Photo by: Rachel Claire (Pexels)
The statistic that says we only wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time seems pretty accurate to me. I tend to wear the same things on repeat. We let clothes hang in our closet for years without ever wearing them or often save them for a “special occasion.” The psychology behind it is fascinating.
Americans love buying stuff even when they don’t need it! Emotional spending, advertising exposure, and the pressure of keeping up with a certain status are all reasons people continue to buy items. Most things we purchase aren’t necessities. We have cabinets, closets, and bins full of belongings. Some individuals even rent storage units or install custom storage solutions in their homes.
I went into my closet recently and counted 17 pairs of jeans. I do a lot of thrifting and only paid $5-$13 for most of them. The reality is, nobody needs that many jeans even if they are a brand name and inexpensive. I immediately placed 4 of them in the donation box. This is just one example of how we’re living in excess within our closet.
There’s a funny meme that says “Why do we buy new clothes to go out of town? Those people haven’t even seen our old clothes yet.” I used to spend $300+ dollars before I went on vacation and it literally made no sense. Luckily, I have no desire to stuff my closet, although I still need to get rid of more. It’s definitely a work in progress, but it’s definitely one of my goals.
People think they need bigger homes because they’re out of space, but that isn’t the real issue. Possessing too many belongings is the culprit. I have trouble getting rid of things because I know the items are “worth” a certain amount of money or I might need it in the future. This “living in fear” tactic of what you “might need in the future” is silly.
A closet full of clothes is a safety net for some. Our possessions become personal and part of who we are. I would much rather have a closet that includes less, but items I love. Here are some benefits of reducing your wardrobe:
*less decision fatigue
*saves time (less to sort through)
*freedom to own nicer clothes
*freedom to refresh your look more often
*more sustainable (less waste)
*increases style clarity
*more organized (aesthetically appealing closet)
So how many clothes should we have? I think it depends on your lifestyle. I work from home two days a week and the dress code is casual. I’m also at my kids’ games often so I dress in sweats or leggings on a regular basis. I may attend an occasional dinner or event once a quarter. I have no reason to acquire boatloads of outfits (or 17 pairs of jeans!) My schedule doesn’t warrant this concept.
To keep your wardrobe in check, think about quality over quantity. You can set a monthly spending limit on purchases. Avoid garments that require dry cleaning or hand washing. Also, skip the clothes that require specialty undergarments.
I don’t believe that less clothes equal less laundry. You still wear the same number of outfits each week based on your schedule. I personally like the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but I don’t want to limit myself to a certain color palette so I’m trying to downsize but still have color variety.
My goal is to spend money on experiences instead of tangible items. Owning too many objects slows you down. Decluttering is liberating and I don’t even miss anything that I’ve donated! I rarely think about those items again. Your homework is to grab a bag or box and fill it up with clothes that are damaged, don’t fit, you haven’t worn in a year, or ones you don’t love. Do this once a week and apply this concept to other areas of your dwelling.
I enjoy the thought of living a minimal lifestyle (closet and house.) Learning to live with less isn’t meant to deprive oneself. By letting go of excess, we gain clarity and freedom. Less clutter or fewer clothes can lead to a life that feels more intentional and fulfilling. Good luck!
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