To think people don't really replace their whole wardrobe each season.

[LoveAScaryTaleMe]

This morning on breakfast news they were asking people how often they replaced their wardrobe. Loads of people said that they had no clothes older than a year. Really? I do buy a few new items each season but I don't throw last season's away. Can people really afford to do this? Some of my clothes are years old.

I don’t believe that either. I tend to buy new Winter boots and a couple of new jumpers each Autumn but I wear the same coat and a lot of older clothes too. When I see new things in the shops I do get tempted to splurge but I have to reign it in for cost reasons.

YANBU. What a waste!

I buy maybe 5 new things a year?! And the rest is really old...my size/taste hasn’t changed much at all in the last decade so I just don’t have the need. I suppose it depends what interests you too - I don’t really care much about clothes as long as they fit and I think they look nice. Maybe younger people do this more?

I call absolute bullshit that loads of people actually have no clothes over a year old, they might have said it but that doesn't make it true!

I think 99% of this country would have items that are years, sometimes even decades old, even cheap clothes last a long time if they are looked after properly.

Problem is a lot of clothes and shoes don’t last
I tend to buy Work wear from Tesco in the sale and it’s reasonably durable but more heavy duty things like trousers I would buy from M&S as I probably would only get a year out of some of their stuff

My casual out of work things usually last a lot longer

I think that’s nonsense. I’ve got several things that are 15 years old (well, and a ball gown of my granny’s that’s 68 years old, and a 1930s liberty silk dress, but they’re not worn very often), my winter coat is on its 6th year and so are my boots.

I pretend it’s a responsible choice and not laziness

fringeassociation.com/slow-fashion-october/

I don't think most people do and found it a bit condescending using Primark as an example when a lot of people shop there precisely because it means they can afford to buy an actual wardrobe of clothes within their budget.

I definitely don't.

I have tops that I've had for at least 3 years (from Primark of all places as well). My summer and winter wardrobes don't really change - I just add/remove layers, swap boots for sandals, etc

I expect many of the incredibly wealthy replace their wardrobes every 'season' just retaining the statement pieces that get archived.

Everyone else, not so much!

I don't know anyone who does that

I have a few friends who buy clothes A Lot but they still have plenty of things that are several years old

A very small percentage of the clothes I own are less than 12 months old!

Nope, I don't do it! I could probably afford to if I wanted but it's not a priority for me. I just buy bits and bobs throughout the year when I need them.

I think it's crap too. I replace things like leggings and cheap t shirts that have bern worn to death, but I have boots/shoes/coats/jeans etc that are years old. My dh has some shirts which are older than our oldest child, who is in their 20s.

In my teens/twenties I spent a vast proportion of my wage on clothes. I’m in my 40s now and I just buy something when it’s needed. And it’s usually something off the rail in Sainsbury’s or Tesco. My winter wardrobe consists of fleeces or cardigans worn over my summer wardrobe of T-shirt’s and vest tops.. 😂

Shocking waste if anyone actually does that.

I suppose it might depend where you shop. Would a Primark cardigan last more than a year or two? If the whole wardrobe is from there then it might well be replaced annually.

Depends how much you take care of things too. I’m obsessive about looking after clothes and have a pair of gym leggings that are 14 next year.

Problem is a lot of clothes and shoes don’t last

I would suggest that this is also pretty untrue for most people. For a painter or decorator maybe but for most jobs I would imagine clothes would last probably 5+ years. The fact you wear them more shouldn't mean they don't last as long as you wash and dry them properly.

I think the younger people who buy "trendy" clothes probably do buy more clothes, and buy cheap clothes because they know in a year's time they will look ridiculous in, say, a cold shoulder top. This would be Primark's demographic.

As we get older, we tend to buy more expensive, classic clothing that does not go out of style and lasts for years. Instead of 10 cheap tops, one high quality cashmere sweater that we take good care of. One expensive, well cut coat in pure wool that can be dressed up or down.

At least that is how it has worked out for me.

Would a Primark cardigan last more than a year or two? If the whole wardrobe is from there then it might well be replaced annually.

Of course a wardrobe full of Primark clothes wouldn't need replacing after just one year! If you look after clothes they should last regardless of where they were brought. The fact a cardigan came from Primark rather than some top end boutique doesn't mean it is going to start to disintegrate after just a few washes. Not all people can or ever will be able to afford to buy an expensive item of clothing and a £5 black cardigan is just as much a wardrobe staple than one that cost £50.

Thank guys. I was worried that it was just me that wears clothes from 4/5 years ago (maybe older) Obviously I throw things out if they are damaged and I do take stuff to charity shops if I have gone off them but I would nevet replace them just beause they are last year's.

I have a pair of trousers from 1998 that I still wear 😳 They were only £20 from Topshop!

No, I absolutely don’t replace my wardrobe every year. I can’t afford the luxury of doing that. Maybe a few items each season but that’s it (and they’re usually from supermarkets/H&M so not pricey).

I replace things when they wear out.
I use exactly the same Work-wear year-in year-out (black trousers, socks, shoes and a shirt or blouse).
Leisure clothes are t-shirts and walking trousers, again no fashion change because I wear what is comfortable. If it's fashionable then that is a coincidence!
I think I am unusual in this.

Last winter I had to bin a jacket that I got with my first ever wage packet from my mums Kay's catalogue which I'd had 24 YEARS! With the exception of the zip going discoloured and of course the hole that appeared under the armpit it was immaculate! It was Katherine Hammnet and was a fabric biker style, just gorgeous.

Can I find similar now? Nope.

I was thinking more of a nice piece of cashmere around the £300-400 mark. I have no idea how long a Primark cardigan would last not one that costs £50 but high end clothes can last a lifetime with proper care and I highly doubt you could say that with a £5 cardigan worn regularly and washed regularly for a few years on the trot.

I have a skirt that is 30 years old that I still wear. I did pay £100 for it, but it's quality.

I have a coat (by the same designer as the skirt) that my Grandma gave me and it's about 65 years old. It's beautiful and very wearable.

I don't know anyone who replaces their clothes every year. I buy a few new work tops and a couple of 'going' out outfits each year.