16 Affordable Minimalist Clothing Brands
There are two ways to think about minimalism when it comes to your wardrobe. The most popular definition of minimalism is simply living with less. It’s paring down your wardrobe to only the essential pieces that you can mix and match to create any outfit you need. It’s building and wearing capsule wardrobes. (I’m personally more of a closet maximalist.)
The other way to think about minimalism and your clothes is purchasing items that are neutral, simple, and relatively timeless. It’s opting for high quality basics and looking for basics with a twist (interesting cuts, textures, colors, patterns, etc.). Brands that sell minimal pieces often put more effort into their ethics and sustainability. The two ways to think about minimalism definitely coexist; often, a minimal wardrobe is made up of pieces that fit a minimal aesthetic.
Even though I don’t consider myself a minimalist when it comes to the size of my wardrobe, I do tend to reach for a lot of individual clothing items that fit the minimal aesthetic. Figuring out your everyday uniform and wearing minimal outfits can help you save time getting ready in the morning and could result in you spending less money on clothes because you only have what you need and wear. If you’re looking to add new pieces to your wardrobe that fit whichever definition of minimalism speaks to you, I rounded up this list of affordable minimalist clothing brands that offer quality pieces without a high price tag!
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16 Affordable Minimalist Clothing Brands
This list of 16 minimalist fashion brands is grouped loosely based on price point and listed in alphabetical order in each group. A great indicator I used is looking at how much basic tees cost; if tees are inexpensive, then most other items the brand offers will also be inexpensive, and same goes if tees are on the more expensive side (but still affordable if you have relatively higher disposable income). Let’s explore the brands!
H&M
H&M is one of the most affordable clothing brands if you like the minimalist aesthetic. It’s not the most sustainable option, if that’s something that is important to you, but as long as you don’t buy too many clothes (only buy what you need) and take good care of the clothes you do purchase, they should last for years. H&M is a great option for inexpensive workwear pieces (blazers, trousers) and everyday basics. Shop H&M.
Mango
Mango is a Spanish fashion brand that has expanded over much of Europe and that has come to the US! I browsed their shop in Salzburg when I was there last fall and they had tons of minimal pieces at really affordable prices. They’re on the more fast fashion side like H&M, so while they aren’t the most sustainable fashion brand, they are working towards improving their sustainability. Mango offers excellent basics with a twist and workwear-inspired pieces in fun colors to liven up your workplace! Shop Mango.
Quince
Quince is one of the top new affordable minimalist clothing brands. It’s quickly becoming a fan favorite for their quality pieces (including cashmere and alpaca) at low, direct-to-consumer prices. They also have free shipping, free returns, and a generous return policy, so it’s a great option if you’re shopping for minimalist clothes on a budget and want to be able to try on a few different styles and/or sizes to figure out what will work best for you and your lifestyle! Shop Quince.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo has been a favorite of mine for minimalist basics for years now! If you happen to be near a store, it’s worth going in person to see all the fun things they have to offer. (Of course, it’s all on their website, too.) It’s a great brand for undergarments (wireless bras, layering tanks) and also one of my favorites for linen pieces. Their bra tops are some of the best; their built-in bras are way better than the tops with built-in bras we millennials grew up with! Shop Uniqlo.
ABLE
ABLE is all about empowering women through fashion, and I love that they’ve stood by their mission! Based in Nashville, ABLE strives to provide opportunities to women in their local community as well as around the world. They are most well known for their leather products and denim jackets, and I can vouch for their tees and jewelry. The tees are so soft! (I still need to try a denim jacket; I’ve only heard good things.) Complete your minimalist wardrobe with gorgeous, well-constructed items from this staple brand. Shop ABLE.
COS
COS is also in the H&M family along with & Other Stories, and I imagine COS being the chic older sister. She’s the magazine editor living her best single life in New York City. She gets invited to fancy parties and exclusive events. COS garments are thoughtful and wearable. Some of their garments have really bold, sculptural elements that I feel like I can’t pull off (because I’m not a magazine editor in NYC, ha!). COS pieces would make great additions to your minimal wardrobe! Shop COS.
Everlane
Everlane was my first real foray into the minimal fashion world many years ago now; it was one of the first brands I shopped with regularity after starting my blog! I remember buying their first ever v-neck tee and shipping it to my parents’ house, ha. They’ve continued to elevate their selection of high quality garments since then. Some styles are made from recycled materials and others are made from organic cotton (like their most recent tee iteration). Definitely check out their office-appropriate Dream Pant! Shop Everlane.
Levi’s
When you think denim, you may think of Levi’s. I personally haven’t owned a pair of Levi’s in years because I prefer stretchy denim; Levi’s is great if you like the stiffer, more structured cotton denim. It’s been a mainstay in Gen X and millennial wardrobes and has become quite the favorite among Gen Z. They offer more than just denim (jeans, shorts, jacket, shirts, overalls); check out their tees, graphic sweatshirts, sweaters, outerwear, dresses, skirts, and accessories! Shop Levi’s.
& Other Stories
I consider & Other Stories to be the hip younger cousin of H&M and COS. She’s into art, museums, long walks through the park, big sunglasses, and the perfect iced latte. I always have to browse & Other Stories if I’m near a store. (Korri and my dad came into the Frankfurt store with me and it cracked me up haha.) I love their pieces; they have some really fun items that would be perfect for a capsule wardrobe. All the items I’ve purchased from & Other Stories have held up well over time! Shop & Other Stories.
Amour Vert
Amour Vert is one of my favorite clothing brands following ethical and sustainable production practices. They are on the more expensive side, but they are on the low end of many other ethical fashion brands and I find them to be more accessible because of that. Amour Vert was my first real foray into that world! They have great minimal pieces for work and for weekend, and while they offer items in solids and neutrals, they also have fun colors and patterns if that’s more your style. Shop Amour Vert.
Boden
If you are a fan of preppy fashion and items that are seen as traditionally feminine, you’ll like Boden. One browse through their website and you’ll find so many beautiful garments in timeless, minimal styles. There are a bunch of workwear dresses, tops, pants, and shoes that are perfect for an office setting. As part of their sustainability initiative, Boden encourages their customers to buy fewer clothes and make them last longer by mending them when needed—and never throwing them away at the end of their life. Shop Boden.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is one of those feel-good minimalist clothing brands that specializes in activewear and loungewear. In every garment’s details, you can expand on the Sustainability Report that shares how many water bottles were diverted from the landfill, how much CO2 was prevented, and how much energy was saved. Most items are made from recycled polyester developed from plastic bottles and pre-loved garments collected via ReGirlfriend, their take-back program. (They even accept non-Girlfriend products in their take-back program!) Shop Girlfriend Collective.
MATE the Label
MATE the Label is one of my very favorite minimalist clothing brands that also happens to be eco-conscious! They’re a bit on the high end of affordable, so I only shop when things are on sale, but I absolutely love everything I’ve purchased. They do loungewear and athleisure so well. Their tencel cotton sleepwear is my favorite to sleep in, and their thermal tops are so comfy. Every garment is high quality and made from nontoxic, organic materials. Shop MATE the Label.
Reformation
Reformation is a hip minimalist clothing brand. They hit both sides of the minimalism coin: their garments are simple and versatile enough to easily mix and match with other items in your wardrobe, and they are actively working towards increasing their sustainability by aiming to have every garment made from recycled materials by 2025. (That’s next year!) You can feel good when you supplement your minimalist wardrobe by shopping at Reformation! Shop Reformation.
Universal Standard
Universal Standard is one of if not the most size-inclusive clothing brand out there. Their sizing follows the bell curve, so the average size woman (size 18-20) corresponds to a size medium, and they offer down to 4XS (size 00-0) and up to size 4XL (size 38-40). Universal Standard does workwear so well, but they also offer minimal clothing for everyday, loungewear, and atheisure, because everyone deserves to have clothes that fit them! Shop Universal Standard.
Vuori
Vuori is another favorite athleisure brand of mine, and their simple, thoughtful pieces would fit in wonderfully with a minimal wardrobe (especially if you work from home!). This brand is also at the upper end of affordable (in my opinion as a former grad student and current scientist), so try to snag items on sale if you can. They’re worth it! The performance joggers are the most comfortable lounge pants ever, and the restore hoodie is just heavenly. Shop Vuori.