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

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:50:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Janet on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1365598 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 21:07:12 +0000 Janet 1365598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice job on culling some that you don't want anymore. :-) You got me curious. Even though I don't do numbers very much, I counted today as I switched out a few more summer-for-winter items. I have pretty much the same number. 3 BFs - one distressed, one faded and cropped, one a little darker 2 "Tomboy" - one faded, one darker -- these are loose like BFs but not tapered, so I can wear them over boots, etc. 3 Flares - Love Story (faded), Gap (medium wash), Paige (dark) 3 other boot cuts - old jeans I can get grungy, Hudson baby boot cuts, and a pair of grey ones 2 pairs of straight-legs (one Paige getting faded, one COH dark) 2 medium dark wash blue skinnies  7 skinnies/straights in colors other than blue denim - 2 pr black (one lightweight, one heavier and actually more of a straight leg in a looser fit); one optic white, one cream, one light grey, one dark grey, one teal 4 skinnies in patterns - black tonal houndstooth, black tonal scroll pattern, the Jolt tartans, one pair of black with white tuxedo stripe down the side 2 pr waxed skinnies - dark plum and dark forest green 3 pr jeggings - AG grey corduroy, black Kut ponte, and blue denim Democracy I really don't have much of a redundancy in there! But I wear jeans almost daily from mid-September through early June. Of course, some I wear more often than others, but I tried everything on and decided they were good to stay. (I did put one pair that is a little snug with no stretch in my holding zone, in case I lose weight, and I put one pair in the donation pile.)  So, if I'm a denim packrat, so be it! ;-D  Alassë on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1365424 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:34:49 +0000 Alassë 1365424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Way to go, Missey! Mo on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1365305 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:59:43 +0000 Mo 1365305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, thanks for the commiseration on the hassles of moving.  sorry to have sidetracked!   Good job on purging a few up front!  As many have said, it's not a certain magical number for everyone but if you can't wear what you have, or wear it as often as you'd like, due to too many options, that's when it becomes too many IMO. Good luck on your move!  Suz on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1365287 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:15:35 +0000 Suz 1365287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good job, Missey!  I think the lesson here really isn't about numbers at all. It's too many if you don't like them or don't wear them, and not too many if you love and wear them all. The real lesson is try everything on before editing! It's painful sometimes, but really makes decision making easier.  Lisa on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1365284 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:08:12 +0000 Lisa 1365284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As others have said, 'too many' is a personal choice.  If you wear them all often enough to make you happy, then it is not too many pairs.  At 26 pairs, you would be able to go almost an entire month before repeating your jeans.  I'm currently at about half of that, at 12 pairs, although I do not sport them all for every season, some of them are 'seasonal' jeans (brown for fall/winter, white more often in spring/summer). Gigi on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1365094 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 02:55:30 +0000 Gigi 1365094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay! Great job, Missey! Missey on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1364976 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:02:51 +0000 Missey 1364976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ETA:  prior to packing I tried on all of them!  I culled out one pair of Mother The Looker skinny jeans (they are just too too skinny, fabric is very stretchy and cut is lovely, but they are too soft and form fitting, it bothered me), a pair of overalls (the more expensive Free People ones, I liked the Target better...huh), a pair of GAP straight legs, J Brand cigarette leg, a pair of Genetic denim chambray sweat jeans.  I felt great about the ones I kept, so I guess they stay with me for now, an I'm good with that :) Again, thank you all for your insight, advise, therapy, and in some ceases, commiseration.  I appreciate your willingness to be kindly candid.  This was very helpful.  frannieb on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1364842 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 18:18:35 +0000 frannieb 1364842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, interesting thread. As someone who owns 3 pair of jeans total. Mostly because I am a crazy hard to fit pear. I will echo what others have said if it feels stressful it is too many. I have over 24 dresses and it doesn't feel stressful it feels just right for me because I do wear them.  I think sometimes we all get caught up in minimalism. Really I think minimalism is more about not creating stress, consuming for the sake of consumerism and more about being mindful. Maybe your 32 jeans is you magic number. Maybe not. catgirl on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many/page/2#post-1364834 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 17:56:19 +0000 catgirl 1364834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been peeking at this thead but afraid to chime in because that means I'd have to count.  But I think I'm at 20, depending on what you count (PJ jeans?).  If it's stressful, it's too many.  That happened to me, and led to a reality check that I somehow wanted one or more of every possibly style, "just in case", even though the truth is I only really wear two styles. Anonymous on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364710 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 14:23:19 +0000 Anonymous 1364710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No--no such thing. No such thing as too many shoes or t-shirts either. gryffin on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364693 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 13:29:45 +0000 gryffin 1364693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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!! Gigi on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364608 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 06:06:55 +0000 Gigi 1364608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. Missey on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364555 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 04:00:24 +0000 Missey 1364555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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 ;) anne on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364549 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 03:55:23 +0000 anne 1364549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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!! Mo on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364527 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 03:22:07 +0000 Mo 1364527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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!!   Missey on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364450 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:55:28 +0000 Missey 1364450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @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). Missey on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364445 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:50:12 +0000 Missey 1364445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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! Janet on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364407 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:40:41 +0000 Janet 1364407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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! Sal on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364405 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:30:20 +0000 Sal 1364405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. shedev on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364360 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 20:43:52 +0000 shedev 1364360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have more than you. I'm divided into work and play catagories and winter vs summer. Staysfit on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364320 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 18:53:33 +0000 Staysfit 1364320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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.   Ginkgo on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364314 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 18:35:38 +0000 Ginkgo 1364314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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! ironkurtin on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364313 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 18:33:53 +0000 ironkurtin 1364313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. Mo on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364311 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 18:27:25 +0000 Mo 1364311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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.  ;) Missey on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364308 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:59:40 +0000 Missey 1364308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @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! Marley on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364302 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:42:19 +0000 Marley 1364302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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! Mo on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364299 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:35:59 +0000 Mo 1364299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364273 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 16:45:28 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1364273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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. Elly on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364270 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 16:39:26 +0000 Elly 1364270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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.  Niki Lea on "Jeans..is there such a thing as too many? ETA: I culled a few pairs!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeansis-there-such-a-thing-as-too-many#post-1364257 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 16:22:29 +0000 Niki Lea 1364257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 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.