Little ones grow out of clothes every few months, so a drawer full of outfits is often a drawer full of things they barely wore. A capsule wardrobe, a small set of pieces that all mix and match, means less laundry stress, faster mornings and less waste.
How many pieces do you need?
It depends on how often you do laundry and how messy mealtimes are, but a good starting point for one size is:
- 7 to 10 tops or bodysuits
- 5 to 7 bottoms
- 2 or 3 warm layers, like a sweater, fleece or plush jacket
- 1 outer coat for the season
- 5 to 7 sets of pajamas or sleepwear
- Socks, a hat and 1 or 2 pairs of shoes
Pick a simple color palette
Choose two or three base colors that go with everything, then add one or two accent colors. Earthy tones like green, rust and oatmeal hide stains well and mix easily.
Our pieces are made to mix and match:
- The Sprig zip romper (95% cotton) comes in charcoal, pumpkin, burgundy, forest green and rust.
- The Rex dinosaur bodysuit is a cotton knit with a relaxed sweatshirt cut, in pale green, butter yellow or pink.
- The Teddy plush jacket comes in eight colors, including cream, sage, camel and gray, and layers over almost anything.
Choose easy pieces
- Zips over snaps for babies, and elastic waists for toddlers.
- Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton.
- Relaxed fits that allow for growing and moving.
- Few fussy details that need ironing or special washing.
Seasonal extras
Fall and winter
- One warm coat, like the Puffin puffer, or a snowsuit for snow play
- A hat and scarf set, like the Bow knit set in cream, burgundy, oatmeal, black or dusty pink
- Mittens and warm socks
Spring and summer
- Short-sleeve bodysuits or tees
- Light cotton layers for cool mornings
- A sun hat
Shoes
For babies who've just started walking, one pair of soft-soled shoes is plenty. The Kick soft-sole sneakers are for indoors and light use, in sizes up to 13–18M. See baby's first shoes for sizing.
Keep it working
- Buy the next size in the same palette, so everything keeps matching.
- Keep an outgrown bin and pass clothes on promptly.
- Wash on a regular schedule so the capsule doesn't run out. See how to wash baby clothes.
Questions parents ask
How many outfits does a toddler need?
Around 7 to 10 tops and 5 to 7 bottoms per size is plenty for most families.
What colors are best for a toddler capsule wardrobe?
Two or three neutral or earthy base colors, plus one or two accents that go with them.
Is a capsule wardrobe cheaper?
Often, yes. You buy fewer pieces and use every one of them.
Shop the Clothing collection.
