AIBU to think we all have too many clothes?

[OceanAvenue]

I’ve come back from my holiday and done the laundry and vacuumed packed my summer clothes. I wouldn’t say I buy clothes that often but I’ve brought out my winter stuff and I am OVERWHELMED by the amount of things I own and I don’t even like most of it!!

Any advice on how to streamline this?

How many types of each is acceptable ? I have about 20 black tops !!!!

Same. I have some lovely clothes. But CBA…

I know. I’ve done a weed through some of my stuff and have been quite ruthless. Think about a couple of charity bags at least so far and need to do more!

I dont have too many clothes. I dont have enough.

This stems from growing up so poor as kids that I wore 4th time hand me downs. Now I have money I can hear my mams voice telling me not to waste money so I dont spend it on myself.

So maybe if you have too many and I dont have enough, combined we balance out the universe and you can keep what you have?

I put all my heavier jumpers and Autumn coloured clothes in the wardrobe in my spare room during summer. I tend to wear brighter things for summer that look odd worn in winter.

Agree with buying less but better quality. I recommend reading this https://www.waterstones.com/book/less/patrick-grant//9780008663971?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaignid=626889&awc=37871789857415a504c2db9c4440671fc736eaec168e33&utmsource=626889&utmmedium=affiliate&utmcampaign=adstrong

I don't have too many clothes. We don't all. Stop buying clothes unless you actually need them.

Brighter things brighten up grey winter days though!

I haven’t got too many clothes but I’ve had a ‘one in, one out’ policy for years.

I don’t. I live in fleece fluffy thick leggings and fleece body con tops in the winter. They don’t last for a second year. I have summer clothes, some items I have years but I don’t have loads. I declutter regularly.

For me, I find it easy to be ruthless about chucking things out that I don’t like now because I’ve bought lots of things I really do like on Vinted over the past few years. And I don’t even resell on Vinted, I take stuff to the charity shop. So for example I now have several winter jumpers in colours I like and the right shape to go with other things. If I realise that one I’ve just bought or one that I’ve had for years doesn’t quite work, I’ll charity shop it. I don’t worry about whether I might miss it in future as I’m confident I’ll be able to buy something else I like better for maybe £8 all in. So I don’t need to feel guilty about wasting money, or about the environment as it’s second hand.

Also I like to think that the clothes that have sat in my wardrobe for years unworn will go to someone who can use and appreciate them, that’s another way in which getting rid of clothes can be a feel-good activity. And it you have the patience for reselling you can even get money for them!

I guess it depends what you wear in the summer. I don’t wear many shorts but the ones I have are linen, which wouldn’t work for exercise shorts (plus I own actual exercise shorts). Otherwise it’s linen maxi dresses, or cotton mini/midi dresses with thin straps etc.
Anyway I don’t own many clothes. I lost 4 stone about 3 years ago and had to get rid of all my old stuff, and have only really replaced with the minimum since.

I don’t have enough clothes, I just don’t go shopping anymore, and I hate ordering to send back.

I decided I think in 2022 to try to go to retirement (next year) only buying new underwear and no new outer clothing. Not quite achieved it, have bought I think one summer jacket when the old one was threadbare almost, and two pairs of jeans since.

Reducing the clothes you have can be done by most people I expect.

I agree and I have nowhere near as many clothes as many of my friends. In fact I would say I have 1/3 to 1/2 of theirs.

That said, I just don't get to wear them. I have a leather jacket I have never worn, I have about 5 summer dresses, but only wear 2 of them, and I know I have winter dresses that I didn't get out last year.

I am either in my work attire, or in my gym gear or rarely going out. I just don't get to wear them.

One in one out policy! Whenever you buy something an old thing has to go( vinted/ charity)

I had a lot of clothes. I haven’t been shopping properly since 2021. The children always need something. I need a whole new wardrobe. I loved having lots of choice. I need to find that interest again. Comfy clothes are hard to get out of once you’re in a rut.

When you are not stock size ie 6 feet tall with 34 inch inside legs, you buy what fits in every colour! Same with footwear...I'm size 10.
I cull my wardrobe regularly and know exactly what I have. Everything except knitwear is on hangers. I don't wear dresses or skirts. Anything I haven't worn that season goes to charity ( or sold on tall FB selling group.
I am late 60s so have no formal clothing....lots of wide leg trousers and trainers.

I love clothes and would happily buy and buy and buy. However, I swap my clothes twice a year, winter/summer and put everything I don't/won't wear on vinted. Vacuum pack what's left and out of season.

Why do you need a podcast? You said you don’t like much of the stuff, so just get rid of that!

A family member recently started living on a houseboat and it is quite amazing how little you really do actually need.

So your goal is to start wearing uncomfy clothes??

I put away summer clothes (by which I mean I move them to a wardrobe in a spare room). I’ve just done it - shorts, dresses, vests, lightweight trousers, sandals. All things that won’t get worn here in the winter.

I don’t have winter or summer stuff separated (due to nowhere else to put than in my drawers) as it is all in my bedroom so probably looks like a lot. I do occasionally have a clear out and if I don’t love something and wouldn’t buy it again tomorrow, then I put to one side. If nothing in this side pile gets worn in a month or so it goes to charity. I also adopt a one in one our policy.