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“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
We have been travelling for a year with 2 kids and hand luggage only. It became pretty obvious how little we actually needed and inevitably you end up wearing your favourite clothes. It’s well worth investing in good quality pieces that last.
I had a sudden realization that I own too many clothes and shoes. I was shocked when I took a step back and really looked at what I had. I could wear a totally new outfit everyday for 6 months without re-wearing any items of clothing!
Totally ridiculous. So I’m doing a big cull. So far I’ve boxed up about half my wardrobe and this weekend I’ll work through the other half.
My other guilty overindulgence is kitchen products (serving platters, mixing bowls, Tupperware etc). So that will be next on my to-do list.
Thank you for inspiring me to be more conscious with my possessions and spending habits. I looked for articles to see how many outfits other people consider acceptable, and found your site. I’ve learned a lot! I think I need to adopt a minimalist mindset.
I am trying to wear more color not less. Less clothes more color.
I take these as tips from a more experienced “minimaliser” to me, who is a little on the hoarder scale, finding it hard to let go of things that are still useful. I’m trying to “change my mind” and see all advice as useful, even though some of it would never work for ME. It’s so intriguing how some people take it personally. As though a stranger is telling them what to do (what they have to do). Every journey is unique and you have to find what works for you. I like the idea of adding Buddhist “non-attachment” to my thinking. I learn so much from the comments, too!
I’ve been trying out cycling color themes in and out with the seasons. That leaves my closet minimal with few colours but they are chosen ones; and I know next season will bring new colors. Admittedly this means I have 3 big garbage sized bags of clothes hiding in my storage area. It sure is comforting to have a minimal intentional closet though
I used to do this. I changed to a more neutral wardrobe all around with 1-3 pieces in a more seasonal color. Example: winter I’m wearing more black and I used to have a lot of greens, but now I’ve stuck with metallic as am enhanced color. Spring I have more light colors and 2 pink tops with one peachy skirt that matches many of my sweaters from winter that are warm or cream. Summer: I added in a couple navy stripes but restrained from much else. There’s a pink pair of linen pants.
I do save color for workout clothes. I have a few of my favorite colors and do a head to toe outfit in that color for ease of choosing. Workout leggings have a matching bra and coordinating close to monotone tank or winter underlayer. Track jackets are cream and black.
I’ve also decided to add color in my nails. I’ve gone non toxic with nail polish and allow myself to buy one new color per season. No more. 4 bottles of polish all year. I can still play with color without it affecting my wardrobe choices.
I have found two things very freeing: i have allowed myself to prefer the neutral colours that make me feel calm and happy – not just in my hime but in my clothes too. So often in the past, i let sarcastic comments about ‘boring beige’, ‘safe’ navy and black, and ‘stark’ white to make me feel bad about not liking brighter colours on me or in my home. Its ok to like neutrals and its calming and restful in my eye. Bright colours can look lovely in others who have different skin tones/hair colour to me but i never felt comfortable and now i let myself be me!
I have started to buy clothes on a ‘one in, one out’ basis. If i buy a new item, i let go of something from my wardrobe. This stops me just buying for the sake if it – especially now i have been doing this for a while and so there are a lot less items i am wanting or needing to part with! This stops a sneaky build up of clothes/shoes etc without me noticing it and means i am more aware of buying for the sake of it.
This is a good point Ellen. I chose less color because I have issues with sensory overload but I adore looking at color. It’s just too much for me in a closet. But I see beautiful women in other countries wearing bright lively colors and it feels like maybe they find joy with wearing color. I’m working on a very neutral wardrobe but playing with a brightly colored accessory. I don’t need many. Not a rainbow for all my moods, but a couple colors that I feel match my mood I may enjoy. For now I am experimenting with feeling joyful without color in my wardrobe and using my eyes to see the colors in the world around me. I’m learning to create with more color in a non wasteful way. I say go with your gut on this. People say neutrals or less color is good for matching, but if it’s all bright like an eclectic pottery bowl, any primary bright color should match well with most similar colors. Play with the color wheel and see if it works for you!
These are words to live by. I am late to the party, but my quest to have a minimalist lifestyle (starting with my closet) is my main goal for 2023!! I was sitting here one night and heard a loud sound but had no idea what it is. Then a day or so later I entered the guest bedroom (where I normally get ready for the days I go in the office so as not to wake up my partner) and MY CLOSET HAD FELL OFF THE WALL!! The entire thing – all screws had ripped from the wall. I don’t think the builder did the best job hanging it (attaching to studs/good anchors, etc) but 75% if it was TOO MUCH STUFF. When my late brother died I was amazed how much stuff he had in his 1 bedroom apartment. So considering that and the stress this pile of clothes causes me I am all in on this, I am looking into Poshmark or eBay to try and make a few bucks on what I get rid of. I put together cute outfits when I buy them, but I have learned that when it comes down to it, on the days I work in office, I grab what is comfortable – typically the same 10 outfits. Thanks for these tips – some I knew many I did not. I am reading a lot of your older posts as I plan on doing the whole house at some point.
Gina C, if you have not discovered Courtney Carver yet, find her on YouTube. She created Project 33 which is an eye opening experiment to a capsule wardrobe. Good luck! 🍀
Joshua, I enjoy your articles and agree with most of your advice. I have made very large strides over the past few years in paring down a lot of things, wardrobe included.
The only thing I would suggest here is that moving down to one of each article (shoes, purse etc) may present some challenges. For example if your item breaks, tears, unexpectedly gets dirty (because it happens!) and it’s essential to your wardrobe – you gotta big problem the next day because there’s no “backup” or you’re scrambling to clean/ repair/ replace it.
Personally, I believe in having 2 of very key items – not the identical item, but something I can and enjoy using should the first item suddenly become out of commission.
I also want to put it out there that second hand shopping for most clothing/accessories really is the way to go. Better for the planet, closet and wallet!
Yes, agree that for many things, two items is a good idea.
I agree completely on purchasing clothing from consignment shops. There are many upscale shops catering to different demographics, and it isn’t difficult to find attractive quality clothing.
I agree with a lot of this. I have a puppy and 3 kids. I need some contingencies. I own 3 pairs of jeans that are almost identical because it’s what I enjoy and when one pair is dirty, I’ll gladly wear an almost identical pair. It reduces the decision making without making me wash one article of clothing. I have enough laundry right now. I do own 1 handbag and 1 tote. 1 backpack, and 1 of other things I don’t need to use or wash as often. Lol imagine one pair of underwear. I think we May need to play with this concept of 1 and not make it too literal.
I agree. I’m all in on second hand shopping and if it benefits a charity …even better. Also agree on having backups if everything eliminates stress
You can’t think in strict absolutes here. Fir example when decluttering I started by throwing out all the really worn out, torn stuff which seemed logical but a few days later wished I kept a few for those cleaning, grubby days
Thank you for sharing this information about a practical guide to owning fewer clothes. It was useful and interesting. You indeed have written it in a layman way so that anyone can understand and work accordingly. You have done a great job… Great post!!
Yes, my minimalist lifestyle has helped me a lot in the past few years. It helps me no longer have a messy closet. Only buy comfortable clothes that I need. Like this winter, I bought a set of men’s sweatsuit from the online store Xmen Go. It’s very comfortable, I like it, so I won’t buy other sportswear. Minimalism not only improves the quality of life, but also reduces the space occupied.
I’ve just began investigating “minimalist” lifestyle.
The past year has been a huge learning curve (not just myself, but people worldwide). I have studied and worked ridiculous hours for the past decade, the pandemic hit me hard as I worked throughout (until a few months ago when I had a full on stress/exhaustion induced mental breakdown and subsequently quit).
I’m finally getting better now and have been reflecting on my life and assessing my options for the future. I realised: all but the family days out and holidays – I have just accumulated THINGS! Not special, sentimental, useful/used “things” either! The genuinely useful items I own – I haven’t had the time or energy to actually use.
I’ve never classed myself as “materialistic”, yet I can’t find any other definition for: “I have worked myself to exhaustion, to earn money, to buy things I don’t need, I don’t want, I haven’t used and I need to get rid of because they are cluttering up my home”.
I’ve read a few articles now (and the comments), also watched the Netflix documentary. I wanted to ask some questions:
1) can anyone direct me to some information/advice on how to introduce minimalism to my children? I have an 8 year old and 11 year old and they are EXTREMELY sentimental. Example: when attempting to declutter I found a bag of stones from the beach (or so I assumed)… turns out my daughter had collected these from various outings and could tell me each stones origin and who we were with at the time. I ended up allowing her to keep them because she was so so attached… this is just an example, it’s a similar story with many of their possessions!
2) I’ve seen many lists of what to discard (donate or sell), but I’d love an example of what to keep!
3) I currently (probably due to above personal situation) am absolutely fed up with every item of clothing I own. I mean EVERYTHING. If I were to donate all of my clothing and buy myself a small number of items I loved – does this defeat the object of starting a minimalist lifestyle?
4) When a person/family becomes a Minimalist Graduate – how do you keep on top of it? I’ve seen the 1-1 idea and I can see that working in some situations. However, I worry about gifts!
5) going back to the children, what do you do with the terrible (although cute) craft items? Taking photos and then chucking them out would break my children’s hearts! Is this done slyly e.g hidden away until they forget, then dumped? Or do you tell them they have to get rid after a set time?
I’m sorry for the long post and probably a little too much life story, just really interested in this and want to set myself a good plan of action before I start.
Go watch the minimalist mom on you tube – her videos will help with most of your questions x
This is for people Who never gain and lose weight.
And, who don’t produce babies from their bodies!
Though I do think he did a good job of being like, look, YOU know what you need. Don’t have more than YOU need.
So, I need roughly three overlapping wardrobes to avoid lots of constant purchasing:
1) postpartum/high weight nursing friendly
2) a combo of nursing and non-nursing low weight items
3) maternity (which is a combo of regular high weight clothes and some maternity specific stuff mainly for third trimester)
This has to cover me whether nursing or not, in an extreme continental climate of -40 to + 40 C, and over a weight range of about 60 lbs!
Yes I agree , my weight changes between two sizes , hence my excuse for too many clothes . Add to that seasonal clothes … for work , holidays , home , celebration / cultural outfits , handbags and shoes that match the occasion ….. result an over crowded wardrobe and loft . I love the idea of minimalism but do so terribly struggle with this , though from time to time do manage to have a clear out but then go and buy something I really like … from a sale or a charity shop. Also the older you are the more you accumulate …. That’s me!! Thanks for the well written article snd yes I learn from comments. It’s an individual thing , good luck everyone!
Hello Zara, what a special journey you have begun! And your questions are so relevant, many of which I have also pondered! Thank you for being transparent and honest. There is no “one size fits all” approach… from what I have gathered reading minimalist sites for a few years now, and trying to pare down more myself, if you begin with downsizing your own possessions the urge to reduce often rubs off on other household members as time goes on. If the children’s art is packed away in nice storage boxes and they can pick X many to keep per term, this should help with the creative clutter! Best blessings for the future.
HI Zara,
I’m a bit ahead of you on the journey, so I have some ideas for you.
1. I took pictures of the special arts/crafts and slowly built a shutterfly book. Eventually the kids stop bringing the little treasures to you, so then you order the book. That way you have to book but not all of the stuff.
2. To me, minimalism isn’t about having wmpty rooms and closets. It’s about only owning things that I truly love and use. It just makes managing the house easier and less time consuming. That said, I have a glass jar that I keep little pretty rocks and tiny bits of drift wood in. I collect them when I go with my family on the boat (my happy place). I get your kid ;) can you get her a glass jar but tell her that her collection has to Ben limited to that jar? It will make it so she finds the smallest possible rocks to add to it.
3. Start with yourself. It’s easy to look at other people’s stuff and think that need to clear out, but you will inspire them if you start. I remember when the kids were smaller we got all of the books in the house. We sat ina line and we passed the book along the line. If you wanted to keep it, you put it in a pile, but if you didn’t, you passed it to the next person. No questions asked. We got rid of half of our books that day.
We also did that with toys. I couldn’t believe how many toys they actually didn’t want. I also didn’t pressure them. They wanted less stuff than I thought they would.
Check out the Minimal Mom on YouTube. She has great ideas for kids artwork and belongings ☺️
1) You could sit your kids down and have a conversation with them about what you’ve learned about minimalism, the benefits, etc. You could tell the kids that you yourself are going to be getting rid of Loya of things. You could tell them that every day for a month (or a year or however long) you are each going to pick one thing to give away. You can talk about donating it to kids in need etc (Goodwill). That way they can gradually get used to the idea of owning less. They can build up their de cluttering muscles. And they can choose their least special items first.
2) What to keep is anything you really use every day or at least every week.
3) I think donating everything and starting over is a great idea if you have the money for it. That might even be a reward for a big de clutter project getting done! Personally if I were to do this I would buy the pants first. 2-4 great-fitting pants that you could wear every day of the week. Like dark jeans or black leggings. If you find one you like buy 2 of the same one. Then buy 4-6 tops that go with the pants you have chosen. Last, buy shoes that will go with the tops and pants you have chosen.
4) I am very pro-active about asking for the gifts I want prior to birthdays/ Christmas. I might ask for an experience or books. I would also share excitedly with all family members that you are becoming minimalists now and trying to let go of all your stuff!
5) Yes I put the art on the fridge for a few days, then to a high hidden shelf, then I dump after a few months
Hello Joshua! This is a great article. I began my minimalist journey in 2017. I used to have so many clothes, since I thought I needed more to look/seem “cool” or “normal”, like other teenagers my age (I am 19 now). I did not though! That was my ego telling me what to do, because of societal norms. Who cares if you own 20 pair of shoes or 2! For me I have now downsized to 2 long-sleeved tops, 2 short-sleeved tops, 4 pairs of bottoms, 1 coat, and 2 pair of shoes (one clogs and one boots). I live in a country that gets basically all 4 seasons but it depends. All of my clothing is pretty expensive, which sometimes makes me cringe but it is worth it because of the high quality! My coat (from Fjallraven) is imitation down made from recycled polyester and is also water-repellent. I have questioned whether I needed another coat or jacket, but this is perfect for wearing in the super cold of winter and also in the autumn and spring! My shoes are both from Birkenstock, super high quality. My dad had his pair of Birkenstock clogs (like mine) for over 40 years before he had to finally get a new pair! I personally feel like quality over quantity is better regarding clothing! Am I happier now that I have less clothing? I would say so, yes. Even when I had 20+ tops, there were a handful I said I “loved” but I never wore them. And to me, what is the point of owning/buying/keeping something that you “say” you “love” but truly are never going to wear or use?