Last updated:
“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.” – Epictetus
Have you ever asked yourself, “How many clothes do I need?” or “How many shirts should I own?”
If you’ve asked either of those questions before, consider just for a moment how your life would look if you owned a minimalist wardrobe of fewer clothes:
- You would have more disposable income.
- You would have more time to live your life.
- Mornings would feature less stress.
- Your closets would be well-organized and uncluttered.
- Packing for trips/vacations would take less time.
- Laundry days would be easier (not necessarily less, but definitely easier).
Unfortunately, instead of enjoying the benefits of a minimalist wardrobe, most of us buy into the lie that more is better. And because we do, we accumulate more and more clothing each season. We are convinced that new clothes will make us more joyful, more fashionable, and more popular. Unfortunately, they just end up getting in the way.
Consider going a different route with your life. Try owning fewer clothes and creating a capsule wardrobe. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy the freedom that a minimalist closet brings.
Whether you are hoping to minimize your wardrobe to the absolute minimum or just trying to pare down some of the excesses in your closet, you will find these 10 steps practical and applicable. They are the same steps that we have used in our home to create our own minimalist wardrobes.
How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe and Closet
1. Admit that you own too much clothing. That’s all you really need to get started.
2. Wear fewer colors. Most of us already have a few favorite colors that we wear most often anyway – usually because we like the way we look in them. Choosing to intentionally wear fewer colors means fewer accessories (shoes, belts, jewelry, handbags, etc.). It also makes too much sense not to try.
3. Embrace the idea of one. When one can be enough, embrace it – one black dress, one swimsuit, one winter coat, one black belt, one pair of black shoes, one pair of sneakers, one handbag… insert your own based on your occupation, lifestyle, or climate.
4. Donate, sell, recycle, discard. Depending on the size of one’s existing wardrobe, an initial paring down won’t take long. Make a few piles – donate, sell, or recycle. Start with the clothes that you no longer wear. You’ll be surprised how much you can remove and just how close you are to owning a minimalist closet once you build momentum.
5. Donate, sell, discard some more. Removing the clothes you no longer wear is easy. Removing the clothes that you don’t really need can be a tougher choice. Turn around all the hangers in your closet. After wearing an item, return the hanger facing the normal direction. After the season, remove every article of clothing that wasn’t worn. That should help get you started on a second round of paring down. See this article for more creative tips on decluttering.
6. Impose an arbitrary moratorium on shopping. For many, clothes shopping is just a habit – and habit always takes over for inattention. To begin breaking the cycle of purchasing and discarding (the average American throws away 68 lbs. of textiles each year), set a self-imposed buying freeze. I recommend 90 days. If given enough time, this simple exercise in self-discipline will change your view of your clothing and the stores that produce, market, and sell them.
7. Set a monthly spending limit. Pick a low number and stick to it.
8. Purchase quality over quantity. Only buy minimalist clothing that you truly love – even if it costs more. If you stock your closet full of things you love, you will have less desire to add to it, which will make maintaining a minimalist closet a lot easier.
9. Avoid the sale racks. Sales can (and should) be used to help you get a better price on something you need. Unfortunately, most sale racks are designed to convince us to purchase something we don’t.
10. Impress with your character, not your clothes. Lee Mildon once said, “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.”
With those tips above, you should have no problem creating a more minimalist wardrobe and answering “How many clothes do I need?”
To see how owning less in other areas of life can bring even more life-giving benefits, check out my book: The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own
Chris Jade Hall says
Awesome write up. It’s going to be helpful to me and many others.
Devika says
I devised a system of wearing colours according to day of the week. Whites on Mondays…Reds/marrons/pinks onnTuesdays …Greens were for Wednesday. (I work at clinical Practice from home) …getting dressed us a breeze in the morning…ok so today us Monday sonout come the whites. BTW this has also to do with Vedic Astrology.
KomediAnne says
I typically own an article of clothing for more than 15 years. I will be 40 this year and I still have a few pieces from when I was a teen ager that are 25yrs. I have alot of clothing. I wear special articles like sweaters and coats that my family made or gave me once a year.
I love getting free clothing or free-cycling with friends and aquaintences. Sometimes my roommates and I would do clothing trades, and also co-workers. It works like this: let’s say you have 10 pieces that are more than 2 sizes too big or small for you- wash them, mend them, and fold them into a bag, then find a neighbor or someone, anyone, in a plaza, your community, and say hey, I have something you might like, would you be interested in… some jeans, etc… and let them know if it does not fit, to donate it to someone else. I did this with size 5 pants and shorts and skirts. As I am a 7-16, depending on if I am working out and dieting. I owned smaller clothes when I was an athlete. I just tell the girl or lady, Hi, (name) or (miss) or (maam) I was spring cleaning out my closet and I thought these would look great with your (eyes) or might be your size, or maybe some ladies at your church can use them, or they ship containers to Haiti. Ask them to donate anythng that they don’t like or doesn’t fit, not throw it away.
I found a bag of childrens clothing and sorted thru it, and flagged down a family with 3 small girls near the dollar tree and held up each outfit and asked them if they like it or want it and their dad said ok. I also scored some maternity pants and a pet reflective vest and a pretty top for myself, and still had a few baby clothes to give to the cashier for her relatives. Sometimes ladies leave unwanted clothes outside a discount store in a box, near the wealthy area. It is always better to put a note, like, in marker on a cardboard box, like, (Free, date) so that if some one stops by they know if it is trash or free-cycling or not a mistake.
My most favorite free-cycle came when I inherited my best friends Mother’s closet contents. She has very good taste, and it was an awesome experience because, I had no grief or attachment, or negative emotion, only facination. I had recently gained weight and her clothes were big enough. She loved a certain style, long sleeve pant set, like mature, and colorful, like something a school teacher would want for business casual. It was awesome because I would have never chosen any of those prints or cuts or fabric textures for myself, and yet, when I put them on I feel great. I have some photos of her wearing some of the tops and we look so different in them. But, what really gives me the awe, is that those shirts had a whole life, adventures, before I aquired them. They went to the beach, on a cruise, to the hospital, the casino, they almost channel her essense. I like vintage clothing, hand me downs, and thrift stores.
Items I do not reccommend for free cycling is undergarments like boyshorts, boxers, underwear or swimsuit bottoms. Bras are okay.
Pre-owned Socks are maybe, depending if you know and trust the person due to athletes foot or fungus (bleach). I buy men’s socks because womens socks are always too small for me, I wear a 8.5 in open toe, 9.5 or 10 in sneakers. Also men’s socks tend to cost less (Pink tax).
For me, It helped me to let go of 4 bags of clothing knowing it was going to a college student, and I made sure to ask her if she had any room in her armoir first.
I hang everything. I also use the same color hangers and face the garments all the same direction. Yes my closets are full, but neat.
If I have a negative memory with a garment, like maybe the grey sweater I wore to a stressfull court hearing, I either alter it, or give it to a family member. I was mistreated by police one night afterwork in my driveway and they ended up putting me in the emergency room. So the designer jeans I had on, reminded me if the bruises, so I but them into capris, and it helped me to know, that I didn’t loose myself, I cut off the mistakes. I also tye dye cotton shirts that get a stain. I have done a dye treatment on old worn faded garments that are off white or absorbed muted dyes. Sometimes old underwear can be given a fresh new look with dye. I have a glass jar, and a plastic spatula, and rubber bands to make a pattern, and I soak it overnight. I do this with yoga pants, or something that just needs a boost. I am not a fan of white pants so I dye them, keep in mind you will never get a solid dye, you will have 2 tones, so the way the item is folded will give the lines. Think spiral.
Another option is 1 in 1 out method. If you buy a new item, give away 1 thing. I gave away designer career pumps that gave my foot a cramp, they were georgious, but I got in return an arched dresser that my cats love to lounge on.
My last tip is Bulk Trash Day… I can’t tell you how many beautiful wood dressers end up in the landfill. If you have a freind with a truck the day before, great, if not, just take the drawers and knobs. You can up-cycle them. Think under the bed, wall mounted, or inserted into open cabinets like boxes. They make excellent cat beds. I would not bother with pressed particle cheap quality. Look for solid wood that can be pained or sanded and stained, or that just looks expensive, with detailing. People literally throw away stuff because it is easier than moving it when they relocate. I have great patio furniture like this because I drove into the area with mansions and estates to sight see and bird watch, that just happened to have a cafe set and sun shade umbrellas. Just check for bugs, like bed bugs or roaches. I also got an entire reclaimed wooden deck. (Check for termites).
Steelasophical says
Very much concerned about where the discarded clothes go – it seems like the minimalist purging approach just adds to the overall waste stream. Are there good ways to make sure that discards are actually used and not just put in the landfills?
Amy says
Good point! I have a couple of points related to clothes waste.
First, try to sell your discarded clothes before you donate. People (myself included) buy clothes at consignment stores. I started shopping at consignment stores to be more environmentally friendly, but now I’m hooked because of the quality clothes at great prices. For the pieces the consignment store doesn’t take, you could try donating to a women’s shelter or local non-profit. If you can’t do that, then donate to Goodwill. If you donate to Goodwill, then not all of your donated clothes end up on clothing racks for resell. Some of them will be sold to recyclers or overseas, and some get thrown away. From an environmental standpoint, I feel like donating clothes to Goodwill should be the last option.
Second, the intention of minimalism is to own less. After purging your excess, you should not be replacing the purged items. Going forward, you will purchase fewer items, which is much better for the environment.
Steve says
Yeah, but if the profits go to feed exorbitant resale shop executive salaries who buy more crap than they need, what is the value…GW does not assist folks w no cost work clothing, look for more direct consumer use, not resale, look for Shelters, programs than really funnel resources directly to those in need without having to purchase goods.
Cat says
I’d say:
– if you need money, then sell as much as possible (e.g. ebay, flea markets etc).
– if you don’t need money or wouldn’t get much out of it anyway, give away stuff to friends (that’s mostly what I do). There are also groups on facebook etc. where you can give away stuff and people will pick it up and be happy. That takes a bit more time and effort though, as you need to coordinate with the folks who want your stuff and answer “is it still available” messages weeks later
– donate to shelters and non-profit orgs
– upcycle – e.g. I’m planning to sew covers for hot water bottles out of some of my old favourite shirts that are waaaayyy too small for me now
– only if an item is not wearable at all anymore, recycle it or donate it to orgs that will sell it to recyclers. ANYTHING is better than just adding to landfills…
Naomi May says
Becoming a minimalist doesn’t mean dumping everything in a landfill. I began my minimalist journey last year. As I purged the things that I no longer needed, I donated them to Salvation Army. I had clothing in my closet with tags still on them, and they had been there a long time. I don’t like contributing anything to a landfill so I donated everything. I am getting ready to do yet another purge of my house; I am overdue for another sweep. I still have things in my house that I don’t use. Anything that is in good shape that someone else can use will go to Salvation Army.
MindSneak says
So helpful this article, just when I was not able to throw some pair of clothes clinging to their memory! This really helped, Thank you Joshua Becker.
Zaiden says
Wow thank you so much I think this will help a lot but I have a question I’m a mkid and my parents by me a lot of sneakers and clothes what do I do
Emy says
Dear Zaiden,
Since you already have a lot, you could ask if they could buy you sweaters, jeans, t-shirts or jackets next.
You don’t need many, as long as you have 1-2 of each clothing item you like, you will probably be good for a long time. Then after those wear out, you can ask for new ones.
Bonnie says
Agreed, be honest and ask for fill in pieces you really need, start a list, whole you can also keep your favorite gifts and share your others with friends. Let the gift givers know that you are trying to actually build a wardrobe rather than just add duplicates. That way they will want to help you rather than spend on items your not ready to replace. No one wants to waste money on needless things on purpose.
Another idea…You could start up a clothing swap with a group of girlfriends where you trade pieces. This would give you the opportunity to try other styles without buying.
Ladye says
Like one of the comments said, keep a list of things you would like to have. I’m 22 years old and I keep a list taped to my wall of things I would like to eventually purchase. It not only helps me decided if I truly want the item, but also gives my parents an idea for gifts or things they might find on a clearance rack.
Tara says
Do you have a “recipe” on how to build a capsule wardrobe? For kids and parents!
Tara says
as in best pieces to have?
Susan says
http://www.facebook.com/simplyclassicbysusan
Bonnie says
Look up capsule wardrobes. These are groupings of clothing that all mix and match so that you will need only key silhouettes to cover all bases. Picking a basic color story helps too. Mine is White/Black/Beige/Navy/Green/Gray. These colors keep me In a mix match family that works easily. No brainier dressing!
It helps to know your own body type/shape too, and what looks good on you. You can Google this all.
Pay attention to your favorite go to pieces in the closet. Pull these out and start a new wardrobe with those pieces on a separate rack to see what mixes with those best. And most importantly try on everything questionable to see if it make the grade with your favorite looks, if not remove those so that you can look and feel your best. Google capsule wardrobes and go to Images for lots of ideas on what may work for you and your family.
Try… Women’s casual and work wardrobe capsules, Men’s and children’s too. Also shoes and outerwear.
Bonnie says
Forgot to mention. My personal recipe…
Clothing
skinny jeans + lightweight sweater + classic outerwear
Accessories
Black large classic bag + sunglasses + one piece of jewelry
Shoes
A rotation of tall boot + short boot + classic black mid height heel + tennis shoes
That is my daily formula and I have several options of each clothing type to mix and match. Simple and fast !
Karmi says
Use be Vivienne files….four by four wardrobes it’s great and there are tons of colours she features
Kelly says
There are a lot of YouTube videos with people at different life stages and needs. Including sahm, kiddos, professional. These really gave me some good ideas. I’m trying the Project 333 for the first time myself. It’s a work in progress.
vicky S says
ugh I don’t know where to start, my daughters tell me “mom you need to get rid of some of your clothes” how? I have a hard time parting from it.. I’m always thinking of other ways to update it with new trends.. it is so difficult..I have it separated by colors.
My closet is overwhelming.. !! I will buy a piece, go home and it doestn’t go with anything.. HELP!
Judy Opp says
I have found this lifestyle to be such a blessing in semi-retirement. While waiting for my husband to retire next year, I have been downsizing in major ways. My clothes are now pima cotton tees and denim on most days. Black jeans and a couple of dressy tops for special occasions and that about covers it. I am searching for my easy winter wardrobe now ~ sorting and purging. I have found another simple but wonderful help both clothes minded and money saving. We incorporated a small 4 shelf plastic shelf with 4 cheap clothes baskets near our laundry in the basement. I wrote “white”, “colors”, “jeans” and “work” on each basket. Laundry is only once a week and our utilities have really dropped…. simple wardrobe helps in many ways! I can hardly wait to both be retired and have more time to enjoy our simple way of life! Love your site!
Patrick Earley says
Good afternoon, I am starting this process slowly. Here’s my dilemma I work in public safety therefore I have a ton of uniforms that I have to wear keep in mind I work in the fire service and EMS so keeping extra uniforms are a must for those days. Along with this I am also a consultant for my own company therefore need to keep things for that too so we do I draw the line.