If you ever feel overwhelmed by your child’s clothing, a capsule wardrobe can help. Here’s how I created one.
Clothes tend to pile up quickly when you have a growing child. Having a capsule wardrobe has helped me keep things under control. It simplifies our routine by narrowing down choices to a few versatile pieces.
Not only does it save time, but it also ensures that everything in my kid’s closet is something he actually wears and that suits his active lifestyle.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist approach to clothing. It consists of a limited number of versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.
The idea is to focus on a smaller number of high-quality, timeless pieces rather than a large, varied wardrobe. This approach often results in a more cohesive and functional wardrobe.
Benefits of a capsule wardrobe for kids
Here are some benefits you’ll get when you build a capsule wardrobe for kids:
Simplifies the dressing process
When you have a smaller selection of clothes, it reduces the time spent choosing outfits each day. It makes getting dressed smoother and less stressful for both parents and kids.
Provides a curated selection of versatile, high-quality pieces
A capsule wardrobe focuses on selecting versatile items that can be mixed and matched. This approach encourages you to choose pieces that are of higher quality and work well together.
Reduces closet clutter
Fewer items mean less clutter in the closet. An organised wardrobe not only looks better but also makes it easier to keep the space tidy.
Ensures all clothes get worn enough
With fewer, versatile pieces that get plenty of wear, you make the most of each item’s footprint. It promotes a more sustainable fashion cycle and helps reduce landfill waste.
Simplifies laundry management
With fewer clothes to manage, laundry becomes less of a chore. It’s easier to keep track of what’s clean and what’s dirty, and there’s less sorting and organisation required.
A guide to create a capsule wardrobe for toddlers
A capsule wardrobe for young children has a different dynamic than one for adults in the sense that it is should be more focused on flexibility and growth. It could be simpler, prioritising comfort and ease of dressing over fashion trends.
With fewer pieces, the focus when building a capsule wardrobe for toddlers is on practicality that allows for quick outfit changes and easy maintenance.
Here’s a step-by-step guide I use to create a capsule wardrobe for my 3-year-old:
Step 1: Assess current wardrobe
Review what your toddler already has, and remove any items that are too small, worn out, or rarely worn.
I started by going through my toddler’s current clothes, looking for items that fit and were in good condition. I set aside anything that was no longer in use. This helped me see what we really needed.
Step 2: Choose a colour palette
Pick a few coordinating colours that mix and match easily. Neutral tones work well with brighter accents.
With toddlers, the great thing about colour is that there’s no need to stress over it. You can have fun—any colour, pattern, or design will look cute on them! But if you prefer a more streamlined and cohesive look, having a colour palette can be helpful.
My toddler loves bright colours and designs featuring his favourite things, like trucks or cars. It’s fun, and it’s completely okay to let kids have those options!
My approach is to keep the basics neutral: a few neutral-coloured tops and bottoms. This way, we can easily mix and match pieces to create various outfits for different occasions.
Step 3: Select essential pieces
Focus on versatile items like tops, bottoms, and outerwear that will be used often. Consider the climate and season when making your choices.
More important than colour is having the right types of clothing pieces in your child’s closet.
Since I live in Singapore, where it’s hot and humid year-round, we stick to staple short-sleeve tops and shorts for daily wear.
The amount of clothing needed for each child can vary depending on how often they change and how frequently you do laundry.
Although I do his laundry every two days, I keep enough clothes for a week (which is how long we usually go on vacation without doing laundry), but not more.
Ironically, when toddlers have too many clothes, we tend to dress them in the same outfit over and over again simply because it’s convenient—and digging through everything else is just too much hassle. This shows that they don’t actually need that many clothes!
Step 4: Opt for quality and comfort
Choose well-made, comfortable clothing that can withstand daily wear and frequent washing.
Now that you know what types of clothing pieces you need for your child, you can shop with that idea in mind. This way, you won’t end up buying items that will only be worn once or twice.
but try to resist the temptation to buy too much. It’s usually not worth the clutter you’ll have to manage. Focus on quality over quantity whenever possible.
Step 5: Add versatile accessories
Include a few accessories that can enhance different outfits and are USEFUL.
But again, there’s no need to buy too many. A few hats, a few pairs of socks, or even just one pair of sunglasses is usually enough. It keeps the wardrobe functional and manageable.
Step 6: Keep Special Outfits Separate
Keep special occasion pieces separate from everyday wear to avoid distractions when choosing outfits.
I try to be mindful when buying special occasion outfits for my toddler, especially ones that are only appropriate for specific events, like Chinese New Year or Christmas. Toddlers grow up so quickly, and most of these outfits only get worn once. Instead of buying something overly festive, I prefer to choose pieces that are more wearable, just in colours that match the occasion, to avoid unnecessary purchases.
When I do buy something special, I don’t hang onto it for long. I usually find a way to donate it as soon as possible when I know it won’t get much wear.
However, I do keep dress-up costumes because my toddler loves using them for pretend play. I keep these separated from daily wear to avoid clutter and distractions when getting dressed.
Step 7: Evaluate periodically
Adjust the wardrobe as seasons change, adding or swapping out pieces as needed.
Since toddlers grow so quickly, you need to update their wardrobe to keep up with their changing sizes and needs.
I usually will go over the wardrobe every 6 months to reassess and check what still fits, what might need to be added or replaced, and whether the clothing still suits the child’s needs and activities.
If you live in a place with four seasons, you can also further simplify and reduce clutter by refreshing their wardrobe twice a year. For example, instead of updating their outfits every three months, you could organise the wardrobe around “Spring & Summer” and “Autumn & Winter.”
A well-dressed child is one who feels comfortable.
Building a capsule wardrobe for my toddler has made dressing so much easier. It saves time and reduces stress.
I love knowing that my child looks good and feels comfortable every day. If you’re struggling with an excess of clothing or want to make getting dressed simpler for both you and your child, I encourage you to give a capsule wardrobe a try!
