From the Philippines to Los Angeles and Denmark to New York, we recommend these brands for functional pieces that don’t sacrifice style.
While streetwear brands make waves with head-turning designs and electric colors, it’s always fun to purchase statement pieces to ride trends.
However, building a minimalist area in your closet is one way to save time dressing up in the morning—you can say goodbye to the worries of looking mismatched.
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When shopping, go-to pieces are easier to come by at brands that prioritize practicality, functionality, and simplicity—but that doesn’t have to equate to a boring closet.
Whether you exclusively buy minimalist pieces or are in the process of creating a capsule wardrobe, we’ve rounded up seven brands that prove that a white button-down can be more stylish when made with premium material.
At the same time, whether you’re heading to the airport or lounging at home, you can rely on the same clean-cut silhouettes to look put together without sacrificing comfort.
ISTO
ISTO prides itself on “independent thinking.” Rather than following the usually ethically and unsustainable processes of fast fashion, they run on full transparency and share their supply chain for every piece on their website.
You can find wardrobe staples from utilitarian outerwear to Portuguese-made trousers in their selection.
You can shop here.
Mismo
Mismo’s founders Adam Bach and his wife, Rikke Overgaard, got fed up with the “uninspiring” offerings of travel bags and briefcase brands when shopping for themselves. In effect, by 2003, they decided to take matters into their hands by launching their own line of minimalist bags.
Their pieces include materials like vegetable-tanned full-grain leather trims from weekend bags to rucksacks.
You can shop here.
James Perce
The Los Angeles-based brand takes inspiration from the laidback lifestyle of the West Coast. Luxurious loungewear offers cashmere hoodies and cotton jersey sweatpants—items worth investing in more than ever before.
To beef up your casual wardrobe, you can consider James Perse’s cotton polos paired with relaxed-fit chinos.
You can shop here.
Everlane
With the purpose to provide customers with a “uniform for everyday life,” Everlane’s options all come with a repair and exchange policy.
Since they aim to construct garments to stand the test of time, you can send back any item that gets damaged within a year of purchase. From denim to activewear, it’s a good place to start building a capsule wardrobe.
You can shop here.
Araw
The Filipino brand draws vintage wear inspiration while adapting it to modern lifestyles. In line with the country’s tropical nature, Araw leans toward a minimal aesthetic that can keep you cool in the hot climate. Think light linens, ribbed cotton, and French terry.
You can shop here.
Norse Project
The Danish brand approaches design with “simplicity and functionality.” Instead of loud prints and complicated silhouettes, you’ll find a muted palette and easy wearability in their collections.
You can stock up on cotton twill tapered pants, find overlays with minimalist cardigans, and invest in alpaca wool-blend knits through their premium sweaters.
You can shop here.
Onia
While dressing down is part of the new normal, you can find relaxed-fit styles from the New York brand. Their “modern traveler” range provides pieces that you can wear in transit, lounging at home or relaxing poolside.
You can shop here.
Banner photo from Isto.pt
