to think buying no new clothes in 2020 shouldn't be too hard?

[PineappleDanish]

Lots of people seem to be adopting this as their new year's resolution. Not buying any new clothes in 2020. Exception made for things like underwear or tights which really can't be repaired, and which you might not want to buy used.

But no new tops, jeans, dresses, shoes, coats etc. If you have some sort of occasion which you genuinely have nothing suitable for, you borrow from a friend or buy second hand.

Now I don't have an enormous wardrobe, but probably could get through the whole year with what I have already and without buying more. I think all of us have got into the habit of buying new just because it's cheap, or just because we can, or because we don't fancy wearing something we've already got, or it's not the latest fashion, or just because we fancy something new, or because there are apparently some people who can't be seen wearing the same thing more than once on social media.

Obviously with kids it's tricky as they tend to grow. But for adults who have a wardrobe full of stuff already, how hard can it be not to buy more? Or mend things rather than chuck them out?

I am going to try this, but more along the lines of one in, one out. I will only get an item when another one has died.

I should be fine forever with shoes though!

I did this last year, easier than I thought. Just brought underwear and gym stuff new. Will mostly carry on this year, it’s made me re frame my thoughts around clothes shopping.

I am doing it this year, having last done it to runaway success in 2014. No one was more amazed then that me, as I’m a ‘comfort/boredom’ shopper. I also have a gigantic wardrobe and am planning to lose weight this year.

The only way I managed it last time was by NEVER browsing clothes shops, whether online or in person. If I needed tights I went straight to the hosiery department. Otherwise I stayed well clear.

#cantwantwhatyoucantsee

I hope no one's favourite clothes shop goes bankrupt as a result.

My work wardrobe is fairly limited, I wear the same 5/6 things on rotation. If things wear out I'd have to start doing a midweek wash if I didn't replace.

In my experience the people who do the 'no new clothes things' are people who have bought excessively in the past, so have the huge wardrobe to fall back on.

I did this 10 years ago as an experiment. All I brought in 12 months was some knickers, tights and one dress for evenings out.

That the person doing this resolution remains the same size throughout the year or has multiple sizes in their wardrobe to draw upon

Unless planning to diet considerably or are pregnant then the majority of people surely stay the same size. Then they might have multiple sizes in the interim period.

I don’t know anybody that mends clothes anymore. I’d find it hard to go all year but could probably do it if I had fewer choices.

I still mend clothes, I usually wait until I have a few items that need mending and then have a little sewing session.

I’m doing this. I spend way too much on clothes that never get worn again. Kids will get jeans and shirts as they grow, but I have enough.

I did this last year. Had no issues and stayed away from clothes shops as much as I could so I couldn't be tempted.

Crack on! I'm doing a couple of long rambling routes this year so will be stocking up on those lovely stretch vest tops in Primark at the least.

I love the idea of doing this!
But I’ve done back to back pregnancy’s and been fat and frumpy in leggings and baggy tshirts for too long.
I’m going to absolutely rinse my bank account when I lose baby belly. I’m so excited
However - I do plan on buying good, reusable pieces which I can mix and match and will last me, not throwaway fashion which will fade or ruin after a dozen washes.

On the style page there is a “shop your wardrobe” long running thread which is great, love seeing how ppl are putting together their outfits of older pieces (they do buy some new!)

It's just a habit rather than a need imo. Of course people could go for a year without buying new clothes if they wanted to.

In theory I could never eat chocolate again. I don't need it in any way. However I love it!

It's a will power thing to some.

I have 100 hangers in my wardrobe. Everything other than pjs and underwear is hung up. So all t shirts, jeans etc. Seems a lot when you say 100 but it isn't too much when it includes coats, gym wear etc. No summer or winter wardrobe- 100 is the total

I have a 1 in 1 out policy. I cant buy anything unless something goes out. It does really make you think.

I am considering a drop to 80 over the course of the year.

What a fantastic idea. Let’s all stop buying new clothes.

Then we can all enjoy watching many, many businesses close & thousands of people losing their jobs.

But, hey...boasting on MN is it’s own reward, right?

If so many people are doing this, stores will close and then everyone will start moaning about lack of clothes stores and choice. Unemployment will be higher and High Streets will end up derelict.

This is my aim for this year (unless I get any bits for my birthday) My wardrobe is packed so want to make the effort to use it more rather than get distracted by the shops.

I want to do this but it’s very difficult emotionally when you adore clothes and love putting outfits together. When looking good makes you feel good. Practically, of course I don’t need any more clothes but emotionally it’s a different ballgame.
I’m going to try and do this with the aim of saving some cash. I find writing down every new purchase helps

I want to do this but i just bought myself a pair of DM boots which i hope will last years. After that....zilch. i might even sell some clothes as i have a lot.

I’ve done one in one out, to an extent, for years.. I don’t get why it’s difficult. No one needs 12 pairs of jeans that look remarkably similar.

But when it comes to mending things there’s limits, I’ll fix things or make something “distressed” on purpose but I’d seriously grudge £40 for soles on a pair of boots that cost peanuts. I’ve had expensive boots resoled but that’s because the original soles lasted 6 years n could’ve went longer (walking 5 miles or more a day) and the boots were over £100 so £20 for their new bottoms was fine.

I think it is a good idea but I believe people will still keep buying clothes.

I am more mindful of what I buy and keep wearing my clothes

If fast fashion goes out of fashion then jobs will be created elsewhere im sure.

I've been doing this since the 'crash'
I've found myself living on much less money and having wasted spent ludicrous amounts on clothing in the past and wishing I had saved more instead I've been using what I have with minimum expenditure.
Always keep your hair and makeup fresh. Nicely laundered outfits and that's it.

I've been doing this for 4 years once you get into the swing of it it is easy. I buy my favourite jeans secondhand on ebay and only buy what I need - usually socks and knickers and a couple of bras plus charity shop finds.
I treated myself to a new decent pair of boots before christmas after wearing my old ones out after 3 yrs ( they were nearly new from a charity shop ).
Fashion becomes a non thing after a year or so.

A lot of people enjoy shopping and love clothes, me included. I would find it very hard to go 12 months without buying anything even though I don't strictly need any clothes. And I also have clothes that are 10+ yrs old in my wardrobe. As others have said, if everyone did it, the industry would be destroyed and job losses huge.

Personally I think a better solution is to buy quality clothes only and avoid "fast fashion". I try to buy natural fibres as much as possible so that actually cuts out a lot of options.