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.
Dawn says
As a woman, I am curious, does your wife also do this? Just looking for the female perspective
Thanks
joshua becker says
She does not. But many women do.
Lisa says
I probably own no more than 40 pieces of clothing not including underclothing. 4 purses( donating one soon) 3 pairs of shoes. I hate clothes shopping. I dont feel the need to impress anyone. My husband has more clothes than I do!
Idgy says
It is absolutely possible to do this as a woman. I am female, live in a four season climate (temp range of -30 to 90), have kids at home, work full time and travel for work. I have more clothing than Joshua as my needs are different due to climate and work environment, but have much less than others in similar circumstance (<70 items). It can help to learn how to layer as items can do double duty (e.g. my 3 cardigans are used year round for work – either over long sleeve top/pants in winter or over dress in summer). I agree with suggestion to try Project 333 or look up capsule wardrobe to help start you off. You can do this :)
Lisa says
I needed to see this today. Thank you!
Karen says
I love this article. I am in the midst of a closet purge using 333 as a guideline. We also hold on to alot of clothes that don’t fit and that we don’t love. I hope people get the point that it’s about not continuing to buy when you have everything you need in your closet already.
Jerry Hampshire says
The point here is to minimize your wardrobe. If business requires that you have a MINIMUM of dress clothing than you can do that. If weather requires you have heavier clothing, you can still keep it to a minimum. I know people who have dozens of pairs of winter boots. They buy them because they like, not need them. I get it. Thanks.
Julia says
People are getting very worked up justifying their big wardrobes! If you have a washer and dryer, or live in a climate where you can easily get things dry outdoors, you don’t need much at all – even if you need business clothing.
I was a college teacher and had one pair of smart enough but washable trousers and five tops which I wore each day. If my trousers had got dirty during the week I could have washed and dried them in the evening (they never did). No one noticed or cared what I wore – they cared about my professional attitude and ability to do the job well. At the weekend I wore jeans and a top. We have four seasons and in the winter I just layered up with a total of four or five cardigans and hoodies.
No one is saying that it’s compulsory to live like this but it is possible and works so well for me. Minimalism and living modestly enabled me and my husband to retire very early and do exactly what we want to every day.
Ingus says
Exactly.
Scheryl says
I love what Julia said…. “people getting very worked up, justifying their big wardrobes.” I think this article is grand and I agree with it whole heartedly, and if one doesn’t, that is okay. After all……it is a personal choice!!! I believe in being a minimalist as it is the only thing that really makes sense to me.
melissa carvey says
thats so inspiring that you were able to retire early….. can you tell me more, please?? I’m 55 and don’t want to work til i’m 70.
thanks,
Melissa C
Gail Harvey says
Julia – hand of applause. Well stated
Linda says
Amen to your comment!
Julie says
I think the point here is all about grace and lessening stress on yourself. Yes, a lot of us can’t wear the exact same thing everyday, but maybe there are ways we can pare down to cover all clothing requirements yet still have some freedom from the “what to wear” trap. I live in a four seasons climate, and while I don’t wear the same thing each day, I have a general look for fall, general look for winter, etc. I’ve also discovered that workplaces tend to pay less attention to your clothes than you’d think, as long as you look professional and well kept. We need to look at the spirit of Joshua’s post, and not view it as just a new rule to impose on ourselves.
Ann says
Agreed. It’s the spirit of living with less. Whether it be a “uniform” look or just what we need for our geographic location.
Jo says
Yes the point is to bring it to a level that makes sense…. confused by the haters. If we choose to make things less complex it is a personal choice… not imposing will on others here just choosing a personal path
Bonni says
I agree completely. On most days you are only a blazer, a hoodie or (in your son’s case) a lab coat from finished dressing. I am a comfort loving retiree who sews for a hobby (now that I have grand daughters). You can only imagine what my wardrobe consists of. ;) I remember Norm Abrams (master woodworker) from This Old House opening his personal cedar lined closet to reveal 10 nearly identical plaid shirt and thinking “He has priorities. Fashion trends aren’t on his list of them.”
Ann says
Joshua, I think people are missing the point here.
You don’t need to dress up for an office job, so your clothing choice is just fine for your lifestyle.
My son has chosen your exact wardrobe and it works just fine in his work at a pharmacy. My husband is in business and just rotates the same three outfits. He’s done this for years. We purchase high quality suits and he looks well dressed everyday.
The idea is, to make this choice, if you choose, to help your lifestyle wherever that is.
Jessica says
No, not missing the point. This post would not apply to people who live in a four-season geographic location or whose work requires a very specific wardrobe that you would not wear around the house, running errands etc.
Jessica says
My husband has five pairs of khaki business pants, eight dress shirts, eight Polo shirts, two pairs of dress paints, one suit, three pairs of jeans, about 10 hoodies/long sleeve tee shirts, about 15 tee shirts, six pairs of shorts, several work logo shirts he wears when the Governor or Chancellor or University President arrives (they must wear these on those occasions), clothes for the climbing gym (specific clothes required by the gym), and an old outfit for lawn mowing and household repairs and when he volunteers at the bicycle shop. He also has an overcoat, a winter coat, two waterproof jackets. And he has room in his half of our shared closet (not walk in) and his half of our shared chest of drawers.
For most people, jeans and a tee shirt will not cut it based on their line of work and the geographic location of where they live.
Susan says
And, Jessica, why do you feel a compulsion to argue with the author?
Perhaps share your blog and articles how to dress in a 4 season climate with specific job requirements instead.
Linda says
We live in Minnesota. I spend most summer days in an air-conditioned facility so I need long-sleeves year around. I have a few basic shirts and pants I wear every day. In winter I add a jacket/blazer and/or a scarf. My coat is just a shell that I wear alone in the summer but that fits over one of my warmer jackets in the winter since it’s the air pocket between the two that provides the warmth.
My husband prefers to wear button down shirts. He has about a half dozen each of long-sleeve and short-sleeve. He also sometimes adds a jacket.
Having the ability to add layers is how we have fewer clothes in variable climates.
Dayna says
I’m in Canada, it is easier than you think. We go from one extreme to the next. Having 33 items is very doable, layer looks work. It is not for everyone, but it does clear my mind and allows me calm space I need for better mental health.
Melanie Godwin says
Jessica I think you’ve made your point. You dont need to keep defending yourself. We get that you cant do a minimalist wardrobe so move on.
Laura says
I am a woman and live in Chicago, which definitely has 4 very distinct seasons. I own about 35 articles of clothing (including jeans, sweaters, tops, dresses, blazers, dress pants). I’m not including PJs/undergarments/workout clothes. I own 5 pairs of shoes including winter boots, 1 winter coat, 1 mid weight coat, 1 purse. I am in a professional industry and work in an office. I have more than enough to account for work and leisure. I always look professional. And my wardrobe is versatile enough to go with every season.
Lonnie says
I’m with Ann on this. I have professional clothes and home clothes but not many. I don’t remember if other people wear the same thing all the time so I don’t think they will remember my wardrobe. It is all about being conscious of how you buy.
Jessica says
If my husband did this, he would get fired from his job. This person must not live in a place with four seasons of weather. I do, and you simply cannot go outside in jeans when the heat index is 105 degrees, nor can you go outside in a v-neck tee shirt when the wind chill index is -20. I have about 100 articles of clothing (exclusive of undergarments) distributed across shorts, tee shirts, jeans, pants, skirts, dresses, blouses, sweatshirts, and sweaters. I have a winter coat and a spring/fall jacket (waterproof). I have hats and scarves because I knit. I have extra space in my half of our shared standard (not walk in ) closet and extra space in my half of our shared chest of drawers.
joshua becker says
Thanks for the comment Jessica. I do live in a warm climate now. But I first adopted this approach (and this specific outfit) while living in Vermont (definitely four-season weather.) It is certainly possible — just requires a long-sleeve shirt some days.
Also, the idea of wearing the same thing every day is different than me saying someone should wear the exact same outfit as me. Minimalism always looks different from person to person. Police wear the same thing everyday but don’t get fired :)
Mike says
I agree that your broader point is being lost. A simple wardrobe can cover the essentials. You describe a simple way to dress for your life; it’s an example, nothing more. Simple is the point, much more than the specific garments. Those who must wear suits can likewise simplify their wardrobes if they choose. I too have a rather limited, very functional wardrobe, accommodating a four season climate (and a very active life) with a few dozen garments.
Amanda says
Actually project 333 is not living with the same 33 items all year long.You have 33 items for 3 months then store them and go to another seasonal appropriate 33 items and so on and so forth.
Dwayne Phillips says
Sorry, t-shirt and jeans is inappropriate dress for many workday occasions. You are quickly known as a flake instead of a professional.
Stacy says
Just because that his his look, it doesn’t mean that it needs to be yours. That outfit is appropriate for his line of work; you could choose to wear the same suit every day. It’s not his exact clothes he’s trying to encourage you to wear.
joshua becker says
Thanks for the comment Dwayne. A few points of clarification:
1. I don’t wear jeans.
2. I don’t recommend somebody wear the same outfit as me. Minimalism always looks different from person to person—occupation being an important factor.
3. There are plenty of people in high places who have adopted the same strategy without being written off as flaky.
Joanne says
I agree with your point and have been working on this approach after reading about Steve Jobs doing this a year or two ago.
I began the minimalist approach to life about 4 years ago. It is so freeing!
And yes, I wear basically the same thing every day. I’m a walking advertisement for Land’s End. Haha. Cords, Tee Shirt (some long sleeved, some short sleeved) Keen hiking boots, bamboo couture cap due to hair loss. I’ve put together several color coordinated outfits and rotate them by mixing and matching, adding a scarf or two in colder weather. I basically know what goes with what now so don’t have to make decisions, except what color I “feel” like on a particular day. And I usually set my clothes out at night so no decisions made in the morning when getting ready for work.
I sold a lot of my jewelry and now have 4-5 pairs of earrings that I use regularly. (I used to only have two. Have to watch myself haha)
I really enjoy reading your articles and hope that people realize you are not saying everyone has to do what you do. You are only sharing what has worked for you. People are free to glean some benefit from what you say in different areas of their lives. Thank you for your articles!!
Keith Williamson says
I’ve been doing this for a year now and it makes life so much easier.
Gail Harvey says
Joshua makes some good points! Those who think you’re “flakey,” can fly a kite.
JOHN VERCELLINO says
I used to work for a trust company early in my career. The wardrobe choices was very simple for me: white shirt, blue suit, black shoes. Variety and individuality was provided by ties and socks of different hues and stripes.
Very easy to get dressed for work.
Now if some hapless fellow decided to wear a striped shirt, he would occasionally be asked by his colleagues and management why he decided to come to work in his pajamas. Sometimes they were serious.
Mary says
Amen to that – black dress pants (I’m female) and a solid colored top, usually a dressier tee-style. Jeans Friday is a pair of jeans with the same style top. No boss has ever told me I don’t look professional enough. Adopted that style as an engineer with the USPS because my nice tops kept getting holes in the front as I’d squeeze between equipment and machines. My tops are usually around $10-12 and they last a couple of seasons, but I never have to think about what to wear in the morning. I’m now in a different line of work but still wear the same “uniform.” Works for me.
Dayna says
Perfect ! Well stated and we all live to our own beat.
I personally got down to 42 pieces and 15 are going out to second hand donation store this week.
Best feeling cleaning and clearing
Thanks for the wise words
SoFi says
Steve Jobs. Jeans and a black turtle neck. Bam.
River says
Reason 8
If same color or texture, you don’t have to sort your wash
Dawn Glover says
We are minimalists that travel full time. My husband is a consultant to the C levels of Companies. He has 3 dress slacks 1 jacket and 5 shirts which he alternates. No one notices because the items he has are good quality and well coordinated. He has climbed the corporate ladder very quickly. He is the furthest from flakey, very confident and has an image with the customer that he has it all together. The minimalist waredrobe is intricate to our lifestyle. We live mobile 100% of the time. We are currently enjoying Perth Australia. Many successful people adapt the minimalist waredrobe and wear the same outfits, it allows the focus to be on what matters most.
Mer says
I have around 35 items of clothing. Never feel like feeling the same thing over and over again. People should stop justfying their consumerist mindsets.
Mer says
*Wearing not feeling :)