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Those pieces that never wear out......

Sal

Veteran

I always have a few things in the closet that never wear out...... sometimes I want them to so I can justify a replacement.....

It is not that I don't like them, more just that I get a bit sick of them....often it is shoes.

Here are my four at the moment:

1) Summer blouse - it is cheerful but I only like it with black pants. Quite a statement. Four seasons old and has been worn about 20 times in total I guess......

2) Mary Janes - forum advice has been to hand them on - but they are so comfy and then I read yesterday that Mary Janes are back...... Good for winter here and I love the heel - but I am sick of them.

3) Gold ballet flats - again comfy. Not really my style but twice a year they are perfect especially for wearing inside as house slippers.

4) Moto boots - so practical. Well worn and in very good condition. Perfect for work, city walking etc... I think this upcoming winter will be their fifth.......But for boots that are worn in the mud, rain, workshop it is hard to justify new ones when these are in great condition.

I also have some gear - some pink sneakers, some navy running tights - the sneakers are 6 seasons old, the tights 5. As the sneakers are worn for walking only or taking children's athletics, and the tights the least popular of my pairs, they keep on keeping on.....

What do you have that you keep on wearing but secretly hope it wears out?

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37 replies

Latest reply was from anchie

Runcarla

Veteran

Funny...and timely. This week I was looking at my gym kit. I am so tired of a neon green fleece that really doesn't suit my colouring. It is almost 5 years old. I bought it when I went to a race in another city, and the warm weather turned cold, and I didn't have anything. It was on the sale rack at MEC. If I close my eyes, it is perfect in every other way. I wear it a couple of days every week at the gym as a warm up jacket. A 10 year old pair of running tights that have a pink stripe. An older pair of running shoes. Basically everything in the pic below!

Though I did clean up my 2 sports drawers during the October closet edit, I haven't picked up anything new. I'm probably due for an update of my fitness capsule.

I am fretting about a few favourites wearing out, though. My silver Converse (2 years old) are showing fabric breakdown inside the shoe at the heel, a favourite grey T is a bit stretched out, and my mariners are starting to look faded.

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Sal

Veteran

I know - I have some favourites showing wear too.

I think with gear we just wear our favourites over and over again so the others just don't wear out.

My white leather sneakers have worn through on the lining - they might work with socks in winter so I will hold on til it cools down.

My black lululemon pants are showing a little wear too (I am trying to wear them minimally until we go to Italy as they will be perfect travel pants)

My floral sundress is also starting to look a bit worn - I am deciding whether to take that to Italy or not and baby it through the next two months....

And my pewter slides have a few marks as well......such a useful pair of summer shoes.

All these pieces have been well well well worn so it is possibly not surprising.

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Jenni NZ

Veteran

I do get sick of clothes that are still good too. Last year in my big house declutter I decided to get rid of some things from about 2010, 11 and 12, whether they had had 30 wears or not, even if still pretty good. When you stare at something for 7, 8 or 9 years it is just stale-feeling sometimes. Most were well under $5 per wear as well. I did feel better after having cleared them. I tried to give good ones to hospice and worn ones to the clothing bin which may be for textile recycling.
I feel a bit better that I am quite able to keep things a long time and mostly wear them well.

Greyscale

Veteran

Gear has this problem for me. I don't see it as part of my 'look', just practical. I held onto the same less-than-ideal workout leggings for years despite hating them. Luckily they eventually fell apart and I bought replacements I like better.

For non-gear... I'm pleased that I was able to sell a few things that were sitting around unused. It was hard to let them go because there was nothing wrong with them, but they just never got any use. Selling them felt good because I could imagine that someone else was enjoying them. It's not about getting the money back, exactly, but the idea that the purchase wasn't a waste. But then, I think reselling is enabling a buy-sell-replace cycle that I'd rather avoid.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I haven't really sold stuff...considering for some really vintage items from the 60s etc. I think I would feel I had failed in the purchase if I had to sell it within a year or two of having bought it...haven't thought of it your way Greyscale though. Presumably we all make mistakes at times. Despite trying not to. I am getting much better at walking away.

Sal

Veteran

Jenni - exactly - you do get sick of seeing some pieces. Others I would love to keep for 20 years.

Greyscale - interesting thoughts re selling. I do agree although recently have listed some things on TradeMe (NZ version of Ebay) for very low prices because I hope they will get picked up by someone who wants them rather than taking to the thrift shop where they may get dumped. Only one of my listings was clothing, the rest are household items (tea set I bought second hand 10 years ago and have loved, but need to make room for inherited one from family, crocheted doilies that I have never repurposed etc)

Carla - I think you look great actually in that gear but I can see that the fleece is not your best colour. Very safe though for walking in dull light....

Jane

Veteran

Its tough isn’t it, but for me, it is best to move them on and out, items that I’m bored with ‘hamper’ my freedom if I hang on too long and eventually make me grown inwardly and then outwardly when I open my wardrobe!

rachylou

Veteran

That’s funny. I think I’m like this with my black essentials. Shoes. Turtlenecks. Puffies. When they start to be a little shabby but haven’t reached unwearable.

ETA: you know, to sell or donate, things have to be in almost new condition. So I try to wear things to absolute death or pass them on quickly... it’s poses a sort of dilemma...

anne

Veteran

A lot of my work clothes are like that. I don't have many, their cpw is down, they have been worn heaps and still are in fine condition. Currently contemplating whether to keep a 15 year old suit which is much better quality than I could hope to get today.

Anonymous

Fabulous question because I think we all experience some sort of clothing fatigue. I am currently transitioning my spring/summer wardrobe into my working closet and feel the same way you do about some items.

Here is my plan. I put everything to my closet (however stale it felt to me). I have 90 days to wear it. If it does not get worn in 90 days, then out it goes with no regret.

I scheduled a ongoing month-end appointment with myself to assess and evaluate what was worn and what was not worn during the previous 30 days. IF something was not worn, I'll evaluate the reasons and make a decision about keeping it or returning it to the closet. After 90 days, everything that wasn't worn is gone.

After the Great Purge of 2018, I found that living with a smaller wardrobe results in better planning and a higher degree of happiness. Each purge gets a little less emotional for me.

Sisi

Veteran

Ha, Sal ! One of the reasons why I have huge difficulties in getting rid of old clothes is precisely this: my clothes seem to last forever! Even things that are 10 or 15 years old still look brand new. I am so happy when a pullover finally pills and when shoes get ruined! (but it takes years).

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I understand this so well! I definitely get tired of some things even though they have plenty of life in them and they seem "fine." I just don't love them anymore.

I'm actually having this a bit with my trusty (several years old) Ugg moto boots. They are SO useful but looking a bit beat up and I'm kind of craving a refined combat boot. But I've already bought several pairs of boots this winter! So I've been trying to resist, but there are sales...

UGG Australia 'Finney' Moto Boot (Women)

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, and I definitely have that with gear, because it only needs to be serviceable, not fab. But I've let go of some pieces that I just don't enjoy wearing for one reason or another. I have plenty of other pieces to turn to instead!

nemosmom

Veteran

I also have this with gear. I tend to buy gear in a color I don’t like (teal rain gear, neon rash guard, black and orchid trainers) simply because I can get it at a great price.

I also face this with pieces that no longer suit my lifestyle (over the past few years it’s been corporate/office wear). Excellent condition, and many items had to be tailored, but I have no reason to wear it, and the thought of having to replace it if I MIGHT need it later is daunting.

Anonymous

I agree w Sal about keeping the fleece for low light walking-running!
The main thing I can think of is my grey snowboots, that I don't wear often. They're too short for real snow, too casual for work, and don't go with my wardrobe anymore. But they're soft and cozy. Tempted to see if I can dye them burgundy!
Also my tall cognac flat boots. The toes are just too round for my preference, and they're just too casual overall. But keeping for (rare at present) horseback riding.

Anonymous

I have a larger-than-necessary outerwear collection , and find this issue happens all the time. I find coats/jackets one of the easiest ways to update a look, and I rarely have fit issues with them. So I buy them I end up having too many perfectly good pieces that are not worn looking at all, yet I'm over them after a couple of years. I just donate, and think about good karma

LaPed

Veteran

Oof, I think everything wears out on me. Like Greyscale and Rachylou, if I'm not wearing something then I try to consign/donate right away while it's in excellent condition.

It's taken me years, but I'm finally coming around to the idea of buying gear in the colour I want, not the colour that's marked down the most. That said, I do think having a few neon pieces is a good idea for low-light and hunting-season visibility.

Sara L.

Veteran

I get rid of several items each season that fit this category - perfectly fine but I'm bored. I have a fairly large wardrobe and most things don't wear out even after several years. I have a gear type jacket in light neon yellow (I think it's exactly the color that Greyscale is looking for) that I don't particularly like because the color doesn't match any of my other gear. However, it's perfect in every other way - not too light, not to heavy, wind resistant, pockets in the right places, can layer under easily, etc.

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm...I usually pass clothes on that don't fit quite right, are out of style, aren't comfy, or are showing too much wear. I think I have so many clothes, I don't get sick of much. Sometimes, if piece is fab, but doesn't fit at the moment, I'll hang on to it, then revisit another season.

For example, I have a black skirt that I've had since about 2004! There were several years I just wasn't feeling it, or it was a bit tight in the waist, so I haven't worn it continually for 15 years. It's hard to believe it's still in great condition. Perhaps, if you have the room in your closet/home, keep your questionable things, and see if you like them next year, or the year after. If you just can't ever see wearing them again, let them go, and make room in your life for better things!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Jane- I do pass on pieces too. These ones may get to that point too...sometimes I just can't face them anymore.

Rachy - that is a great point. I do know a friend who bought a designer dress, wore it twice and then sold it deliberately in the same season (she sold it as used). Theory was the $400 dress only cost her $200 and she wore it to her 40th.....

Anne - exactly. I think if you never wear the item or don't like it - then pass it on. I don't have any old suits left - I wore them from 1992-2001 (pre kids) and not since, and I would be a size larger now if I still had them.

Sisi - you must take good care of your clothes and buy well. But this does create it's own frustrations too.

Janet - I prefer your Moto boots to mine.... but yes, that it is it exactly!!

Nemosmum - gear can be a big one too. I have committed to one in, one out with gear so my gear closet does not grow any more. Old work clothes are tricky....maybe the forum could help?

Suntiger - yes footwear is common for this feeling because the investment is large - and if they are comfortable it is hard to replace them even if they are not quite perfect.

Lisa - It is karma because I find the best easiest second hand buys are coats and jackets. I have bought many over the years because they are in good condition...... And I hand things on too......

La Pedestrienne - I need to be more decisive about mistakes because if you do it quickly there is a good chance of getting good money and someone wanting it.

Sara - I guess the larger the wardrobe, the more this happens - although with less wear the item might have more appeal?

Dana - yes I am keeping them for now but will revisit again. I pass on things as well that I don't like, or don't fit well, or discard items that are too worn. I do agree that you want to love (or find exceedingly useful) about 90% of your closet..... I am more like 75%.....

JAileen

Veteran

I’ve had stuff I was sick of. I had a down parka that was a bluish purple. It was perfectly fine except for the color. I think I had it for about 20 years. I donated it to the thrift store and someone bought it while I was working there!

Sal

Veteran

That’s funny JAileen and rewarding too!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm trying to let go of guilt about these things. It's hard. Items that I may have LOVED and that may also have cost a pretty penny -- yet didn't get a lot of wear for a variety of reasons -- weather didn't work out for them; didn't have enough occasions for wearing them; only wanted to wear in a certain mood; didn't have and could not acquire the right support act. And so on.

When I can, I give these items to my stepdaughter. But she won't take silk, wool, or cashmere (or other animal made fibres) so this actually rules out a lot, since I prefer natural fabrics.

Mostly, I donate and move on. It's okay to want change and variety. I also want to be mindful of waste, churn, and my ecological footprint in general, but it's all a balance. If I donate while an item is still in fantastic condition, another person will benefit. If I wait until the item is a (detestable) rag, well, I can clean with it, but so what?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA: with the footwear -- I'd keep it, but put it out of general rotation. I think it's fine to keep the gold ballet flats in a small box for "indoor party" wear. I have a pair of booties like that. Only wear them once every year or so. But I'll have them for a decade or more. Ditto the moto boots. Put them in a different storage area but use when you need to.

For the Mary Janes -- how about dyeing them a different colour? You might not wear them any more but at least there'd be a possibility of a new lease on life.

Also, like you and others who have commented, I'm really prone to this issue with gear. UGH. In January I just got FED UP and retired a bunch of that stuff and treated myself to new and better during a sales period. I feel so much happier on my workouts!

Joy

Veteran

Summer items that are polyester. It's hot and itchy and wears like iron.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have a slate blue Gortex rain jacket (Helly Hensen) that I bought in England in 2005. I have worn in many times and it looks like new. We went to England and I forgot to pack a raincoat. Or any kind of jacket. I had to do an emergency shopping trip with Mr SF and bought a jacket that was packable, etc.
The jacket is a great jacket. Except I rarely wear blue. Never actually. I make an exception for denim.

I try to hold out and only buy gear that is in colours in my palette but it is not easy. Fortunately, Lululemon came out with lots of Olive in the last year. Good time for me to stock up.

Sal

Veteran

Funny Style Fan - that is exactly what I mean!!

Joy - yes I have had that experience with polyester blouses- I have been trying not to add new ones but only over the last 18 months so I have about five older ones. Three of them I do still enjoy wearing luckily!!

Suz - I certainly donate as well - in my last edit (October I think) I passed on about seven pieces for various reasons - and some were definitely not worn out. I will likely do the same when I changeover seasons here. And I agree older gear that refuses to wear out sometimes needs a refresh. New gear does make you WANT to work out.

But the thing is......I actually do want to wear out most of my clothes. Coats/occasionwear/some footwear I want to last for a long time...but jeans, tops, work clothes - usually after 2-5 years I am ready to tweak them slightly. I think many of us are, even with a signature style.

The Cat

Veteran

I like your Mary Janes and gold ballet flats.

I usually love my clothes and shoes, but if I get sick and tired of certain items, I donate them to the local thrift shop.

bj1111

Veteran

just rediscovered a pair of silver blue ballet flats that i wore to a san diego mtg and felt very on trend. i had stowed them away for about 5 years before taking them as my one pair of dressy flats.

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