https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:36:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out/page/2#post-2264265 Mon, 23 May 2022 22:37:21 +0000 Sal 2264265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are right StagF - it is a good thing - and I am pleased about it.</p> <p>For me, I used to have a smaller closet through my 20s and 30s, and then I struggled a bit in my early 40s to find things I liked - and made a few wrong purchases which I edited out because they wore out quickly or I didn't like them because they fitted poorly etc. But I got used to the thrill of the new, and the adding of new pieces in - but I wasn't getting a large closet because there was fall out at the bottom.&nbsp; Now there is less fall out at the bottom I need to add less in.....</p> <p>I don't think I like shopping but I do like new things.... it's about me adjusting my thinking because I do want a sustainable closet with long lived and loved pieces.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out/page/2#post-2264142 Mon, 23 May 2022 09:22:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2264142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed that this thread has taken an odd term to where a good thing—clothing sustainability—seems to be somehow difficult. Watch what you wish for, you just might get it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out/page/2#post-2264115 Mon, 23 May 2022 01:44:34 +0000 Sal 2264115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha -&nbsp; I know what you mean!!</p> <p>I feel that way too - I do wear clothes that show signs of wear - depending on what it is.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>But yes the only things I NEED to replace are running shoes, socks, the odd specialist gear piece (eg I added a high vis biking jacket and a new warm layer for early walks).&nbsp; There's the odd other thing that I could convince myself was a need - the odd work piece or winter sturdy boots, but not many.</p> <p>It doesn't stop me wanting things though!!&nbsp; For those of us who enjoy clothing and style it is a conundrum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out/page/2#post-2264109 Mon, 23 May 2022 01:29:23 +0000 Jessikams 2264109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep thinking about this post!&nbsp; And noticing that the only things that wear out are the things I actually need / use.&nbsp; Hiking clothes and other gear; yoga stuff; shoes for specific outdoor or sports activities; pajamas and lounge wear.&nbsp; All the more office/formal stuff just sits there untouched at the moment.&nbsp; This annoys me because I feel like I have "too many clothes" but I nonetheless have to keep buying replacements for the stuff that I actually use.</p> <p>Sometimes I try to use a "formal" thing for an "informal" purpose like dog walking.&nbsp; Then I am secretly happy when it gets ruined.&nbsp; The human brain is a strange thing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out/page/2#post-2263096 Sat, 14 May 2022 10:45:36 +0000 Janet 2263096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cat2, same pattern here — this week I tossed some underwear, a bra, two pajama pants and three old tees (those got cut up and put in the rag pile). I just got a cute set of summer Print Fresh PJs on sale at Anthro, which prompted a sleepwear cleanout. One in, three out! :-D</p> <p>I need to be just as strict with my dresses, since I just bought one — I have a couple in the holding zone, and I’m wondering if I should just let them go, or see if I lose some weight this summer. I have a problem with keeping things “just in case.” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out/page/2#post-2263080 Sat, 14 May 2022 01:36:12 +0000 Sal 2263080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree cat2 - I have to be cautious about adding dressy work or party pieces in.&nbsp; In saying that I actually have five parties in the next couple of months which is very exciting and a shock to the system. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out/page/2#post-2263067 Fri, 13 May 2022 23:13:30 +0000 cat2 2263067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I paid attention to what died this week: a lap swim suit, a pair of underwear, a sleep shirt, and a shacket I bought for work but have been wearing a lot for outdoor dining. It’s mostly essentials, which makes sense given all the WFH. I would suggest slowing your usual roll on non-essentials if you are seeing the same pattern. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2263052 Fri, 13 May 2022 20:35:10 +0000 Sal 2263052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all for your insights. I do agree live drying helps - I mostly do this and always for denim, silks and viscoses. I use a dryer occasionally for gear or for tees when we get a long wet period.</p> <p>I do also agree summer pieces wear out more quickly - knit tees in particular. I think a lot of this is the frequent washing and the hard use they get.</p> <p>I used to wear out shoes - but whilst I only have 3 more pairs than previous they are all every day shoes. I also used to walk more to and from school whereas that’s not part of my needs any more. </p> <p>I think I need to be more conscious about this when shopping - I do think about 30 wears and that being my goal - except for very specific pieces.</p> <p>Our lives do flux - The Cat living with parents to support them brings different challenges, Brooklyn working from home now, Suz moving etc. </p> <p>I will still edit out pieces that don’t serve me, and I am prone to coffee stains from clumsiness. I am pleased that my choices are lasting longer - but I used to wear out pieces as I tired of them. That’s not happening as much which may mean an attitude adjustment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262895 Thu, 12 May 2022 13:34:33 +0000 Beth Ann 2262895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm trying to be more proactive about all those modal knit tops that sprout holes like weeds i a garden! I have a full crop black tops with tiny holes that don't really show, unless worn over white. I've moved them into the "gardening and hiking" pile, but I'm getting a little tired of holding them up to the light to make sure I've got the right top for the right occasion, lol!</p> <p>I find it hard to let go of things that are just starting to wear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262854 Wed, 11 May 2022 19:51:43 +0000 Cardiff girl 2262854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting responses.l have a larger wardrobe so l think that helps lessen the wear on individual items.l think that tumble drying puts a lot of wear on clothes and l air dry mine. some lifestyles must be harder on clothes than others and then the quality of the clothing makes a big difference too so l suspect there are many factors that influence how long a piece of clothing lasts.l have to say l feel satisfaction if l manage to wear a piece of clothing out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262846 Wed, 11 May 2022 19:20:47 +0000 Mary 2262846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m trying to make my tried and true older clothes mix with new pieces. &nbsp;I too have been buying much less. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262808 Wed, 11 May 2022 09:32:46 +0000 anne 2262808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure the pandemic made much difference to me. Most of my clothes last a long time, with the exception of shoes and knickers, which&nbsp; I wear to the ground. Knits don't last as long in good condition, and I'm also disappointed in some items in polyester, which seems to catch very easily </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262802 Wed, 11 May 2022 08:44:47 +0000 Jenni NZ 2262802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have thought many of my clothes lasted a very long time for years actually. I think it is because I had so many, a good 200 items or more when I started here January 2017.<br /> Some do get shabby and I tend to donate them at that point. I try for that to be over 30 wears to feel that I did get good use from them in terms of what it cost the environment ( not just my dollars) for them to be made. Even then I worry like Jessikams as to whether they will end up in landfill unnecessarily. I suppose I feel I am trying and it’s better than the average 7 wears clothes are said to be worn before being edited out. I donated a 2018 crochet jumper recently at 36 wears because the neck was all floppy, and the same with my only one year old “autumn animal” top with 38 wears. I was irritated by that actually- it was linen and seemed to get a floppy neck sooner, I am happy it was on sale for $35 so just under $1 per wear before donating. I donated the 2018 bronze boots last year because the bronzing was wearing off showing green underneath. I feel some other people would happily wear these things still where I prefer to have things in a more pristine condition.<br /> It is mainly by buying less than I am gradually reducing my numbers, but also by donating less-than-pristine items. In 2020 I managed to only acquire 12 items and to donate 24, so that year was 1 in 2 out. And last year was 14 in 23 out. Acquiring less is hard. Like even recently buying the new shoes I meant to buy one pair but ended up buying two. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262791 Wed, 11 May 2022 04:15:53 +0000 Jessikams 2262791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just don’t know how to “get rid” of clothes at all anymore, now that we know so much more about how many secondhand clothes end up in the trash. I feel like it’s my personal responsibility to wear out my clothes—- but I also like to buy new stuff as a hobby or interest, so….. yeah, I have too much stuff </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262789 Wed, 11 May 2022 04:04:55 +0000 Carla 2262789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Points of wear for me are elbows and the rear of pants. &nbsp;Sometimes it’s holes, and sometimes its a shiny or bald spot that can’t be ignored. &nbsp;The patina of wear is acceptable on some items (like jeans or leather), but not on others.</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>Three items have been edited from my closet since the start of the year. &nbsp;Footwear x2 that indeed ‘wore out’ and went in the trash. &nbsp;The third item - a pair of brown plaid pants I thrifted in 2020 and wore 45 times before editing due to visible wear. &nbsp;I’ve got two coats on probation due to shabbiness, but won’t edit until I have replacements. &nbsp;They are both 7 yo.</p> <p>Garments I’ve acquired since I started line drying almost everything 18 months ago are in&nbsp;<i>way&nbsp;</i>better shape than those that have been put through the dryer. &nbsp;Year old t-shirts with 30 wears look pristine, and jeans with 60 wears are&nbsp;<i>just&nbsp;</i>starting to show some fading, but haven’t lost their form. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>I’ve acquired 15 items so far this year, &nbsp;but half are for my summer capsule, which has been chronically under stocked. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262788 Wed, 11 May 2022 02:43:54 +0000 Jaime 2262788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Despite my very large wardrobe, a few things wear out on me - shoes (because I have my favorites and my special mood shoes and the former do wear out), jeans (same as shoes), and house clothes like tees (bleach stains as well as wear). Overall, if I have something precious to me, I do intentionally moderate its use. I am constantly rotating my active closet - but I have a large archive out of sight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262771 Tue, 10 May 2022 22:09:15 +0000 The Cat 2262771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of my footwear have worn out. So have some knitwear and some items of knit fabric. This is quite normal. What has changed during the pandemic, however, is that I have purchased fewer items than I used to. Reasons for this are lack of time, lack of place and lack of possibilities. (In order to care for my old, ailing parents, I have had to move to their small house--and consequently have had to simplify my wardrobe as well as many other areas of my life.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262766 Tue, 10 May 2022 21:19:28 +0000 rachylou 2262766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two types of clothes wear out for me - things worn to the bakery and sweaters. Sweaters simply unravel sitting quietly folded. That’s probably modern ‘quality.’ All else in my closet is apparently immortal. I don’t truly have motivation to make any changes… I’d like, tho, a little bit of evolution… if only something would speak to me… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262756 Tue, 10 May 2022 19:35:25 +0000 Brooklyn 2262756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My clothes tend to wear out (or not) by category. Jeans, tees, layering tops, shorts and everyday shoes wear out. Jackets, coats, dressier pants and dresses never. Skirts sometimes (everyday wear skirts do, more occasional wear don’t). Heels don’t anymore (they used to sometimes when I worked in the city). Knitwear is variable. </p> <p>In general, the more suited an item is to wearing everyday, the more likely it is to wear out. Seasons also play a role. Summer items are much more likely to wear out than cold weather items (because of the relative length of Summer to Winter, the intensity of the sun and the frequency of washing in warm weather).</p> <p>I’m trying to focus my purchases on things that I’m able to wear everyday but I do still purchase some dressier, occasional wear items that I don’t expect to wear out. I don’t have a strict limit on the latter category but I try to keep it tight. I have a one in one out (sometimes two out) for coats and jackets and dressier shoes because I’m well stocked. I have way too much knitwear and am trying to reduce that category too. I have very few blouses, shirts, dresses and pants, and I would be reluctant to add more because I don’t wear them frequently. I do have lots of tees (hello, tie dye!) but I’m not as concerned about that as I can wear them everyday and for about 8 months of the year (and at home as lounge wear during the winter as our house is well heated).</p> <p>For me the last few years has been a huge lifestyle adjustment and I am still working through getting my wardrobe to a happy balance between everyday and special that suits my sustainability/slow fashion goals and still gives me variety and joy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262744 Tue, 10 May 2022 17:51:29 +0000 Minaminu 2262744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it depends very much on the size of the wardrobe as well as the changes in lifestyle. I have a small wardrobe and have noticed that my workout pieces need to be replaced more often than I should have.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am still trying to figure out how to balance the new lifestyle and which pieces to replace to better fit this new phase. I have a feeling I am still trying to catch up on this whilst everyone else is already set for life after the pandemic!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262740 Tue, 10 May 2022 17:25:32 +0000 JAileen 2262740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Since I started wearing my nylon hiking pants as everyday wear, I haven’t worn out any jeans. &nbsp;But when I wore jeans everyday, I did indeed wear them out. &nbsp;As for tops, they fade, stain, stretch out, etc., and need to be donated. &nbsp;Unless I’m gardening, I don’t like to wear stained or holey clothes.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just washed one of my vintage Coach bags. &nbsp;It’s around forty years old, and still going strong. &nbsp;I was slathering in leather conditioner and admiring the quality of the leather and the workmanship. &nbsp;I compare it to new bags and there isn’t any comparison. &nbsp;I had a navy Sak and the corners wore out in just a few years, and I donated it.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262739 Tue, 10 May 2022 17:02:31 +0000 approprio 2262739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting point. Thinking it over, I realize that this is why I don’t mind investing in the right shoes, bags and underpinnings. Things that get a lot of heavy wear get worn out pretty quickly in my universe. This is another argument for the printed tees, which seem to age quite well over multiple washing cycles.&nbsp;I find lower end knitwear pills or goes into holes quite quickly. Some of the higher end stuff seems to be indestructible.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262738 Tue, 10 May 2022 16:56:19 +0000 Suz 2262738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal,</b> I've faced a similar trajectory. I retire and purchase approximately the same number of items as you each year. But I have a bigger wardrobe overall. And the main reason it's bigger is that I wasn't able to follow the one-in-one-out rule with beloved yet not-yet-worn out items as I built my wardrobe. Thank goodness I have storage space.&nbsp;</p> <p>I <b>do </b>wear certain items out, though, despite having a larger wardrobe. Even during the pandemic, some things wore out. I wash most of my stuff in delicate and air dry everything but even so, some of my gear tops get holes, some of my knits get irredeemably pilled and/or thinned, my jeans regularly wear out in a season or two if they are favourite pairs, my footwear definitely wears out (I go through <b>at least</b> one pair of sandals, one pair of sneakers, and one boot per year -- usually the ones I wear most often for walking),&nbsp;</p> <p>During the pandemic, my "good" clothes got worn hardly at all. It just wasn't practical for me to dress as if I were going out in the world, so I tended to wear my gear a lot. It wore out. The blazers and silk blouses and dresses did not wear out. But I kept almost all because I still love them and they still work for me.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262728 Tue, 10 May 2022 13:47:53 +0000 cat2 2262728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely saw a reduction in wear when I stopped traveling so much for work. I also have not worn my dressier things as much. However, we are going out more so I expect that to shift back. So I will stick with wearing out being the only reason why things leave my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262722 Tue, 10 May 2022 12:38:57 +0000 Kathie 2262722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My shoes are wearing out at about the same pace, especially the ones I wear in the summer. I'm due for a clean-out of summer shoes because the heels on a few pairs are worn enough that they throw off my gait. Knitwear, too- I find that I can get two-three years out of most non-wool knit tops and then they start to stretch or fade. My wovens last a long time, except for a few pieces with polyester that start to pill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262716 Tue, 10 May 2022 12:04:58 +0000 RobinF 2262716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am another who is more likely to get rid of clothes because of fit or boredom issues rather than wearing out. I do get favorite items that I wear for years - probably too long - that end up with holes or stains but that is unusual for me. I don't buy higher quality items so that doesn't account for them wearing longer. I probably have enough items that it spreads the wear.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262714 Tue, 10 May 2022 11:50:28 +0000 Anonymous 2262714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like others, my clothes rarely wear out in the sense of holes, rips, tears, broken zippers, and the like. Usually things get rotated out of my closet because of pilling that can't be remedied (I don't consider that "wearing out") or I just don't care for the style, color or fit anymore. Typically things like worn jeans and old tees will get rotated into my work clothes stack (for cleaning, working in the yard, and painting) so I get a little more use out of them.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262712 Tue, 10 May 2022 11:35:35 +0000 Aquamarine 2262712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Other than sneakers and tee-shirts, my clothes rarely wear out. (I hang most items to dry.) The last 2+ years of the pandemic has contributed to this, since I have been wearing gear much more than any other category of clothing. It does make me feel guilty when I purchase something new but can’t really retire anything due to wear.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I’ve also lost some weight since last year, and now rarely-worn clothes are too big, which contributes to my guilt as I contemplate whether to donate or store things until I am certain the weight loss is permanent.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262706 Tue, 10 May 2022 11:19:05 +0000 Anonymous 2262706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thing that wears out most for me is shoes, but I end up keeping them past their expiration date cause they're so hard to fit. Tops have a fairly high turnover rate too, cause they get stained. Skirts and jeans don't wear out ever.<br /> By the end of the year it should work out to one in one out, but I don't have the time to really go through anything now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-clothes-arent-wearing-out#post-2262704 Tue, 10 May 2022 11:09:59 +0000 Janet 2262704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even my workout gear tends to last a long time — I still have Lululemon running crops from when I started running over a decade ago! I think they were made better then. Under Armour running shirts that are easily as old. But again, I tend to hang dry even though I wash after every wear, and I have enough that I can rotate them so they wear out much slower. My favorite Athleta hiking pants are probably 7-8 years old now, and the style has been long discontinued and they’re starting to look a bit worse for the wear, but hey, they’re hiking pants so I’m wearing them until they actually give up the ghost. </p>