The Importance Of Building An Activewear Capsule Wardrobe

Creating a simplified capsule wardrobe is an easy and sustainable way to approach your workout closet.

If you exercise regularly, building an activewear capsule wardrobe can be a good idea for you.

Some people think that curating and maintaining an activewear wardrobe is a no brainer. They probably believe that sports bras and leggings for women, and t-shirts and joggers for men will do, for example.

You’re different. If you’re reading this, or any other article published in The Weekly Journal, chances are you’re someone who has an active lifestyle, engages in conscious decisions to mitigate your carbon footprint, but wants to look (and feel) good while doing so.

Whatever your journey on the sustainability path may look like—be it the allure of escaping fast fashion or reducing the clutter in your life—creating a versatile, activewear capsule wardrobe will de-stress the relationship you have with your clothes.

Let’s start with the basics, shall we?

What is a capsule wardrobe?

Capsule wardrobes may sound like a modern, trendy concept but this movement actually started in the 1970s by Susie Faux, founder of the London-based boutique Wardrobe.

As Faux explains, the goal of a capsule wardrobe is to keep a collection of essential and classic pieces you can mix and match over time.

A capsule wardrobe consists of interchangeable, thoughtfully curated pieces that complement one another, allowing the wearer to mix and match outfits for different occasions.

Today, seasonal capsule wardrobes are now very common among avid fashion lovers.

Since our clothing needs change per season, most people will certainly have two: one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter, with around 20 to 30 interchangeable items of clothing each.

With its continuing popularity, the capsule wardrobe represents a modern shift in our relationship with fashion and consumption.

A Capsule Wardrobe Saves Yourself From Decision Fatigue

Do you often find yourself struggling at 5 in the morning just to come up with the perfect Pilates outfit? Or worse, do you think you have nothing to wear?

There’s a scientific reason why choosing an outfit is challenging for many of us.

Basically, our brain is programmed to make a certain number of decisions on a daily basis. Gradually the brain gets tired and the ability to make more and more decisions over the course of a day becomes worse.

With our busy, on-the-go lives, it's no surprise we often reach the point of decision fatigue.

A capsule wardrobe can save you time and stress in deciding what to wear. It's all about functionality and simplicity.

Narrowing down your clothing options to thoughtfully selected essentials can help curb decision fatigue.

In a study published in the International Journal of Market Research, participants reported feeling less stressed, detached from fashion trends, and more aware of conscious consumption as a result of having a capsule wardrobe.

Capsule Wardrobes Contribute To The Planet’s Sustainability

Aside from everyday stress, fashion is one of the biggest polluters in the world, so changing your dress habits is not only a lifestyle fix, but also an environmental fix.

Low-cost, single-season fashion generates excessive waste.

A great deal of overconsumption and overproduction have led to fashion becoming one of the most polluting industries in the world.

When we think mindfully about our wardrobes, we prioritize quality over quantity, reducing waste and saving money.

Sustainable capsule wardrobes are created of foundational pieces that help you move away from overconsumption.

Building a versatile activewear capsule wardrobe not only will help you dress for your daily workouts more efficiently, but you’ll also bust decision fatigue, reduce your carbon footprint on the planet, and curb an unhealthy shopping habit.

Ground Your Activewear Capsule Wardrobe To Relevant Basics

If you’re new to the concept, think of your capsule pieces as the building blocks of your closet.

The smartest way to get started is by deciding what you like to wear the most.

Start with what you already own and declutter it sustainably. Evaluate your closet and think about the clothes, colors, and fabrics that make you feel the most confident and comfortable, and start your personal inventory from there.

Choose pieces you enjoy wearing most and that can be used for several purposes.If you’re starting an activewear capsule wardrobe from zero, make a checklist of essentials you’ll need to purchase, either from a sustainable brand or second hand.

Ask yourself, how many times a week do you train and what do you need? Depending on what you do with your time, there’s a chance you won’t be needing the same clothes for every activity. This will help you to build a wardrobe mix-and-matched goods. Let’s take bottoms for example. You’ll need a pair of lightweight biker shorts you can use for a run on a hot summer day. Buttery soft high-waisted leggings are great for when it’s cold and nippy outside, plus you can lounge on the sofa with them too. Layers can make or break your daily workout routine. Great quality fleece joggers are not only great to wear to the gym but they’ll come in handy whenever you need to run a quick errand.

Refine Your Individual Style With The Right Accessories

In addition to the capsule wardrobe staples, it is always a good idea to keep incorporating items that reflect your personal style.

A well-curated wardrobe allows us to select clothes, shoes, and accessories that work with our preferences and needs, and for the environment.

Investing in quality wardrobe staples is your best choice when it comes to fashion because they will give your closet a more solid and organized feel.

Hats can express your personality in a fun way. The Saint Foy Bucket Hat is your perfect sleek companion. Not only is the bucket hat a trending staple in fashion, but it’ll keep you protected from UV rays, rain, and comes in black to go with the rest of your outfit.

If you’re looking for a warmer brimmed alternative, the Badlands Hat is your go-to option, made of 100% felted wool.

In terms of color, we believe they’re subjective to each of our own personal styles, but honestly, one can never go wrong with neutral staples. Find a color palette that enhances your unique personality and complements the rest of your wardrobe, effortlessly. If you fancy it, you could add one or two patterned clothing items. Mixing and matching tops in contrasting colors and prints with your favorite bottoms is a great way to add a different spark to your daily workout look.

Build An Activewear Capsule Wardrobe That You’ll Love

Building an activewear capsule wardrobe is a process that might take a couple of seasons before it's fully completed.

You need to experiment with different things before you know what works best for you.

In addition to your capsule staples, it is always a good idea to keep incorporating items that reflect your particular style. With time, your capsule wardrobe will evolve and change as you add and remove items as your preferences shift, which is completely okay as long as you repurpose all unwanted items sustainably.

If you feel a little lost, we’ve got you covered. From high-tech functionality to comfortable and cozy, Wolfe Co. offers a carefully designed selection of essential Canadian-made activewear for everyone.

Pay us a visit at our flagship location if you need any guidance.

Trust the process! You’ll be far less likely to turn to impulse buying when getting dressed is so simple with a good activewear capsule wardrobe