How long before you need to buy new clothes?

[Imnotarestaurant]

Standing in front of my wardrobe earlier, moaning that I’ve got nothing to wear, but realistically I think I could go a good few years without needing to buy anything.

How long could you go without buying new clothes?

Clothes for home and school run, probably 15 years. Clothes for work, probably 2 years. I find everything bubbles and washes out which is fine for the house but doesn't look smart.

I could go a fair while, but have recently taken 3/4 or more of my wardrobe to the charity shop as I had clothes for 'my old life/ a life I don't lead' they were pretty pleased

Theoretically I probably have enough clothes to last the rest of my life (and I'm only in my 30s!). Realistically though, your lifestyle and body shape changes throughout your life (even if you manage to stay the same dress size) and you won't want to wear the same things in each decade of your life.

I try to buy high quality, classic clothes, but still find that most items have a lifespan of about 5 years before I no longer want to wear them.

I wear some clothes that are 15 years old

2 years, I have loads of everything apart from bras.

I've not bought anything for ten ;years, my daughter has raided my wardrobe. So this year I've finally started.

I like this as a challenge. I think I could make it to 2030. Maybe I should try. Anyone want to join me?

I needed to buy some new clothes in 2021, everything I had was 15+ years old and looked it.

Since then, I've bought shedloads of clothes I don't need and have no intention of stopping! After such a long drought, I'm still delighted by getting things just because I like them. Clothing's about more than its basic function, after all.

Depends what it’s for. I have a vest top from when I was 14 that I still wear-I’m 41 now. No I’m not still a s skinny as I was when I was 14-it’s got some give to it and it’s really good quality. I also have a pair of jeans that I’ve had since about 2002.
Whereas I’ve had other clothes that haven’t lasted more than 2 or 3 years and needed replacing.
My style hasn’t really changed in years. I still wear flared jeans like I did when I was 16, so for me, if it ain’t broke……

I could go for several years, even though many of my clothes are already old.

I have resolved not to buy anything in 2025, except possibly a couple of bras if I don't buy them before the end of this year. Also a specialist garment/piece of equipment I need for an outdoor activity I regularly do. Other than that I won't need anything until we'll into 2026 or even beyond.

I'm not sure when I actually need stuff but I like getting new clothes now and then to freshen up. I have items that are many years old and I like my clothes to last. I started using Vinted about a year ago and I now have a lovely selection of clothes! I feel less guilty buying more clothes I don't need when they're second hand, cheap and sustainable.

I find you need to buy half a dozen items a year to keep your wardrobe looking fresh. Skirt lengths change, trouser legs change, t shirt/jumper shapes change. So I don't need anything from a volume point of view but I do to keep my look up to date.

Probably a couple of years plus, subject to weight loss (hopefully), or weight gain (more likely). Saying that, I do have a bag of next-size-down trousers in the loft, so maybe I’ll be fine.

No spend challenge in 2025 here I come! (Must not renew next delivery pass…)

I buy a few things each year, mostly from the charity shop, but I have some items over 20 years old. I don't tend to part with things until they fall apart

Can we be no clothes buying in 2025 friends? I am the same as you, have loads of clothes for the next 2 years but need a few more bras, I will buy these online as I'm a D cup and hate underwire.There needs to be a clause that says it's ok to receive clothes as gifts, my MIL buys me clothes for my birthday and SIL gives me a few things she doesn't want anymore.

I'm 45. If i don't significantly change weight/shape as I go through menopause, realistically the clothes, boots and shoes I have could last the next 20+ years of my life with only a few minor additions like underwear, socks, tights etc.
Which is a sobering thought re: just how much I have. 😬

I decided I would try not to buy any new clothes in 2024. I thought I’d last until spring. But I’ve managed all year apart from socks and undies. I did buy some stuff at jumble sales so I have replaced worn out round the house clothes.
I think I can probably go most of 2025 without buying stuff

My clothes wear out and look scruffy

As a result of this thread, I have deleted my ‘auto renewal’ for Next, and plan a no-spend year, apart from essentials, eg, trainers are wearing out /attacked by dog, and if I have any weddings etc to go to (nothing on cards yet) etc. I have enough tops, trousers etc to last.

This year, I've bought long boots because my last pair split in March.

I've bought one new wool/cotton top for work. Most of my shirts are old and I need another pair of work trousers but they can wait until next year if I can't find any I like.

I bought an evening dress, but it was essential. I've had a mastectomy and all my other evening dresses showed cleavage which I can't do any more. Anyone want a selection of evening dresses, size ten, with low necks? 😩

I want another sweater but Celtic and Co have sold out of the one I like.

The next things I will need are summer clothes, a bikini, some new cotton tops and dresses.

I'm gradually building a new signature style. 🤗

Forever! I need a 12 step program for my Vinted addiction

I suspect I wouldn't really 'need' to buy new clothes until such time as I get a job that requires me to dress more formally. I can and do dress casually (jeans and tshirt) almost every day now. I'd need more formal clothes if I had to dress formally more.

As for other needs... I'd say I need new trainers (mine have a hole in them) so if you're counting shoes, until the spring! I'm also down on multiple pairs of underwear compared to this time last year, so eventually I'll need to buy some more too.

In terms of deciding whether one item fewer in category X needs replacing - I don't have set numbers of anything. If I see something that fits my requirements, I might buy it, because I'm not certain of easily being able to find similar things again. A lot of items are unsuitable for an variety of reasons.

I never think that I've got nothing to wear, though! I don't tend to discard clothes, but keep them until they're either generally unwearable or don't fit me well anymore.

I have nearly enough clothes for the rest of my life, I think I’d only actually need to buy new coats, boots, sandals, trousers, underwear and tights.
I am 55 and seem to have settled at my in-between weight.

What a great thread. I'm literally just sorting out my wardrobe and wondering the same.

I could probably make what I've got last until the end if my life which is feasibly in the next 30-40 years. Especially if I think that my work clothes only have to last another 17 years.

Really, I ought to get rid of some clothing as I've just realised I'm now out of space. I only buy second hand and try to be quite discerning, but this has tripped me up a bit as I've ended up having some lovely items I'd be sad to part with. Like a PP I have clothes for 'my old life' and 'a life I don't lead' which could go back to the charity shops where I bought them, but as I have DDs who are beginning to take an interest in my wardrobe, it seems a pity.

I’ve been doing a thing called shop your wardrobe which I read about on here. I’ve sorted out all my wardrobe and now approach all my clothes as if they were new and hanging up in a shop. I try and mix and match more and wear them with different accessories, it’s been great fun coming up with new outfits. I’ve put away all my spring and summer stuff and got rid of anything that doesn’t fit so everything in my wardrobe is wearable.
I have worked out I have at least 30 outfits and probably even more than that. I have seven good bottom halves and 14 good top halves plus a few going out outfits. I have one coat and a couple of jackets plus lots of bags.