High style, low maintenance: Your wrinkle-free capsule wardrobe is here
The effortless, wrinkle-resistant staples your wardrobe needs.
Whether you dread ironing or simply want to sleep in a little longer each morning, having a capsule wardrobe full of wrinkle-free, easy-wear pieces at your disposal can be a game changer when you're getting dressed in the summer heat. Plus, clothes with exceptionally forgiving fabrics or finishes mean that you'll probably still look as polished for your 3 p.m. meeting as you did when you got to work, and the ease of maintenance makes them ideal for travelling.
The offerings these days have advanced far beyond basic suits, boring shirting, and casual sweats — recent textile innovations and the continued rise of the luxe-athleisure aesthetic have created a perfect shopping environment for the ironing-adverse.
The moveable blazer
Vancouver-based Kit and Ace is perhaps best known for its innovative washable cashmere products, but that relaxed-luxury ethos also extends to pieces such as this water-repellent, wrinkle-resistant jacket made in a four-way "tec stretch" fabric with a breathable lining. Get the matching trousers, and you could be happily biking to the office in a suit next week!
Kit and Ace Relaxed Stretch Blazer, $248, kitandace.com
The mesh dress
One of Toronto-based designer Kimberley Newport-Mimram's all-time best sellers is her iconic "power stretch" knit dress. It holds everything in, and is almost indestructible! This season she's introduced a similar wearer-friendly mesh style that requires no prep and holds its shape all day long. Bonus: the woven fabric looks dense, but is lightweight and breathable.
Pink Tartan Mesh Tea Dress, $395, pinktartan.ca
The printed romper
Designed for travel, this romper by Prana looks just like any other colourful onesie on the market. But because it's made out of Lenzing Tencel, it's also wrinkle-resistant, breathable and highly packable, whether you're headed to the beach or to brunch.
Prana Franny Romper, $89, mec.ca
The linen skirt
Linen is traditionally thought of as a fussy fabric that wrinkles with abandon. But, it's also lightweight and breathable, making it an ideal summertime material. And, in a heavier, textured linen, wrinkles simply don't show on the finish! In fact, all of the soft crinkles and creases appear as an intentional part of the fabric. Win!
Point Sur Tie Waist Skirt, $144, jcrew.com
The performance t-shirt
Designed and made in Vancouver, this go-anywhere top includes serious performance features but is sleek enough for the office, too. The glued seams are minimal and lightweight, creating a clean, tailored shape. The tee's unique hybrid 3D knit cotton fabric with four-way stretch is a bit thicker than your average knit, and makes for an easy everyday staple.
RYU Ethos Sleeveless, $97, ryu.ca
The traveling pants
Everlane's proprietary GoWeave fabric is a dressy Italian wool that promises to be crease and wrinkle-resistant, smooth to the touch, and even temperature regulating. Made in a relaxed, drapey design with an elastic waistband, don't be surprised if these pants replace jeans as your go-everywhere bottoms.
Everlane Italian GoWeave Easy Pant, $115.74, everlane.com
The designer shell
Montreal designer Marie Saint Pierre has been in business for over 30 years for a reason. This floral, made-in-Montreal top is made from a printed techno jersey fabric that's lined in a thin, scuba-like material. So even though it looks delicate and feminine, it's also easy to wear year-round and impossible to wrinkle. Plus, florals never really go out of style, so it's a designer piece you can truly wear over and over again.
Marie Saint Pierre Tsubaki, $540, mariesaintpierre.com
The little black dress
Banana Republic's Life in Motion capsule is designed for low-maintenance, tailored dressing on-the-go. This fitted sheath dress is made with a stretch-neoprene fabric that feels comfortable on, won't wrinkle, and holds its shape well. Basically, everything you'd want in a LBD.