Why you should build a capsule wardrobe with COS

Launched 15 years ago, the notable high-street brand that is COS may be born and bred in London, but it’s about as Scandinavian as they come. And like the very best Scandi brands, it has cult-like appeal – thanks to its cool yet endlessly wearable vibe. And we credit its low-key aesthetic as a key reason why its clothes feel a lot more luxurious than their humble price tag. 

Plus, it puts longevity first, with clothing designed with quality in mind and the intention that you’ll wear them not only now, but ten years from now too. Something that at Thread, you know we love. Which is why, according to our stylist Toby Standing, the brand is about as perfect as they come when you’re looking to build a hard-working capsule wardrobe. So if you’re partial to earthy tones, oversized silhouettes, and tactile design, you’ll want to dog ear these styles he’s curated from their latest collection. And then wear them on repeat for seasons to come.

The twill trousers

A pair of tailored trousers hold a place in every solid capsule wardrobe. This pair has a regular fit (in other words, not too skinny, not too tight) and come in a lightweight cotton and twill fabrication – perfect for the upcoming warm-weather season. Not to mention the navy colourway makes them appropriate for essentially all occasions – though they do come in green too, if that’s more your thing.

The t-shirt

T-shirts are notorious for being hard to get quite right, but an organic cotton, regular-fit style from COS is always a failsafe to us. Every time. Not only does it come in a range of colours and patterns, its affordable price point also means you can add a few to basket without breaking the bank.

The workwear jacket

Workwear influences have been huge in menswear dressing for, well, the dawn of style really. And you won’t hear us complaining – we champion a workwear jacket as the beginner’s ticket to embracing the trend. This one is crafted from cotton with a jersey finish, so it nicely bridges the gap between a blazer and something like a hoodie, for when the occasion calls for something in between, which in our experience is often.

The sweatshirt

The quality of your sweatshirt can make or break your off-duty look, which is why, like the t-shirt, an organic cotton option is always a good idea. This one features a V-insert and ribbed trims which help it feel polished. Plus, the colourful, yet muted colour options allow it to feel even more elevated, while still easy to style. 

The shirt

A classic shirt is a piece you’ll keep in your wardrobe for years. And remember, during the warmer months, any occasion calls for a white button-down. Plus, this one is responsibly crafted from a lightweight blend of Tencel™ lyocell and cotton, which should be right up your street if sustainability is important to you. 

The relaxed jeans

If you hadn’t heard, team Thread has decided it’s time to ditch skinny jeans all together and adopt a more relaxed approach with denim. This style, like many other pieces we’ve mentioned so far, is sustainably crafted, this time with non-stretch recyclable cotton. It’s worth noting, that although the shape of these is slightly exaggerated, they’re still easily wearable and allow for non-restrictive movement – which is always a bonus. 

The chunky derbies

When sneakers just won’t cut it, a leather derby takes top spot as the ultimate versatile footwear choice. The trick here is to find a simple style, with a modern feature such as an oversized sole (just like these ones). This way they’re still smart, but not too polished, meaning they’re just as easily paired with your jeans as they are tailored trousers. 

The hooded jacket

When the weather’s not playing ball, and the workwear jacket we mentioned earlier doesn’t quite suffice, enter this practical and ergonomic hooded alternative. While it might not hold as much style clout, it will make up for it when it comes to versatility. And, if you opt for the green colourway, you’ll confidently be adding a little something something to any rainy days ahead. 

The short-sleeve shirt

Though we mentioned a classic white button-down reigns supreme on warmer days, there’s nothing quite like a relaxed-fit short-sleeve shirt when the sun comes out. This beige one is crafted from cotton with a touch of stretch and is elevated with a textured seersucker finish. The dot print adds a welcome sense of fun, but it’s not so bold that it doesn’t pair easily with all the other pieces in the capsule. 

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Words: Yasmine Kennedy
Styling: Toby Standing