Dream Wardrobes for Dudes
Express your masculinity and your eye for style not only through your clothes and personal items, but also through how you store them
Take almost any wardrobe space shared between a man and woman. The man’s portion will likely take up one-third of the space, while the woman’s dominates the rest. Sure, we guys understand: you have more stuff than we do (despite hating 95 per cent of it and only wanting to wear pyjamas).
But a guy still needs his own well-designed and organised space, too. Our fashion collection may not be as massive as most women’s, but it encompasses almost as many categories: jewellery (ties, cuff links, rings); accessories (belts, pocket squares, watches); bags (briefcase, backpack); and, yes, shoes (work, play, exercise, summer, winter). And since you’ve made it clear that the bathroom floor, hallway floor, bedroom floor, desk chair and kitchen benchtop aren’t appropriate storage options, it all needs to go somewhere.
The best part of our conversion from wardrobe piles to organisation is that many dudes are realising that their wardrobe is the one area where they can exercise a little personal style. Our ladies might not want dark, sophisticated wood and a shoe-shining station in the living room for all the guests to see, but we can still have a small bit of freedom in the wardrobe.
But a guy still needs his own well-designed and organised space, too. Our fashion collection may not be as massive as most women’s, but it encompasses almost as many categories: jewellery (ties, cuff links, rings); accessories (belts, pocket squares, watches); bags (briefcase, backpack); and, yes, shoes (work, play, exercise, summer, winter). And since you’ve made it clear that the bathroom floor, hallway floor, bedroom floor, desk chair and kitchen benchtop aren’t appropriate storage options, it all needs to go somewhere.
The best part of our conversion from wardrobe piles to organisation is that many dudes are realising that their wardrobe is the one area where they can exercise a little personal style. Our ladies might not want dark, sophisticated wood and a shoe-shining station in the living room for all the guests to see, but we can still have a small bit of freedom in the wardrobe.
Space efficient. A walk-in-robe doesn’t have to be over the top to make a big impact. This smart custom-made unit was designed to fit the corner space perfectly.
Since guys don’t typically have long articles of clothing, stacked double hangers for shirts and pants help maximise space and keep things organised. An oversized bottom drawer here is a pullout laundry hamper.
Since guys don’t typically have long articles of clothing, stacked double hangers for shirts and pants help maximise space and keep things organised. An oversized bottom drawer here is a pullout laundry hamper.
Best foot forward. Some guys do have a lot of shoes. Take this minimalist owner, whose custom-made system was designed especially for this narrow walk-in-robe. Open shelves hold multiple pairs of shoes, while pullout drawers have holders for multiple pairs of sunglasses.
Think of your wardrobe as a space where you can get creative with style. For example, if you love the colour green but don’t want to use that colour in your living room, you can use your walk-in-robe to play up your personality.
Think of your wardrobe as a space where you can get creative with style. For example, if you love the colour green but don’t want to use that colour in your living room, you can use your walk-in-robe to play up your personality.
Man made. Floor-to-ceiling storage units can turn tight and narrow spaces into perfectly organised solutions, while masculine materials and colours create a personal, inviting space where guys can start and end their day.
Room to move. This freestanding unit with vertical panels is a popular and practical design. Note that dark colours tend to work better for men’s walk-in-robes; they can look more organised and the rich tones show off the materials more.
These units have inside lighting, are easy to install and come with custom additions, such as glass doors, pullout hangers, drawers with organised dividers for cuff links and ties, and even room for a briefcase.
These units have inside lighting, are easy to install and come with custom additions, such as glass doors, pullout hangers, drawers with organised dividers for cuff links and ties, and even room for a briefcase.
Walk through. This unit attaches to a wall – unlike a modular unit – and comes without doors for easy accessibility. The shelves are melamine board. Look out for drawers that can come in different types of wood, lacquer colours and textures to express your style.
Modern masculinity. Today, men tend to lean towards contemporary aesthetics for a more streamlined and clean look without fussy detail or decor, like the walk-in-robe shown here. Open shelves and baskets allow for easy access when you’re on the go.
Wow factor. Smart and stylish wardrobe concepts aren’t just for walk-ins. Custom modular units can turn a tight area into a dramatic space.
Suit heaven. Having a spot for every item is key to creating a well-organised closet. Suit pants, for instance, are always the bane of a guy’s existence. Fold and hang them wrong, and you’ll get awkward, messy creases up and down the pant legs. Hang them properly, and they’ll stay neatly pressed.
This hideaway pullout for suit pants keeps each pair just far enough apart for them to stay immaculately folded.
This hideaway pullout for suit pants keeps each pair just far enough apart for them to stay immaculately folded.
Special treatment. Sure, hanging all your knotted ties on one hanger and shoving it in your wardrobe worked when you were at uni and owned department store ties. but expensive silk and wool ties can’t take that sort of abuse.
Custom drawers, shown here and below, help keep them wrinkle free and easy to access.
Custom drawers, shown here and below, help keep them wrinkle free and easy to access.
This vertical drawer creates an organised mini-wall for ties and other accessories.
In the same space, acrylic dividers keep singlets and socks colour-coordinated and organised.
Meanwhile, a smart wooden plank folds out to create a shoe-shine station.
And drop-down hangers make suit jackets easy to rifle through and store for a clean look.
Even a few simple solutions for hanging pants, shirts and ties can turn an average wardrobe into a stylish space.
Casual affair. If your wardrobe doesn’t consist of dozens of suits, smart storage can still jazz up your stuff.
Tall order. Small wardrobes receive the most benefit from high-minded design. Here a cool sliding door helps conceal a perfectly organised space.
Class act. With graphic carpet, rich wood, marble floors, cool lighting and black-and-white photos, this wardrobe and the one above rival any ritzy country club or hotel room.
MORE
Man Space: Perfectly Masculine Bedrooms
12 Tips to Make the Most of a Small Walk-in Wardrobe
14 Savvy Ways to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
Easy Ways to Declutter and Organise Your Wardrobe
TELL US
Hands up if you’d fork out for a walk in wardrobe?
MORE
Man Space: Perfectly Masculine Bedrooms
12 Tips to Make the Most of a Small Walk-in Wardrobe
14 Savvy Ways to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
Easy Ways to Declutter and Organise Your Wardrobe
TELL US
Hands up if you’d fork out for a walk in wardrobe?
Having a space that keeps things organised makes this process easier. Here a pullout shelf and brass wall hook let the homeowner display and select his outfit carefully, while rich, sophisticated wood, a Persian-style rug and a tufted foot stool help set the tone for the day.