Closet-edit fodder: gear and minimalism

The Kondo mentality has reached the gear world! Fun read for all of you in the midst of the big closet edit challenge!

https://www.outsideonline.com/.....not-simple

Fun to see a (male) gear nerd's perspective on the pros and cons of minimalism.

I'll say, for myself, editing gear is waaay easier than editing "town clothes" because function and fit always win out over aesthetics and nostalgia. Also, I have two really great consignment options near me for outdoor gear; it's much harder logistically and not as financially rewarding to consign work and casual clothes.

On a related note, I put away my summer clothes yesterday. Eight items are on the chopping block: two pairs of worn-out denim cut-offs, a pilling jersey skirt and jersey dress, a pair of running shorts and synthetic tank top that are now too big, and two pairs of sandals that I've had for two summers but just are not comfortable enough to keep (one stretched out too much, the other not enough!). The shorts will go to textile recycling, the skirt and dress into the holding zone (I will probably hang onto them as beach cover-ups but have to see how I feel next summer), and the sandals and gear items will get stored away until the spring when I can consign them.

5 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Good for you.l agree that practical clothing is easier to edit probably because there is not so much emotion invested in it.

ladypainter

Active Member

Thanks for sharing that link! Good reading, although I have to say I can’t imagine wearing the same shirt every day for a month in a normal (i.e., non-trekking) setting.
I find it’s not the culling of gear that’s emotionally difficult, it’s the finding of a suitable replacement. By the time a certain piece is worn out (sports bras and shoes/boots especially), the model has changed or been discontinued, making a simple switch out impossible without a lot of research and try-ons.

LaPed

Ladypainter, I think it's quite revealing of the different standards for men; uniform dressing is a norm, not something you have to rationalize or explain... And I agree with you about finding suitable replacements. I get peeved everytime my favorite running shoe company does a redesign, because you never know if they'll still be any good!

Cardiff girl -- i find that by the time I'm emotionally invested in my gear clothes, they are too worn out to use anymore!

nemosmom

Great article! Thanks for sharing!

Barbara Diane

Interesting article that’s not just about gear. And congrats on editing.

featherwitch

I feel your pain on the wear outs and lack of 1:1 replacement!

Suz

(website)

Sounds as if you have an excellent plan and this is a modest number of items to pass along.

cindysmith

Good work, LaPed! Proud of you

Sal

Interesting article that I will ponder. The three males in my house all have more gear than they do dressy clothes.

I agree that we could wash our clothes less and that people don't really notice repeats. I rarely worry about this at all now.

My personal goal is to buy gear and clothes that either wear really really well or that I am happy to wear when less than pristine- not in terms of cleanliness but in terms of wear.

Sounds a great edit - and very moderate. I do find a casual dress super useful for at home cooking cleaning etc or for wearing over swimsuits to and from the pool or beach.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I will happily edit ALL the gear out of my wardrobe

Nice edit job La Ped. Good use of that handy holding zone.

My summer edits are always small; it's my shortest season and my most casual one. I don't buy that much for it to begin with. My dressier summer clothes and shoes will last just about forever unless my lifestyle changes significantly!

At some point I have some fall/winter clothes --jeans and knitwear -- I need to evaluate and perhaps pass on. I will probably wait til they've all been worn a few times this season before I make a decision; probably a good thing to do post-holiday, around New Year.

Category