How long do you keep clothes for? People at work have made feel a bit shit

[TeapotCollection]

Work colleague was talking about her nephew earlier saying he’s started to get a bit mouthy. She said he’s 10 though so I guess it’s fairly normal. I said I’ve got clothes older than him and the 3 of them all looked rather shocked and said they can’t believe I’m wearing stuff that’s so old

Please tell me I’m not the only one

You're not on your own, OP. I have clothes that are 10 or even 20 years old and I wish I'd bought more of them at the time.

Fast fashion really doesn't compare, it's not the same sort of thing. It's cheaper, poorer quality and not designed to last. That said, some fast fashion items clearly do stay the distance if they're looked after.

I like Boden dresses (or used to). They were made in the UK, then sourcing and manufacture moved to Czechoslovakia, then Cambodia and now China. They cost as much as they did made in the UK and the quality is so much worse. I doubt whether the manufacturing country is seeing much of the profit but I just don't agree with the human rights stance so I'm unlikely to buy any more Boden.

I'll always treasure a t-shirt a tattooist gave me when I told him my tattoo was a birthday present. I think it's nearly 24 years old.

I'm wearing a dress that's 26 years old and have lots of old clothes. I have a few 1970s things I wore as a teenager though they aren't really wearable now.
Many people put on weight and can't fit in their old clothes , could that be the reason they don't have old clothes?

Another one here with clothes of 10, 15 and more years duration in her wardrobe. In fact, I have recently taken possession of a couple of bespoke items in Liberty fabrics made for my mum in the late 60's. I'm going to have them altered and wear them, as they're gorgeous.

Second-hand September is coming up - Oxfam do a big campaign each year. Second-hand fashion is good for the environment, good for your bank balance and good for your creativity. Refer your friends to the campaign! the most sustainable garment is the one you already have, but if you must buy something else, go second-hand.

I keep them until I'm too fat for them they're worn out. DH does the same.

Why would you '"feel like shit", though, OP? Is it about being made to feel you're poor or something?

I'm in a 12 year old cardigan right now, shorts must be about the same age

@DoucheCanoe

Until it's wrecked, I don't like it or it doesn't fit.

Yup.

My 12 year old daughter's oldest item of clothing is from 1967. It's another jacket. These things were expensive when bought so have been looked after. I have a pair of boots which are about 20 years old, again expensive when new.

Buy cheap, buy often. Vimes economics.

Oh god, until they wear out or no longer fit, and that's after use in the garden or for DIY. Why would you get rid of something wearable that you (presumably) bought because you liked it??

My good winter overcoat was bought in 1995.

I still have shoes from university! I'm in my 60s! Can't walk in them anymore though.

Today I am wearing a jumper I bought in Etam. I found it in a turn-out of the airing cupboard last week. My boss noticed it and said it was pretty.

For me, unless they are too small, tatty or have been compromised by the dog, clothes are good to wear. Your work colleagues were being snippy and rude. And they didn't say a word until you mentioned it, so they've obviously never noticed! I bet you look fabulous. x

My 17 year old so is wearing clothes older than he is (brought back into active service by him from Dh's set of painting clothes)

I have a leather jacket that's about 25 years old. Your colleagues must be buying poor quality clothes!

Personally I hate that people don't care about the environment enough and throwing clothes after a few uses makes me feel sick to the stomach.Most clothes don't get re used and can end up in landfill there is nothing wrong with old clothes and eBay is great for buying other peoples unwanted clothes.Fashion sucks be ur own person have ur own style don't worry what others think 😬👍

Pffft! The majority of my clothes are vintage, second hand or car boot finds. If it looks good, it's got a place in my wardrobe.

If your colleagues really need putting back in their boxes, just tell them you're anti fast fashion. That should shut them up.

@schoggiweggli

My 17 year old so is wearing clothes older than he is (brought back into active service by him from Dh's set of painting clothes)

Yeah, when I was that age I nicked all kinds of clothes from my parents pre kids days. Often my mates were really jealous as it was cool and unique.

I have lots of tops that I remember buying when I started my current job (7 years ago) that I still wear for work. And a hoodie for running that is 25 years old!

Today I have been wearing a dress I bought in the the 80’s. Wore my sisters castoffs as a teenager as well as Mum’s old scarves and 50’s dresses from my great aunt..Today I’ve worn a dress I think is 20/30 years old.

I wear things til they fall to pieces! I'm a strong believer in make do and mend, and had a sideline as a student in the 90s mending friends' clothes so they didn't chuck them out.

My lovely leather jacket is now 32 years old and will no longer do up over my matronly bosom and I was very upset when the Thomas Pink shirt I bought myself with my first professional pay packet in 1997 frayed so badly round the cuffs after only 15 years that it Had To Go. My DM and I have a running joke about things not being made to last any more, after another 35 year old item finally collapses.

I have clothes older than my eldest DC (15). And many vintage buys that are from the 70s and 80s therefore even older. Quite a few things I bought in the 90s/early 2000s are now considered vintage and desirable. Cheap fast disposable fashion is so last year plus ethically questionable and environmentally damaging. Most of it ends up in landfill.

I think my oldest piece of clothing is probably around 4 years old. I don’t have older things mostly because I have had 2 babies in that period and have gained weight. If I remained the same weight I’d keep them until they were falling apart though. I try to buy higher quality stuff so it lasts longer.

Some of mine are over 20 years old. I have a skirt that I know I bought in 1991.

I have clothes that are older than my 22yr old DS
Me too.
Ds 2 was having a wardrobe clear out and I kept picking tshirts and shirts up and asking why he was throwing it out. He replied because i bought it for him when he was 13 and he is 22 now. It no longer fits him! I did point out that wasnt the point!!!😅😅

Burberry Trench 1984. It is a bit shabby though. Caroline Charles velvet evening coat circa 2006 still.going strong but looking a little "tired"

Apart from that I have many clothes more than 10 years old that I will never wear again because they no longer fit .

On the whole, despite buying what I would regard as "good" clothes, I find that wearing them once a week for work does result in them losing their body.