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.
Mary Nelson says
Am basically trying to come up with the same idea as you in a ladies line but have a hard time finding what I like and can afford with the quality I can afford…living on SS is hard but being a minimalist is a good idea in my book…saves all those decisions on what to wear!!!
Lori Duffy says
I have wanted sobriety over clothes shopping. Maybe I will really do it and just wear the clothes I already have!!
Will says
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.
Kim says
Try looking at Lands End supima cotton tees. Hands down best shirts. They don’t lose their shape or color or pill.
Ed C. says
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.
Debbie says
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.
Lucy Conway says
He probably has several identical ones.
Peggy L Lauer says
That’s what I do, have a few duplicates.
gienne f. says
People that don’t shower probably has nothing to do with what clothes they’re wearing – they just don’t shower. Do you really think Joshua doesn’t wash his clothes? I have read that he owns several of each item and why assume the worst? I am sure he showers – I KNOW he washes his hair to keep it that nice looking, and I would bet he launders all his clothing as well. Geez.
Georgianne Barnett says
I am laughing out loud reading your comments 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍
Brenda says
Me too!😂
Jenny Choules says
It’s clean clothes everyday just the same style of clothing
Angela Lynn Wolfe says
Wearing the same thing does not mean wearing the same items. Example: 7 shirts all the same color wearing a different one each day.
Niz says
I have like 10 same identical shirts. Less stressed for me in fashion.
Niz says
But i have loads of fragrance in my collection. Soo thats enough for me to be different every day
Cindy Hill says
Go for merino wool tees!! More environmentally sound, cool in summer, warm in winter, warm even when wet, great for layering, and you can wear them many days before they need washing. Well worth the investment. They are pretty much what I live in.
Gail says
Cindy, Do you have a brand of Merino wool tees that you like? Thank you!
H Jones says
Unbound Merino
I have one black T and pr leggings – so comfy – will add more when I can afford it.
Mary says
Where do you find them?
H Jones says
Unbound Merino
I own two pieces in black and wear to work – very versatile – see my comment above
Janice says
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.
Jane friedman says
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.
Jane friedman says
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
Susan says
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!
Rainee says
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.
Dot says
How often does he wash his clothes & shower, I wonder
joshua becker says
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.
Carolyn Pettit says
So glad you clarified for those who were concerned about you hygiene! :)
Bud says
He probably has 10-12 of the same shirts, 3-4 same pants. After they are dirty he throws them into the hamper to be washed on wash day. I’m sure he doesn’t have 1 shirt, I pants, shorts and 2 pr of socks.
Susan Thomas says
Good for you!
Do what makes you, you.
Not every good idea is good for everyone.
I, too have always loved color, and have always dressed in a coordinated style.
I have embraced minimalism in my home decor, but not my closet. I’ve downsized, so all my wardrobe fits into the one closet I have in my studio apartment.
I’m still stylish by using accessories and jewelry.
Leslie T says
I love color too. That doesn’t conflict with minimalism. I wear neutral pants or shorts and have t-shirts and turtlenecks in several bright colors that I rotate through.
Angela Smith says
I agree, Janice. I love color and it makes me feel good to express that. On the other hand, I get the concept. I have a friend who wears the same thing every day. He has several identical articles of clothing..