Too many graphic tees- have trouble letting it go. Jackets is a less problem for me - let go of some became too tight for a full movement range or possibility I just like roomier fit now.

I have exactly the same problem with jackets. Love them!!! But I have too many of them. Not enough opportunities to wear.

I’m doing a strict 1 in 2 out policy. That’s going to be my way of gradually reducing my holdings until I get to a number that feels more reasonable for my lifestyle. (Unless of course I have some lifestyle change that enables me to wear jackets more frequently.)

A couple years ago, pre lockdown, of course, a neighbor teen came up to me and confided she and her mom loved to see what I was wearing. They called me The Jacket Lady. I felt too "seen", if you know what I mean. It's a personal triumph whenever I manage to purge some.

ETA: don't know if this would work for you but I can tell when to purge anything because when I am testing for that and I take the item off, the outfit improves immediately.

Shoes. I mean really how many shoes do I need, but I’m always looking at them thinking about the cost to replace and what if I find want need X. So I get the trouble your having with jackets. I’d start with fit and go from there

I'm with Rachylou, what don't I get rid of? I have trouble parting with EVERYTHING.

I’m reminded of the character Kalinda from the TV show the Good Wife, with her endless collection of stunning edgy leather jackets!

Jackets and jeans are the things I struggle to part with.

Jackets - because I don’t really wear print or pattern tops, so jackets are a way to add “some” interest and personality to an otherwise ordinary (ok, boring) outfit.

Jeans - because they can be (have been) pricey, I *always* have to have them tailored... I just can’t convince myself to part with them.

If you're tried of something, pass it on! Life's too short.

The one thing I admire and makes me jealous of is the number of jackets and coats my husband has. I feel like outerwear really makes an outfit. He always looks amazing in his and a lot of them are investment jackets (Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Paul smith, Moncler etc). I doubt he'd ever throw any away. I don't think you should if you love all your jackets. I wish I had that many to wear honestly as I love jackets too but I doubt I ever will as I am a vegan, got long arms and wide shoulders so even finding one that fits and is in a satisfactory material is hard enough.

What a great collection of responses! Thanks, everyone. There are no right or wrong answers, you know? I feel like my collection might be a little overwhelming but I really like the individual pieces. Some beloved pieces would be impossible to duplicate and are not unwearable, just on the snug side, and my size is definitely subject to change. Some of them are not super versatile but complete certain outfits so perfectly that I enjoy them even in limited outings.

I think I’m going to try the little exercise of sorting through them, first putting the slam dunk current workhorses back in the closet, and then working my way into the lesser-worn pieces, doing some try-on sessions with actual outfits. I need to make sure I still have the components for outfits that make these jackets necessary! And if there is one I continually reach for over another, I need to be realistic about why.

I have storage space so it’s not an issue of that. But the jacket rail is full. I’ve been practicing one-in, one-out but perhaps I need to try a one-in, two-out approach for a while.

Thanks for the ideas and commiseration! I knew I wasn’t alone!

I'm forgetting how you organize your closet, Janet, but I find the happiness quotient is really increased on rarely-worn items when they're hung with like items, by color and style, within my main closet. That way I see them and see them with their "friends" even if I'm not actively wearing them, and they still bring me pleasure! Just a thought.

I agree about having a try-on session. I've recently purged most of what I had, and I found that sometimes the sentiment I thought was there really wasn't once I put something on.

I also got strict about fit because it makes me happy to have things that fit properly. For years I kidded myself about a jacket not closing still being wearable, but I also recognize that my situation doesn't apply to everyone. You look worlds better in the jackets you don't close.

But try them on; work outfits around them. You may well realize that despite how you thought you felt, you will realistically never wear the item again. If you will wear it, no matter how infrequently, keep. It may not happen until far in the future, but you may kick yourself later for getting rid of what would have been the perfect piece.

Anything vintage, shoes that are comfortable, designer finds (the less I paid the more precious they are) ... I could go on.

Jackets and coats are my weakness. I love them and because they tend not to wear out, are classic in styling and are the most expensive items in my wardrobe, it is so hard to whittle them down. I also have a hard time letting go of boots and bags. If I wear out shoes, it is usually my sandals, sneakers and pumps, my leather boots seem to keep on going regardless of wear.

I may need to adopt a one in two out approach. I find one in one out hard, so that would really make me think twice before buying anything new in my categories that are overloaded.