Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs! - YouLookFab Forum

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Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!

Missey

Veteran

I am in the process of packing for our upcoming move and decided it was time to pack up the majority of my clothes since I don't really have time for anything that requires me to look nice over the next two weeks. I also fully intended to do a little purging, but that is just not going so well.

I cannot get rid of jeans...here is my count:
Flares 3
BF's 4 (3 are broken in....I can't find a darker, non-destroyed pair I like)
Straight leg 6
Skinny 6
Black skinny 3
White 2
Overalls 2(one dark, one light)

That's 26 by my count.

If that weren't enough, I just ordered a pair of dark BF's from the Anthro sale, a pair of washed black skinnies from the GAP, 3(!) pairs of JBrand Lovestory from ebay (all less than 30 bucks, washed black, indigo, washed out denim blue), and I have a custom made pair or BF's coming in October. That brings the grand total to 32.

32.

I have issues people. I'm not even going to go into the shoes right now.

I'm done shopping for the rest of the year. I need to be held accountable and I need to start wearing all of this stuff!

Off to box up my shame.

Dressing

38 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

If you wear & enjoy them all, it's not a problem, right? If you see you are splitting wears, then maybe cull out the ones you really don't like as well. I have a tiny wardrobe & even I need about 8 pairs to cover all the bases so I get it! And please send a note when you find fabulously dark & undistressed boyfriends because that's at the top of my list too.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

DD just recently informed me she has 30....I had to count after she told me that and am at about the same. I have straight , skinny, boot cut and trouser.
I have colored ones and patterned ones. and coated ones...

Tanya

Veteran

Well, if it helps, my numbers are very similar to yours,maybe even a little higher ( I do not dare to actually count). In my defense, this collection has been building over ten years, as I like to keep my premium jeans even if they are not trendy anymore (e.g. bootcuts, which are coming back into style these days). I also wear jeans most of the times, and like to have lots of different options as I get bored easily. But I have also decided not to buy any new ones for the fall-winter

jackiec

Veteran

IMO you can never have too many jeans

My last count was 25 but I've added. Yes, I've purged but I've also pulled some out of the purge bag.....ha!

Denim is my crack so to speak. But you have me beat. Well done!

claire

I'm right up there with you, I haven't counted lately but close, or more. Team Jeans.

Only rivaled by my weakness for sweaters....

Joyce B

Veteran

I have a lot of jeans, too and I just got two more pairs of plaid ones. I cannot wear them during the week so I really have more than I need.
I think jeans fit better than any other pants, that's why I an such a fan. Plus, they last longer. I wish dress pants fit like jeans do but there is no such luck.
Enjoy your jeans, it sounds like you have a good plan for the rest of the year.

Jeanie

Veteran

Oh jeans are like old boyfriends that we get to keep around. Love them...toss them aside and then love them again.....then get some new ones. It all makes sense!!!

Susie

Veteran

By my method of counting, black, white, colored, patterned and waxed count as pants, not jeans. So for strictly blue jeans, I have "only" 10. Adding in all of the others, it's more like 25-30.

If you do wear all of them, then it's not too many, right?

Niki Lea

Veteran

Wow! I was going to say I have a lot, but not in comparison to 25+. I think I have about six? One skinny Levis, two straight/skinny Second yoga jeans (one black, one dark bkue), one new DKNY bf, one Gap long and lean, white skinnies from H&M, and a pair of grubby ones for painting.

Elly

Veteran

If it isn't bothering you, it isn't bothering anyone else here! If your happy and you wear them and it isn't killing your wardrobe budget many ladies have wardrobe "pets" jeans and shoes can be yours!

That said, being someone that wears jeans pretty much every day I can't imagine how 1 person can wear 35 pairs of jeans. That is basically not having to re-wear or wash a pair for 2 weeks for the s/s season without EVER wearing any other bottom, and ditto for F/W. Do you have 2 different lengths, multiple washes, multiple fabric weights and special detailed pairs on your 6 pairs of black skinny jeans? I'm assuming it is because you like versatility and wear them all, not because you have some you don't like or you need many identical pairs. Otherwise, perhaps you have so many because some of them aren't great, because I can't imagine needing more than 3 pairs of the EXACT same jeans-- I'm a sweaty, dirty, active person and I usually get 2 wears out of a pair before laundry. But I have a small wardrobe.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I've got a rather large number too, although I do wear all of them (eventually). According to my wardrobe goal numbers, I'm supposed to have around 12 full-length jeans for cool weather wear, but I think the actual number is somewhere nearing 20, especially if you include the rest of my casual pants like cargos, which I tend to store with jeans.

Maybe a purchasing moratorium is in order - exceptions when you find a genuine hole in color or silhouette? I will say that the ebay thing can be a destructive trap/habit to fall into - I have to remind myself that just because I found a great deal at the thrift store, it doesn't mean I have to buy it if I don't actually need another whatever-it-is. Obviously budget influences all of us, but sometimes those of us who are bargain-hunters love the thrill of the chase as much as acquiring the actual item. I try to ask myself whether I'd buy it if it were full-price, and if the answer is no, then I think long and hard about buying it on sale.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have probably 10 or 12 pair, including colors and patterns (black, white, red, khaki, ikat). I find when it comes to BLUE jeans, half a dozen covers the bases for me. Each silhouette is represented and each wash (minus flares, and acid wash lol). I have skinny, straight, boot cut. Dark, medium, light. Cropped, distressed and BF. All covered. Works for me.

Marley

Veteran

I think it depends on your lifestyle whether or not you have too many jeans. Do you wear jeans everyday? If so, then you need a larger quantity than someone who only wears them on weekends.
In looking at your list, it appears that you do have some duplication going on - for example, 6 pairs of black skinny jeans. Is there any distinguishing quality about them that would cause you to grab one pair to wear rather than another? Or are they all pretty much the same - and you could grab any one of the 6 and it would work with your outfit?
I have a lot of jeans also - but it makes sense for me, because I can wear them year round in my mild climate, and I wear them 7 days a week. I don't believe that I have duplicated anyone of the same style/color/type though. For example, I don't have 6 pairs of black skinnies - I have 1. I do have several pairs of white jeans - but they are all different styles - BF, slouchy skinny, and straight leg.
So - I think (without really knowing what your lifestyle and wardobe requirements are on a daily basis) you may have a few that could be weeded out - but, only you know for sure!
Also - does having all of those jeans bring you joy? Are you happy with that many? - and the rest of them that you will be getting in the next few weeks? If so - then enjoy! But if they bog you down, cause you anxiety, and/or you just can't stop buying jeans - then maybe you need to slow down a bit!

Missey

Veteran

@Marley- I just read your post and I saw 6 pairs of black skinnies and realized I I mistyped...I have 3 pair bringing my grand total down to 32! I am mostly casual and jeans are my favorite bottom, and no, I don't wear them all religiously. For the most part I have collected these over a long period of time and I have difficulty getting rid of premium jeans, which is what I have now for the most part. I do find myself getting caught up in the "new" denim looks (Oh look! The J Brand Lovestory!). Am I happy with that many? I like the variety but I do think I have too many. Part of me is afraid I'll cull out the "wrong" pair. Ugh- such first world problems! I am going on a shopping moratorium for the rest of the year because a) I want to explore what I all have, b) I really need nothing, c) unpacking in my new home will give me a chance to re-evaluate and purge as I put away. Thanks for making me think Marley!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

As someone who's also packing right now, I would purge on the front side, rather than after the move, if possible.

Also, I greatly underestimated the need for workout clothing for this last week or two and will be washing often the 3 sets of tops and bottoms in order to sweat in them again! (conversely, I could have kept out just 2 or 3 'outfits' for going out) Another lesson in how we really spend our time vs. how we think (or wish!) we spend our time.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Yes. You have too many if pairs go unworn because you can't possibly wear them all. I am in the same boat and have started to get really picky. If I wear jeans and they are even the slightest bit annoying in any way, I shed them. The world is full of billions of jeans.

Ginkgo

Veteran

I have at least a dozen and a pair of JCrew black jeans are winging their way to me right now. Since I'm early retired and living in California I wear them year-round. Tripling my denim wardrobe is one of the best things I've done since joining YLF; it was false economy for me to have just three pairs of jeans, now I can easily get dressed for different occasions and I really enjoy it. It's one of my rules now to buy a new pair every year to stay current also. Of course, I had to buy more ankle booties and oxfords but that's been a pleasure too!

Staysfit

Veteran

I have at least 25 pairs, and 11 of them are the same exact cut, color, and style of straight leg jean! I love jeans and wear them frequently though. I wear them until they get holes and then give them away. I guess they can still be worn with holes, but not in my workplace.

shedev

Veteran

I have more than you. I'm divided into work and play catagories and winter vs summer.

Sal

Veteran

I think now you have them I would not rush to get rid of them just because you think it is too many. However I think your approach of not adding is a good one. I tend to wear mine out, and the pair that is out of favour get demoted to gardening or rugby sideline jeans.

I have five pairs
One flare
One coated straight
One blue straight
One boyfriend
One Black skinny

I will add two pairs over the next year as the black skinnies are now going to be rainy day/ rugby sideline jeans as they are perfect for waterproof boots. I will add a white/ cream pair and a different relaxed skinny/ straight pair.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

One person's too many is another's just right. Sometimes we get a bit wrapped up in the numbers around here. If you like them and you wear them, keep!

Missey

Veteran

I would like to thank everyone for their input. I do think I have too many jeans, but I really am having trouble weeding them out, probably because I should try them all on. I did put on pair of J Brand Cigarette jeans in the donate pile (which killed me); the rise is just too short for me. They are a beautiful dark color and cut otherwise, but I think it's the low rise that keeps me from wearing them. Tomorrow morning is the day I have designated to pack my clothes up. I'm trying to be ruthless, but we'll see how it goes. I actually do love my jeans, but as many of you have pointed out, If they are not getting used, what is the point. I have decided if they fit well and I like them, even if they are not getting worn enough, I am going to keep them and not feel bad about it.

In the mean time, wish me luck!

Missey

Veteran

@Mo- didn't you just move recently? I don't know how you do it...I hate moving. We have been in the same house for 16 years...just imagine the magnitude of what we have amassed! I donate several large boxes every week and we have hired a dumpster...ugh. I hear you about purging before the move, but I am getting tired of the sorting and packing...it seems like my clothes can wait (this is a total diversion tactic, I know).

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Missey, have you thought of eBaying your jeans? Premium denim can still pull a decent price.
Moving . . . yeah, sigh. I've come to this same town in FL 4 times now since 2007. First FL move was 2003 on the other coast (Atlantic) and then the second one in 2005 to the center of the state (yuck!)
Makes one's head spin. And the closet . . . there is a dichotomy there for sure! We do keep our Tahoe condo so it's not packing up EVERYTHING we own each time. But it's enough. More than enough. Cancelling cable, selling off what we bought here on Craig'slist, change of address gets screwed up when you return to an address you've previously been at (becomes a loop where the mail goes back and forth and back). All of it is taxing. Oh, reacquiring jobs! Harder every time. sorry, hijacked!!

anne

Veteran

Missey you have my empathy. We moved last year after only 71/2 years in one house and that was bad enough - and yes sometimes the sorting and purging has to give way to just packing so you get the job done in time and don't use up you all your emotional energy in constant decision making.

As for the number of jeans - well 26 does seem a lot to me - but I think you are right at the moment to just keep them if they are still good AND not buy any more for say, at least a year. (Nothing wrong with consigning or selling on etc, just not sure if it is what you would want to be doing at this point, just before the move). You said you wanted us to keep you accountable and I will!!

Missey

Veteran

Mo- I have ebayed aplenty! I just don't have the time for all of the writing of ads, answering of questions, shipping, etc. right now. We do have consignment and resale in the area, but being Central MN, you can bet I don't get a very good price.

I admire your fortitude with the moves...I would be nuts! However, I would probably not have quite so many "precious". It must be fun re-discovering your stuff when you get back to Tahoe! Well, happy trails to you! I plan on never moving again

Gigi

Veteran

It sounds to me like having this many pairs of jeans is making you unhappy and stressed. Maybe when you go through your stuff, honestly ask yourself if you would still want a particular pair of jeans even if it weren't premium denim. Just pretend the label isn't there when you evaluate the jeans. Once you pare yourself down to the jeans that you really like and that work for you, maybe you will even have some extra room to buy a pair or two in a current style?

Sometimes I feel like when we buy high-end stuff, we can let it control us in subtle ways. When I feel like that, I remind myself that my wardrobe is here for ME, not the other way around. If my wardrobe is making me miserable, it's time to get tough.

You could perhaps send the purged jeans to someplace like Twice, although I don't know that they give you much for them. It would probably be just as lucrative taking them to the local consignment shops. I agree with Mo that I would purge now rather than after the move. Not only is it easier to move less stuff, but you won't have to deal with trying to figure out what to do with the jeans when you're in your new place and dealing with all the moving-in stuff.

gryffin

Veteran

Missey - I don't think anyone should feel compelled to weed down to a certain number. Most of my jean volume are dupliactes. Jeans can be difficult not only to fit but find in the style, color/wash that you want. I bought 5 duplicates of my boyfriend skinnies (when they were discontinued). I wish I bought extra of my boot cuts since they are discontinued too!! If you love them and wear them or they are duplicates/replacements I would not hesitiate to pack them all up. If they don't fit or flatter that's a different story but that does not sound like it's the case. Enjoy them. They are all ready paid for!! Keep everything that works and be happy you have such a wonderful selection to choose from!!

Anonymous

No--no such thing. No such thing as too many shoes or t-shirts either.

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