Minimalism vs. Maximalism in Menswear: What's Best for You?

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

"Moderate dandyism" is my favourite look. Not to minimalistic as to come of as uniformed and boring, however not as flashy that you look like a Christmas tree (as Hugo Jacomet says).

[@danone2414]

yes!

[@the_9ent]

Who’s the author? I can’t seem to find it online.

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

@@the_9ent Author of what?

[@Soyyo83]

@@krunoslavkovacec1842 hahaha I thought you said "my favourite book"

[@glared]

Agreed totally.

[@RJStockton]

You can get the best of both approaches by wearing a form-fitting black bodysuit and an oversized fedora with an ostrich plume in the band. Now you know what to wear to your next job interview.

[@Soinetwa]

did not work out well for me

[@spotsill]

I’am a maximalist when it comes to shirts, footwear and a minimalist when it comes to my pants jackets etc . Shirts and footwear gives you lots of versatility . Some days I have lots of confidence and want to stand out like a clown or a peacock and other days I want to be invisible 😂.

[@freddecker2407]

Whenever I see a man who has put effort into his appearance, I feel a desire to congratulate him.

[@craft-o-matic399]

All I know is you gentlemen are a delight to this somewhat old lady's eyes! Thank you for being the truly genuine people you are! Lisa

[@habituscraeftig]

I love maximalism for its playfulness, but it really has the most impact when it is focused. I know people who just use socks or shoes or shirts to augment their wardrobe. Heck, any contrasting waistcoat is going to read as maximalist. You don’t need to spend on expanding all the elements of your outfit, all at once. Also - going for colorful fabrics in suits automatically *suggests* that you have a larger wardrobe, even if you don't, because most people don't get these until they have all their bases covered (though do try to have at least one 'somber' suit in the closet, like charcoal or navy). You don’t actually need to own all the things. The key to maximalism is curation.

[@bigtimmy13]

Thanks for trying this video. I appreciate that you did something slightly outside your wheelhouse here, since GG is pretty maximalist usually. I don’t think your version of minimalism really comes through very well, but that might be because it only gets half the screen time here. Maybe a full video on just your version of minimalism?

[@mrhamzariaz]

Raphael can you PLEASE make a suit collection video? We have seen your shoe collection, ring, and even tie collection.

[@MartinParnham]

I’m somewhere in the middle, I think. I like to have different outfits/combos for different occasions so that I can cover a lot of bases but I’m increasingly finding that I have a lot more neutral colours in my wardrobe. I do have the odd brighter colour in there but far fewer than I did 5-10 years ago. The colours I do have are darker shades (bottle green, burgundy etc). I think I used to be maximalist in terms of being bolder but now I am more minimalist in style but maximalist in quantity.

[@valariebrown3768]

A neat appearance is never out of style. Your pants might be a tad short, but you look comfortable and put together. Feeling good looks good.

[@the_9ent]

I’m a minimalist kinda gent, but I do like some elements of maximalism. Great video chaps 👍

[@_thomas1031]

Another great comparison video🙌🙌🙌 @3:54 That's a nice combo👏

[@Michael_R1957]

Well done, sir. I think that, of necessity, I lean somewhat toward minimalism. Never really thought about it before. Thank you.

[@layouts77]

I know I should go for minimalism, but the dandy in me prefers to go all-out!

[@spotsill]

I can totally relate my taste in clothing has nothing to do with my job or lifestyle 😂😂. I get stares walking into the convenience store dress like a dandy during hunting season you would think I was from mars 😂😂.

[@Henrystockholm]

As a young swedish man I certainly am a minimalist. My wardrobe is not small, yet i often wear what I call signature pieces with something else not as vibrant. I have a lot of nice sweaters and polo sweaters that pair well with my suits as well as more casual wear. Another signaturepiece might be a pair of blue jeans with a white shirt and a matching denim jacket or a calf leather jacket.

[@filippomonaco2303]

Being a fan of the golden age my goal is a tempered maximalism, but being a college student my wallet says minimalism, luckily there are sites that sell vintage good quality garments so I manage to fall in the middle

[@TheCr0ssfire]

Would you be willing to share the names of these sites? I'm in the same boat.

[@filippomonaco2303]

@@TheCr0ssfire the one that I use the most is vinted, but you have to search a bit and you can find bargains, Ebay seems good to, but is also pricier, doesn't usually have my size and being not only about clothes has less filters so it is harder to find what you want, Catawiki is an auction site and I use it mainly for my vintage watch collection. There are many other but this are the one I mainly go to. Hope it was useful.

[@warmflash]

I ❤ Gentleman’s Gazette ❤

[@jnnknnn9244]

A great topic and video! I`ve been lately interested in the idea of the ”Swedish death cleaning”, and find this video somewhat related to it.

[@Manuel421]

Just my honest opinion but for me I try to get at least 4 or 5 of a certain garment when it comes to minimalism. Obviously there are exceptions such as my Dress shirts but overall I feel you can get by with that rule if you do plan to go that route. I prefer mainly solid jackets but I do still have one that is a Glen Plaid. The weather out here the majority of the year is hot so Chinos and Linen shirts are nice to have. Instead of a Denim shirt though I wear Chambray which is lighter. Excellent video as always!

[@Quanic2000]

"Essentialism" - I buy the essentials, but when I do I make sure they're of quality and I only buy accessories that compliment the basics 🤗

[@walterfoyt5985]

I’m s minimalistic when it comes to decorating my condo but that doesn’t carry over to my attire. I’m a modern day dandy from my Trafalgar limited edition braces to my Hermes scarf print ties, which sadly Hermes doesn’t sell anymore to my extensive shoe collection. I love clothes and enjoy getting dressed. The only think that limits my wardrobe is my clothes space. Living in a 1,500 sq ft condo doesn’t have the clothes space a big house would have but living in the city give me a lot more opportunities to dress.

[@al_l6418]

Navy, blue, grey or charcoal two-piece suit, light blue or white shirt with barell cuffs, ties in simple patterns like pin dots, plains, subtle checks or small macclesfields, no pocket sqaure and black, dark brown or oxblood oxford shoes. In case of cold weather a light grey v-neck jumper.

[@luigicorrias]

Hello Nathan my Dude Nice to meet u in this fabolous channel!

[@tomahawktommy8502]

How does Raphael have a foody belly but make everything look so slimming? He always looks so fit!

[@gentlemansgazette]

They key is having clothes with a good fit! We'll be talking about this more in an upcoming video, so stay tuned!

[@sarahhavillamelooliveira5825]

Summer petit female maximalism style but minimalist amount of pieces should be a style. It's so well defined scope to work with.

[@blakemcnamara9105]

I take the Aristotalean approach to things and so my style is both. Like I'll wear a dark, solid, single-breasted, notched lapel suit but with a pastel contrast collar shirt and a plain tie or a white shirt and a more maximalist tie.

[@ryanmckenzie5918]

I lean toward minimalism, except for watches and hats. There's just something about wide flat brims :)

[@NochSoEinKaddiFan]

I think in coats, suits, jackets, shoes and probably big/bold accessories like hats and personally for watches, I would go for minimalism and the capsule wardrobe approach. Though I like vests a lot in both min and may styles. For shirts I and maybe ties I would lean more into the maximalist side, since they are louder, but less visible when combined with jackets, toning them down just right. Also in smaller accessories like pocket square and tie, maybe ascot and rings a bit more variety and boldness prevents the outfit from being dull, more max here for me. To me, the capsule wardrobe that sits in the middle between min and max is the highest artform of menswear. But thats just my two cents :)

[@ryptoll4801]

I've always been more of a maximalist, although definitely not to the extreme. I love layering, mixing different kinds of patterns and colors, and even switching between several different fashion styles. Although I don't wear much jewellery as I find it often get in the way or becomes a choking hazard. I can manage a maximalist style financially by getting most of my clothes from thrift stores and remaking old clothes I've worn out or that no longer fit. My biggest problem is having too many clothes to fit in my warbrobes though. Good thing I have a large storage space in the cellar lol. I think my most maximalist piece of clothing is my full length, double breasted mink fur coat. Doesn't get much more over the top than that.

[@morganchilds9054]

Look up how to use the words "fewer" and "less". They're not interchangeable. Less clothing; fewer pieces. Fewer ties; less stylish. "I have fewer shoes than Raphael". If it can be counted, it's fewer. If it's singular, it's less. "I would love it if they played less music in this restaurant" vs "There are fewer French Horns in music than ever before!"

[@cjdeas1528]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. When you get that right, it shows you're paying attention.

[@robertallan8035]

Mind you, one will suffice for the other, just not vice versa. “There are less men in Ottawa” will substitute “there are fewer men in Ottawa” decently, but you can not say “yes, I would like another martini with fewer vermouth.”

[@alekseizaitsev4531]

If I have to choose one I would take the minimalism, saving time is so important to me cos I can use that time for more relevant activities.

[@alexrad9570]

Minimalism with versatile colours: grey, pink, beige, maybe green. 📸

[@ashtondimovski7074]

I’m old fashioned with a touch of modernity. So I drive the old Jag, wear the old tweed jackets, but wear the iWatch and always have an iPhone nearby. I arguably err towards maximalism, but I appreciate the principles of minimalism and incorporate the spirit of it into my dressing. While I’m a big fan of statement pieces, I make sure that I can wear them with many different outfits so that it’s not limiting. I enjoy being “elegantly shabby” in most cases (white tie, black tie, etc. are the exceptions). I wear old clothes that fit reasonably well (but not perfectly), and I have not a single thing out of place. Waistbands are covered discreetly by waistcoats, double breasted jackets, etc. Think of the Hercule Poirot vs. Arthur Hastings - Hercule was very fastidious about his appearance which could give him a bit of an austere look. Hastings was far more relaxed and appeared easy going and likeable. Hastings could easily class it up as much as Poirot, but more often then not, chose a elegantly shabby form of dress compared to the more elegant Poirot. But at no point would we ever say that Hastings was badly dressed - one could argue that he was a better dresser then Poirot even (bold but the topic of another day). I choose to dress this way, specifically for one reason: it makes people around me more comfortable with the idea of dressing better. This leads to them being inspired to experiment more, and to be honest, it makes it easier for them to approach me and ask for advice if they need it. I like being able to help people.

[@cjdeas1528]

Interesting point of view. I appreciate you sharing that.

[@ashtondimovski7074]

My pleasure friend. I appreciate your comment. 😊

[@keshavrao212]

Hello! How about making a guide about Suspenders? Covering it's history, cloth, make, materials, parts, types, use.

[@gentlemansgazette]

We have something in the works - stay tuned!

[@keshavrao212]

@@gentlemansgazette Thank you so much for your assurance! I appreciate it.

[@ihavekalashnikovyoudomath9275]

6:18 New video idea: Have Nathan go through Sven, Preston, and Kyle's wardrobe. He picks a variety of clothes that each member has to incorporate into an outfit. Now each of them only has 10 minutes to make an outfit that works. That includes picking each outfit, and actually putting on the outfit(They start in a pair of pants of their choice, a t-shirt, and socks) . If they don't have a piece of clothes on when the time is up, they have to go without it. Sven, Preston, and Kyle then judge each other, with Nathan as the third, impartial judge. You can play with the rules, but I think it's rather even. Kyle doesn't have many out there pieces of clothes, so combining is easy, and can come in under time unlike Sven and Preston. However, he won't have as many points in boldness as Sven or Preston who have the means to be less conservative with their outfits

[@davidhalldurham]

Nice video!

[@airsoftgunswithclassicalmu8393]

Hello, I already own a nice collection of shirts, shoes, suits and ties, also two pairs of cufflinks. But there is just one suit that I am missing. The double/single breasted black striped suit. Do you have any tips on where to get one? Thank you!

[@gemusefachlummel6467]

I love maximalism, but I just don't have the eye for it if you know what I mean. so, I stick with minimalism.

[@user-fp2zu3xj8j]

This video is such a missed chance. It is mostly about having little clothes vs a lot of clothes. From a menswear perspective its way more interesting to compare "minimalist" clean looks with lots of solid colours, versus "maximalist" over-accesorized looks like Rafael and Preston do with hats and boutonnieres etc. That could make for interesting discussions between enthousiasts.

[@phraktl]

I love maximalism look, but I think that maximalism and elegance is mutually exclusive. I am personally a minimalist - and working on being more elegant. My outlook is that elegance is ultimate objective.

[@mph7282]

I think there’s a balance, and that some level of maximalism can be very graceful and pleasing. For example, I think the navy blazer with gold buttons is the most elegant single piece of clothing a man can own. It’s rich in its heritage, simple, timeless, but also somewhat bold due to the high contrast in color. An example of the opposite end would be the trend of the monochromatic look a while back. It was certainly minimalistic, but I do not find that elegant in the least, as it appears forced and unnatural. The key to elegance is “harmony”, pieces that complement, not just make a statement. I tend towards the maximalist end, as I enjoy wearing accessories such as cuff links and I always wear a hat, for practical reasons, but am careful to not give off the costume look. At least I try not to.

[@phraktl]

@@mph7282 I see your point. I do not believe that minimalism equates to elegance. Elegance itself is something outside of the style. I personally feel that minimalism is the nature of elegance. With that said, I was probably guilty of overstating my point by saying that maximalism and elegance are mutually exclusive.

[@cjdeas1528]

​@@phraktl I wish more people would dialogue like you two guys. we'll done!

[@scsmith4604]

@5:27 Can anyone shed light on what kind of iron this is? Irons today seem really poor in quality (lightweight) and do not seem like they transfer the steam and heat as well as the older irons my grandparents had.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Take a look at our ironing tools guide to find out! - www.gentlemansgazette.com/ironing-essentials-guide/?

[@robertallan8035]

Minimalism has to be done well when it is done, and I will always take a well done maximalist than a well done minimalist. A fit, well groomed man, wearing a black form fitting suit and a good turtleneck? That will look nice. But, relative to a confident, fit, well groomed man who wears a well fitted tailcoat, dress trousers, jabot, top hat, and cloak? There is no contest. But, neither works in their purest form for most people. If minimalism is done poorly, it is merely mediocrity, and if maximalism is done poorly, it is clown-like. The average person will never figure out how to turn the mundane into the extraordinary, and will remain mediocre; similarly, the average person will never have the panache and flair for the dramatic, the confidence and the exact demeanor to pull off maximalism. I will say this: a minimalist will probably aim to be attractive, kind of the same way that everyone else is but better, tugging on the subconscious of the casual observer. A competent minimalist will toy with the silhouette and texture, enhancing their appearance. The reaction to a competent minimalist is “that guy looks so good!” With little attention to the clothes. The reaction to a competent maximalist is “that guy looks so good in that outfit!” Where the attention is on how good you look, but forged in conscious attention. The reaction meanwhile to an incompetent minimalist is “that guy looks like unremarkable”, where the subtlety fails to accomplish anything, and the reaction to an incompetent maximalist is “wow, that outfit looks good!”, where the attention is no longer on you.

[@RollingDutchmann]

I like maxing out on jewelry

[@chiquita683]

Gold teeth

[@invisibleink2644]

What about abstract expressionism?

[@glossymouse7712]

I'm a maximalist at heart but am forced to be a minimalist because of a severe lack of any quality menswear in my country 😭😭😭

[@cemboozserttas6864]

please come golf style

[@not-lastman]

when did nathan price come on to the show

[@k.j.lindsey3048]

Personally I have always leaned towards the minimalist.

[@renojaloleyui7099]

Wondering why you didn’t took (almost) the whole Pitti Uomo as a negative example for maximalism ;) (Of course only looking at the stereotype for Pitti Uomo)

[@GQ2593]

Marximalism, imitating proletarian fashion, is also an option for those on a tight budget.

[@c.w.9615]

It's tough being minimalistic. There's at least three different styles in Oxford shoes alone. Tons of outwear options, colors, fabrics, styles; how the heck can you stay minimal? I think its a marking term. Some people do it, but I've never seen it. It's like saying "a one watch collection". Is it more of a concept than a real thing people do?

[@sammyjr6989]

I am a maximalist

[@michaelskasick1560]

Minimalism is an open canvas. It allows the person wearing the clothing to customize their ensembles to their specific tastes, instead of trying to tone down maximalist patterns and loud colors.

[@robertallan8035]

The issue in this comment is that a real maximalist does not try to tone things down, he wants to be bold and stand out, just in a good way. He does not pretend that a pink suit is quiet, he will pair the pink suit in such a way and carry himself so that he comes off as natural. He will assemble it in a way that looks good, and be quite so comfortable in his own skin and charismatic that he is stylish and inimitable. He will perhaps wear sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, and a wide tie with a white shirt. Perhaps he will wear a charcoal waistcoat and a jabot. Regardless of how he wears the pink suit, he will succeed. Maximalism is an open canvas, blending styles, accessories, tones, and the overall mood of the piece to aesthetic sensibilities, exact appeal, and particular influences.

[@kimdoomin]

My favorite look is "Raphaelism"

[@nahuelgareis8927]

Nive vid!

[@randysurratt9919]

👍🏽

[@Cyen3genw]

신사의 관보

[@jmgerraughty]

Kind of a bummer that this talks about Minimalism/Maximalism in approach, but doesn’t really talk about them as design aesthetics…

[@jmgerraughty]

@@TheSultan1470MimicFanNum1 Yes, that’s the approach, but not the aesthetic. Like, there’s an analogy here between minimalist art/music and fashion design, for instance - look at Jil Sander’s work.

[@juliuscaesar3346]

❤️❤️💚💚👍👍

[@jermainemjoiner]

What would the middle ground be/look like?

[@LeadLeftLeon]

If you’re in good shape, minimalism. A respectable physique and some clothes is all it takes to look good

[@robertallan8035]

While it is true someone with a poor physique cannot pull off minimalism, the reverse does not apply. To be tall, slim or muscular, broad shoulders, are great aides in a more flamboyant design. A tall man, one with broad shoulders, a vigorous man who wears a double breasted suit with peaked lapels is imposing, and impresses physical, intellectual, and general dominance.

[@dararohan1209]

If I could only choose one, I'd have to go for maximalism. More interesting.

[@jacobd.7961]

Are black shoes traditionally reserved for black tie?

[@DavidS-iy8bb]

Normal black calf leather shoes no, in the UK they're the most popular choice with a navy or grey business suit. Though in recent times, oxblood and brown shoes seem to be becoming more popular.

[@robertallan8035]

@@TheSultan1470MimicFanNum1 even then, it’s more opera pumps that are explicitly reserved for black tie, where it would be an actual faux pas. I would argue the main reason you don’t usually see men in business suits wearing polished black oxfords is merely that it’s too much effort.

[@johnschervish9612]

Anyone recognize the brand of that dark brown loafer at 4:40? I can't tell.

[@Frasesdepositividad]

Kyle and you are mininalist and Raphael and Preston are maximalist

[@chad2687]

hey its a new guy

[@WireHedd]

I'm a mediumalist.

[@johnnywilliams6555]

I know this is out of context, but can anyone reading this comment advise me a nice classic hat for very cold winter?

[@khaliddurrani6432]

I think Modernism is only a shade apart from Clownism.

[@martinbevan4015]

Did you look in the mirror after putting that tie on it looks a mess try again.

[@oceansoflorewi]

Wearing a full blown maximalist suit is so gross and clownish. You wont catch me looking THAT dressed up until i'm getting buried lol.

[@oa4603]

Minimalism is not the same as moderation. Minimalism is popular among leftists, because private property should be minimalized and what you do own, should be bland and without character. Minimalism is in essence a philosophy derived from communism.

[@1977ajax]

-Less pieces of clothing.- _Fewer_ pieces... Perhaps the 'Gentleman's' gazette could use a course in correct English.

[@chiquita683]

First thing to take care of his weight because whatever you're wearing won't look good when you are chubby