How to find good basics
Dear reader,
What makes a great "Basic"? is something I ask myself every now and then. Honestly, I'm a bit tired of the word "basics" and the constant search for the perfect ones. It is yet a way for clothing brands to get us to buy more new things but masking it in a way so it seems like you're buying something you need that will last for a long time, while in reality the "basics" changes a little every year. Also, what do you even mean when you say "basics"? Some of the usual suspects are the crisp white shirt, black, white, and grey t-shirts and vest tops in neutral colours. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with having these items, I think that the narrow focus on what a basic clothing item is might get people to buy a bunch of clothes that don't fit their style or their lives. Hence, the first thing to consider before buying basics is to think about which clothing items are the building blocks of your style and wardrobe. It might be the white shirt but it might also not be.
What I look for in basics
Consider the season. I live in Sweden where we enjoy warm summer evenings (at least a handful every year) and really long and cold winters hence, I need different basics for when it's warm and cold. You might need basics that suit the various seasons where you live.
Do you like it enough to wear it on its own? I think that even if it's a basic you should be comfortable wearing it on its own. Consider those days when you just run a short errand and pop on your basics. will you still feel good and put together?
Quality of fit. Take some time to think about how you like your basics to fit. Do you like a loose or a snug fit? What's your favourite length of hem or sleeves? If it’s a layering piece, will it fit underneath your jumpers or coats?
Quality of the fabric. You’ll wear your basics a lot so try to look for fabrics that will last you a long time. A great place to start is to look for 100% cotton, wool or cashmere.
Maintainance. Your basics should be worn a lot, so consider how much care they'll need to last a long time. Delicate fabrics that could tear easily might require mending or special cleaning, and then you need to be willing to put down that work or go for a more durable material.