Want to create a more minimalist wardrobe? These are my all-time favorite minimalist clothing brands for timeless, versatile, high-quality pieces at affordable prices.
For the last few years, I’ve been on the lookout for the best minimalist clothing brands. Brands that offer timeless, versatile designs and high-quality pieces but that are also committed to reducing their environmental impact and implementing ethical production practices. After all, minimalism isn’t just about stripping down my wardrobe. It’s being more mindful of the impact my clothing choices have on the environment and the people who make them as well.
If you’re looking to simplify your wardrobe, below you’ll find the best affordable minimalist clothing brands I’ve come across along my minimalism journey —many of which I own pieces from myself.
The benefits of minimalist clothing
Minimalist clothing has so many benefits —from helping you hone your personal style and enhancing your well-being to being better for your wallet and the environment.
First and foremost, being more minimalist with your clothing pushes you to focus on your personal style rather than chasing the latest trends. By curating a smaller wardrobe of versatile and timeless pieces, you’ll develop a more refined and authentic style that reflects your personality and values.
Owning fewer but higher-quality pieces also means you’ll spend less time and energy figuring out what to wear. With a minimalist wardrobe, you can easily create outfits that look polished and put together without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices.
In addition to streamlining your daily routine, minimalist clothing can even help you save money in the long run. Investing in well-made essentials that last for years instead of months means you won’t need to constantly replace cheap, fast-fashion items that fall apart after a few wears.
This also means less waste and a smaller carbon footprint, as you’ll be contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
What makes a good minimalist clothing brand
A good minimalist clothing brand should offer a range of high-quality, versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create various looks. The designs should be simple and timeless so you can wear them for future seasons and years to come.
While they may have some bright patterns and loud colors in their seasonal collections, true minimalist clothing brands have a foundation of pieces in neutral colors and classic cuts that create timeless looks and can be worn for a variety of occasions.
Good minimalist brands should also be trying to reduce or minimize their environmental impact and prioritize ethical production practices by using ethically sourced and environmentally friendly materials, prioritizing sustainability, and implementing fair trade and labor practices.
A note on impact and affordability
Impact
Some minimalist fashion brands may be ahead of others regarding ethical and environmental impact. Still, all of the brands I’ve included in this list have committed to improving their social or environmental impact through various programs, initiatives, or goals they’ve put in place. You can find loads more information about each brand’s social and environmental efforts on their website.
Affordability
Investing in quality is important, but as you’ll see in this post, quality minimalist clothing can also be quite affordable.
That said, I realize affordability is incredibly subjective. What is affordable for you may not be for someone else or vice versa. I’ve done my best to include a variety of minimalist clothing brands for various budgets and have intentionally excluded the real high-end luxury brands.
To help you quickly find the brands that fit your budget, I graded each brand on their affordability based on their price for a classic t-shirt and pair of jeans or bottoms.
- $ = T-shirts under $30; Jeans under $100
- $$ = $30-$59 T-shirts; $100-$200 jeans
- $$$ = $60+ t-shirts; $200+ jeans
The best minimalist clothing brands for every budget
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). I only link to brands I believe in, so thank you for supporting Modern Minimalism.
1. Reformation
Reformation is a Los Angeles-based brand that began by selling vintage clothing and expanded into making its own, focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They offer a wide range of minimalist clothing, from dresses and jumpsuits to outerwear and accessories. Their minimalist clothes are chic, modern, and perfect if you want to look stylish while minimizing your environmental impact.
For: Women
Affordability: $$
Items shown: Emely Knit Top
2. Everlane
Everlane is known for its radical transparency, providing detailed information about their manufacturing process and the Affordability of each garment. They offer a wide variety of minimalist clothing, including wardrobe essentials like t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters, at very reasonable prices. With their focus on quality materials, minimalist design, and ethical practices, Everlane is one of my favorite minimalist clothing brands.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$
Items I own: ReNew Fleece Raglan Sweatshirt (size up) & Cotton High-rise Bikini Underwear (TTS)
Items shown: The Tencel Oversized Blazer
3. ABLE
ABLE is a Nashville-based brand that’s on a mission to create sustainable business opportunities for women all over the world. They offer a range of minimalist clothing, including denim, tops, dresses, and accessories like bags and jewelry. They’re also committed to cleaner fashion and reducing waste. For example, their leather products are made from upcycled animal hides that would otherwise be discarded. By shopping at ABLE, you can support their mission by adding simple and stylish pieces to your wardrobe.
For: Women
Affordability: $$
Items I own: Nashville Graphic Tee & the Mae Drapey Tee in a few colors
Items shown: Ingrid Sweater Vest
4. COS
COS is a Swedish brand known for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality materials and for putting enduring style and quality first. They also prioritize sustainability, from sourcing more sustainable fabrics and recycled materials to recycling and reselling initiatives. They offer a wide range of clothing, including outerwear, knitwear, activewear, shoes, and accessories. With sleek and modern designs, COS is awesome for minimalist wardrobe staples that will last for years to come.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$
Items I own: Nashville Graphic Tee & the Mae Drapey Tee in a few colors
Items shown: Oversized Waisted Striped Shirt
5. & Other Stories
& Other Stories is a newer brand within the H&M Group with a more curated and sophisticated selection of clothing and accessories and a commitment to improved sustainability. Their minimalist designs are inspired by Parisian, Stockholm, and Los Angeles styles that create a unique and versatile collection. From chic dresses to cozy knitwear, stylish yet minimalist outwear, and gorgeous leather belts, & Other Stories is one of my favorite minimalist clothing brands.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$
Items I own: Leather Belt (Taupe) & Hooded Down Puffer Coat
Items shown: Front Knot Linen Shirt Dress
6. Cuyana
Cuyana is a San Francisco-based brand that believes in “fewer, better things.” They offer a range of minimalist clothing, including tops, dresses, and outerwear, as well as beautiful handbags (I own the classic easy zipper tote). With a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship, Cuyana is an excellent choice if you’re looking to invest in long-lasting wardrobe essentials.
For: Women
Affordability: $$
Items I own: Classic Easy Zipper Tote
Items shown: V-back Jumpsuit
7. ARKET
A new arm of the H&M Group, ARKET is a minimalist clothing brand for style-conscious, sustainability-aware, minimalist consumers that wants quality clothing with a modern edge.
ARKET’s mission is to design durable, high-quality clothing (and housewares) meant to be well-loved and used, and it is a fantastic option for those looking to build a more stylish but conscious wardrobe.
For: Women, Men, Kids
Affordability: $$
Items I own: Leather Belt (Black) & Oversized Cotton Sweatshirt
Items shown: Linen shirt
8. Sezane
Sezane is a Parisian brand that offers a curated collection of classic clothing and accessories. They focus on creating timeless and versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. I’m a huge fan of their classic cotton t-shirts and sustainable denim. With chic and feminine designs, Sezane is a must-try if you’re looking to add a touch of Parisian style to your minimalist wardrobe.
For: Women
Affordability: $$
Items I own: Brut Sexy Denim (Black) & Conrad T-Shirts
Items shown: Nola Dress
9. Frank & Oak
Frank & Oak is a Canadian brand that focuses on sustainable fashion and eco-friendly practices. They offer a wide range of minimalist clothing, including denim, outerwear, activewear, accessories, and footwear. With their commitment to quality materials and timeless design, Frank & Oak is an excellent option for building a more conscious wardrobe.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$
10. Asket
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Asket offers a different take on fashion. Rather than creating new collections every season, they are building a permanent collection of essential garments meant to last years. They are focused on transparency, multi-dimensional sizing, using exclusively organic and recycled materials, and manufacturing in grade-A European factories. They also have a care and repair program and buy back your unwanted ASKET clothing for resale or recycling, regardless of age or condition. Their collection includes men’s and womenswear, including tops, dresses, pants, and accessories like bags and scarves.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$
11. Na-kd
Na-kd is another Swedish brand offering a wide range of minimalist clothing, including tops, dresses, outerwear, accessories, and footwear. Their modern and chic designs make them perfect for those looking to build a minimalist wardrobe that doesn’t compromise style. They are one of the most affordable minimalist clothing brands committed to sustainability and increasing the circularity of its products.
For: Women
Affordability: $
Items shown: Elastic Waist Soft Denim & Ribbed Polo Knitted Sweater
12. Mate the Label
Mate the Label is a Los Angeles-based brand that creates sustainable and ethically-made clothing. They offer a range of minimalist clothing, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and loungewear, all made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and Tencel. With their cozy and casual designs, Mate the Label is perfect if you want to build a more conscious wardrobe without sacrificing comfort.
For: Women, Men, Kids
Affordability: $$
13. Pact
Pact is an eco-friendly brand that offers a wide range of organic basics made from organic cotton for men, women, kids, and even babies. Their collection includes essentials like t-shirts, leggings, comfortable bottoms, underwear, outerwear, and activewear. With their commitment to fair labor practices and environmentally-friendly materials, Pact is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a sustainable brand and comfortable basic pieces.
For: Women, Men, Kids
Affordability: $$
14. Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne is a Los Angeles-based brand that creates timeless, versatile clothing that is both chic and comfortable. Though their pieces are definitely pricier, they really do focus on craftsmanship and use only high-quality materials like cashmere and linen. Their pieces are also timeless, making them an excellent choice if you want to invest in long-lasting, well-made wardrobe essentials.
For: Women, Men, Kids
Affordability: $$$
Items shown: Riley Crop Jean, Long Sleeve Willow Blouse, Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, Oiled Leather Mule
15. UpWest
UpWest is a brand that creates comfortable and sustainable clothing for everyday wear. They offer a range of minimalist clothing, including affordable t-shirts, sweatshirts, and loungewear, all made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester.
I purchased two sweatshirt dresses from UpWest in 2020 (sadly, they don’t make them anymore!), and they’re still a part of my spring/fall capsules today. With its cozy and casual designs, UpWest is perfect if you’re looking to build a more conscious and comfy wardrobe on a budget.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $
16. Kotn
Kotn is a Canadian brand that creates ethically-made clothing from high-quality Egyptian cotton. They offer a range of minimalist clothing, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and loungewear, all made with sustainability in mind.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$
Items shown: Plaza Trouser
17. Encircled
Encircled is a Toronto-based brand that focuses on creating versatile, comfortable, travel-friendly clothing, all designed to be easily mixed at a slightly higher affordability point. With their commitment to eco-friendly practices and timeless designs, Encircled is an excellent choice if you’re looking to invest in long-lasting wardrobe essentials. I have been eyeing the Cupro Dressy Tee for a while because it would be so easy to dress up or down with jeans. Crossing my fingers they restock more sizes soon!
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$ to $$$
Items shown: The Cupro Dressy Tee
18. Amour Vert
Amour Vert is a women-led brand with a commitment to creating quality, sustainability, and transparency. Their pieces feature classic silhouettes, romantic prints, and feminine styles that can easily be mixed and matched. Amour Vert is committed to circular fashion and uses surplus fabrics, plants trees for every t-shirt sold, and sells pre-loved clothing through their secondhand marketplace, ReAmour.
For: Women
Affordability: $$ to $$$
Items shown: Renata Washable Silk Blouse, Tessa Organic Cotton Cardigan
19. Epoque Evolution
Epoque Evolution is an innovative minimalist clothing brand focusing on their garments’ quality, performance, and adaptability. By prioritizing functionality and minimalist style, Epoque Evolution ensures that each piece is versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. They are also committed to sustainable materials, manufacturing, and providing workers with fair wages and fair treatment.
For: Women
Affordability: $$$
20. The Curated
Based in Scandinavia, The Curated is a carefully sourced collection of timeless, high-quality staples. They are focused on sustainable luxury and minimal elegance for women. If you want to invest in elevated essentials that will stand the test of time, they’re worth checking out.
For: Women
Affordability: $$$
21. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a minimalist clothing brand that has revolutionized the fashion industry with its sleek and sophisticated designs since the 1980s. The brand features high-quality, versatile apparel that can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion and is also focused on sustainability.
For: Women
Affordability: $$ to $$$
Items shown: Relaxed Linen Blazer, Linen Jersey Crewneck Tee, Organic Linen Wide Leg Pant
22. Aday
Aday is a groundbreaking minimalist clothing brand with innovative designs and exceptional quality. Their clothing is definitely pricier, but they are dedicated to crafting versatile and timeless pieces that last and can be easily integrated into any wardrobe. Aday is also committed to reducing waste and promoting a more conscious lifestyle with eco-friendly manufacturing practices and ethical sourcing.
For: Women
Affordability: $$$
Items shown: The Carry-On Capsule
23. Veneka
While they don’t produce their own clothing, Veneka carefully curates clothing from certified ethical, sustainable, and cruelty-free brands. For Veneka to carry a brand, they must check all three boxes. The pieces they include in their collections are classic and designed to mix and match.
For: Women
Affordability: $$$
Items shown: The Sunday Smoke Dress
24. Outerknown
Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater and acclaimed designer John Moore, Outerknown offers a wide range of high-quality garments designed to cater to the needs of casual, eco-conscious consumers. Their pieces have a California coast-inspired vibe and are made through sustainable practices.
For: Women, Men
Affordability: $$$
Items shown: Archer Cashmere Crew, Filmore Boyfriend Jean, Sydney Boyfriend Shirt
25. Quince
When it comes to minimalist fashion, Quince is one of the most affordable brands I’ve come across. They have carved a unique niche in the fashion industry by offering high-quality essentials at very affordable prices. They cater to modern consumers who value aesthetics and sustainability and have become a leading minimalist clothing brand.
For: Women, Men, Kids
Affordability: $
Items shown: European Linen Shirt Dress
Whether you’re looking to update your current capsule or go more minimal with your wardrobe, I hope this guide has introduced you to a few new minimalist clothing brands. Remember, minimalism is not just about simplifying your wardrobe but also about being mindful of your impact. By supporting more conscious clothing brands, your minimalist lifestyle can make a positive difference.
More minimalist wardrobe articles you might like
- My basic capsule wardrobe guide is perfect for beginners and will teach you how to build a capsule wardrobe in three easy steps –complete with a free printable checklist, tips, and examples. Start today, and you can have a simplified wardrobe in just a few hours! Go to the guide.
- How to build the perfect fall capsule wardrobe (+ my favorite seasonal picks)
- This minimalist wardrobe checklist has all the classic staples that will allow you to get dressed easily and create more outfits with less.
- If you have little ones, check out How to build a kids capsule wardrobe + get a free kids capsule checklist
I’m very curious as to how one of Sweden’s most notorious fast fashion companies (NA-KD) made it onto this list?
Hi Evelina,
When choosing brands for this list, I considered numerous factors including minimalist aesthetic, affordability, and the brands sustainability efforts and commitments. I chose to include NA-KD because the majority of their pieces have a clean, simple, and timeless design and can be incredibly versatile in a minimalist wardrobe. I also wanted to offer brands with a range of price points to be inclusive of a wider audience and variety of budgets.
While they are not perfect from a sustainability standpoint, they have outlined their commitment to improving their sustainability on their website, which you can find here. https://www.na-kd.com/en/sustainability-commitments As you know, sustainability in the fashion industry is an ongoing journey and I think it’s important to encourage brands to continue improving their sustainability practices while acknowledging the progress they’ve made so far. That said, what makes a brand suitable for one person may not align with the individual standards of another, so I totally understand that you (and others) may prefer brands farther along on their sustainability journey. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and starting this important conversation!