https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:21:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2163164 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 04:04:00 +0000 Carla 2163164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ fashintern - you misunderstand my comment about size of closet if you find a value judgement in it. &nbsp;Small wardrobe folks don’t keep a smaller number of garments because ‘it looks cool’ any more than large wardrobe folks keep more clothes so they don’t have to shop (for replacements.) &nbsp; Every time the topic of wardrobe size comes up there is opportunity to learn the motivations behind how individuals curate their closets, and these motivations are as diverse as the owners of the clothes. &nbsp;As I wrote ‘size matters, <u>but not a lot</u>’. &nbsp;Churn from wear and tear just seems (based on my experiment) &nbsp;more likely in a small wardrobe compared to a larger on. &nbsp;Larger ones have&nbsp;<i>other&nbsp;</i>reasons for garment turnover - like change in size or outmoded style.</p> <p> <div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2163152 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 02:55:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2163152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may comment more later, but the first thing I note is on churn.<br /> <i> if in the long run, folks who prefer a small or minimal number of garments in their closet experience as much churn as folks who have bigger collections! </i><br /> Several people have made the connection recently between small wardrobe size and more churn, because things are worn more often and so wear out more quickly. It looks cool to have just a few things in your closet at a time, and not having much might feel like you aren’t using much, but keeping a larger wardrobe means you can keep things without the need for such frequent replacement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2163129 Thu, 31 Dec 2020 23:45:28 +0000 SarahD8 2163129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis, as always Runcarla.&nbsp;</p> <p>I will be the spanner and say that I like 100% cotton knits. I have not noticed a problem with stretching out but then again I prefer my tops on the roomy side and tend to buy even knit tops with positive ease. So perhaps there isn't as much wearing stretch for the fabric to bounce back from?</p> <p>I do not care for spandex in my cotton knits at all. Too constricting! And my no-no fiber is modal. It thins and practically disintegrates almost immediately. I had 4 cotton-modal knit pajama tops bought in 2019 and they didn't even last a year. I replaced them with a cotton-poly knit this year and so far those seem to be holding up much better.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162889 Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:16:02 +0000 Anonymous 2162889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd think 30 wears is definitely low for shoes, bags, coats- probably pants and skirts too! And yes to cotton blends- definitely more durable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162809 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:47:31 +0000 Jenn 2162809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with all your conclusions, especially that 30 wears is a conservative estimate. Also that having a small wardrobe doesn't necessarily mean you buy or shop less from year to year...or vice versa, unless (like JenniNZ) you're actively trying to scale down a larger wardrobe through wear.</p> <p>I have issues with viscose/rayon, as well, although I've found it to vary greatly from item to item. &nbsp;My biggest problem with Tencel is that it tenaciously holds onto the slightest of stains, especially greasy ones. I am trying to be better at wearing an apron when I cook to prevent some of that, but despite its environmental cred, Tencel jersey is pretty high on my "no thank you" list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162802 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:31:23 +0000 Sal 2162802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting read Carla - and the comments were also enlightening. I don’t count wears but do track my ins and outs.</p> <p>Line drying is cheap, easy and I find therapeutic. And I am not a house work lover!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162801 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:30:21 +0000 kkards 2162801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runclara -thank you for this post. I love posts that make me think and ask me to approach things from a different place.<br />re washing and drying and impact on clothing longevity. Yes using the dryer definitely has an impact. Also don’t over look the detergent that you use, especially how much you use. Its important not to use to much, which i was surprised to learn that i probably am<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thespruce.com/how-much-detergent-per-load-2146803">https://www.thespruce.com/how-.....ad-2146803</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162797 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 17:00:32 +0000 Helena 2162797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, I love this analysis and thanks for sharing it! I have just started counting wears for my current capsule, and I 100% agree that 30 wears is actually a pretty low benchmark for workhorse pieces - I can already see that several of my pieces will hit close to, if not 30 wears, just within my 90ish day capsule season, especially shoes, handbag, outerwear and possibly pants too.</p> <p>I was contemplating your point in #5 also - that a small wardrobe wears through faster than in a larger one; therefore, over the long run, the actual churn might be the same. The big advantage of smaller that I can see is that it would reduce churn of items simply because they are out of date - a bigger risk when you hold an item for more seasons - but this is really down to personal style, personal preference, etc. As always, there is no one "right" way - just what's right for the individual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162796 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:55:31 +0000 Synne 2162796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slightly off-topic, but it is possible to line dry outside also in winter! Also below freezing temperatures. I do it my self. Here is an article I found on the subject:<br /> <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/dont-stop-hanging-your-clothes-out-dry-winter-4858725" rel="nofollow">https://www.treehugger.com/don.....er-4858725</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162793 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:08:57 +0000 LaPed 2162793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally agree with you about line-drying and washing less often. Having a good drying rack set-up in the laundry rooms (and an outdoor clothesline in the summer) has been a real game changer for me.</p> <p>I think the 30 wears benchmark is good for lighter-weight items like jersey knit tees and tops. For pants, woven shirts, footwear, outerwear, it seems very low to me! I've been hesitant to adhere strictly to the 30 wears rule because, like you, I want to give myself permission to re-home mistakes and failed experiments as quickly as possible. I feel the occasional "closet guest" is balanced out by the fact that successful purchases usually become heavy hitters and surpass 100 wears with ease.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also found the Boden bretons to be a bit too flimsy and t-shirty for my preferences. Have you tried the LL Bean ones (I believe Suz is a fan)? They're a nicely textured knit with a bit more heft and drape than jersey. My favorite breton top right now is a thrifted Saint James Meridien -- unisex fit, heavy weight, nice texture. I also picked up some good sturdy ones a few years ago at J Crew and Uniqlo that are still going strong.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162778 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 12:17:15 +0000 Star (Lise) 2162778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently completed a list of all my clothing items.&nbsp; Horrors!&nbsp; Way more than I thought.&nbsp; I don't buy alot, and when I do I mostly thrift BUT I don't purge unless an item is worn out or I am really sick of it.&nbsp; You have now inspired me to track wears for 2021. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162759 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 04:42:02 +0000 Jessikams 2162759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hate the cotton stretch! I have an all-cotton sweater that stretches ridiculously and I hardly wear it because it bothers me so much— particularly in the sleeves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162758 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 04:35:19 +0000 Bijou 2162758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, thank you for sharing your findings, which are very useful. There is nothing I hate more than to buy something that is not well made and to have to dispose of it after only a handful of wears.</p> <p>I am lucky with my warm climate that I only line dry my clothing. Most of my clothes (other than gear) gets hand washed and dried on a hanger. I am trying to move away from dry clean only clothing due to the environmental impact and cost. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162757 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 04:33:14 +0000 Carla 2162757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Joy - the fabric content notes are the ones I will be paying the most attention to when I make future purchases.</p> <p>@rachylou - second hand/thrift is where it’s at for sweaters, I’m convinced. &nbsp;</p> <p>Addendum: of the 22 tops that I have in my closet going into 2021, 13&nbsp;had &lt;10 wears, 4 had 10 &lt; 19 wears, and 5 had 20 &lt; 30 wears. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162756 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 04:30:42 +0000 rachylou 2162756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>100% with you re laundering and line drying. I did an experiment one year, living only with a subset of my wardrobe, and that took a serious toll. I shopped and bought A LOT more. Also: I just have to say once more that I don’t feel sweaters are what they once were. I’m telling you, sweaters start to look tatty after a year even when they go UNWORN. The yarn just unwinds itself, I swear... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162751 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 04:06:06 +0000 Anonymous 2162751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabulous thoughts, Carla. I expect my clothes to last 3 years or longer but I have a larger wardrobe ( too many clothes). I tend to save new clothes, so don’t wear them so much the first year. The second year and third year they become a part of various outfits and get the most wear.<br /> I agree that washing and especially drying in a dryer wears them out faster.<br /> A favorite aunt used to have everything dry cleaned because she thought the clothes lasted longer that way.. they also kept their color longer.<br /> It was interesting to think of fabric content. I had always thought of it as knits vs woven fabrics but it is more than that. I hate it when things get shapeless. I think that is the basis of my avoidance of cotton unless tightly woven. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162749 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 03:26:49 +0000 Carla 2162749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@shevia - DH rebuilt my drying lines (and I re-thought the laundry schedule) after overloading the lines in my laundry room caused the hooks to be pulled from the wall!</p> <p>Items purchased at thrift in 2020 doubled from 2019 and comprise a surprisingly high percentage of 10/10, high happiness, favourite items!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162748 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 03:21:28 +0000 Carla 2162748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenni - I’m a pencil and paper gal too! &nbsp;I tracked wears monthly on grid paper, and then summarized it on another grid paper chart! &nbsp;If your surplus has you discouraged, why not keep the very best of each category - the items that&nbsp;<i>really&nbsp;</i>spark joy - and donate the rest. &nbsp;Mourn a little about the sunk cost if you will, and then get on with using things that make you happy and that you will&nbsp;<i>enjoy&nbsp;</i>wearing 30+ times. &nbsp;Make a deal with yourself to be super careful with future acquisitions, and have fun in a measured way. &nbsp;FWIW - I made some ‘mistakes’ with some purchases this year, but rather than force myself to wear or use the item, I ‘re-homed’ them - but made a note on my ‘no buy’ list to exercise caution about similar items. &nbsp;(Olive mini-backpack purse I’m looking at you!)</p> <p>@notsaf - the ‘perfect’ mariner - frankly the perfect t-shirt - is a HEWI. &nbsp;The Boden ones aren’t&nbsp;<i>bad,&nbsp;</i>but I would like a tad more shape than they have, when I have to get their replacement. &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>@slimcat - totally understand the need for natural fibres! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>@Minaminu - good article. &nbsp;I’m much less cavalier about tossing garments in the laundry basket these days! &nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>@Windchime - did you avoid pajamification? &nbsp;My purchases were down as well, and what was added was in line with regular day wear - but less. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>@Suz - I had no clue what I’d learn at the start of the year, but I’ve learned&nbsp;<i>a lot,&nbsp;</i>and it&nbsp;<i>will&nbsp;</i>influence purchases going forward. &nbsp;Jeans are one of the few things (along with leather) that seem to be acceptable with the patina of age. &nbsp;The visible wear on my jeans (72 wears and 35 wears) is more acceptable for ‘off the property’ stylings than, say, my&nbsp;olive chinos (33 wears)!</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162744 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 02:50:00 +0000 Jaime 2162744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting observations. I have also been thinking a lot about fabric composition. Right now my sweaters lean heavily toward cashmere and my tops silk. (All second hand - I don't think I have ever paid more than $5 for a cashmere sweater.) I do love cotton for lounge wear but agree it just doesn't have the structure I like for my outward facing looks. I have been line drying (well banister drying ) my nice clothes for years, and am pleased to see my kids have gotten the message too. (Everyone does their own laundry in this house, except DH!)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162738 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 01:34:55 +0000 Suz 2162738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only counted actual wears for one year but it was very instructive. My heavy hitters definitely get more than 30 wears -- denim, certain tops, coats, footwear, bags...</p> <p>I've been line drying almost exclusively since I joined YLF. Really -- I line dry everything except gear, socks, and undies. This has definitely diminished wear on my clothes, to the point where some of my less-frequently worn items look good as new 6 or 7 years in! However -- I'm in agreement with you that cotton fades, gets out of shape (and fails to snap back). That is one reason I need to replace/ upgrade summer tops quite often -- I prefer breathable cotton in summer. Then, wool and cashmere knits eventually pill and get out of shape, so they, too, require replacement. All in all, denim is the longest wearing fabric, and providing you can repurpose older styles (as with your cut offs) it's a really good deal for those who WFH and have a classic style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162735 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:16:55 +0000 Windchime 2162735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy reading these analysis types of threads, Runcarla. &nbsp;I don’t track actual # of wears, although am very admiring of Fabbers that do. &nbsp;I do record when items were purchased and what I paid for them; referring to that can help with keep/let go decisions. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Because of the situation with the pandemic this year, my wardrobe churn was much less than usual; I think I bought only about one third of my usual amount of new items in 2020. &nbsp;I definitely got bored with some things, but I couldn’t justify letting go of them, yet...I especially enjoyed what I added this year, probably because there was less of it. &nbsp;</p> <p>And yes, laundering is definitely hard on things!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162734 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:03:23 +0000 Jenni NZ 2162734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting Minaminu! That article kind of criticises her, actually, the original article has more about her. She may be right about not washing as much but otherwise she sounds like one of those people who has no idea at all of her own privilege. There seem to me to be a lot of those in the UK, it may just be my mistaken impression from a long way away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162731 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 23:45:37 +0000 Minaminu 2162731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab analysis! Item longevity and composition goes on together. I am still learning about materials, I am interested in getting some more linen and tencel as they wash well and are easy to look after.</p> <p>I think you nailed regarding laundering, dry lining helps the maintenance of the clothes. I often use a brush to keep the clothes fresh. In the past, I used to wash my clothes after each wear but decided to reduce it after reading an article from Stella McCartney. The article can be read here<br /> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/08/not-washing-clothes-stella-mccartney-cleaning" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/co.....y-cleaning</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162729 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 23:38:25 +0000 slim cat 2162729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Durability seems one of the most important things in 2020 - it clearly present in your analysis. I'm nodding on the laundering and line drying - I do it for some of my pieces. I differ on the fabric composition - the sensitivity of my skin rules that one ( plus overheating ).<br />The fabric that used in the gear items ( such as poly blends in hiking pants, shirts, tees ) lasts almost forever in my wardrobe ( no gardening though ) but stays in that category only. I'm ok with higher turnover in my tops ( such a tee-shirts or shirts ) since they are the most comfortable for my skin ( 100% cotton, cotton/modal, rayon, viscose ).</p> <p>I like your analytical approach to the wardrobe pieces - it helps to see some of my problems as well. I'm not counting wears currently but was inspired this summer to get some of my older pieces a chance "to go out and play" ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162726 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 22:35:34 +0000 notsaf 2162726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla: you are a superhero! </p> <p>I was just complaining about my striped tees wearing out on another thread. I also found one from Boden that has held up to lots of wear and washing for a year, but it's an exception. My go-to striped tees from J Crew have not lasted even that long. It's time to start looking for better quality replacements and perhaps to start line-drying (but what a pain!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162722 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 22:01:21 +0000 Jenni NZ 2162722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Carla you just caught me looking at my clothing lists ( which are on paper, suits me better than on computer).<br /> And still bemoaning to myself that I have too many in certain categories (dresses, summer cardigans and jackets) than I can manage to wear. So they last years and years. I like them, but in the past I bought too many. I have 6 summer cardigans spanning 2012-2019 and 6 summer jackets spanning 2010-2017, only one of these 12 above 30 wears. 10 of them did get worn in 2020 so they do still suit, just I don’t need a topper every day in our warm summers I guess. At least no more bought this year!<br /> Most of my items easily last 30 wears but the odd one gets faded by then and is edited out just over that number.<br /> I have counted for 4.5 years and it is still so useful to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-by-the-numbers#post-2162721 Tue, 29 Dec 2020 21:46:12 +0000 Carla 2162721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a companion piece to my 2020 review&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review">https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review</a>, but I kept it separate due to its statistical vs philosophical leanings!</p> <p>Having become intrigued by the concept of counting wear opportunities for garments, and the idea that crossing the threshold of 30 wears is a litmus check of use, I decided to ‘count wears’ of essential garments from my wardrobe for 1 year. &nbsp;Specifically, I counted tops and bottoms, or one piece items - such as a dress. &nbsp;I didn’t count toppers, outerwear, accessories, or sports kit/gear. &nbsp;I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be, but I definitely&nbsp;<i>learned&nbsp;</i>from the experiment, and will implement what I learned going into 2021 and beyond.</p> <p>#1 - <b>‘30 wears’ is a conservative estimate for longevity</b>&nbsp;of an item - particularly a well made garment.&nbsp;The pants I wore the most (a pair of jeans) were new in October 2019, and in 2020 I wore them 72 times! &nbsp;They were mid priced jeans ($135) that I got at half price. &nbsp;I will probably get one more year out of them before the fabric gives way at my main wear point. &nbsp;Second place for bottoms - white jeans from 2018 that were converted to shorts this summer and worn 39 times after the conversion. &nbsp;They look and feel like brand new, so still lots of wear left in this garment. &nbsp;The most worn tops were 3 Boden striped t-shirts from 2019 that saw 22-25 wears each this year. &nbsp;They will probably last one more year. &nbsp;I did dispatch two striped t-shirts (about 15 wears each) that I liked very much for their colour-ways, but they did not last the year in my closet, because they did not hold up, which leads me to....</p> <p>#1&nbsp;<b>Fabric composition. &nbsp;</b>I learned a&nbsp;<i>lot&nbsp;<u></u></i>about the durability of fabric from this experiment, and if there is&nbsp;<i>anything&nbsp;</i>I’ve learned it is a new respect for some fabrics (wool and some synthetics!) and a slight falling out of love with 100% cotton. &nbsp;Throw a little nylon or polyester into the cotton mix, or even 100% synthetics (polyester mesh) plus some spandex for stretch, and you’ve got a winner. &nbsp;Rayon, Viscose, and Elastane in any but the tiniest (1-2%) are to be avoided (by me.). I absolutely&nbsp;<i>detest&nbsp;</i>when a garment that fits at try-on time ‘grows’ with body heat, and stretches out of shape. &nbsp;The striped shirts that didn’t make the cut? &nbsp;They seemed to grow a size with every wash and became distorted and unattractive. &nbsp;This ‘growing’ was the number one reason for dispatched/donated clothes this year! &nbsp;Though cotton can be comfortable, as a woven you need to go for very high end quality (like fine men’s shirts) to get any kind of durability or colour fastness and cotton knits need special treatment to keep their shape and colour - which leads me to.....</p> <p>#4&nbsp;<b>Laundering&nbsp;</b>is the bane of garment durability! &nbsp;There are a few magic spandex blend gear type fabrics that seem to last 20 years with no special treatment, &nbsp;but for the most part, it is the laundering process that puts stress on most garments vs the actual wearing! &nbsp;Midway through this experiment of counting wears, I started&nbsp;<i>line drying&nbsp;</i>more of my garments, and I firmly believe this has increased the durability, and improved the appearance, of the items I selected for special treatment. Wearing an undershirt or slip under some garments, and an apron when cooking or doing messy tasks, reduced chances of dirty mishaps and more frequent laundering. &nbsp;Giving clothes a break to ‘air’’ between wears is another good habit. &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>#5 As suspected,&nbsp;<b>size of wardrobe </b>matters&nbsp;- but not a <i>lot. &nbsp;</i>I wouldn’t be surprised if in the long run, folks&nbsp;who prefer a small or minimal number of garments in their closet experience&nbsp;<i>as much&nbsp;</i>churn as folks who have bigger collections! &nbsp;Looking at the heavy hitters in my closet, I suspect 2 years will be their maximum longevity factor. &nbsp;The garments with less than 15 wears per year will likely&nbsp;<b>last&nbsp;</b>4-5 years, possibly longer. &nbsp;They may exit my closet earlier - if I fall out of love with them for whatever reason (change in size, outdated style.)</p> <p>As an end of year project, I documented my closet in Finds! &nbsp;I did include just about everything, including sports kit/gear. &nbsp;Counting duplication of identical garments I have about 115 items split roughly 85 day wear items, and 30 items strictly gear.</p> <p>Feel free to comment, dispute, or ask questions about my findings. &nbsp;I would be interested in your thoughts or findings (if you are a ‘counter’ as well.)</p> <p> </div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div> </p>