When I first decided to become minimalist, I can remember looking in my closet and seeing 100, maybe 120 different articles of clothing.
I cut my wardrobe in half to 60 items. But then I discovered Project 333 started by Courtney Carver. After trying it, I cut my closet in half again.
Nowadays, I own about 33 to 35 articles of clothing. Somewhere during that process, I started wearing basically the same thing every day: a V-neck t-shirt, pants, and black shoes.
I have come to love wearing the same thing each day. And I’m not alone. A lot of people are doing the same thing.
Here are some of the reasons why I wear the same thing every day:
1. Fewer decisions. This is by far the most popular reason why people decide to adopt a streamlined capsule wardrobe.
Decision fatigue refers to the deteriorating quality of decisions made by an individual after a long session of decision making. Wearing the same outfit each day removes picking out clothes as a decision to be made.
The truth of the matter is, you have more important decisions to make than what you’re going to wear each morning.
2. Less time and energy wasted. When you wear the same thing every day, you save time deciding what you’re going to wear each morning. And you save significant energy over the course of the week.
Just think about how much time goes into maintaining, and organizing, and taking care of your clothes. Laundry, for example. When you decide to wear the same thing every day, all of that becomes easier. You save time in the morning and energy over the course of a week.
3. Less stress. As a result of fewer decisions and more time, wearing the same thing means you have less stress in the morning.
It also means you experience less stress over the course of the day. I don’t ever have to think about, “Oh man, am I wearing the right thing today? I wish I would’ve worn x instead.” I wear the same thing, and it works perfect for almost every occasion. I love it. You will too.
4. Save money. The average American family spends $2000 a year on clothing—despite already having closets full of clothes.
For some reason, we just keep buying more and more and more. A lot of this expense is wasted on clothes that are never worn—trial and error fashion that ends up wasting time, energy, and money.
5. Feeling put together. Every moment of every day my clothes fit, match, and just so happen to be my favorites. All day long, I feel like I’m wearing something I enjoy and look good wearing.
6. Less waste. The average American throws away 70 pounds of clothing every year. Deciding to wear the same thing is good for the planet, it’s good for you, and it’s good for everyone else as well.
7. An iconic look. Wearing the same thing every day is the quickest way to become famous. You become known for your particular style, you look put together, you look classy, you look comfortable, and you look confident. Because you’re not constantly chasing the newest fashions, you’ll communicate confidence in who you are and how you look.
I love wearing the same thing every day. You will too.
If you’re looking for help to get started on this in your own life, let me suggest: The Minimalist Wardrobe: A Practical Guide to Owning Fewer Clothes.
Adapted from: 6 Reasons I Wear The Same Thing Every Day.
I have wanted sobriety over clothes shopping. Maybe I will really do it and just wear the clothes I already have!!
Curious what brand of t-shirt Joshua wears. I’m looking for something quality and sharp looking as I minimize my own wardrobe. Was lured by “Classic Tees” on FB but after reading the reviews about quality (thin material and longevity was the biggest concern), I lost interest before making a purchase.
Try looking at Lands End supima cotton tees. Hands down best shirts. They don’t lose their shape or color or pill.
LL Bean also makes excellent plain t-shirts. I have owned several for over ten years, and they still look and wear like new. They go for about $30.00, but to me they are worth every cent.
I’m curious of those wearing the same things over and over, how often are you showering? I’ve ran across two men who does that, one in VA and one in CO and they smell. The one in Fredericksburg VA has been put out of establishments several times for his smell. I’m not sure about the CO man. It’s probably ok to do but please express for them to showe.
He probably has several identical ones.
That’s what I do, have a few duplicates.
My trade mark is that I like to wear lots of lovely and bright colours that suit me. I get lots of compliments for being colour co-ordinated. So I am not going to change that, as I love colour, and wearing lovely colours is very me and makes me happy. For me, my priority is not to drastically reduce my wardrobe. I am more concerned to reduce paperwork, files, books, photos etc.
Why buy during pandemic no place to go and alternate clothes
Most thrift shops were not open or taking clothes
No way we spend that kind of money ever
Sweats and tshirts alternate days.
Like that u enjoy bright colors and reducing paperwork good for environment
We just alternate clothes and during pandemic no place to go. We r a sweats or jeans family so it works out. Not sure in a good year would spend up to $1000
Unless for ski stuff
My question is does he ever was his clothes if he wears the same outfit everyday or is he meaning he has 10 black v-neck t-shirts, 5 black pants and one pair of shoes? Sorry but I am NOT washing my outfit every night!
When I travel for weeks at a time, I typically bring one pair of pants, one skirt or leggings, 3-4 shirts and a sweater or fleece plus a rain shell. Nothing ever gets stinky. I don’t live like that at home, but it would be completely doable if I really wanted to do that.
How often does he wash his clothes & shower, I wonder
I shower twice/day (my wife makes fun of me for it). We do laundry once/week. Although Kim handles most of that chore. Hope that helps.
Hi Joshua — I think your message was very on point, and I enjoyed it.
Thanks again for all you do. You help me see things in a new light. I look forward to taking your class again.
I like the idea of a uniform, but your example is not realistic for most of us who actually work in an office. However, a capsule wardrobe will work. Example: Five trousers (grey, brown, tan, navy, and olive). Three sports coats (navy, grey and brown). One style dress shirt in two colors (3 white, 2 light blue). Because they are all neutral colors, any combination of trouser, shirt and blazer will work. Two colors of socks: medium grey and light brown/dark tan. Two dress shoes (one black, one brown) and two matching belts. If you wear ties (light blue, dark blue and maroon).
Stressful enough reading this
`You missed the whole damn point!
I think Stephen makes a good point and he did not miss the point. Count his pieces — that is an amazing wardrobe that comes in under 20 pieces! I think most men would struggle to do better than this. Kudo’s to Stephen! Now, come up with that magic for women and you could sell it :-)
I love trying to be minimalist in all aspects of life. Most of us have way more than we need. For me, I enjoy purging things I don’t need or use. It just makes life easier. Less complicated. I hope you write more articles like this. I can fully relate. I’d rather spend time doing hobbies and travelling than having to organize, dust and fret over material items.
I have been trying to get plain t-shirts for simplicity as they don’t go out of style, they’re not as expensive as big brand names, and it would save me time shopping around for good designs. However, I’m having hard time finding good quality. If it’s not too imposing, would you let me know the brand you use for me to give it a shot?
I wear only t-shirts every day (both long and short sleeved) and I buy most all of them at Walmart. They have several brands – Athletic Works, George, No Boundaries, US Polo, etc. – and they are all great. The only others I wear are ones that some restaurant or organization gives me as a gift.
If I have to attend something that requires a little class, I’ll wear a Henley t-shirt with the three buttons at the top – also from Walmart. Sometimes with a sport coat if it’s a wedding or a funeral.
John and others looking for good quality t-shirts:
Although I do not agree with their politics, I cannot deny that I love Lands End tees. Most of my Lands End tees get donated after years, and many still look *nearly* as good as new. This refers *specifically* to their 100% supima tees (the blends get a bit pill-y after a couple years). LL Bean also makes good stuff. LLB tends to be a heavier weight less… silkly feeling hand. But still excellent quality.
P.S. Lands End has sales regularly where those $30 tees (worth it), actually end up being reduced to $10-15!
I achieve some of what you recommend without sacrificing colour. I simply work with a palette in which everything goes with almost everything: black, white, purple, green, pink and red (the red can be worn with everything except the pink).
I wear t-shirts, long-sleeved over short-sleeved in the winter and short sleeved in the summer, with a cardigan on top when temperature requires (most of the year in Canada). These are plain colours. I wear long skirts on the bottom. Loose skirts do not need frequent laundering as they do not wrap around the crotch. My skirts are a riot of colour and pattern, but all in the same palette. I don’t spend a lot of time getting dressed and I probably don’t have any more clothes than you do. I have enough to rotate around and do a wash once a week. Lights and darks are separated, but I always have enough for two loads anyway.
I never worry about whether I should have worn something different. I love all my looks and I dress to please myself. I also get a lot of compliments on my clothes, which gives me a good feeling.
I buy most of my skirts second hand or make them, often upcycling second hand fabrics. I buy my shirts either second hand or on clearance, making sure they are all cotton. I wear them until they are worn out.
I am glad you have found a wardrobe that works for you, but please do not tell me I should do the same.
Do you put your cotton shirts in the dryer and if not do you iron them ?
I love pink and red together, especially if it they are on the more vivid side.
Agree. I like wearing bright colors & good stuff for years. My Mom is 97 and enjoys her butterfly daughter fluttering in. Raises her spirits for me to twirl in with a silk flourish. Use 2 sided washable silk or cotton skirts. Simple to make. Now having had big babies ~ ~ have 16 underwears. TMI? Sturdy cotton wildly colored & wear them into rags. They pleasure me & nice on my skin without much expense. Yoga slacks with nice pockets. Recycle, give away, repurpose or compost. Jeez. Try to think a bit on the feminine side
Hey, JB…. I like your commitment to minimalism. I’m going on 2 years following you and adopting many of your habits. I find it “refreshing” to eliminate the “excess”…. thank you for sharing your continued quest, time and energy that you put into your message. Every time I drive by a new self storage facility being built, I’m reminded of how good I feel not saving things, just to save things. Your work is a great reminder to those who never thought of letting go of things they don’t really need. Thank you. – JP
Excuse my ignorance as I am not used to this concept just yet, but by wearing the same clothes every day, do they get washed? (And I am not trying to be smart-alecky either).
Yes, it’s about having the repeat outfit, so it becomes like a uniform. You might have 3 pairs of identical jeans, 8-10 identical black tshirts and for 90% of the time, that is what you wear.
Yup, 4 pair of jeans. Long sleeve Carhartt’s for winter and short sleeve Carhartt’s for summer.
Yes, what he means is that he wears the same kind of clothes. He bought 5-10 of the same shirt and a few pairs of pants. So it looks like he is wearing the same thing every day though it actually is a different black shirt that looks exactly like all his other shirts.
A response to Joshua Becker Author 7-reasons-i-wear-the-same-thing-every-day
I thought you might be a kindred spirit but I see you missed the important point[s] when detailing reasons for limiting clothing purchases, choices and uses. You missed out how going to sleep in the same clothes you’ve worn for days (and nights) saves time & energy wasted on getting dressed and undressed – not to mention the time & energy for heating water in excessive showers & baths etc. + the time wasted in actually taking them. In Canada it is intelligent to maintain the body’s natural skin oils as an insulating layer below the clothes…
Also, if you don’t waste time shaving, having a hairstyle & brushing your hair etc, or worrying about your appearance; when you’re sitting cross-legged on the curb at the outdoor market enjoying a cigarette and meditating in your comfortable, well-worn clothes, (waiting for your wife while she’s doing ‘just five minutes’ of shopping) – you might have a young compassionate couple pass by and drop some money in your empty coffee cup. Which effortlessly excellently generates merit for them – and you…
Like the Buddha’s Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis – followers who took up the homeless life of no attachments and possessions (called ‘monks & nuns’ by Westerners) – to focus all their energies and activities on awakening to the nature of suffering and its transcendence), without concern for the deluded self’s appearance, aspirations and ‘attainments’ – it becomes possible to live the path of least resistance and greatest awareness.
And if you’re lucky enough to have the good karma to live this way you’ll have the view, energy and circumstances to skilfully alleviate the suffering of others wherever and whenever encountered. Like Tibetan Tantrics, (or perplexing pan-handlers) – bathed in the bliss of being – best is naked and natural, as we are when we come into this world…
I liked your article better than what was written by Mr Beckett.
Mr. Becker, you mean.
I love all of your articles. I started to become a minimalist 5 years ago after my husband passed away. I had so much stuff and so i decided to sell, donate practically everything, including my antiques. Moved to a smaller house and i still felt i had stuff that wasn’t needed and so i started decluttering again. Now I’m in a studio as i have always preferred. I got rid of jewelry, shoes, clothes, bags and kept just what i needed. I have no regrets whatsoever of letting my things go, i realized it, that its all but material things. Now I’m enjoying my minimalist life style. My place has more energy flowing. I’m trying to educate some friends that are hoarders and just won’t let go of junk..
Thank you once again?
Hi Joshua — I think your message was very on point, and I enjoyed it.
Thanks again for all you do. You help me see things in a new light. I look forward to taking your class again.
I know I’m the outsider here but I believe God gave us just a beautiful pallet of colors and I do not think it wrong to have six different colored T’s instead of six all black ones. For some reason people think black is so great. I must be a very judgmental person cuz when I see people wearing all black consistently every day even if they throw a scarf on thinking they are “changing it up” I automatically think the person is dark, goth or has “issues” or is terribly depressed. I also remember my sweet mama saying to me, when I was in High school hanging out in the art dept all the time, and I went through the “I’m gonna wear black” phase. She said to me, “Darlin’, if you ever saw an angel, a personage doing God’s bidding, do you really think they’d be dressed head to toe in black?…”
You mean like Martin Luther?
*stares in dark, not-quite-goth* I have an all black wardrobe right now. Do you know why? Because, when I had other colors, I spent entirely too much time frustratedly trying to match them up with my accessories, and I HATE spending that much time on clothing.
While you may enjoy wearing a broad spectrum of colors, not everyone does. I don’t like wearing any color but black. Oh. Well. I was just as clinically depressed in red…
Actually, I’m happier with just black. Because I don’t have to worry about making up an outfit. Everything matches! Throw on a hoodie dress, and done. And look, my shoes match! That took 5 minutes!
Yeesh. If God wanted me to be more concerned with clothing choices, he should have programmed that in, darling. Since he didn’t…. I wont worry about it.
Black is a classic color. Elegant with style.
I agree with wearing all black. It’s liberating for me. I love it. Further, as an industrial medic, it hides other people’s blood, when I get that all over myself. I wear plain black t shorts, and Scotch Guard coated (everything proof spray) tactical pants.
I’d also like to think it makes me look thinner, but I doubt that.
T shirts, not t shorts…. however, I am THAT Canadian who wears shorts 12 months of the year when not at work. Including pond hockey, snowboarding and snow shovelling. I only wear long pants at work because I have to.
I found myself dressing this minimalist way quite naturally, for all the same reasons, but without realizing it. My boss noticed. She said, “I see you are a black and white person.” I wore black pants and white sweaters or tops for the simplicity and the efficiency. But, she was the one who pointed it out to me. I loved not having to think about clothes and I hated fussy women’s clothes, still do. Now that I’m retired, I wear a white A T-shirt and khaki shorts or black Danskin pants every day. Also, simple summer dresses. It’s funny because I love looking at fashion, but for myself, I prefer simplicity.
I agree with all of the above Joshua. My wife is different and she always encourages me but to no avail. I love my dickies pants, dark navy blue. They are tough and always looking neat on me. I love the crew T-shirts which I aways buy from Costco. But I never pinch money on my tools. I always buy the best. I have a few nice shirts and pants for church events. Reminds me of my Mum saying: “You are going to attend Church services, be respectful and dress appropriately for the service.”
This goes for jewelry too. Everyday for many years now, I’ve worn only my wedding rings and my cross necklace. The same cross necklace.
I too, wear jeans everyday. My shirts vary a little, but mostly I wear a t-shirt with them. In a very rare case, I have a pair of black pants to fall back on.
It is definitely your recognition style. The biggest distraction in your video from Mexico was that you WEREN’T wearing a black t-shirt lol
My brain needs variety. I’m pretty frugal, admire minimalism, and have come a long way toward incorporating it into my life but I start to chafe at routine. Fashion is so much fun, I like to wear a totally different look, walk down a different street, eat new food, or shake up my daily routine. I continue to work toward a minimalist lifestyle but I don’t think that has to involve dull sameness. Life is too short to put myself in a box.
In the decision making section is also the added burden of shopping. I absolutely hate shopping for clothes. I know what I want, I know where to get it I know how much I want to spend. Only problem I’ve come across (as a woman) is when they stop making one of the items of clothing I love…a bra in (and not the stiff, stuffed bras called shelf bras) tank top. Bummer.
I’ve was a business woman for most of my adult life, having to dress for success, if you will. I learned early on in the conservative investment business I worked in that if I wanted to fit in I had to dress the part like the men. I wore 2 basic black suits with skirts (wasn’t so kosher to wear slacks at work then) and had white cotton shirts with french cuffs that required cufflinks, and I went to a dry cleaner and insisted on the same light starched white shirt service that they gave to me (they always charged more for women’s clothes than men). That was my uniform – black suit, white starched shirt with french cuffs and cufflinks, and plan lower healed black pumps, a beautiful wrist watch, and always some kind of stockings – never bare legs. I have naturally curly hair and had to blow dry straight to be more conservative. My extravagance as a woman was big apple red nail polish and a reddish tint lip gloss and only mascara and a beige eye shadow – never loud makeup, never wild haircuts, never loud jewelry. I just had variations on the white shirt – different collars. On weeks I traveled, the same suit and black pumps every day, just a change of shirt.
Now, I still follow minimalist views, and wear the same black ponte pant every day, the same style black v-neck shirt or cashmere like sweater, and a black sweater (2-3 styles of collars, pullover and button type) or black shawl collar top. And I wear flats now instead of heels, but always round toe, plain black, no embellishments.
It makes life so easy. No one says you wore that yesterday. No one cares, we bring that on ourselves. As long as your clothes are clean and fresh, that’s all you should think about.
I agree with what you said. My first capsule wardrobe was St. John. Three jackets, three skirts in different lengths, three of their iconic tanks in different colors, three pairs of shoes in varying heel heights. Not cheap, but always polished and professional in that matter to my clientele.
I follow the same formula today. Only now it isn’t Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. It is Duluth trading Company. Three pairs of quick dry pants that can convert into capris. Three T-shirts with short sleeves, three T-shirts with long sleeves. It works.
Hi Joshua,
I really value your articles they’re always good food for thought and
a plan to follow throught with an action of some kind.
I was particularly interested in this article….but I wish it was written by your wife! Men can wear the same basic suit, white shirt and a few ties, a belt and shoes & he’s set (for public appearances like work etc). It seems the “dress code” has always been simpler for men. Just a reflection not intended to offend anyone.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear a version of this by a woman. Would you consider that? A woman whose job is outside of the home and has certain dress codes, written or unwritten. Would you consider a female guest columist to write on this topic, as a successful minimalist :)
You can find female examples right here Anne: 8 Reasons Successful People Wear the Same Clothes Every Day
Not to mention the entire inspiration for this post came from a woman who works outside the home as mentioned in the second paragraph.
I would really get tired of looking at the same clothing on my husband every day. My husband is very nice looking man, but come on, variety is the spice of life. Would you want to eat “taste” the same thing every day. My brain needs variety, not expensive, not extreme, but would you want to look at the same half acre of land every day? Never go anywhere new to see a different view?
Agree! I enjoy my colorful retirement wardrobe too much to ever just wear black. My jeans are black mostly, and I have one khaki and one blue. My tops are all fun, and a great variety. Add a few pretty long summer dresses and I rock! God created color to enjoy so I am!
I am an educator and I have used a uniform for years! While not the same as Josh’s, I have 8 dresses that I rotate through with 12 cardigans. I wear leggings or tights in the winter and bare legs in warm weather. I have four scarves and three necklaces that I use for some variety too. It makes getting dressed so simple because I just wear what’s on the next hanger.
Look at Caryn & Sue above…
My husband wears only black pants, black, blue and burgundy polo shirts and black shoes. He has black dress pants and dress shoes for formal which is rare because he’s a musician. One dress shirt, He always look nice. Jackets are a black hoodie type and a brown, heavy duty coat. He borrows a black blazer from his brother sometimes.
It’s different in some ways for a woman. I stick to basics in color and style but acessiories may be in colors. A jacket can change that black tee shirt and black pants into go anywhere outfits. So I have a few more jackets than he does. Denim, grey, black that looks like leather is my basics. One trench coat. One dress jacket.
It works for us.
i have worn only coveralls for 40 years. four kinds depending on my activities and the weather.
hahahahaa …. an old local petrol station owner in my old town wore overalls too , rain hail and shine. I was once told he even went to a funeral in them! love it :)
I’m sure someone asked it but after a quick scan I didn’t see it. I too love basic V neck shirts but I haven’t found many that last long. Any suggestions on where you buy/order shirts from?