a climate-neutral certified clothing and accessories brand firmly committed to sustainability. The brand has ambitious plans to be climate-positive, earning them a place as one of the most desirable minimalist clothing brands out there.
That said, there are plenty of pieces for everyone (from dresses, sweaters, shoes, and bags to wedding attire), with new styles added to the site weekly. Every item details the garment’s environmental footprint, helping shoppers make more sustainable fashion choices.
Affordability rating: Under $300
15. Arket
Arket is a sustainable clothing brand dedicated to providing its customers with information on how to care for garments to extend their lifespan. Their in-store recycling services make them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious people.
In addition to selling sustainable fashion for women, men, and children, they also sell responsibly crafted travel and home accessories too.
Affordability rating: Under $200
16. Sezane
Sezane is known for maximizing the lifespan of garments through the quality of pieces they sell and by sticking to the model of four collections/seasons per year. Additionally, Sezane’s sustainability commitments are proudly displayed on its website, demonstrating its passion for a more ethical future in fashion.
You’ll find everything you need from this forward-thinking brand, from dresses and knitwear to jewelry, belts, and accessories.
Affordability rating: Under $300
17. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a great brand to consider if you’re looking for ethical and timeless essentials to add to your wardrobe. It is often referred to as an industry leader in sustainable fashion and they focus on:
- 98% cotton production from organic sources
- 79% wool production from responsible or recycled sources
You can purchase stunning cotton, linen, nylon, and silk pieces from this brand, created without using hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process.
Affordability rating: Under $300
18. & Other Stories
& Other Stories has an innovative approach to the materials that are used in their pieces. They use semi-synthetic fibers, lyocell, modal, and acetate (regenerated cellulosic fabrics).
Their minimalist fashion range is made up of versatile collections that include outerwear, stylish dresses, and accessories.
Affordability rating: Under $100
19. Frank & Oak
Frank & Oak state that 100% of their products are created with sustainable processes and eco-friendly materials. Their clothes are designed to give you a timeless fit and look and are all label-free.
They offer a Style Plan service which is a popular way to receive a selection of high-quality, sustainable clothes that a stylist has chosen. Simply provide some details about your desired style and budget and wait for your brand-new clothes to arrive.
Affordability rating: Under $300
20. Na-kd
Swedish brand Na-kd is another minimalist clothing brand with a wide range of items, from tops and dresses to accessories and footwear. They’ve created a unique, sustainable womenswear collection consisting of 500+ products. In addition, they’ve used carbon-neutral shipping methods since 2019.
The company is committed to boosting its products’ circularity by improving its supply chain model.
Affordability rating: Under $100
21. Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne is your go-to brand if you want a minimalist wardrobe suitable for all seasons. With recycled knits and eco-friendly homewares, there’s plenty for even the most environmentally conscious shoppers.
Without doubt, you’ll love the brand’s high-quality, timeless, and versatile pieces as well as their regular sales!
Affordability rating: Under $500
22. UpWest
UpWest is an excellent option for a comfortable, environmentally-conscious, and wallet-friendly wardrobe. All of their pieces are made from eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Additionally, UpWest’s partnership with Give Back Box is a fantastic and easy way for you to donate your used clothing and accessories and do your bit for the environment.
Affordability rating: Under $100
23. Kotn
Kotn’s garments are made from sustainable Egyptian cotton. The company is committed to making its supply chain as transparent as possible, earning them a place as one of the best minimal clothing brands.
As a result, their products are designed in a considered way to provide their buyers with high-quality clothing that has a positive impact on the environment.
Affordability rating: Under $300
24. Secondhand retailers
You don’t have to buy anything new! Shopping secondhand is perfect if you want to buy from the best brands but have a limited budget.
You can check out local thrift shops however online secondhand retailers on the other hand make it even easier to search by size, brand, style, and color. You can even search “new with tags”! Check out ThredUp, Swap, Poshmark, Depop, and even Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
Affordability ranking: prices range from $100-$500+
25. Curated retailers
Curated retailers like Made Trade, Done Good, or Good On You vet a variety of many different brands and make them accessible in one place. With this in mind, you can feel confident about shopping with ethical, sustainable brands.
Affordability ranking: prices range from $100-$500+
Expert tip
When it comes to achieving a minimalist look, anything goes. You don’t need to follow advice in fashion magazines about what is or isn’t trending.
Minimalism is all about prolonging the life of the items you own. So, stop buying clothes you will never wear and start creating your unique minimalist style! In time, you’ll no longer feel like you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear.
What makes a great minimalist clothing brand?
A great minimal clothing brand provides its customers with a wide range of high-quality pieces that can be used to create several looks. Additionally, the designs of the clothing are classic and timeless. This means you can wear your pieces for many years to come.
Given that, here are some questions which the answers to will help you decide what makes a great minimalist clothing brand:
- Sustainability: Are natural and regenerated materials being used? Does the company have methods in place to subsequently reduce energy and water usage?
- Ethics: Are they transparent on who makes the clothes and where they are made? Do they ensure that their workers are treated fairly?
- Circular practices: For example, does the brand have a recycling initiative to avoid sending clothing to landfills?
What are some of the most affordable minimalist clothing brands?
There are plenty of affordable options when it comes to minimalist clothing brands. And as a result of these options, you don’t have to compromise on quality or sustainability values either!
Our favorites are:
- Vetta
- Pact
- Everlane
- COS
- Organic Basics
- Fair Indigo
- Arket
- & Other Stories
- Na-kd
- UpWest
Buying garments from high-quality, sustainable brands saves a lot of money in the long term!
Can I still be stylish with a minimalist wardrobe?
The best thing about minimalist fashion is that it always stays in style. This means that you’ll always be stylish, no matter how you mix and match your wardrobe.
To achieve a minimalist wardrobe, be sure to add a few classic and timeless garments to your wardrobe. This will help you look and feel your best with minimal effort.
Whatever your motivation for creating a minimalist wardrobe, enjoy the process and be proud of the difference you’re making to the world (and your confidence).
How many pieces of clothing does a minimalist have?
There’s no rule regarding how many items a minimalist should have. The key is to keep things simple! One minimalist could own 10 items, while another could have 40.
That said, here’s a list of ideas for staple pieces that will allow you to create more looks with less:
- Vests or bodysuits for layering
- Casual T-shirts (black, white, and grey work well!)
- Workout tops
- Long-sleeved tops/shirts
- A durable blazer/jacket
- Smart black trousers
- Skinny jeans (black and blue)
- Jumper
- Two casual skirts or dresses
- Running shoes
- A pair of comfortable heels
- A few pairs of flats
- A set of loungewear/pjs
- Two swimsuits
- Three good quality bras
- Seven panties
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Minimalist clothing brands are definitely worth considering!
If shopping for clothes is your biggest budget buster, then going for minimalist clothing brands might be the quickest way to maximize your spending. Remember: it’s not necessarily about a target number of garments in your closet.
Instead, it’s about considering what you need, what you’ll wear, and what makes you feel fantastic. Subsequently, the items that check those boxes are worth your hard-earned cash. Anything else is just a waste.
After you get acquainted with this new minimalist approach to shopping, do your own research too. Go down the rabbit hole and search for brands based on your needs or concerns e.g. multi-use garments, natural fabrics, ethically made, plastic-free shipping, etc. There’s a solution out there that fits your style and budget. Happy shopping (or saving)!