Wardrobe basics are the foundation of every great wardrobe. It’s nearly impossible to get dressed without incorporating some kind of closet staple, such as a tank top, t-shirt, jeans, button-up, etc. And having high-quality basics is essential – since they are worn so frequently. If you’ve ever had to discard a T-shirt after only a few wears, you know that not all wardrobe basics are made equally.
Through trial and error, we’ve found where to shop for the best basics that check off all the boxes (fit, quality, style). Spoiler alert: Knowing which pieces to shop from where is key. You may find that your favourite jeans come from a different store than your go-to knits.
Your guide on where to shop for the best wardrobe basics:
UNIQLO
UNIQLO is an amazing one-stop-shop for essentially all wardrobe basics. Known for incorporating innovative technology into its apparel, UNIQLO provides high-quality basics across all categories of clothing, without compromising style. From its viral bra tops to its AIRism base layers, you can’t go wrong with UNIQLO’s affordable, innovative basics!
Aritzia
For elevated basics that feel luxe, check out Aritzia’s selection! Carrying exclusive in-house brands such as Wilfred, Babaton, TNA, and Denim Forum (and many more) along with other brands like Citizen’s of Humanity, AGOLDE, and New Balance, there is no shortage of basics to shop at Aritzia. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect non-see-through white tank, jeans that will stand the test of time, or a flattering blazer that can take you from the office to drinks with the girls, Aritzia has it.
Kotn
Kotn started with the goal of creating the perfect T-shirt. Not only has the mission been accomplished, but the brand has gone on to create a wide range of “perfect” wardrobe basics. Its entire collection is comprised of timeless essentials crafted from natural fibres, designed in Canada and made in Egypt and Portugal. You can shop for basics like trousers, dresses, skirts, T-shirts, and more, guilt-free from the B-Corp certified brand.
Eileen Fisher
On the more luxury side of wardrobe basics, there’s Eileen Fisher. Eileen Fisher creates designs based on a system of simple shapes that work together to provide easy (yet stylish) options for every body. The brand is not only known for its effortless styles but also for its roots in sustainability and quality. If you’re on the hunt for easy wardrobe basics that you can comfortably wear at home or out and about, consider investing in a garment or two from Eileen Fisher.
Richer Poorer
Richer Poorer aims to create products that aren’t overly complicated but are your favourite – which is essentially the foundation of all great basics, if we do say so ourselves. While shopping the brand, you’ll find a variety of key wardrobe silhouettes in various colours. We all know that once you find the perfect top, you need it in every colour, after all.
COS
Rooted in luxury design and compelling styles, COS pays meticulous attention to sustainable craftsmanship, quality, and colour, providing its customers with contemporary, elevated wardrobe basics they can wear over and over. Sitting at the mid-price point, we turn to COS for stylized wardrobe essentials to give our closet a more high-end feel.
Madewell
We all know how difficult it can be to find the perfect jeans. You know… ones that fit everywhere perfectly, stay in shape all day without stretching out too much, are a nice wash, and, dare we say, are actually relatively comfortable. Well, Madewell has made that mission a whole lot easier! Although it doesn’t exclusively just sell jeans, that is a big part of what it’s known for. We’re currently eyeing The Perfect Vintage Jean.
Everlane
With the brand stating that it’s “not big on trends,” you’ll find pieces at Everlane that are designed (and made) to last a lifetime – without ever going out of style. From its Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee to its Linen Way-High Drape Pant, you can rest assured that the wardrobe essentials you shop from Everlane will live in your closet for years to come.
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All brands featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.