let’s be real toddler closets have a way of turning into chaos fast. between growth spurts, snack stains, and surprise style opinions ("i'm not wearing that!!"), it’s easy to end up with drawers full of clothes and nothing that actually works.
enter: the toddler capsule wardrobe.
what is a capsule wardrobe for toddlers?
it’s just a fancy way of saying: a smaller, more intentional closet filled with comfy, mix-and-match pieces that make getting dressed easier for everyone. think fewer clothes, better outfits, less laundry stress.
at dear claiborne, we design with this in mind, soft, stretchy basics and playful prints that go with everything (and hold up to the messiest days).
how to build a capsule wardrobe for your toddler
1. start with a few solid basics
look for tees and shorts in soft, neutral tones that can be worn over and over again. our mauve mood core tee is a staple for a reason: it’s 100% cotton, roomy, and goes with pretty much anything.
2. add playful prints that still mix + match
our prints are fun but not loud, so they pair well across the board. try our banana cabana set or pretzel tee + shorts—they add personality without clashing with the rest of the closet.
3. don’t forget pajamas
pajamas don’t need to be cartoony to be cute. our starstruck bamboo set works as sleepwear or loungewear (aka daycare drop-off in pjs? totally fine with us).
4. choose comfy fabrics that last
kids move a lot. they also nap a lot. your capsule needs clothes that feel good all day and hold up in the wash. we use bamboo and soft cotton for that reason, stretchy, breathable, and no weird blends.
5. aim for flexible sizing
our pieces are made to grow with your kid, so you’re not constantly rebuying the next size up. fewer impulse buys = more intentional outfits.
our favorite toddler wardrobe essentials:
-
2–3 soft tees (like our boxy graphics or plain core tee)
-
2 short sets (tees + shorts = instant outfit)
-
2–3 pajama sets that double as loungewear
-
a comfy sweatshirt for layering (todlore blue is our go-to)
-
a clear tote to stash it all in (hi, clear cutie bag 👋)
less stuff, more style
a toddler capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring. it just has to make sense. with comfy fits, gender-free designs, and prints that play nice together, our pieces make it easy to dress your kids like you actually want to.
whether you're building from scratch or editing down what you already have, we’re here for all of the crazy but we’ll help you simplify it.
){kind=link}
