https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:57:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393834 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:12:18 +0000 mustard 393834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My clothes fluctuates with my weight. Little by little I have been donating my bigger size. My TShirts get demoted to home when they get little holes around my waist area. Underwear and Bras usually get replaced once a year. Undies as needed. Shoes (as least my favorite) I wear to the ground, other shoes tend to be orphans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393790 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:59:01 +0000 Kate 393790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right now my most reliable replacement is my sandals. I have one have on pair of sandals, and they get worn almost every day in the summer and much of the spring and fall too! I wear them into the ground, and buy a new pair every year. Everything else is a bit less consistent, and depends on quality and wear. I have some gear and one dress from 2001 (and some gear from earlier), but the vast majority of my stuff is from at least 2005, and most was bought this year or last year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393625 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:28:23 +0000 Sveta 393625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tended to keep a lot of stuff until it literally falls apart ( hello, Elly, I am another one from the hard childhood! My granny had a drawer full of brand new undies but was wearing the same old ones and mending holes in them, saving "good ones" for later...) The same was with shoes. I just had a very hard time to get rid of anything which was still "wearable".<br /> I am more ruthless now and doing constant purging for the last year: having a small closet really helps! One problem I still have that I demote things to that "B" group and keep them for housework/gardening/renos. However they seem to pile up faster than I go through them so I need to get to purging there as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393617 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:17:57 +0000 Jonesy 393617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm really all over the map with how long I hang on to stuff. I have a few things that I wore in college (I graduated from college in 1989!) that I still wear, but with other things I tire of them within a year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393612 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:02:06 +0000 Elly 393612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well-- if it gives you a clue, I have 7 pairs of underwear from 2006, and 9 from 2007, and 6 pairs of "emergency" underwear that don't really fit, but I wear when I've been exercising steadily and don't manage to wash my delicates once a week. 5 of my regular pairs have holes, and all 7 from 2006 used to be opaque and are now see-through. Yes, when the paramedics come, my mother is going to be saying "I told you so!"</p> <p>I have one bra from 2006, 3 from 2007, and 3 from 2008. I also have two strapless, one from 2005 and one from 2006. Don't worry, I have one in the post. (all but three and the strapless are completely worn through). </p> <p>Hi folks . . . my name is Elly and I spend too much time around those that grew up during the Depression. It is a problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393581 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:06:31 +0000 rachylou 393581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a ton of clothing. So much, nothing really wears out. I was thinking of chucking it all. But there is belt tightening going on, so now I'm thinking of just shopping my closet on a regular basis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393579 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:59:05 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 393579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachel - you put it perfectly about moving old things to be able to see the new things better... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393578 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:56:38 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 393578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good point, Scarlet! I might not tell you or even think about how old my one is, though... </p> <p>I suppose I'm thinking that if I wore a white buttondown more I might revel in the pristine quality more and then be happier to let it go when it's no longer looking quite as good. This is completely opposite from my normal policy, but I am realising that the people who look the very best have very exacting standards for their clothes (quality, fit and condition) and that I have to decide where I want to stand on all of that... It may be that I just need to replace things a *little* more often than I do at the moment in order to reach the point where I want to be!</p> <p>Sorry, thinking 'aloud' but it's all interesting! (have to say I'm encouraged that lots of other people keep things beyond their prime too...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393573 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:44:13 +0000 Rachel 393573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle to get rid of things so nothing in my wardrobe has a consistent shelf-life. I will keep things until they are completely ruined because it seems like a waste to get rid of them if I can still wear them round the house etc.<br /> I like what you said thlunata about giving old stuff the same space in your closet as new stuff. I think I definitely need to move some of my old things and then I'l be able to see my new things better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393489 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:12:02 +0000 Scarlet 393489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, but white button downs do last more than a year! Those ones are still looking pristine for me. With other things that have seen better days, sometimes I feel like I am the only one who would even notice in a normal day :oP </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393478 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:47:31 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 393478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I knew there would be lots of interesting replies!</p> <p>I'm going to rationalise my closet a bit more. I liked the downgrading idea and sort of do that, but I realise I give lots of clothes the same status - ie the old ones that 'might still be ok' I give the same space in the closet that I would give to something much newer and more pristine.</p> <p>I think I have also reached a stage where I could accept that certain things 'don't owe me anything' after a year and I could release them...</p> <p>If I could accept that white button downs only last a year, I might wear them more often and then replace them, rather than doing what I do now and *not* wear them in case I wear them out...</p> <p>You've all helped me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393408 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:16:24 +0000 Scarlet 393408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep things forever. Longer than I should probably. But I also prefer to buy things that I know will hold up for awhile. And then I keep them even longer... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393394 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:51:39 +0000 MsMary 393394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been a lifelong yo-yo dieter, so I was constantly growing out of my thin clothes or dieting out of my fat clothes, and items wearing out or going out of style wasn't ever really my main issue. I am hoping to stabilize at this weight or a bit less, so I'll have to get back to you on shelf life! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393360 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:51:36 +0000 rae 393360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I purge as I get bored... so no, no set shelf life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393352 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:45:50 +0000 Anonymous 393352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This one is hard for me because a few years ago...everything stayed except if it was completely worn or stained or tattered. Now, with my smaller closet and smaller wardrobe, I am at a one-in-one-out stage and I'm less likely to keep something just in case. I just don't have the space for not-perfects! I'm also finding that when I lived in San Diego, the t-shirts and shorts were replaced every year since those were worn thin and up here in the PNW, I am finding my sweaters need replacing more often. Last fall/winter I wore out my black cardi so that needs replacing. But it seems regardless of my location, Iike to replace my t-shirts (short and long sleeve) and underwear every year to keep things looking fresh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393350 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:44:07 +0000 StacyJo 393350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too purge as I go. Undies get replaced every year. I do tend to buy t-shirt weight tops and have a number in white, cream, beige and grey...sleeveless, short sleeved and 3/4 sleeve. For things that I purge out of my closet, they go to the Goodwill down the street (Which I love - found an adorable Kate Spade bag there for my niece). Suits I tend to hang onto for 3-4 seasons (I have two). Jeans get replaced less often and shoes? Well, I love shoes and keep them for a number of years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393313 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:59:16 +0000 taylor 393313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I purge as I go, when things look a bit tattered:)<br /> I hang on to shoes longer than I should...but I am getting better...just got rid of several. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393309 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:55:43 +0000 chewyspaghetti 393309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to replace basics every year- layering tees/camis, socks, undies, PJ's/loungewear.<br /> The rest I just evaluate what shape it's in and go from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393271 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:25:22 +0000 Aziraphale 393271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear jeans and denim skirts a lot, but these tend to last a long time because I don't put them in the dryer. When they do wear out -- i.e. when they develop holes -- I toss them.</p> <p>Tee shirts follow a predictable downward trajectory. They start off as "first string", which means I wear them with a cute skirt when I want to look nice; as they get older they become "second string", where I wear them on regular ol' days where I have to go out to the grocery shop and pick up my kids, but nobody important is going to see me; then they become running shirts; and finally they get tossed in the bin.</p> <p>Proper shirts (with collars) and knit tops (sweaters and lighter knits tops that are less casual than tees) are different. Often these last long enough that I either get tired of them or else they look hopelessly out of sync with my current wardrobe, but still have lots of wear left in them. In this case I donate them to charity.</p> <p>ETA: rough timeline -- jeans tend to last five years, tee shirts one or two, and sweaters I'm not sure. I've barely worn them since I had kids, because I get too hot. I donated a whole bunch last year. Collared shirts last for flipping ever if you don't put them in the dryer.</p> <p>I replace bras and underpants as the need arises, but I'd say a good bra lasts a year or two at most, even if I handwash. I only own four bras, so they get a lot of wear. Undies last longer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393265 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:42:01 +0000 Lisa 393265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My clothes have a high turnover as I work though figuring out my style. I like to have variety and try different styles (boho one day, preppy the next) which requires a higher rotation of clothing than if I selected one style. I expect one day I'll be more consistent and have less clothing as a result. I try to purchase investment pieces in items I am less prone to get tired of and items that are more multi-functional. I wear jeans everyday and most will work with a variety of styles, so the jeans last many seasons when I purchase premium denim brands. I also spend more money on my sweaters (cashmere lasts a long time if you hand wash), button down shirts (BB non iron are great), and socks (I prefer moisture wicking wool socks). I will spend less money and layering items: short and long sleeve t-shirts, knitwear, printed tops (I get tired of prints quickly) and anything for summer weather (I sweat a lot and summer clothes are washed often, so they tend not to last a long time). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393256 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:32:55 +0000 Mo 393256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to toss things as they date rather than get worn out. A few items truly get threadbare but I hold on to things for 3 to 5 years and, by and large, by that point the print starts looking dated or the silhouette is noticeably not current anymore. I do have some more classic things like straight leg jeans, wool coats, wrap dress etc that are 10 years old. As long as they are in fine condition and still can be worn in a current way, I'm happy to hold on as long as I can! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393246 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:22:44 +0000 Queen Mum 393246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I pretty much purge as I go. I am not dogmatic about one-in, one-out, but I try to lean in that direction. Usually when I bring something new home, I look and see if there was something in the same category that I was holding on to just until a replacement could be brought in. </p> <p>I do notice that as things start looking less pristine, I mentally move them to the "B" team and those are the things I put on when I'm going to spend the day cleaning house and stuff like that.<br /> I have no qualms about letting stuff go though. I have issues, but that is not one of them </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393236 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:16:57 +0000 morethanbeige 393236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good post! I wonder about this too. I have no system. For instance, what about BP camis? I have a couple off-white ones and I find I wear these all the time. Then I thought it might be nice to have a couple of new ones, because the old ones weren't looking as fresh. But I couldn't throw out the old ones, because they are still good. So now, since they are all together in my drawer, I have no idea which is which. lol See what I mean about no system?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393233 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:13:15 +0000 celia 393233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a hard time replacing basic items like camis and sleep wear, if they are not falling apart I see no point in replacing them.(Thank God I don't wear that many t-shirts otherwise the same would happen to them)<br /> Underwear , jeans and shoes I replace as needed.No special plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393223 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:08:57 +0000 Angie 393223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't wear tees other than for sleeping, and I replace my 2 pairs of sweats and sleeping tees each year. I am also quite hard on my knitwear because it gets a workout living in Seattle. </p> <p>I like to purchase new underwear each year too. And white button down shirts. </p> <p>For the rest, I buy quality items that usually last - but I like a small functional wardrobe so if something goes in, something else has to come out. </p> <p>I have a hard time getting rid of comfy shoes. They literally have to fall apart. I got rid of two pairs of ballet flats this year that had holes in them. I wore them into the ground. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393202 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:54:03 +0000 Diana 393202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep my clothes forever too. I have a hard time letting go of items! I have a large and crowded wardrobe. I pretty much only get rid of things once they fall apart. </p> <p>Shoes (the comfy ones at least), jeans, socks/hosiery, underwear, and tees tend to get holes and have to replaced.... everything else seems to last a long time, probably because of the aforementioned large wardrobe, so I don't tend to repeat too often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393197 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:44:57 +0000 Di 393197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No shelf life here. Because I've never been very trendy, I'm still perfectly happy even with a few things that I bought in high school or college. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393173 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:14:56 +0000 Deborah 393173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jeans get worn for ages and I will buy a new pair of bootlegs every few years but this year I have bought 3 pairs of skinny jeans which I will probably wear until I decide they are no longer the look I want to wear - but I have a feeling I will be wearing them until they fall apart as I love them:). I would say I tend to replace garments randomly. I have a number of staples in my wardrobe, for example I always have a black cardigan and when the style of the cardigan no longer excites me I will replace it with something more up to date. Having said that my style is pretty classic so I do buy things with a view to wearing them for a long time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393164 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:39:04 +0000 Aunty 393164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am the same as you. DH has been known to wrestle clothes or boots away from me because the have had it, but I swear blind I can get another season out of them!</p> <p>If I think about it tend to replace work clothes the most, but that is because I have a small capsule of clothes that I wear in rotation. So they get the most wear and tear.<br /> Jeans have been know to last me for years. I buy the classic bootcut and they never go out of style. I did last year branch out into skinnies and love them. So they are next to be worn to death. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-any-clothes-in-your-closet-have-a-consistent-shelf-life#post-393153 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:59:57 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 393153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep my clothes for ages and ages, even beyond their best. It's not ideal, but it comes from a 'waste not, want not' upbringing that it's hard to shake off.</p> <p>I'd love an idea of how everyone else treats things in their closet. I know some things can be kept for years and years if they are good quality and not used every day but I'm interested in everyday clothes, such as tops, tees (although I wear these less now) and knitwear, jeans if you wear them a lot, everyday skirts, dresses.</p> <p>Do you have things that you always buy new each season/year? And what do you do with the old ones? If you do a regular closet clear out do you find yourself clearing out the same amount, roughly, each time? </p>