By Olaus Mcleod

It’s hard to believe we are already over halfway through the &SONS Wearer Trial. This experience has been an incredible deep dive into the "cap-to-boot" philosophy, testing the limits of a streamlined, intentional wardrobe.

While I am absolutely delighted with the quality and feel of the pieces I’m wearing, living with a limited collection has been a massive learning curve. It has forced me to look closely at my daily habits versus my style aspirations.

Here are the key lessons I’ve learned from the trial so far.

Comfort vs. Functionality

I’ve found that even the best-laid plans must sometimes bow to the reality of the British weather!

The Hood Factor

I absolutely love and I'm constantly complimented on my Black Gold Wax Jacket, but the lack of a hood has sometimes caught me out in the rain. Looking back, one of the numerous &SONS hooded jackets might have been a more pragmatic choice for a year-round coat.

The Need for "Cosy"

While I wear my Off-Black Sweatshirt constantly, I’ve realised I miss the specific weight and warmth of a jumper. The Ahab Submariner Rollneck would have been the perfect addition for colder mornings.

The Power of Accessories

I underestimated how much "heavy lifting" accessories do. A Watch Cap Beanie and a Vale Scarf would have added a layer of versatility and warmth that I’m currently missing.

Finding the "Just Right" Quantity

The trial has been a masterclass in realising how little we actually need.

Overestimating Layers

I chose four long-sleeved T-shirts, but in reality, two would have sufficed. A New Elder Henley in Raw and one Base Waffle Crew Neck would have been plenty.

The Short-Sleeve Sweet Spot

I have three t-shirts: two Boxer Pocket Tees (grey and black) and a Breton Stripe T-shirt in Blue. If I’m honest, I could easily rotate just two of them.

Double Down on Favourites

I’ve practically lived in my Brandon Jeans and Virgil Chino Shorts. I’ve learned that when you find something that works for your body and lifestyle, it’s worth having a second pair rather than trying to force variety for the sake of it.

The "Cost Per Wear" Reality Check

One of my biggest realisations involves the Carver Jacket. It is easily one of my favourite pieces in the entire collection, yet I’m not wearing it enough! I’ve been "saving" it, trying to keep it looking smart. This is a personal failing! By being too precious with it, I’m driving up the cost per wear and not getting the true value out of the garment. The lesson here? Wear the clothes. They are built to handle life.

The Monochrome Trap

My chosen palette is almost entirely black and grey. From a compatibility standpoint, this is a dream everything matches. However, I’ve learned that a "pop" of external colour actually increases versatility. For example, adding another pair of Virgil Chino Shorts in Tan or Army Green would have opened up even more styling options without breaking the capsule.

Final Thoughts

If there is one thing this trial is proving, it's that less than 20 pieces is absolutely plenty for a well curated capsule wardrobe for men. My collection doesn't need to be bigger; it just needs to be more finely tuned to my specific lifestyle.

The &SONS catalogue is brilliantly designed to be interchangeable, and while I’d make a few swaps if I could start again, the trial is going incredibly well.

I'm learning more about what works for me in terms of style and functionality, every day one outfit at a time.