Minimalist Clothing Brands For Guys

This buying guide spotlights minimalist clothing brands, which are perfect options if you’re into the Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic or want to build a lean, versatile wardrobe.

Upgrading your core wardrobe with “good minimalism” is like a cheat code for effortless fashion. That’s because Scandinavian style, which has become synonymous with minimalism in general, focuses on function, simplicity, and natural colors. They partner well together and with statement pieces.

Scandinavian minimalism is thoughtful and strategic but doesn’t look like it. Fortunately, if you shop with the right minimalist clothing brands, they’ll do the thinking and strategy for you.

It’ll be like you have fashion sense built into your closet, and you’ll have fewer time-consuming decisions to make before you leave the house.

These minimalist clothing brands are an effective place to start. 

Advantages of Minimalist Brands

There are several reasons why you should shop from men’s minimalist clothing brands. First and foremost, there are the personal benefits. Having an overstuffed closet leads to frustration and clutter. A simplified wardrobe means you have a collection of clothes you can easily mix and match. You could quite literally walk into your wardrobe in the dark, pick a few things, and know they match. 

Next, if you prioritize environmental impact, you should look towards minimalist men’s clothing brands. These brands generally have fewer clothes in their collections, reducing their environmental impact. Fewer styles mean less clothing waste. Additionally, many minimalist brands focus on sustainability efforts and practices. This could mean less water usage when creating denim or using eco-friendly and recyclable materials. 

Last, there’s an ethical consideration. Many minimalist brands are very transparent in their supply chain choices and labor practices. 

Shopping from minimalist brands is good for your style and ease of dressing every day. But you’ll also feel good for respecting the environment and the workers who design and create your clothes.

The Best Minimalist Clothing Brands for Men

We have you covered if you’re looking to turn to new minimalist brands or perhaps change where you buy your clothes. Let’s start with clothes, then move on to shoes and accessories.

ASKET

ASKET is an eco-driven essentials brand offering everything from T-shirts and trousers to swimwear and beanies. In the spirit of versatility, even their men’s swimming shorts are laser-cut and cleanly tailored so you can sport them in and out of the pool. All of their clothes pretty much boast this universality.

Their shirts are a good example of an upgraded and functional basic. The fabric is compact and substantial, offering durability but it’s also comfortably unbulky. It’s even resistant to warping and fading, and the ribbed neck lets the structured body drape cleanly.

The brand makes many of its clothes from recycled materials. ASKET offers care guides to ensure its pieces last as long as possible, and it has repair and revival programs, too.

The Modest Man has reviewed ASKET on several occasions, and the consensus is that it’s a great brand that provides a good fit.

• Offerings: Shirts, knitwear, pants, shorts, swimwear, jeans, sweatshirts, loungewear, outerwear, accessories, underwear. 
• Sizing: XS-XXL, waist sizes 28”-38”, and 28”-32” lengths.
• Price range: $20.00 to $450.00 (regular price)

MATE the Label

If you’re looking for loungewear essentials that are easy to pair and better for the planet, look towards MATE the Label. MATE’s mission is “to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin.” The brand is extremely eco-friendly as they have eliminated all plastic in their labels and packaging. They also don’t use highly synthetic polyester, nylon or polyamide fibers. Also, they have a recycling program where they take back your used MATE products and use cutting scraps and incorporate them into new products. 

Their offerings were very limited at the time of publication. However, we look forward to more staples in the future. 

• Offerings: Sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, shorts, hats, and scarves.
• Sizing: S-XXL
• Price range: $48.00 to $138.00 (regular price)

Everlane

Everlane is similar to ASKET in that it focuses on essentials in mostly neutral colors but offers a more affordable price point ($98 for an overshirt instead of $220 at ASKET). It isn’t as sustainability-focused, but its prices are more than fair. It also offers slightly more in terms of range, like stripes and rugby shirts. 

When Everlane dips into patterns, it cleverly keeps it pretty neutral. Even though blue goes with most other colors anyway, it chooses a shade with gray undertones, making it even more versatile. It’s a good example of a piece that’s fun but not loud and basic but not dull. Plus, their shirts, like many other pieces, are made of 100% certified organic cotton.

• Offerings: Sweaters, shirts, jeans, pants, outerwear, underwear, sneakers, and accessories.
• Sizing: XS-XXL,  waist sizes 28”-40”, and 28”-34” lengths. (On rare occasions, they carry XXXS and XXS men’s sizes).
• Price range: $24.00 to $278.00 (regular price)

L’Estrange London

Designed in London and crafted in European factories, L’Estrange London is a line of upscale modular pieces. If you filled your closet with just their pieces, the result would be a capsule wardrobe of interchangeable items ranging from casual to cocktail.

L’Estrange designs its pieces to cast the widest net possible. One example is the 24 trousers, which have a formal silhouette but a stretchy build and a combination dress-pant-drawstring waist. Of course, you can hide the drawstrings. Then you’ve got the modular shell jacket, which is essentially two separates that can be worn three ways depending on the weather.

Plus, they only use renewable and recycled materials and offer free repairs. 

• Offerings: Pants, knitwear, shirts, outerwear, blazers, shorts, swimwear, underwear, accessories, and bags. 
• Sizing: XS-XXL and 30”-34” lengths. 
• Price range: $12.00 to $485.00 (regular price)

Pact

If sustainability and organic materials are at the top of your priority list, Pact is the brand for you. The brand specializes in constructing its clothes out of organic cotton and using other eco-friendly materials and fair trade practices. 

Stylistically, Pact offers casual clothes to maybe business casual, depending on your office dress code. However, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to refresh your staples or weekend wear.  

• Offerings: Pants, shorts, shirts, outerwear, loungewear, and underwear. 
• Sizing: S-XXL and 30”-32” lengths. 
• Price range: $14.00 to $226.00 (regular price)

COS

COS is H&M’s simpler and more sophisticated cousin. Their stores often share the same block as designer boutiques. They’re made to go beyond seasons and have a few more expressive pieces than you’ll find in most minimalist brands. A few examples include shirts with diagonal stripes, the use of bleached denim, and even bolder colors, like their bright green button-up.

Still, the stripes are neutrally-colored, they limit the bleach on the denim to an accent at the bottom of the shirt, and bold shades tend to be solid and unaccented. Basically, COS is a good brand for mid-priced minimal essentials and simple pieces with mild texture use.

• Offerings: Shirts, pants, jeans, sweaters, outerwear, loungewear, suits, underwear, accessories, and shoes.
• Sizing: XS-XXL, waist sizes 28”-40” and 30”-34” lengths. 
• Price range: $15.00 to $790.00 (regular price)

Theory

Theory’s biggest strength in the minimalist game is its ability to produce contemporary yet trend-resistant pieces. Their suit jackets, for example, are a cross between a fashion-forward Thom Browne suit and a timeless Brooks Brothers Regent fit. The “matte-ness” and semi-constructed look give them a modern feel, but the clean lines and sophisticated structure are undeniably premium. They’re classic but not old and stuffy. Most jackets have matching pants available so that they can be worn traditionally or with a broken suit.

Another cool thing Theory does is use innovative fabrics. Precision Ponte, of which they make their Clinton jackets, is a new abrasion—and wrinkle-resistant knit that’s easy to care for.

• Offerings: Pants, suits, loungewear, outerwear, shirts, shorts, sweaters, loungewear, accessories, and shoes. 
• Sizing: XS-XXL, waist sizes 28”-40” and 33” inseams for pants. 
• Price range: $45.00 to $1,245.00 (regular price).

ARKET

ARKET creates easy-to-wear day-to-night clothing by using relaxed but sturdy materials designed to withstand repeated use. It is also eco-focused, often using recycled goods.

A few excellent examples include their t-shirts, athletic wear, and suits. The t-shirts are part of their Men’s Basics and come in a midweight or a heavyweight option, which is about 30% thicker and denser. ARKET makes both with strong shoulders and a firm drape that’s flattering for most body types. They come in unique shades of neutralized non-neutrals like light green and dusty lilac.

The sportswear is performance-focused but structured enough to wear outside of the gym. Meanwhile, their woven blazer and pants are infused with sustainable hemp and feature a modern and relaxed look, yet they are tailored enough for professional situations. 

• Offerings: Pants, jeans, suits, loungewear, sportswear, outerwear, shirts, shorts, sweaters, loungewear, accessories, and shoes. 
• Sizing: XS-XXL, waist sizes 28”-36” and 30”-34” inseams for pants. 
• Price range: $9.00 to $699.00 (regular price).

Frank & Oak

Canadian-made Frank & Oak prides themselves on creating clothes made for good living. The brand offers a variety of clothing for men, including essentials, outerwear, and accessories. You  may think, “Well, so do most of the brands on this list.” You’re right. Their mission makes Frank & Oak stand out from the other brands. They strive to “connect with a new generation of creatives and entrepreneurs.” Their brick-and-mortar stores consider the neighborhoods they are in. Therefore, each store’s selection and styling take the community into account. 

Of course, they also tick the sustainability and fair trade boxes. Their products are constructed with eco-friendly materials while leaving a low impact on the planet. They are also very transparent with partners and factories, which you can check out on their website. 

• Offerings: Shirts, shorts, sweaters, pants, jeans, blazers, outerwear, accessories, and shoes.
• Sizing: XS-XXL, waist sizes 28”-38” and 32”-34” inseams for pants. 
• Price range: $10.00 to $599.00 (regular price).

A Day’s March

A Day’s March is a Swedish direct-to-consumer clothing label focused on long-lasting quality and design. It offers eco-friendly pieces in flattering and non-intimidating shapes and builds. 

One of the reasons A Day’s March is so easy to shop with is they have a basic tier called their Core Uniform subline. Here, you’ll find sweaters, oxford button-downs, and chinos, all in menswear neutrals like gray, white, and olive. From there, you can tier up and check out their vests. Their fleece vests are classically designed with distinct touches like the flap-shaped bottoms. 

Then there are their suits, which are loose and modern. The jackets fit almost like utility shirts. Still, the clean lines and refined shades allow you to wear them pretty formally if you style them just right.

• Offerings: Shirts, shorts, sweaters, pants, jeans, blazers, outerwear, accessories, and shoes.
• Sizing: XS-XXL, waist sizes 29”-36” and 32” inseams for pants. 
• Price range: $12.00 to $590.00 (regular price).

James Perse

Designer James Perse is the son of the owner of Maxfield, LA’s fashion boutique to the stars. He started by designing a fashioned-up, high-end, but still versatile baseball cap for Maxfield. All of Perse’s pieces are rooted in this same philosophy of leveling up casual basics. 

Some of Perse’s best-sellers include the 100% linen staple shirt, which is mercifully machine-washable, and the cozy hooded sweatshirt, which is made of high-gauge jersey and softened for a lived-in feel. 

He even levels up smart casual pieces, like the Luxe Lotus jersey polo. The brand makes it out of specially spun cotton from Japan, and it has a satin-like feel and sheen.

• Offerings: Shirts, shorts, sweaters, pants, jeans, blazers, outerwear, swimwear, loungewear, underwear, accessories, and shoes.
• Sizing: 0-5, which correlates to XS-XXL, waist sizes 28”-36”. 
• Price range: $65.00 to $2,495.00 (regular price).

Luca Faloni

Italian brand Luca Faloni adds that jet-setter-on-holiday, no-sock-leather-loafers vibe to minimalism. They offer many free-flowing, comfort-focused pieces made of the finest materials.

They source premium cashmere from Cariaggi, linen and brushed cotton from historic Italian mills, and full-grain leather from Tuscany.

If you’re going for that off-duty Bond look, Luca Faloni has it down pat. Their fine silk-cashmere polo is super versatile, and you can wear it with a suit jacket or shorts. It has an elegantly textured look and a lush feel. All of their pieces have this simple, fancy, but not loud, aesthetic.

• Offerings: Shirts, knitwear, pants, jeans, shorts, outerwear, and accessories.
• Sizing: XS-4XL and waist sizes 28”-40”. 
• Price range: $130.00 to $2,975.00 (regular price).

Uniqlo

We all know Uniqlo as the Japanese casualwear brand that became a huge trend when it entered the US market and evolved into a basic staple—especially for budget-conscious people.

They offer many simple, solid-colored essentials in sizes from XXS to XXL.

You can find 30-dollar polo shirts in every color, from heathered gray to light pink. Their merino sweaters are around $40 and often go on sale for as low as $10. Their dress shirts are also the most affordable decent-fitting pieces on the market and tend to be stretchy, machine-washable, and no-iron. 

These pieces won’t last you forever, but they’re easy-care, cheap, and look pretty good. Uniqlo is an excellent option if you need a good-looking basic quickly and affordably. 

• Offerings: Shirts, shorts, sweaters, pants, jeans, blazers, outerwear, loungewear, sportswear, underwear, and accessories.
• Sizing: XXS-3XL, waist sizes 28”-42”. 
• Price range: $3.90 to $199.90 (regular price).

Norse Projects

Unwaveringly Scandinavian in their roots and designs, Norse Projects offers highly adaptable pieces that come together to create a collection with “infrastructure,” as they put it. Basically, they take a classic interchangeable wardrobe approach.

You can see this best in their essentials line, inspired by military clothes, workwear, and even Ivy League styles. They remix utilitarian textures and references into modern, wearable silhouettes. Nothing in the collection is so fashion-forward that it’s impractical, and nothing is so utilitarian that it’s not versatile. Outside of the essentials, Norse Projects has fun pushing the boundaries of neutrality. 

• Offerings: Outerwear, blazers, sweaters, pants, shirts, sweatshirts, and accessories.
• Sizing: XXS-3XL, waist sizes 28”-38” and 32”-24” inseams.
• Price range: $30.00 to $2,690.00 (regular price).

Form & Thread

Form & Thread offers premium, beyond-season menswear items focusing on sustainability. Even its packaging completely avoids plastics and uses materials from FSC-certified suppliers. Since it’s London-based, it’s no surprise that it offers stylish and effective outerwear.

They make their canvas atelier overshirt from a beautiful mid-weight cotton canvas with an enzyme finish that removes fine hairs and fibers, resulting in a soft, dirt-free surface less susceptible to pilling. You can wear the brushed Form overshirt as a top or mid-layer, and it definitely gives stylish dad vibes. They even make their simple t-shirts from organic Supima cotton, which is twice as strong as regular cotton.

• Offerings: Outerwear, suits, pants, shorts, shirts, and sweatshirts.
• Sizing: XS-3XL, waist sizes 28”-40”.
• Price range: $38.00 to $240.00 (regular price).

Best Minimalist Shoe Brands for Men

You can’t nail the minimalist look without minimalist shoes and accessories. Throwing on a pair of Yeezys or pulling out a neon green wallet kind of ruins the vibe. Here are some shoes and accessories to add to your minimalist wardrobe. 

Koio

Koio is a shoe brand specializing in leather sneakers, slip-ons, and casual and dressy boots. It has made a name for itself because of its impressive quality-to-price offerings, as we’ve mentioned in our Koio Capri review. The brand’s shoes often top round-ups of Common Projects alternatives. This is because their shoes are handcrafted in Marche, Italy, using locally sourced leather.

The brand prides itself on the fact that each of its shoes passes through the hands of 42 artisans before being introduced to the market. The term “hand-made” gets tossed around often, but Koio takes it seriously. One of their most popular models is their classic low-profile leather Capris. Also worth noting are their chukkas, leather Chelseas, and resort-ready slip-on shoes.

• Sizing: 7-16
• Price range: $155.00 to $395.00 (regular price).

Oliver Cabell

Oliver Cabell is another bang-for-buck shoe brand with a lower price than Koio. Their specialty is timeless and essential silhouettes. They also source their manufacturers in Marche, Italy, the same place that brands in much higher cost brackets do.

Unlike other budget brands that vaguely mention how they “source parts in Europe ” or how pieces are “put together in Asia,” Oliver Cabell is known for featuring the price breakdown of every shoe they sell on their website. It’s super specific, too, detailing everything from the cost of the leather to the packing materials.

Again, they offer all the essentials, ranging from casual (like their Low 1 white leather sneakers) to smart casual (their loafers, for example). We’ve reviewed Oliver Cabell shoes numerous times, and we like them more and more with every sample we receive.

• Sizing: 5-15 and in standard and wide widths.
• Price range: $59.99 to $419.98 (regular price).

Artisan Lab. 

Thanks to their small batch manufacturing, Artisan Labs sells the bare essentials at the highest quality for the price. The made-to-order approach also helps them avoid excess and focus on each individual product as sustainably as possible. Their lines include their footwear lab, tailoring lab, and leather lab. 

The footwear lab includes minimal-style shoes like all-white high-top and low-top sneakers and Chelsea boots made of full-grain Italian calfskin leather. The boots feature a respectable Blake stitch, meaning they’ll break in quickly.

The tailoring lab offers limited, clean-lined clothes, while the leather lab sells accessories, including full-grain leather wallets and coin pouches, all with a five-year guarantee.

• Sizing: 6-14 and in standard and wide widths.
• Price range: $242.00 to $350.00 (regular price).

Lululemon

Athletic wear giant Lululemon isn’t necessarily considered a minimalist brand. However, they offer a few great minimalist-aesthetic shoes, including slides, sneakers and running shoes. One of the best things about Lululemon is that they specifically design their shoes for male (and female) feet. If you think about it, this is a great approach. Men and women walk, run, and need different kinds of foot support. Their shoes ensure that you’ll get a better fit and feel. 

• Sizing: 7-14 
• Price range: $58.00 to $168.00 (regular price).

Minimalist Clothing Brands: Men’s Accessories 

Take your minimalist look to the next level with a good accessory. The following brands offer sleek, understated, durable products that will complement your look. Again, the purpose of a minimalist or capsule wardrobe is to ensure everything mixes and matches with ease. You’re sure to find that here. 

Campbell Cole

Campbell Cole is an accessories and leather goods brand that designs and builds most of its goods in England. It sells simple and versatile belts, key rings, soft beanies made in Scotland, and leather pouches and bags.

All of their meticulously designed wallets offer a minimalist look that sinks invisibly into your pocket, but none more so than their Simple Card Holder. It can hold up to six cards and is crafted from full-grain Italian and vegetable-tanned leather, like all their leather goods. Vegetable tanning uses zero synthetic chemicals while providing a depth of color that ages and patinates as good leather should. 

• Offerings: Key wraps, wallets, bags, camera straps, and lunchwear. 
• Price range: $23.00 to $183.00 (regular price).

Carl Friedrik

Carl Friedrik’s founders wanted to create long-lasting, functional, elegant, and stylish carrying goods. This goal has made them a go-to brand for leather goods and luggage.

Their ultra-handsome weekend bags, for example, efficiently combine form and function. Though minimalist in design, the Palissy Weekender features a zipped pocket, three open fabric pockets, and a shoulder strap. They’re constructed with vegetable-tanned Vachetta, which is untreated Italian leather most often associated with the tan accents of classic Louis Vuitton bags. It’s supple, strong, and attractive.

Carl Friedrik sources its leather from a small family business in Naples, now in its third generation. To learn more about Carl Friedrik, check out our Carry-On X and Large Check-In reviews. 

• Offerings: Luggage, weekend bags, briefcases, backpacks, totes, wallets and travel accessories.
• Price range: $65.00 to $945.00 (regular price).

Sternglas

Designed straight from Germany, Sternglas offers Bauhaus-style watches that pair beautifully with minimalist outfits. However, two qualities distinguish Sternglas from other German-designed watch brands. 

First, Sternglas employs bold colors and even sunray dials on some models. Second, not only does Sternglas offer several 38mm watches for the small-wristed, but they have some of the slimmest cases in the industry. Some designs stuff a 42-hour automatic movement into a comfortably wearing 8.5mm-high case. 

• Offerings: Watches, straps, and watch accessories.
• Price range: $49.00 to $945.00 (regular price).

Junghans

Junghans is arguably the main representative of German Bauhaus in the watch world, not least because of their work with modernist designer Max Bill. His namesake line of Junghans watches sports the same design as the Max Bill clocks in the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. So even if you’re going for a budget quartz version, the design still has that art world credibility.

Meanwhile, the Max Bill Automatic runs on a Swiss self-winding movement and has a 38mm case protected by a sapphire crystal. All Junghan watches, including these flagship models, are built in the industrial-meets-minimal style.

• Offerings: Watches
• Price range: Varies

Anson Calder

Anson Calder is a travel-based brand that sells all kinds of leather accessories and goods, from wallets to iPhone cases. Their aesthetic is bare and functional, and even their leather backpack has a slimmed-down style that gives it a simple and formal look. It can definitely pair with a suit and tie in a way a Jansport simply can’t.

Whether it’s their backpacks or weekender travel bags, the brand makes all its pieces with premium French or Italian calfskin leather in the USA. The surface of the leather is even treated with a patented coating that makes it stain—and water-resistant and allows the leather to keep its color.

• Offerings: Tech cases, briefcases, backpacks, totes, weekender bags, and wallets.
• Price range: $20.00 to $1400.00

Minimalist Style FAQs

Here are some answers to common minimalist clothing brand questions. 

What Is Minimalist Fashion for Men?

Minimalist fashion for men includes clean, classic lines, silhouettes that aren’t too tight but relatively close to the body, and neutral shades like gray, cream, navy, and olive. All dress codes should be represented using timeless and trend-resistant pieces, such as a polo shirt, dark jeans, and dress pants. Avoid patterns and graphics.

Is Uniqlo Minimalist?

Uniqlo focuses on casualwear, which overlaps heavily with minimalism. As such, they offer many solid colors and essentials appropriate for minimalist wardrobes.

How Can I Make a Minimalist Wardrobe?

Consider the essentials and look to menswear neutrals for colors. Again, ensure you represent all dress codes with as few clothes as possible. For example, unless you wear a suit every day, you probably don’t need more than one or two full suits. The brands on this list are a good place to start.

Creating a minimalist wardrobe starts by decluttering and keeping only versatile, high-quality pieces you truly love and wear often. Focus on timeless, neutral colors that can mix and match easily, and aim for a balance of function and style. The goal is to prioritize quality over quantity, making dressing simpler and more intentional.

How Many Clothes Does a Minimalist Need?

It depends on your lifestyle, but as long as you wear a unique outfit every day of the week, you’re good to go. If you wear t-shirts or button-downs daily, that means having around seven shirts since you should wash them after every use. You’ll need fewer suits, jeans, and khakis since you don’t need to clean them as regularly. 

Conclusion: The Versatility of Minimalism

Overall, minimalist wardrobes are incredibly practical and efficient. With the right brands, neutral doesn’t have to mean boring, and universal doesn’t have to mean inexact. Any guy can incorporate effective minimalism into their personal style.

What are your favorite brands that offer minimalist clothing? Leave your answers in the comments below!