Anyone else trying to thin the herd regarding clothes?

[tmckay2]

Every year it seems I look at my closet and drawers and realize I have too many clothes and rarely wear most of them. And mind you, I'm not a hoarder, I donate clothes every year and am not a "shopper". However, recently I have debated parting from my ultra thrift ways regarding purchasing clothes cheap and investing in fewer, more costly but better and American made (when possible) clothes.

My biggest focus has been finding clothes that fit several categories at once, for example can be worn fairly dressy but still casually or even hiking/Shooting if need be. I've also gone more to layering for warmth so I only need one or two pieces of each layer to switch between. I am getting rid of nearly all my old clothes and starting fresh.

Anyone else have a similar desire/idea? I thought it might be interesting to have a running thread discussing what articles of clothes people have found that might help cut down on the sheer number of clothes that often never get touched. However, if people want to discuss it let's please refrain from having a pissing match about what's too expensive what's too designer or what's to cheap and crap like that.

I'll get it started by pointing out I got a few pairs of triple aught design spartan rs pants and tradecraft shirts one sale which I have used for both dress work attire and for hiking with zero problems. The shirts are also very breathable and stain/odor resistant. I also got two merino wool t shirts of theirs which I have tested lounging in for 3 days without washing, zero smell. The colors can be easily mixed and matched so technically I can get about 9 or 10 different combos out of 6 pieces and they can be worn in several different situations.

I have a few others too ill point out later. Total those cost me $400 due to sales. I don't think that's too bad for the ruggedness and versatility. If anything I would highly recommend the pants, triple stitched, gusseted crotch, durable and not too heavy material.

[tmckay2]

Oh I forgot to mention I picked up a pair of their intercept pd pants as well (jeans). As a rule I've never spent more than 30 bucks on jeans so these I got for $90 which I thought was ridiculous, but wow, they are nice. Triple stitched, reinforced pockets including ones you could even cc with but look very classy and very flexible for moving around. I don't buy into "grayman" stuff too much but must admit these are nice jeans that I would feel very comfortable running and climbing it but also wearing to a semi dress party.

[ray1970]

Too many outfits?

We're deducting points from your man card.

[Great-Kazoo]

Outside of pants i've cut back the amount of socks purchased ;)

[gnihcraes]

Fortunately I can live simple on clothes. Work only requires jeans and a collar shirt. Polo or dress shirt. Everyone else must dress business casual or better.

Wranglers, shirts and t-shirts get me by for the most part. I splurge a bit on socks, and other items to make my pain as bearable as possible. (medical issues) New batteries for the mobility scooter appear to be my expense.

A couple of suits for the job interviews or required look for the company holiday party.

But yes, I do need to purge though and get rid of some older items - especially after a few clothing christmas gifts.

[JohnnyEgo]

Outside of pants i've cut back the amount of socks purchased ;)
I heard you get double the life out of them.
Also, much easier to do laundry.

[Jamnanc]

Outside of pants i've cut back the amount of socks purchased ;)
I have a bunch of socks with no matches if that helps Jim.

[mtnrider]

I feel your pain. I need to thin out my clothing for sure. I don't know what or how it happened but I have become a clothes whore. My closet is overflowing. Hate to say it but even buying high end stuff didn't stop me from buying more.
Part of my issue was weight gain/loss over the past 10 years. Kept having to buy different sizes then didn't want to get rid of what I had. Then I travel a lot so I would buy clothes appropriate for that climate/county etc.

I donate a lot of it but still have way to much. I feel I just need to clean house and start over again.

.

[TheGrey]

Yes! I just reassessed my closet and put a bunch of stuff I hadn't won in a year in the donate bag, and I also went through items needing to be mended or have buttons re-sewn, etc.

I could truly pare down even more. I tend to shop at the thrift stores because I may find high-quality stuff, but much of what I have is lightweight, cheaply-made crap. :/

There are a couple of trends right now: The "Capsule" wardrobe, which pares your wardrobe down to 37 items, and the KonMari method, which has you consider each piece of clothing to see if you REALLY need it.

The Capsule method means each piece must work with each other, so neutral colors, styles, etc. are best. This doesn't take into account specific uses for clothes, such as hunting/fishing, construction, seasonal clothes and so on, but the basic principles could still apply.

The KonMari method takes much more time, but forces you to assess each item in your wardrobe to see if it "brings joy" and proves as useful as you'd hoped. If it doesn't, it goes to be donated.

[Gman]

Outside of pants i've cut back the amount of socks purchased ;)
I am unwilling to make that kind of commitment at this point in time. [hahhah-no]

[Irving]

Funny timing. I was going through my closet and the coat closet filing bags with stuff I haven't worn in at least a year. Now that I don't work in an office, I Hanne a bunch of office casual stuff that just sits. I LIKE to wear nice clothes, but I so very rarely do these days that when I go to try something on, I relent why I never wear it. I've already purged the closet a few times, but I think I'll do a serious pair down later this week. I find that I have more clothes sitting to the side that I use for working under the car or remodeling my house than I do regular clothes, but even those I could get away with one or two pants and shirts instead of five.

There is a bigger issue with this discussion as far as freeing yourself from the burden of possessions, but that's for another topic.

[Great-Kazoo]

I heard you get double the life out of them.
Also, much easier to do laundry.


I have a bunch of socks with no matches if that helps Jim.


I am unwilling to make that kind of commitment at this point in time. [hahhah-no]

Slightly OT

Throw some stuff in the laundry while back east. My sister is taking care of it for me when I hear. SON OF A BITCH you've got to be kidding me.
What's wrong I ask.
I can't find your other sock.....
Ummm you forget I only have 1 leg. [LOL] that got everyone laughing.

[NFATrustGuy]

Slightly OT

Throw some stuff in the laundry while back east. My sister is taking care of it for me when I hear. SON OF A BITCH you've got to be kidding me.
What's wrong I ask.
I can't find your other sock.....
Ummm you forget I only have 1 leg. [LOL] that got everyone laughing.


We should all start sending Kazoo our orphan socks whenever we lose one... He'll never have to buy socks again!

[funkymonkey1111]

I don't have any of the triple aught ones, but i love my Ibex merino base layers. Light, warm, and don't stink like capilene. I can't imagine wearing any sort of poly-pro ever again

[Great-Kazoo]

We should all start sending Kazoo our orphan socks whenever we lose one... He'll never have to buy socks again!

Mine go to vets

[Grant H.]

Clothes that aren't for work are easy to maintain a small, but useful set.

Clothes for work are expensive (FR, so companies like Carhartt hook us for $90/pr of pants, and $80-120/shirt) and I have a LOT of them. Due to this, I keep a small collection in the closet, but 90% of them hang in the garage.

[buffalobo]

We should all start sending Kazoo our orphan socks whenever we lose one... He'll never have to buy socks again!

[AR15]


Mine go to vets

Kinda mean sending the vets orphaned socks.[Coffee]

[wctriumph]

Wranglers and t-shirts. I buy two pair of jeans per year for dress up occasions and the t-shirts are usually free from brand manufacturers and vendors. I do buy briefs and socks every year. Tennis shoes every two years and work boots every four years as needed. Dress shirts I rarely wear and some of them I have had for twenty years are still in style (?). Since I have been going to the gym and have lost weight (322 down to 275) my Dockers and suits (ugh) now fit again.

The issue is my wife. She complains that there is not enough room in the closet (safe lives there) for what she has, says I need to get ride of some of my old clothes to make room for hers. In all fairness I do take up half of the available closet space but she has three dressers to my one. I have a wallet and she has three purses that vary on where we go.

What I need is a better paying job so I can get a bigger home and give her a room for a closet. Then I can get another safe for the bedroom closet and not have to hear about it.

[StagLefty]

I have found that the fewer clothes I have the fewer solicitors knock on my door [Shock]

[Jonsey]

I did this last year, and liked it. I never had to wonder what to wear, but I did wear things out quicker. It's nice and I intend to try to maintain this habit. I did try to buy a few items that were more expensive than what I usually wear. For me, I have tiny feet, so I actually bought nice shoes that are my own size. I wore only one pair of shoes for three years except for a few special occasions. I really like having clothes that are a little nicer and actually fit me. Uh..I guess I started with the shoes before last year.

[blacklabel]

After losing 90lbs I've had to completely repurchase an almost entirely new wardrobe. I've been much more selective in what I buy, will actually wear versus just buying items because I like them.

[tmckay2]

Too many outfits?

We're deducting points from your man card.

No, it's more over the years people have gifted things, work clothes don't really work as every day clothes, every day clothes can't really be used outdoors to hike or camp or shoot due to not being very sturdy. It seems like I've gone most my life having clothes for particular purposes and trying to buy stuff cheap (thus cheaply made usually) and end up burning through clothes and not having much universality to it.

[tmckay2]

Yes! I just reassessed my closet and put a bunch of stuff I hadn't won in a year in the donate bag, and I also went through items needing to be mended or have buttons re-sewn, etc.

I could truly pare down even more. I tend to shop at the thrift stores because I may find high-quality stuff, but much of what I have is lightweight, cheaply-made crap. :/

There are a couple of trends right now: The "Capsule" wardrobe, which pares your wardrobe down to 37 items, and the KonMari method, which has you consider each piece of clothing to see if you REALLY need it.

The Capsule method means each piece must work with each other, so neutral colors, styles, etc. are best. This doesn't take into account specific uses for clothes, such as hunting/fishing, construction, seasonal clothes and so on, but the basic principles could still apply.

The KonMari method takes much more time, but forces you to assess each item in your wardrobe to see if it "brings joy" and proves as useful as you'd hoped. If it doesn't, it goes to be donated.

The capsule is more what I have been doing. Earth tones and blacks, grays and whites that can be paired with nearly anything so you can wear the same pieces two days in a row but different combination

[tmckay2]

I did this last year, and liked it. I never had to wonder what to wear, but I did wear things out quicker. It's nice and I intend to try to maintain this habit. I did try to buy a few items that were more expensive than what I usually wear. For me, I have tiny feet, so I actually bought nice shoes that are my own size. I wore only one pair of shoes for three years except for a few special occasions. I really like having clothes that are a little nicer and actually fit me. Uh..I guess I started with the shoes before last year.



Yeah I really want to try buying well made clothes (not necessarily just expensive but better made) and cut down on the number of stuff. Shoes is another one I've always gone cheap on and just need to buy some decent ones that will hopefully last.

[Fentonite]

Yeah I really want to try buying well made clothes (not necessarily just expensive but better made) and cut down on the number of stuff. Shoes is another one I've always gone cheap on and just need to buy some decent ones that will hopefully last.

Agreed - I don't go cheap on footwear . The soles on my winter boots cracked open during the last big snow, leaving my foot cold and wet. I was pissed at first, then I realized I'd owned them for 21 years, and really put some hard miles on them. Now I can't find any that I expect to last as long, regardless of price.

ETA: crap. After posting this, it donned on me that I may not have 21 years left on this side of the soil. Maybe I should buy some cheap boots!

[Irving]

Whites and Nicks will make you boots that last a long time.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Socks are probable my most OCD clothing item. Darn Tough and no other I road all summer last year with only 3 pairs and they are still in great shape. Plus they are guaranteed!

[zteknik]

Lol! This is one department I do not have to worry about. Being a dealer mechanic I have uniforms supplied which is most of my wardrobe asides from a few pairs of jeans and some of my old army uniforms.
Now my daughter on the other hand has a closet full that she doesn't even know exists...

[hatidua]

Whites and Nicks will make you boots that last a long time.

-as will Limmer.

[Not_A_Llama]

I work in a financial professional environment, but still like to walk long distances with guns in different weather. This shit can get out of hand, fast.

Key for me is as TheGrey wrote about:
Capsule: Non-fashionable essentials, largely compatible, with seasonal variation.
KonMari: You probably have too much shit. Does an item bring you joy? If it's kind of a "blah" piece, get rid of it. Don't buy shit you don't love.

Let's add in Bruce Lee: "It's not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential."

I like to sit down and think about it as if my house burnt down and I had to redo things. You can also do it as a forced evacuation in your head.

How many t-shirts does a man need? How many dress shirts? How many jeans, BDU pants, undergarments, etc.

I define that I need and should reasonably have five t-shirts, seven dress shirts, four pairs of dress pants, two pairs of jeans, etc... Anything more is unnecessary.

Pretend like you're outfitting for an expedition. Purchase and cull accordingly.

[Irving]

The above probably makes packing for trips and laundry that much more simple as well. I might empty my closet right now.

[Dave_L]

I don't spend a lot of money on clothes. I don't spend a lot of money on anything that is "trendy". Electronics, clothes, etc. It's all meh to me. I wait til things are on sale and stock up. Got dress/casual pants for $20/each, Lucky brand jeans for $30/each, etc.

I do have some nicer dress clothes but I think everyone should have that for special occassions. However, my "daily" clothes are nothing fancy....and I like it that way. Heck, my hats are the $10/each plain flex fit hats from Amazon.

[spqrzilla]

Well, discussing the contents of your closet .... that's perilously close to a Man-Card termination offense in my opinion. Not going to get me to do it.

[tmckay2]

Well, discussing the contents of your closet .... that's perilously close to a Man-Card termination offense in my opinion. Not going to get me to do it.

What is it with everyone and man cards? Jeez, people are highly uncomfortable with their masculinity around here. Men own clothes too, not sure why the subject should be taboo, especially when talking about going minimal.

I don't even own THAT many. Clothes has never been a big thing for me, but as someone who doesn't throw stuff out and someone that always just buys when somrthing is cheap, it has accumulated over time. As stated above by another poster, I'm talking about getting it down to 5 or 6 pairs of pants and maybe 10 to 12 shirts of varying length, warmth, layering ability, etc.

[CS1983]

*snip*

I like to sit down and think about it as if my house burnt down and I had to redo things. You can also do it as a forced evacuation in your head.
*snip*


That's actually a darn good thought exercise. Perhaps a slight bit too utilitarian when it comes to items which may have a nostalgic value, but otherwise a solid method.

[Not_A_Llama]

Well, and that's where the KonMari method comes into play. I tended to be a little too sentimental about too many things; cutting it down to shit that "brings joy" is a sufficiently high bar that I end up with a "reasonable" amount.

I also tend to take pictures of things of purely sentimental value, and print out a poster of them. Childhood toys, travel souvenirs, things like that. I still get to remember them, but don't have them cluttering my house, and don't need to worry about losing them or having them degrade. Humans are highly visual, so it's like 95% of the effect.

[Irving]

Well, and that's where the KonMari method comes into play. I tended to be a little too sentimental about too many things; cutting it down to shit that "brings joy" is a sufficiently high bar that I end up with a "reasonable" amount.

I also tend to take pictures of things of purely sentimental value, and print out a poster of them. Childhood toys, travel souvenirs, things like that. I still get to remember them, but don't have them cluttering my house, and don't need to worry about losing them or having them degrade. Humans are highly visual, so it's like 95% of the effect.

I just heard about taking pictures of items of sentimental value on one of the early retirement blog podcasts the other day. Coincidence?

I dug through my closet and dresser today during a break. These five bags went to the thrift store.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0CCcxGCb1V7Ipqh5lXkucue-CBfRDEYMwiWk6WuSNDp_PLJlvmJEvsYOrngdNJ7IPPMp8e0Lzr KslT0gxgXiXSSRfRaT07lpBnxNCXOxibPHDx8F5GBs8yzmCmHU H0kKy1yE7wJuWRm5kijC_IdG4_lt6dxYxal308qU_eIkQiDw94 YfPc2uqJXqtpAgZUn22zn_2O8K00Dp_V0N2Au8lemIPOIvOJzr 0MQdfrw4JW3EnjP80c4_YkmqY8xvvHmPABU3nfVUsuOMWqZA6q tF5QWCo7qAeWAqxQT0yWou3kOzOZCOVoHzQkgvdNXfkkRlZLT1 N0gS0jLsjRK95wNVrywh4EbN7Pq9ktYs6DpqaHnhM9iJNRAoop imILjsgefTSaDkmz8yYhn7wCCfQ8Fr1YsUlbTbZIHssrA1v78w uVXWN3p4hFgV_AYSU5_DbnjLZeVTRPp7IBujgq7cLDCTdl7KCM VZLfxTFXNtumTWsO7fPxuiNQxs2C-1T_PEqWYzYBCV_vUFGYYpT02-7KpBmU0MoTqDEgENFY_JWd2jDMbS_AGrhEw4GCguIyOiUukttF brHVaR_fSQwsVQgdeQbNjnJ2vh_B_EvqCMLBQ0f5IuyoJifZMe Vg-YpD-CqarEvwCJ_K1xlzPld_jGWCDvFhK7-9xCvPtSIO9hXykxMxI=w1689-h950-no

I initially had more, but I decided to take everything that was still in great condition and list it on Nextdoor at "thrift store" prices of $3/ea (including hanger). People try to sell stuff at near retail on Nextdoor all the time and I never see it move. Since I was prepared to give it all away anyway, I figured I'd post it all up at near "give away" prices and not insult my neighbors at the same time. We'll see if I can move anything.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vMOZxczdMnknLKc4KqBgwhFYF96CqBXF6dT9KjcyTI0t7Fbbsm WgshLmy0NYINyi0uIkj4ehHbf60GgtyH2tF5IC_4YPiFwCNp1x OW9QPj72sVS9sRL5-6VS8x_0IpDXXdHt_8eJsltz9vEVFfBg4lzzGTw093Du6TmQED6 ntLKEaP23aOHbjC_2LwqzBLLMMz6dkvP8W9YaNRrEPJzCOinUc XVgmyWBP05PFngoEeM25I1lohND18FtIWEHqXbdX9_3m41yhZb P6Xotssy7gXJmjtaL4YySHPH49X_6ntb7SZAdQR6sENuLppYer T0ocBbPpZA7jnpr7ap4jfif16OzkQejgrIzTDfp2uYX-rqvQfYZZYtMzHpucIzcCNJmQU2hP5kBOmcWWlJctJ5rkf4D3Vr QbvD1IQaLuXmNOct6ro584h-tyurNWyiWoD_nkhWovvrsTgiAMumYstdXMCjTSK-i00DJ-E2EXpwCh3Vcgso-Mkc9QpE8qP34IezCGXkws4YYpW9WpRBsiDE-uUjYRt851KKG40QVOaeFYnO1V_tDFkojIWxWE2S6NuY8S-7YsuCukFRzoE8kGMKQB76ug4EoYBMeKOir_VFrzklcfCJYAPE5 swWLCjPVPAxqPH0vIlA3DFXX6Pq3SOfnDGR4ZZlNATH2mFNTBc xOwsA=w1689-h950-no

[Not_A_Llama]

I sure didn't invent the idea, and I know we read similar stuff.

Nice haul.