It's time to refresh your wardrobe with minimalist fashion.
Less is more. Quality clothing is favored over quantity. The best part is that it’s a flexible style with so many benefits! Read on to find out my top minimalist clothing brands, benefits of minimalist styling, and how to curate your own minimalist wardrobe.
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Top 10 Quality Minimalist Clothing Brands
As a fashion minimalist myself, I know how important it is to find quality pieces. I’ve spent many hours compiling best minimalist clothing brands that I love.
Note that they are not ranked in any specific order. However, they are sorted by price for all the different budget types out there. The most affordable are at the top and the most expensive are towards the bottom.
I also spent time researching whether these brands had sustainability practices, what fabrics they used, and if they adhere to fair trade policies.
Remember, minimalist fashion is all about intentional and meaningful choices. When we spend our money on clothes, it’s good to know that we are supporting an ethical company too!
Keep reading to find out the top quality minimalist clothing stores below.
1. Uniqlo
I love Uniqlo and it is by far one of the most affordable minimalist brands out there! If you’re looking to start with quality, affordable pieces then Uniqlo is the way to go.
They’re known for their smart, practical pieces and unique fabric technology (Dry-Ex, Heattech, Airism, and more). They also do frequent collaborations with designers and artists.
While other retailers are chasing trends, Uniqlo focuses on classic staples and unique fits. You can be sure to find timeless pieces that you will wear again and again without breaking the bank!
- Price: $15 to $200
- Fabric & Sustainability: Uses some sustainably sourced materials, such as down and feathers from farms that seek to minimize their impact on wildfowl, clothes made from recycled water bottles, and recycled nylon bags. They are always innovating, so read more here.
- Made In: UNIQLO has relationships with factories in China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia and Turkey.
- Fair Trade: Their website says they provide healthy and safe working environments for their factory workers. Unfortunately, there is no transparency on whether they ensure payment of a living wage or further employee protection.
Check out their U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt that has 100% cotton fabric with minimal nap for a super smooth feel. The muted colors are so beautiful too. I also love the Drape Flared Pants and the Ultra Stretch High-Rise Leggings Pants.
2. Everlane
I always thought of Everlane as Uniqlo’s alternative sister. Their price points are nearly the same and both focus on clean cuts and have a variety of great minimalist clothing finds to choose from.
I love that Everlane is super transparent about how much their clothes cost to make. Not many companies do that, which makes them a trustworthy brand. They also make it clear their factories are “given a compliance audit to evaluate factors like fair wages, reasonable hours, and environment.”
Everlane also sources the finest fabrics, such as their Grade-A cashmere sweaters, Italian shoes, and Peruvian Pima tees. If you’re looking for stylish, ethical, and sustainable clothing, don’t sleep on this brand!
- Price: $18 to $198
- Fabric & Sustainability: Uses quality materials, such as Grade-A cashmere sweaters, Italian shoes, and Peruvian Pima tees.
- Made In: Has factories in South America, Europe, and Asia.
- Fair Trade: Their website says they do a compliance audit to evaluate factors like fair wages, reasonable hours, and environment. Every factory location has its own page with details about their ethical standards.
Check out their best-selling Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank, which is the perfect staple that will go with just about anything! I also adore the clean-cut Easy Short.
3. Los Angeles Apparel
If you’re looking for quality, comfy basics, and loungewear with LA style, then this is the brand for you! They are committed to operating and manufacturing domestically and are transparent about their practice of paying their production workers fair wages.
Yes to supporting a domestic brand with quality clothes and ethical practices!
- Price: $18 to $185
- Fabric & Sustainability: They use textile and yarn products made in the United States to support local farmers. This includes eco-friendly cotton or organic cotton. They claim that nearly 100% of their production and shipping byproducts are recycled.
- Made In: Their clothing is manufactured in Los Angeles and is committed to bringing jobs to the USA.
- Fair Trade: Their website says their workers earn fair wages of $20/hour and garment workers can make up to $35/hour with productivity bonuses in a safe and ethically managed environment.
Check out this cute Ponte A-Line Skort with shorts attached and a high-waisted style. I also like the Denim Mid-Length Short and the Crossover Wrap Crop Top.
4. COS
This H&M-owned label Europe-based brand is known for its clean, structured, and timeless pieces. Despite the high-fashion look, the prices are surprisingly affordable.
Yes, the quality is top-notch too. The brand produces many basics that are mostly seasonless, which is perfect for anyone looking for minimalist clothing staples.
I love their fresh, modern, and graphic silhouettes for women. Despite its simplicity, it is attention-grabbing and sure to attract compliments!
- Price: $19 to $290
- Fabric & Sustainability: They are aiming to use 100% sustainably sourced or recycled material in their collection and, in 2021, they are already at 86%. COS uses a variety of organic, responsible, recycled, and some conventional materials. Get the full breakdown here.
- Made In: Their clothing is manufactured in Portugal, Romania. and China.
- Fair Trade: COS is owned by H&M Group, which dictates their policies. Unfortunately, they don’t own any factories or make their own clothes, so they outsource production to independent manufacturers. This means they can’t control workers’ salaries. However, they do try to implement standards and policies to help improve this. Read more about this here.
Check out this beautiful PLEATED A-LINE MINI DRESS with the perfect gathering at the waist and strikingly simple, slimming silhouette. I also love their HIGH-WAISTED WIDE-LEG PANTS and RELAXED-FIT LONG-SLEEVE TOP.
5. Universal Standard
When it comes to diversity and inclusion of all body sizes, Universal Standard takes the crown. Their campaigns and models showcase their luxury basics line for women sizes 00-40.
Universal Standard pioneered inclusive efforts that we are now starting to see in other brands! They are the world’s most inclusive brand with a mission to empower the industry to do the same.
If your size changes, they even replace your clothes for free for up to a year with Fit Liberty! How’s that for a change? Clothes should fit us, not the other way around!
- Price: $30 to $448
- Fabric & Sustainability: US sources the best fabrics, which include Premium Peruvian cotton, Italian Merino wool and French satin-back crepe. They also hold an annual Denim Drive with Blue Jeans Go Green recycling program.
- Made In: Their website doesn’t mention specifics, but their timeline does mention they partnered with their first factory in Peru in 2015.
- Fair Trade: Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything on their website that talks specifically about their working conditions and wages.
Check out their best-selling Geneva Dress with an asymmetric hem and that is flattering on all body types. I also love their Next-To-Naked Bodyshort and Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans.
6. Mate The Label
MATE is a female-founded clothing company based out of Los Angeles that focuses on clean essentials. All garments are ethically manufactured out of LA and only use non-toxic, natural, and organic materials.
Their collection focuses on loungewear, such as sweatshirts, sleepwear, and basic tees. They also have a good selection of chic jumpsuits too. Perfect for the casual, comfy look!
- Price: $32 to $188
- Fabric & Sustainability: MATE uses Organic Cotton Jersey, Tencel, Organic Thermal, Organic Terry, Organic Stretch and Fleece. All garments are free of chemicals and dye substances.
- Made In: Their supply chain is localized within a 17-mile radius of their headquarters in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Everything is cut, sewn, dyed, packaged, and shipped within Los Angeles.
- Fair Trade: MATE does say on their website that they “create safe, comfortable, and fair working environments,” which also includes their supply-chain.
Check out their best-selling Tencel Sleep Tank, which is raved for its softness and comfort. I would also take a look at their comfy, but sleek Organic Thermal Wide Leg Pants and cute Tencel Sleep Shorts.
7. M.M.LaFleur
If you’re looking for minimalist clothing for work, then M.M.LaFleur is the perfect brand to check out. Some of their clothing is 100% machine washable and all of them are easy to style for any occasion.
Founded by women for women who want stylish and practical workwear for the ultimate function, comfort, and style. This brand is great for busy women who want it all!
They are also a Gender-Fair certified company and participate in many initiatives that support women. I just love their focus on empowering working women!
- Price: $35 to $295
- Fabric & Sustainability: M.M.LaFleur sources luxurious fabrics and leather from Italy and Japan. They also have their own responsibly produced fabrics, such as Recycled WonderTex (made from recycled water bottles) and Crepe (made from wood fibers from sustainably managed forests that guarantee reforestation).
- Made In: Manufactured in NYC, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.
- Fair Trade: M.M.LaFleur states that they “not only know where our fabrics come from, but we also know the families who run and operate the mills that create them.” They seem to have a strong, positive relationship with their manufacturers.
Check out this chic Malki Top that has a modern mock neck with real shell buttons, which would add a unique detail to any outfit. I also love the Scott Jacket and the Rogala Stretch Culotte.
8. AYR
AYR makes clothing that is ageless, timeless, and effortless. This NYC-based brand is female-founded and independently-owned. AYR jeans are very popular and extremely comfortable, but their dress shirts and tees are so chic and versatile too!
All their clothes are seasonless and I can imagine myself wearing them everyday. Oprah Winfrey even wore The Deep End striped dress shirt!
- Price: $45 to $395
- Fabric & Sustainability: Each product has a “Materials” section with specific details. Their materials include Cotton, Nylon, Tencel, Polyester, and more.
- Made In: Each product has a “Made In” section that details where the exact piece is manufactured. Manufacturer locations include California, China, Peru, and Portugal.
- Fair Trade: Each product has a “Made In” section that details the manufacturer’s ethical practices. This includes WRAP, GOTS, and Fair Trade certified.
Check out their most comfortable Bomb Pop jeans for the perfect high-waisted fit. The Deep End striped shirt is a great staple too.
9. VETTA
Vetta is a minimalist’s dream and great for those budding fashion minimalists out there. If you don’t know where to start, VETTA has several mini wardrobe capsule collections to choose from.
Each collection has 5 pieces that can create up to 30 outfits. Every piece is incredibly well-designed and some can be worn in a variety of different ways too.
- Price: $88 to $179
- Fabric & Sustainability: They primarily use Tencel, Organic Cotton, and deadstock fabric.
- Made In: New York, California, and India
- Fair Trade: VETTA is “committed to working with responsible factories who pay workers fairly, protect workers rights, have safe working environments, and prohibit child labor, forced labor, and discrimination.” Read more about the factories they work with here.
I highly recommend The Wander Capsule for its versatility and variety. I can easily see myself wearing so many outfits for a variety of occasions with just those 5 pieces. Genius! The capsule includes this 2 Piece Linen Jumpsuit that can be separated and I also love the Convertible Wrap Mini Dress for its versatility and chic wrap design.
Related: Spring Capsule Wardrobe: Easy Spring Wardrobe Essentials Checklist For 2022
10. ADAY
ADAY is committed to quality and detail. They work with engineers worldwide to create technologically advanced fabrics and hand-pick their factories to ensure world-class construction techniques.
I love that their collection is seasonless, which makes them so versatile and minimalist. Many of their pieces are made from recycled materials too.
- Price: $68 to $395
- Fabric & Sustainability: 91% of their fabrics are vegan and the rest are sustainably sourced. Read more about it here.
- Made In: Portugal, Los Angeles, Italy, San Francisco, and Zhongshan
- Fair Trade: ADAY chooses their factories based on certain standards, sustainability, and technological superiority. Read more about each factory here.
Check out their Back To Front Shirt Dress, which can be worn from the back or front and has a crisp silhouette. The Easy Days Pants is super comfy and That’s A Wrap Top can be worn in multiple ways!
Alternatives:
Who says you need to buy everything brand new? There are plenty of used clothes options to choose from.
When you shop used, you help give clothing a second-life rather than having it fill an overfilled landfill, stand up for sustainability, and fight against fashion waste. Plus, you can score some sweet minimalist clothing deals too!
Here are my favorite online secondhand clothing shops:
- ThredUp – This place has an incredible selection of different brands! The prices are a fraction of what you would pay and they are transparent about the condition of each piece.
- Poshmark – They are a social marketplace for new and secondhand styles. They are unique because they focus on creating online communities, such as the Posh Party, or virtual shopping parties.
- Swap – A great consignment thrift store with affordable prices.
- Depop – Another great place with a large selection of trendy secondhand items. It’s known to be designed for the age of influencers selling stuff on social media and marketed specifically for Gen Z consumers.
- eBay & Facebook Marketplace – Both these are massive online marketplace where anyone can buy or sell just about anything. There are some really sweet deals if you take the time to look! I would suggest having a brand in mind to make your search easier.
I also highly recommend visiting a local thrift store near you. You never know what you will find and it’s a good way to support your local communities.
Related: 8 Best Online Thrift Stores For Secondhand Clothing & Money Saving Tips
How to Curate Your Own Minimalist Wardrobe and Closet
By now you’re probably wondering, where should you start? The choices seem a bit overwhelming and it’s hard to choose. They all look so good!
Well, it’s all about preference and what your day-to-day would require. Here’s a quick checklist to go through when shopping for minimalist clothing staples:
- Do I really need this? (In other words, check to see if you already own something similar.)
- How many times will I wear this? (Hint: You should see yourself wearing it over and over again.)
- Will this coordinate well with what I already have? (If you can think of multiple outfits that work well with it, that’s a good sign!)
- Is this made of good quality fabrics? (The list of brands I have above all have great quality at different price points! The better the quality, the longer it will last.)
- Optional, but helpful tips:
- Stay away from loud and busy prints. They are generally harder to coordinate outfits with.
- Neutral colors, such as brown, beige, white, grey and shades of black work well together. Color coordinating would be a breeze if you do this. This isn’t a hard rule, but it is a great tip to keep in mind. You can thank me later!
- Can I wear this multiple ways? You would get more wear out of a single piece.
In the end, the goal is to maximize the amount of outfits you wear with a minimal closet. Make thoughtful choices when shopping for clothes.
Go through my checklist above or your own before you purchase! If it still feels right, then purchase it.
The Key Basic Minimalist Clothing Pieces You Need
Now let’s talk about the types of pieces that you would need. The key is only keeping the essentials. Here’s some staples that I would suggest starting off with:
A Basic Tee
A t-shirt may sound super simple, but believe me, there is an art to finding the perfect tee. It’s the foundational piece that will go with just about any outfit!
I love Universal Standard’s V Rex for it’s quality fabric made from premium Peruvian cotton, curved hem, and length that hits the right spot.
Dress Shirt
A crisp dress shirt is so versatile. It can be worn casually or with a business outfit. If you don’t have one, get one!
I recommend the AYR’s The Deep End dress shirt for it’s modern and loose fit.
Classic Blazer
A good blazer will transform a casual outfit to business. It’s the perfect power piece for a working woman who means business.
I particularly love ADAY’s Trailblazer Belted Blazer for its tailored look and modern silhouette. It even comes with a belt to help cinch in the waist for an immediate slimming effect.
Trench Coat
Trench coats instantly make you look more chic and expensive. It’s the perfect outerwear for those chillier days.
I recommend M.M. La Fleur’s Jenson Trench for its tailored look and beautiful brown shade.
A Good Pair of Quality Jeans
When a pair of jeans fits you like a glove, it’s like you’re wearing stylish sweatpants. Jeans go so well with every look and are seasonless too.
The highly-rated Bomb Pop jeans from AYR are high-waisted and have a straight leg, which makes your bum and legs look so good.
Tailored Trousers
There’s nothing like a good pair of tailored trousers to help transform an outfit to professional and chic.
I really like ADAY’s Portfolio Tailored Pants for its tailored fit and universally flattering shape.
Sweatshirt and Sweatpants Set
There’s nothing like a comfy set of loungewear to wear while you watch Netflix at home
MATE’s Organic Terry Raglan Sweatshirt and Organic Terry Classic Jogger are the perfect essential loungewear that is super comfy.
Simple and Versatile Dress
A dress that you can dress up and down is a powerful piece to have in your wardrobe.
This Convertible Wrap Dress from VETTA is convertible, so it can be worn multiple ways to create a completely new look. Love the versatility!
A Comfy Pajama Set
When you sleep better, you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. That’s why it’s important to invest in a quality set to ensure your best beauty sleep.
I love Universal Standard’s Natalie Jersey Sleep Set for its high-quality material and unique tulip overlap design on the top and bottom.
Remember, minimalist fashion is all about intentional and meaningful choices.
This is not a complete list and I encourage you to add (or remove) pieces based on your day-to-day needs. Do you live in a colder climate? Make sure to add a quality down jacket and sweater to the mix.
The key is to take the time to plan out your wardrobe. Audit your current wardrobe and see what you don’t need. More on how and when you should start decluttering your wardrobe below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Minimalist Fashion & Clothing?
Minimalist fashion is a conscious choice to invest in a small amount of high-quality clothing. The goal is to curate a long-lasting and versatile wardrobe with pieces that you know you’ll love.
It also rejects the fast fashion industry in order to help create a more sustainable environment. Fast fashion contributes to textile waste, water pollution through toxic dyes, unnecessary burden on cotton farmers, and so much more!
Fast fashion is typically cheap and you also get what you pay for. Their clothing might last for a season before you start seeing significant wear and tear.
Slow fashion is part of the modern minimalist clothing and fashion movement. The intention for slow fashion is to shop less often, make more intentional choices, and prolong the life of your clothing.
The point is to stop chasing fashion trends and to buy classic pieces that you know you will love and are good quality.
How Do I Get The Minimalist Fashion Aesthetic?
The minimalist fashion aesthetic is functional, versatile, and simple. It’s always good to start with the basics.
Look for clothing that is simple. This could mean clothing that has characteristics, such as clean lines and structure.
Here’s a couple of really helpful tips to help you get started as a modern fashion minimalist:
- Use neutral colored clothing to your advantage. Neutral colors, such as white, beige, brown, black, and gray coordinate well with other colors and with each other. Take it a step further by creating monochrome outfits with a neutral color for a classy and sophisticated look.
- Accessorize with minimal and classic gold jewelry. A nice delicate gold choker, minimal ring and bracelet, or classic stud earrings are great pieces to start with and go with everything.
- Learn how to transform your outfits from casual to dressy. For instance, switch out your casual t-shirt to a blouse and sneakers for a pair of heels. Voila! A few simple changes will elevate and dress up a simple outfit.
How Can I Make A Minimalist Wardrobe Stylish?
Just because minimalist clothing is simple, doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. In fact, some of the most stylish outfits are actually minimalist too.
When you’re playing with minimalist clothing ideas, it’s the small and subtle details that count. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind when coordinating a minimalist fashion outfit:
- Experiment with different textures and fabrics. For instance, satin has a nice glossy sheen that makes an outfit feel dressy and a ribbed-knit top has a unique texture that adds a slight detail to an outfit. It’s subtle, but it makes a difference.
- Look for subtle and unique clothing details. For instance, look for basics that have a slight twist. A plain white t-shirt with side slits and small cut-outs is still simple, but with an elevated twist to it.
- Play around with neutral colors. You can create some stylish monochrome outfits or pair different neutral colors together. If you’re doing a monochrome outfit, I highly suggest creating some sort of contrast using textures and fabrics.
Who Are The Minimalist Fashion Designers?
There are several fashion designers that are well-known for their minimalist clothing and aesthetic.
Minimalist fashion designers know how to push the boundaries of minimalist fashion by making it unique and stylish.
Here’s some of my favorite minimalist luxury fashion brands that are worth checking out:
- Jil Sander – This brand caters to the minimalist fashionista. Jill Sander plays with textures, clothing cuts, and silhouettes that somehow look incredibly chic, but still very minimal.
- Helmut Lang – If you’re looking for minimalist fashion-forward basics, Helmut Lang does a great job at designing just that! This brand is definitely worth checking out.
- ARJE – Created by fashion power couple Bessie Afnaim and Oliver Corral, this brand’s goal is to make luxury fashion more practical for everyday life. You’ll find plenty of essentials that you can wear in your daily outfits.
- Khaite – Launched by designer Catherine Holstein, this brand created “polished staples that transcend trends” and elevated classics.
Who Started Minimalist Fashion?
One of the first fashion minimalists to stir up the minimalist fashion scene were Yohi Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo. In the late 80s, they began to don black monochrome looks, oversized silhouettes with sharp lines, and deconstructed garments.
Europe followed suit by developing a minimalist trend with timeless and sophisticated clothing for women. This can be seen in brands like Jil Sander and Helmut Lang.
Sonn after, the U.S. also had brands like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan bring minimalist fashion over to the states.
Why Buy Minimalist Clothing?
What’s the hype behind this? Maybe you’re curious whether it’s right for you. Let’s answer some key frequently asked questions:
Is It Sustainable?
It can be in several ways! First, you’re not purchasing as many clothes. Instead of buying the first trendy item off the rack, you purchase clothing that you see yourself wearing over and over again.
Second, there are many minimalist clothing brands that pledge to use eco-friendly fabrics and abide by fair-trade policies. This means you have the power to support ethical businesses that make you look and feel good too! Check out my top 10 quality minimalist clothing stores above.
Is It More Expensive?
Nope! It doesn’t have to be and, fortunately, there are many minimalist clothing brands that offer affordable pricing too. Keep in mind that it’s all about quality over quantity. You are investing in quality clothing pieces that will last much longer than cheaper, fast fashion pieces.
Is Minimalist Fashion Boring?
It doesn’t have to be! I bet most people think of boring, unstylish, and outdated clothing. They’re wrong!
Minimalist fashion can be super trendy and a lot of fun to play around with. Think of a neutral color palette that pairs well with anything and chic clothing cuts and structures that make the outfit unique and incredibly cool.
Not to mention the easy and endless styling combinations too! Imagine reaching for a clothing piece in your wardrobe and knowing exactly what to pair with it. Take a look at my top 10 minimalist clothing brands above for some inspiration.
How Many Clothes Is Too Many?
You can have 10 or 100 pieces of clothing. There is really no hard rule! It’s really about the intentional and meaningful choices that you make when you make a purchase.
When Should You Declutter Clothes?
The real question is, when was the last time you took the time to go through your closet? Yes, I’m looking at you!
Honestly, there is really no hard rule. If you buy clothes often, then I would suggest more frequent wardrobe cleanouts. Around every 4-6 months would be a good timeframe.
If you don’t purchase clothes often, I would suggest a full closet cleanout every year. It all depends on how often you purchase clothes. Just go with your gut! Make sure to audit your closet at least once a year.
How Do I Declutter, Anyways?
Ok, you’re ready to declutter, but how do you do it? I suggest the Marie Kondo method of taking all the clothes you have and putting them in one big pile. This gives you a better perspective of the amount of clothing you have.
From there, you can sort the clothes in separate piles, such as “Keep,” “Maybe,” and “Donate/Sell.” Make sure that every piece in the “Keep” pile is a piece you absolutely want or need. Go through my checklist above or make your own checklist of requirements.
If you see something that you haven’t worn in over a year, it’s a good sign that you should put it in the “Donate/Sell” pile. There’s probably a good reason why you haven’t worn it.
When you’re ready to sell, post your item on online marketplaces I mentioned earlier. ThredUp even sends you a large bag that already comes with a shipping label for you to fill up!
That’s it! I hope you pulled some helpful tips and new minimalist brands to shop for.
Let me know what your favorite minimalist brand is in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclaimer for more info.
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What do you think?